Essential Oils – Natural Health Remedies
Hello, Maggie here once again. Today I am focusing on essential oils and everything that pertains to them. In this reference guide I have separated the content into three broad sections: the oils themselves; the technique of aromatherapy; and little bit on home machines.
In these three sections I will cover everything that we at theHealthBase view as important when it comes to understanding this topic. If you’d rather not read this whole guide, and instead are looking for something in specific, then please use the Table of Contents provided below to locate exactly what you seek. I have also included a quick table of some of the cooler home starter kits that our research has unearthed.
IMPORTANT NOTE: As you’ll see throughout this guide, I’ll switch between the terms “essential oils”, "EOs", "natural essences" and “aromatherapy oils” – they mean the same thing in the context of this piece. I chose to use these terms because in the health and beauty industry different brands and companies sometime use one or both of these descriptions. Therefore, it’s handy for you to be familiar with both! 
Let’s get to it!
Click: Essential Oil Starter Kits
What are Essential Oils?
To begin, let me first explain what exactly these substances are and how we use them in modern society. To begin, they are certainly not new or a breakthrough product with regards to the niches of health and beauty. In fact, these fabulous essences have been present in human societies and cultures for thousands of years.
All the great civilizations throughout mankind’s time on planet earth have benefited from what these natural substances have to offer – including the Roman Empire; the Greeks; the Egyptians; the Persians; the Chinese Dynasties, and countless native tribes all over the world.
But, to get back on point, what are EOs? Well, in simplest terms, these substances are the best bits of nature distilled into liquid form. They come from elements such as herbs; bark; resins; flowers; seeds; trees; and many more other natural sources. These elements all contain different positives attributes within them.
The art of creating an on of these natural remedies is to take these benefits and positive attributes from these natural elements and transform them into a liquid form. These liquids are then in an ideal form in which to use for health and beauty applications, of which there are literally an endless amount!
List of Prominent Types
OK, so we know what they are, so now let’s take a quick look at some of the most common ones. There are tonnes of different types, all that have their own specific characteristics and benefits.
Later on in this guide I’ll go through what I believe are some of the best EOs and why I think this is the case. But for now, below is a list of some of the most prominently used variations.
See I wasn’t lying when I said that there are tones!! If truth be told, I could spend the entirety of this EO guide just discussing the different types. However, the above is a pretty decent list but by no means have I included all of them. I’d imagine there are some that I don’t even know about! However, above are the ones that are most common.
The above list can be found in beginner kits - usually a variation of between 5-20 different ones will make up these kits which are a great way to begin with aromatherapy, or indeed to stock up on your favorite essences. Scroll to the top or the bottom of this guide to see some examples of great starter kits.
How are These Oils Made?
There are actually quite a few different methods of extracting the vital elements from the natural sources in order to create the final product. Over the centuries these methods have been improved upon and refined due to the fact that medicinal practices and technology have both evolved.
The most modern method of creating an EO comes via steam distillation. Huge copper vats are used in this process. It also must be added that it takes enormous amounts of natural resources to create enough liquid to fill a standard bottle. For example, 1oz of rose essence requires in excess of 50,000 roses. Incredible, I know, and this also also explains why these substances are not cheap.
So, at this point, we have a rudimentary understanding of what these essences are, how they are created, and I’ve noted some of the differing types. Now, let’s look a bit more closely at some individual ones.
Top 10 Uses
As I’ve pointed out so far, the types, benefits, and uses of natural essences really are endless. They cover so many different areas, whether it be medicinal; cosmetic; or just simply general health and well-being.
I have already given quite an extensive list of examples with regards to the benefits. However, to give a little more information, I’ve chosen 8 of the key uses as well. So, in no particular order…
Top Rated Options
OK, I’ll be up front…the heading of this section is a little bit misleading. There is no definitive way of proving which ones are the best, there’s just too many of them and they each are quite different in terms of their makeup, uses, and benefits.
However, as myself and the Health Base team researched this topic for our reference guide; tried and tested the different types; and threw in our own favorites into the mix; we soon noticed that were 8 essences in particular that kept popping up. Below, I have outlined these ten, discussing briefly exactly what they are and some of the health positives that they are known for.
