Essential Oils Guide

Surely you have heard about essential oils or have seen or read something about them, but you may still have doubts or have not tried it yet.
In this blog we are going to talk about essential oils and I hope I can answer those questions or doubts you have on the subject.
Let's start first with What are essential oils.
Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts from plants or trees.
They are obtained by different extraction methods. The part of the plant from which we obtain the essential oil can vary depending on the type of oil, but it is usually the most aromatic part. Rose oil, for example, comes from the petals of the rose, while citrus oils come from the rind.
Because essential oils are obviously all natural, it might be easy to assume that they are mild and largely non-reactive. This is not entirely true, by definition an essential oil is an extremely powerful substance (up to 75 times more powerful than dried herbs). Therefore, essential oils must be handled with care.
This means that a couple of drops may be sufficient but, unlike other specific oils, essential oils should always be properly diluted before applying directly to the skin.

What are essential oils used for?
Manufacturers use essential oils to create a diverse range of products. For example, the cosmetic and makeup industry uses essential oils to create perfumes, add fragrance to body creams and soaps, and even as a source of natural antioxidants in some beauty products.

In aromatherapy it is used to spread these essential oils in the air. Aromatherapists maintain that breathing essential oils, allowing some of their components to enter the lungs and bloodstream, can be beneficial to the body.
For example, anyone who has used a menthol steam massage (VaporRub) to help clear the sinuses has employed a form of aromatherapy. Inhaling menthol in this way can reduce the feeling of a stuffy nose and shortness of breath.
Essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin without diluting them, unless this is under the direct supervision of a healthcare professional.
It is also dangerous to ingest essential oils. Not only are essential oils extremely concentrated, but they can also irritate sensitive cells inside the body.
Uncommon, some people can take oral capsules that contain essential oils. However, this should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

How can you dilute an essential oil?
In addition to avoiding a possible skin reaction, the dilution of essential oils allows them to work better, since only by exposure to air the molecules of pure essential oils tend to evaporate very quickly. Adding a carrier substance to the essential oil facilitates better absorption of the oil by the body.
In most cases (even if you are just adding essential oils to a bath), you will need a carrier oil, a neutral oil of vegetable origin that can act as a base. 
Common carrier oils include sweet almond, jojoba, olive, sunflower seed, avocado and grape seed.
According to Charlynn Avery - aromatherapist and educator at Aura Cacia-, although specific dilutions may vary depending on personal needs and particular essential oils, the general rule of thumb is to aim for a dilution of one to five percent. "A one percent mix is ​​six drops of essential oil per 30ml of the carrier, while a five percent mix would be thirty drops per 30ml of the carrier." 

What kind of essential oil do I need to use?
As we have talked at the beginning, there are many types of essential oils, each with its specific properties.
Next we are going to talk about the most popular oils and their benefits.

• For problems with sleep: lavender essence vetiver, patchouli, sandalwood, ylang-ylang, chamomile, neroli, marjoram, cedar, bergamot, sage, frankincense, rose.
  
• To ease anxiety and find balance: rose, clary sage, frankincense, lavender, bergamot, marjoram, ylang-ylang, lemon, geranium, orange, sandalwood, chamomile, vetiver.
• To improve concentration: rosemary, basil, mint, helichrysum, cedar, vetiver, grapefruit, pine, juniper.
  
• To stimulate energy: lemon, orange, eucalyptus, mint, ginger, rosemary, peppermint, black pepper, jasmine.
• For inflammations: for acne ( tea tree, lavender, oregano, bergamot, rosemary, helichrysum), and muscle tension (peppermint, eucalyptus, wintergreen, chamomile, nutmeg, ginger, cayenne, rosemary, black pepper) If after applying them you experience a headache, sore throat or shortness of breath, wash the oil with soap and water and stop using it.

Did you know that now you can take the oils with you, in your bag, or on your trip?
You are right. These are the oils in roll-on format, which are a specific blend of oils and you can take them with you wherever you want.
These are essential oils, 100% natural, mixed, that enhance the specific properties of each essential oil and work very well together, generating effects and benefits on the mental and mood. 
For example, if you are looking for an effect Relax, Meditation, Concentrate, Anti-stress or Activate. 

And you? What is your favorite oil or oils? In my case, I love carrying a mix of roll-on oils in my bag. Relax and Activate are my favorites.

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