If you've ever wanted to try essential oils but didn't know where to start, here's a great introduction.
I found an simple and to the point article on the LongevityLive website that covers the basics.
Key Takeaways from the article:
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts.
They provide mental, emotional and physical benefits.
To use, you can inhale them straight from the bottle, circulate them around your room using a diffuser or apply to the skin but only after diluting with water.
Stay away from synthetic versions and buy high quality, unadulterated, pure essential oils.
11 Oils to Begin With:
Lavender - calms the mind, improves circulation, lessens tension
Tea Tree - astringent and cleanser, used in a lot of acne products
Sweet Orange - energizing and uplifting
Eucalyptus - improves skin irritations, clears nasal passages when added to hot, steamy water
Peppermint - cooling and energizing, can be used to calm scalp conditions
Rosemary - improves concentration
Lemon - crisp, fresh and fruity, most commonly used for air freshening and household cleaning
Lemongrass - purifying, both for body and your home
Patchouli - earthy scent, can deodorize and soothe irritated skin
Cinnamon - boosts alertness, improves blood circulation and freshens breath
Frankincense - uplifting yet grounding, eases anxiety and depression, favorite fragrance to use in spiritual practices like prayer and meditation, smooths the appearance of wrinkles
*From LongevityLive article The Beginners’ Guide To Essential Oils: 11 Must-Haves