- migraines & headaches
- sleep problems
- anxiety
- allergies
- colds, sore throats, & coughs
- acne
- weight loss
- hair growth
- sunburn
- eczema
Eczema is a skin ailment that can transform normal, healthy looking skin into a red, itchy, flaky, inflamed mess. Amazingly, especially considering this ailment is a regular occurrence in modern society, we actually don’t know why eczema occurs. The medical community’s best guess is that it has something to with our immune systems reacting to an irritant.
Whatever the cause, the resulting condition can be a bit of nightmare. Now, when it comes to treating eczema, it is vital that you visit your local doctor and/or dermatologist. Firstly, only these professionals can accurately diagnose your condition; there are several different types of eczema and there are also other skin ailments that have the same appearance as eczema. Secondly, only health professionals can supply you with the correct knowledge in how to combat the eczema.
However, using the below listed options in conjunction with an eczema cream or tablets can help to alleviate the condition and speed up the removal of the eczema. These substances are naturally capable of soothing irritated skin and providing aid in the form of anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agents.
Oils for this ailment: Thyme, Rose, Bergamot, Tumeric (Skip ahead for a further breakdown of these options).
Peppermint EO is one of the classics and is widely associated with aromatherapy. Also known as Menta Arvensis, this substance as many benefits and uses in the modern world.
When people think of this essences, their minds often go straight to toothpastes or chewing gums. This is natural as peppermint is a common flavoring of such products. A key reason for this is because of the freshness that this ingredient supplies – something that is most welcome, and often badly needed, when it comes to a person’s breath!!
In terms of its health positives in essence form, this EO is very adept a supplying a refreshing and calming ambiance to any given room. This is ideal for someone who is looking to unwind and relax. The minty, fresh scent is therefore a great way of easing such things as headaches; muscles soreness; cramps; and tension that can build up in our bodies.
Below are some of the Top Benefits & Uses.
Uses
- IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
- Indigestion
- Hair Growth
- Soothes Migraines
- Battles Cold Sores
Cold sores are a virus that result in nasty little lesions appearing on our face. While this issue isn’t harmful to overall health, cold sores are certainly eye catching and thus can negatively affect a person’s self-confidence. But what are the best ways to ease this issue?
Well, first of all, it’s always recommend that you visit your local doctor if you’re suffering from such an issue as this one. Cold sores have the unfortunate habit of reoccurring, so you’ll want to get a correct diagnosis as soon as possible.
Another method of treating this ailment, along with whatever your doctor prescribes, is to use an EO that has antibacterial properties – like peppermint. In terms of application, the best thing to do is to soak some drops onto a cotton ball and press the ball to the affected area. Over time, this will bring relief to the infection and soothe the injured area.
- Skincare
- Vermin Problems
- Scalp Health
- Combats Acne
- Domestic Pets
A reoccurring question that came up when I was researching this topic was the following – is peppermint oil safe for dogs and cats? And, if it is, what benefits can it supply for such pets?
Well, first of all, it’s widely believed that this EO is indeed safe to be used for your pets. In terms of benefits, they are similar to the ones that I’ve already outlined – i.e. relief from pain of the body and mind; a variety of skin issues; and a whole host of other health problems.
An extra benefit that's animal related is that this oil variety can be used for flea prevention as well as for removing ticks from your pets. This is a good trick to keep in mind, especially in the summer months when a variety of nasty critters tend to attach themselves to our furry buddies.
Also, while I’m on the subject of little annoying pests, this EO has also proven to be effective at keeping your sleeping area clear of any unwanted guests. Simply add a few strategic drops to your bed and this will scare of any bed bugs.
The same actually goes for using this EO to deter ants. I’m not exactly sure how ants would be a problem in your house, but it’s still good to know I guess!
Benefits
This natural substance is automatically linked with health and freshness. The main reason for this is because the basil leaf is quite commonly used in cooking. Even while writing this now I’m imagining a lovely bowl of my favorite pasta dish with a sprinkling of this herb as garnish on top. Yum!
In terms of the technical stuff, the botanical name for this substance is ocimum basilicum and it belongs to the labiatae/lamiaceae family – also known, quite adorably, as the mint family! This herb is native to Asia and Africa but different versions of it can be located all over the globe. Due to it being so able to adapt to different terrains and climates, this herb is grown on every continent and each place supplies a different variation of this healthy plant.
Below are some of the Top Benefits & Uses.
