What Are Essential Oils and Do They Work?
Are you interested in using essential oils for a healthy life? If so, you’re in the right place. Essential oils have been around for centuries have many different uses, and are known as nature’s pharmacy.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of some popular essential oils and how to use them.
Essential oils are Natural
Essential oils are natural liquids that come from a plant or other source and retain the scent of the plant. They are generally distilled.
In order to live a healthy life, it is important to take care of your body and mind. Essential oils are one way that you can do this. They provide benefits that can include reducing stress, fighting infections, and more.
Many people use these oils on their skin or in diffusers to experience these benefits. If you are interested in using essential oils for your health, continue reading below.
The usefulness of essential oils is not limited to aromatherapy
The usefulness of essential oils is not limited to aromatherapy; they are also used for a variety of applications, such as diffusing them for their fragrance and applying and breathing them in to obtain health benefits.
People have given anecdotal evidence of health problems that have been solved through the use of oils – from healing skin problems to reducing seasonal allergies and deterring insects.
Using essential oils
First, they may be inhaled aromatically
Essential oils are available in three different ways. First, they may be inhaled aromatically. This is accomplished by using a diffuser and applying several droplets of the specific essential oil to water or simply smelling it directly from the bottle.
The second option is to apply them topically
There are a few essential oils that may be directly applied to the skin, but a good rule of thumb is to test a few drops into a carrier oil before applying. This can be anything from olive oil to coconut oil, as well as any other natural, pure carrier oil you have around the house.
The third approach to utilize oils is by consuming them
Not all oils may be consumed, and it’s important to take them in a way that’s safe. If you’re taking the oil, applying it topically, or ingesting it in any form, you should make sure to use only pure and organic essential oils. Because they are highly concentrated, a little goes a long way and they should be used sparingly.
What To Use Essential Oils For?
Essential oils are available for a wide range of applications, from maintaining general health and well-being to first aid and the addition of natural scents to homemade body products.
Diffusers
You may use essential oils in a diffuser to help you fall asleep or stay awake. They can be used to relax anxious emotions and boost your immune system when necessary.
DIY cleaning supplies to DIY skin products
The oils are useful when added to everything from DIY cleaning supplies to DIY skin products. They can be carried in your purse in order to help sanitize surfaces when out and about and can help clean cuts and be used in other minor accidents. You can use essential oils as a bug repellent to help heal sunburned skin.
So many options
There is no end to the ways they can be used – alone, in combination, and when added to other bases.
Essential oils are beneficial to add to your cabinet
Essential oils are beneficial to add to your cabinet. They have many uses for a variety of purposes and can help you out in a pinch. Start with a few, and add more as you become familiar with using them on a daily basis.
The Shelf Life of Essential Oils and How You Can Extend It
All essential oils have a shelf life. Not all bottles indicate an expiry or “best before” date, though, so if you cannot find it, check with the manufacturer.
That being said, all oils have a shelf life. However, not all bottles indicate an expiration or “use before” date, though, so if you cannot find it, check with the manufacturer.
Store your oils to last
Essential oils last for different lengths of time depending on the type and how it is used. If you keep them in a cool dark place after use, they should last for up to three years or more. Some other factors that affect their lifespan include heat exposure, light exposure, the age of the oil when bottled, and container seals.
The most important thing is remembering not to forget about your essential oils – if you don’t use them regularly then be sure to replace them with fresh ones before they expire! You’ll save money in the long run.
Expiration Dates
Some essential oil manufacturers include the expiration date on their bottles.
This gives you a clear indication of how long you can use your oil. If you’re buying essential oils from a store, check the label to determine when it expires and select the one with the longest future expiry date if you don’t intend on using it right away. Ask the individuals in the store if there is a way to find the date if it is not clearly marked.
Keep in mind – oils are not made the same day you purchase them
Keep in mind that the oils you buy were not made on the same day you purchased them, so try to get your essential oils from a store or source that re-stocks its inventory frequently. In this manner, you won’t be purchasing an essential oil that has already passed its expiration date.
Keep a record of oils
If you don’t know when the bottle’s expiration date is, keep a record of all your essential oils and when you bought them. Each time you use oil, simply check how long you’ve had it.
General Shelf Life of Popular Oils
Each essential oil has a given amount of time before it expires.
There is a range between about 1 to 6 years depending upon the type of oil. Some of the more popular oils and their general shelf life are listed here.
Essential oils with a shelf life of about 1 year are lemon, orange, and mandarin.
Shelf life of oils with approximately 2-year time are lime, all varieties of frankincense, and tea trees.
Oils that expire in about 3 years are rosemary, neroli, oregano, melissa, bergamot, and blue tansy.
The 4-year range shelf life includes cinnamon bark, cardamom, peppermint, ylang-ylang, lavender, geranium, clary sage, and chamomile oils.
Oils that are good for 6 or more years include cedarwood, vetiver, sandalwood, wintergreen, rose, myrrh, copaiba, and ginger.
Of the popular oils, patchouli has the longest shelf life, which is usually more than 10 years.
Essential Oil Rules
Three factors that cause these oils to lose potency
There are three factors that cause your oils to lose their potency and effectiveness. Three of the factors are light, oxygen, and heat. One of the greatest methods to keep your oils in the best possible shape is to prevent these problems by storing them correctly.
Expose your oils to as little light as possible
Expose your oils to as little light as possible by buying them in amber glass bottles (rather than clear glass), keeping them in a dark location. Keep them cool or in the refrigerator if you have enough room.
When not in use, keep your bottles tightly sealed
When not in use, keep your bottles tightly sealed and don’t leave them with the lid open for extended periods of time. Prevent contamination of your essential oils by avoiding rollers that may reintroduce foreign particles into the bottle.
The shelf life
Essential oils have a specific shelf life. Oils won’t instantly go bad on the expiration date, but at that point, they are on their way to losing their potency. Learn this general information so you know how long to keep your oils, and when to replace them.
I hope you enjoyed reading,
Peacefully Yours!