Essential oils, do they matter?

YES!

Because essential oils are so available and varied, your scent options are, too. And because of this, essential oils are often considered a natural means of infusing soaps, lotions, or bath bombs with certain healthful benefits, however, you’ll want to be as educated as possible with regard to this specific ingredient. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you search for the perfect aromatic/therapeutic blend.

Some essential oils are, in fact, better than others. What you’re looking for here are “pure essential oils” or “therapeutic grade essential oils”. For best results both topically and aromatically, be sure you’re sourcing premium essential oils and blends. (I use Young Living. Young Living is a trusted brand supplying tested and verified premium therapeutic grade essential oils. Learn more about them at https://www.youngliving.com/en_US), or drop me a line. I would be happy to help!

Each essential oil is known for a distinct catalogue of therapeutic benefits. So do your research. In addition to using a wonderfully fragrant soap, lotion, or bath bomb you may be able to experience additional benefits with just a small amount of forethought.

Essential oils are natural substances. There are no formulas here. There are, however, certain guidelines to be aware of since essential oils are highly concentrated. For instance, some oils are far more stimulating than others, while others are much more relaxing and calming.

NOTE: It is important to remember that these are natural oils that may or may not provide the healthful benefits described below. Each human being is a unique system - physically, emotionally, and psychologically. The key here is to educate yourself, then experiment to determine what works best for you.

Acne - Bergamot, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Clove, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Mandarin, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Peppermint, Petitgrain, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Spearmint, Tangerine, Tea Tree, Thyme, Ylang Ylang

Anti-Bacterial - Black Pepper, Chamomile, Citronella, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Neroli, Nutmeg, Oregano, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Pine, Rose, Sandalwood, Sweet Marjoram, Sweet Orange, Tea Tree, Thyme

Anti-Septic - Anise, Basil, Bay, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cedarwood, Cinnamon Leaf, Citronella, Clary Sage, Clove, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Mandarin, Myrrh, Neroli, Nutmeg, Oregano, Patchouli, Peppermint, Petitgrain, Pine, Rose, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Spearmint, Sweet Marjoram, Sweet Orange, Tangerine, Tea Tree, Thyme, Ylang Ylang

Aphrodisiac - Black Pepper, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Clove, Ginger, Jasmine, Neroli, Nutmeg, Patchouli, Rose, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Thyme, Ylang Ylang

Astringent - Bay, Bergamot, Cinnamon Leaf, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Myrrh, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Spearmint, Thyme

Athletes Foot - Clove, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Myrrh, Patchouli, Tea Tree

Chapped/Cracked Skin - Myrrh, Patchouli, Sandalwood

Dandruff - Bay, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Patchouli, Rosemary, Tea Tree

Deodorizing - Bergamot, Citronella, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender, Lemongrass, Lime, Neroli, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Pine, Rosewood

Depression - Basil, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Neroli, Patchouli, Peppermint, Petitgrain, Rose, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Sweet Orange, Ylang Ylang

Dry Skin - Chamomile, Jasmine, Frankincense, Lavender, Rosewood, Sandalwoo

Eczema - Bergamot, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Geranium, Lavender, Myrrh, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary, Thyme

Hair Growth (promoting) - Basil, Bay, Grapefruit, Rosemary, Ylang Ylang

Insect Bites - Basil, Bergamot, Chamomile, Cinnamon Leaf, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Tea Tree, Thyme, Ylang Ylang

Insect Repellent - Basil, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Cinnamon Leaf, Citronella, Clove, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Patchouli, Pine, Rosemary, Sandalwood

Insomnia - Basil, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Lavender, Mandarin, Neroli, Petitgrain, Rose, Sandalwood, Sweet Marjoram, Tangerine, Thyme, Ylang Ylang

Mature Skin/Wrinkles - Clary Sage, Frankincense, Fennel, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Mandarin, Myrrh, Neroli, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Rose, Rosemary, Rosewood, Ylang Ylang

Oily Skin - Bay, Bergamot, Citronella, Clary Sage, Fennel, Geranium, Jasmine, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Mandarin, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Tea Tree, Thyme, Ylang Ylang

Psoriasis - Bergamot, Lavender

Rashes - Chamomile, Lavender, Sandalwood, Tea Tree

A final note about using essential oils: it is very important to remember that these oils are natural substances, not over-the-counter medicine. The recommendations and references made here regarding certain benefits or “traditional uses” of these oils should in no way supersede the advice of a doctor. Be responsible in your use of the oils and, again, educate yourself. Do your research and get to know each of the oils personally. Take the time to understand how they communicate with your own beautiful, unique body and mind.