Uses
- improves concentration levels
- Relieves stress
- Headaches
- Eases sore muscles
I’ve already touched on this in the previous paragraphs when I noted that this EO can work wonders to ease the pain and stiffness in muscles. This also goes for muscles in your body and not just your head. Massaging a liberal amount of this substance into your sore and aching muscles will immediately have the effect of causing them to relax.
This is a super habit to get into if you’re the type of person that lifts heavy weights. Not only will it ease the pain in your body, but it will also speed up the recovery time so that you can hit the weights again sooner!
Rosemary essence is also extremely good for this.
- cuts & irritated skin
- cold & flu
- stomach issues
- nails
- oily hair
Another example of the variety of positive impacts that Basil can have is its ability to reduce the oil/sebum that can sometimes be exuded from our scalp. This overabundance of oil/sebum can then cause our hair to look very greasy and shiny – something that isn’t a particularly good look. Worse still, this excess oil can even cause acne breakouts do occur on our foreheads as our pores become blocked.
Massaging a bit of basil essential oil into your scalp can will actually work to control the oil/sebum production. It will also have the added benefit of strengthening your hair; stimulating follicle growth; and prevent sebum from building up on your skin's surface
Benefits
Video: Benefits & Uses
During my research into this EO, I came across this great video that adds credence to the elements that I've mentioned in this article. It is well worth a look 🙂
Otherwise known as Origanum Vulgare, oregano is world renowned as being an essential herb for cooking. This herb is famous for bringing a fresh and wholesome taste to any type of meal. It is most commonly used in pasta dishes as a garnish and/or cooking herb.
The distilled form of this herb originates from the leaves of the oregano plant. Its massive benefits lie in a chemical compound known as carvacrol which is present within the structure of this EO. Carvacrol is such a coveted ingredient due to the fact that it possesses massive anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.
This then obviously makes this natural essence a hugely attractive prospect when it comes to certain ailments and medical issues. For example, oregano is exemplary at dealing with infections of the fungal variety.
In addition to this, adding some oregano to your cooking is a great way of combating any negative or potential harmful elements that might be present in the food as the leafs of this plant possess agents that are very adept at neutralizing certain elements that can lead to food poisoning.
Below are some of the Top Benefits & Uses.
Uses
- Fungal infections
- Food Poisoning
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “I’m too careful to get food poisoning!” I used to think that…until the day I manage to poison myself with a dodgy pulled pork burger!! The next six to eight hours were some of the worst of my life.
Even if you are very health conscious and extremely prudent when it comes to your cooking, there is always a chance that you might get food poisoning. This risk is further increased when you take into account the meals you consume when you eat out or at a friend’s house! Though it is rare and quite unlucky to experience food poisoning - it’s only happened to myself on the one occasion - if it does happen then it can be pretty horrific.
While there’ is very little that you can do in terms of eating out at a restaurant, incorporating a little oregano essential oil in the food that you prepare at home is a super way of avoiding any nasty surprises. This because the aforementioned carvacrol that is present is incredibly effective at neutralizing agents such as salmonella that are notorious for spoiling food.
I still shudder at my own food poisoning experience and, as such, I don’t cook anything nowadays without adding a few drops of oregano. I just wish I’d known about this super EO BEFORE my ill-fated pulled pork burger!! Live and learn, I guess.
Benefits
4 - Lavender
Also known as Lavandula Angustifolia. This super effective aromatherapy oil is best known for having the stellar ability of relaxing and calming both the human mind and body. It has been used for just this purpose for generations, all the way back to the times when pillows would be stuffed with lavender leaves.
Such is the popularity of this option, it is actually considered to be far and away the best-selling essence on the market today. This is not really surprising as it's steadily used all over the world for a number of different purposes including, but not limited to, enhancing therapeutic sessions and battling such issues like anxiety; insomnia; stress; angst; irregular sleeping patterns; and stomach pains.
Below are some of the key Uses and Benefits:
Uses
- anxiety
- insomnia
- Stomach pain
We all suffer from anxiety at one point or another – this is just a common consequence of living in a modern, busy, fast, free flowing world. The trick is to know how to manage and ease the times when anxiety kicks in.
Many people use methods like yoga, exercise, or meditation. These work great. Lavandula Angustifolia is also an excellent method of which to ease anxiety. How though?
