Beginner’s Guide to Essential Oils
For centuries, people have been using essential oils for their many benefits. These potent, fragrant plant extracts have made their way into lotions, household cleaners, massage treatments and even as alternative approaches to aid in managing certain health issues. They help enhance your overall well-being and have a positive effect on your mood, whether it is to relax, uplift or re-energise.
If this is the first time you take in the sweet aroma of essential oils, be ready to transform your whole life. For beginners, it can be confusing and difficult to know exactly where to start, especially when they come with a safety element attached. So, as you start your journey in the blissful experience of essential oils in Singapore, here are some things you need to know about these oils.
What are Essential Oils and How Do They Work?
Essential oils are highly aromatic oils derived from plants. They can be pulled from any botanical matter and are typically extracted from flower petals, citrus peels, grasses, tree barks and resins. They are extracted through different methods including cold pressing and steam distillation.
Once these oils are ready, they can either be inhaled, added to a carrier oil for direct application on the skin, consumed orally (selected ones) or used in household products to clean and sanitise.
Aroma diffuser oils are most commonly used in aromatherapy, in which they are inhaled through various methods. Inhaling them can stimulate areas of your limbic system, a part of your brain that is responsible for emotions, behaviours, sense of smell, and long-term memory. Since the limbic system is also involved in forming memories, it explains why certain familiar scents can evoke certain memories and emotions.
Common and Popular Essential Oils
Just like how there are various types of plants that grow out in the world, similarly, there are numerous types of essential oils in Singapore, each with its own unique scent and benefits. Here are some popular and common ones.
- Peppermint: used to boost energy and aid digestion
- Lavender: used to relieve stress
- Sandalwood: used to calm nerves and help with focus
- Bergamot: used to reduce stress and improve skin conditions like eczema
- Rose: used to improve mood and reduce anxiety
- Chamomile: used to improve mood and relaxation
- Ylang-Ylang: used to treat headaches, nausea, and skin conditions
- Tea Tree: used to fight infections and boost immunity
- Jasmine: used to help with depression, childbirth, and libido
Are Essential Oils Safe?
Before using any essential oils, be sure to read the product information label, talk to a medical professional or research online if the oils are the right choice for you and how they should be used. In general, essential oils are safe if you follow the basic guidelines.
1. Can essential oils be ingested?
While there are some collections from certain brands that can be ingested, most essential oils can be toxic and deadly.
2. Can I use essential oils if I am pregnant?
Most medical professionals would recommend the usage of essential oils through aromatherapy. This means you should use your oils in a diffuser rather than applying them to your skin. If you plan to use them topically under the supervision of your doctor, always remember to dilute your oils with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil.
3. Can I use essential oils around my kids?
Unless instructed by your doctor, you are advised not to diffuse essential oils around infants under 6 months old. For older babies and children, it is safe to diffuse certain oils like lavender, ginger and sweet orange for an hour. If you would like to apply them topically, dilute them in a carrier oil and perform a patch test beforehand to see if your kid has any reaction towards the oil.
We hope, with this information, you will be able to enjoy the holistic benefits essential oils have to offer you and your loved ones. If you are not sure where to purchase your first essential oil, do check out Kyndle for a range of natural and pure essential oils. Contact our friendly experts to know more today!