Well, when we inhale lavender it instantly interacts with the central nervous system which then causes a relaxing and soothing experience. This, overall, will greatly help to reduce anxiety levels.
Benefits
5 - Rosemary
Otherwise known as Rosmarinus Officinalis. This essence has the distinction of being viewed as sacred by great civilizations such as the Roman Empire, the Greeks, and the Egyptians. Nowadays, people associate rosemary primarily with just being a cooking herb, but, in actual fact, it is one of the most potent and effective options that there is.
In cooking terms, rosemary is loved by chefs because it possesses an evergreen scent that is very woody. However, while this cooking benefit is not to be scoffed at, this really only scrapes the surface when it comes to the positive impacts of rosemary.
This super substance is also very effective at treating a whole host of physiological and physical ailments. Below I have listed some prime examples of these benefits:
Uses
- hair growth
- detoxifies liver & increases gallbladder function
- lowers cortisol levels
- Physical benefits
This is primarily unique ability that Rosemary has. Let’s face it, everyone wants a full head of hair! Sure, some people look great bald, but, if given the choice, we’d pretty much all prefer to at least have the option of having hair or lack thereof.
The following list is a taste of what this natural essence can provide in terms of your hair:
- improves cooking
- Maximizing Cognitive Abilities
- Healing body & mind
- pyschological benefits
This essence is a world-renowned cooking herb. Whether it be a home kitchen in the quiet suburbs, or a five-star restaurant in a major city, this herb is widely used in a whole host of different meals and recipes.
This capability of being able to adapt is one of the key reasons why it is so commonly used – it can be added to such a variety of different dishes and it will instantly improve the overall meal. It possesses an evergreen, woody scent that is often described as being ever so minty in flavor.
Whether it be sprinkled over a roasted lamb; some fresh pasta; or on some new potatoes, this natural element will take your meal to the next level both in terms of taste and freshness. The same can be said for Basil and Peppermint.
Benefits
Video – Benefits & Uses
How to Make This Option at Home
It is indeed possible to make your own home version of this oil, but, be warned, it is quite time consuming and a little bit tricky to get spot on. Also, there’s really no way of knowing if you’ve created the best version possible. It may look and smell good, but there’s a chance that your end result is lacking in some area.
However, if you are a DIY enthusiast (fair play to you, by the way), then below is a quick step-by-step guide on how you might go about creating your own version:
- step one
- step two
- step three
- step four
- step five
- step six
Pour your final result into an opaque jar/container and seal it in a thorough manner until you want to use your new oil
6 - Frankincense
Also goes by the name Bosweillia Frereana. Much like rosemary, frankincense also has a reputation of being sacred at some time or another – a certain story of three shepherds bringing gifts to a certain child springs to mind. This essence comes from the Boswellia sacra tree and is extremely common in the use of aromatherapy. It is not surprising to see why this is the case as frankincense has been reported to aid in combating chronic stress and anxiety as well as reducing pain and inflammation in the body.
The oil itself is extracted from the gum/resin that runs throughout the Boswellia sacra tree and this substance possesses certain components that are super effective when it comes to health benefits. These components include incensole; linalool; octyl acetate; incensole acetate; alpha-pine, actanol; and boranyl acetate. Don’t worry too much if you’re not familiar with any (or all) of these terms!! The important thing to recognize is that the above list means that this EO is packed full of powerful, all-natural agents. This is basically what makes this substance such a terrific oil.
Due to this above elements, this EO has been used for health and medicinal issues even as far back to when the Egyptian Pharaohs walked the world. More than one Ancient Civilization believed that this EO had mythical or supernatural elements attached to it. This is evident in it having been used in numerous religious rituals and manners.
When it comes to the the modern world, this EO is used in a wide variety of ways. The fact that this substance has both physical and mental pros makes it a treasured resource. While there are dozens of examples, I’ve chosen to list the top 8 that continuously pop up when this oil is being discussed. Below are these top 8:
Uses
- Boosts healing ability
- stress relief
- improves immune system
- battles aging process
No matter how careful we are in life, at some point we all get cuts, scrapes, or skin blemishes. These can happen in numerous ways, varying from a scraped knee if we fall, or a scab that can be left after a zit or an acne breakout. This is why it’s key to have some tricks up your sleeve that you can use to treat such issues. One such trick is availing of one of the Bosweillia Frereana. Due to its antiseptic properties, this EO will protect you from any infections that can occur when our skin is damaged and/or broken.
In addition, this EO will also speed up the recovery process which is always something that we’re keen on…especially if the skin blemish is on our face! A perfect example of this one-two combo of fighting infection and boosting recovery is the effectiveness that this EO has on haemorrhoids.
- fresh breath
- digestion & hemorrhoids issues
- Menstruation & uterus health
- Respiratory issues
Oral health is something that is quite often neglected. People tend to brush their teeth, maybe floss every now and again, and…well, that’s it really!! Unfortunately, there are actually a fair few issues that could cause problems within your mouth.
Such issues include toothaches; bad breath; cavities; ulcers; mouth sores; and plaque building up. The EO I'm looking at in this section is often included in a wide range of products that are used to treat these issues because of the antiseptic qualities contained within. A couple of prime examples of this are toothpastes and mouthwashes. Peppermint EO is also very common ingredient in such products – usually for its minty flavor!
Benefits
7 - Sandalwood
Sandalwood oil is renowned for possessing a sweet and woody flavour. This warm, rich scent is incredibly pleasant – thus the reason why it’s commonly used in such beauty products like perfume; body sprays; essences; and candles.
But where does the actual oil come from?
As with all EOs, this one is extracted from a purely natural source – that being the tree of the same name, or Santalum album to give it its Latin name. This tree is a member of the Santalaceae family and can grow to as high as 50 feet.
In terms of where this tree is located, it can be found primarily in Southeast Asia, in places such as Indonesia. It tends to grow in quite inhospitable landscapes – rocky ground and the like.
How it’s Created
The most valuable part of the Santalum album tree is the heartwood element. This is where the sap of the tree can be found. The older the tree, then the more sap will be located in the heartwood, which will obviously then result in a larger reservoir of natural resources in which to make the EO.
Over the years there have been numerous different extraction methods to remove the needed elements. Modern technology has improved over this time and, therefore, so has the extraction methods. The one that is favored when it comes to this particular tree is that of steam distillation. The tree is exposed to super-hot steam which passes through the trunk and takes away the necessary elements that are needed for the EO. This steam is cooled, and the end result is an oil like substance.
OK, so that’s a little about the origins of this substance and how it is transformed into oil form, next let’s look at some common uses of this EO.
Uses
- Skin lightening
- aromatherapy
- skincare
- Scent related products
- spiritual use
This is a bit of a strange one, and not a use that is particularly relevant in the Western world. But, in saying this, it’s still a common use of this EO so it’s worth noting.
Using this EO for spiritual means is something that can be found occurring in India and other Eastern areas. The Santalum album tree is seen as having divine elements attributed to it and therefore it is used in several spiritual and religious ceremonies and customs in this part of the world.
It is also used in more day to day ways, such as in wedding ceremonies or when children are being baptized.
Benefits
As with most aromatherapy essence, tea tree oil also has another name of Latin descent – it being melaleuca, or melaleuca alternifolia. Arguably, this particular oil is the most used and famous of all EOs. The history of tea tree oil can be traced back to the Aboriginal people of Australia who used it to heal wounds as well as avoiding infections.With regards to where we get it from, it is distilled from the leaves of the tea tree/melaleuca tree which is a native plant of Australia.
One of the key benefits and uses of this substance stems from its powerful antiseptic properties. This makes it an ideal choice for treating minor wounds. Obviously, it goes without saying that major wounds need proper medical help.
Many of the traditional medicinal uses for tea tree also include acne; chickenpox; earaches; head lice; psoriasis; insect bites; MRSA; infections of a fungal nature; congestion and respiratory issues; and cold sores, to name just a few.
Below are some ailments that this tea tree compound is very effective at dealing with.
Uses
- acne
- athlete's foot
- dandruff & head lice
Again, another case of first world problems here as they’re certainly not ailments that are going to cause you major problems in life. But, as with acne, dandruff or head-lice can be incredibly vexing – even to the point where you want to pull your hair out…quite literally.
As with most EOs, there are many studies available that testify to the overall benefits – the same can be seen for both dandruff and head lice. [7][8]
These studies, along with consumer reviews, have proven that tea tree EO is effective at combating both these types of scalp maladies. One study showed results of helping 40+% of candidates with dandruff, while another saw that the use of just a 1% concentration of tea tree EO resulted in a 100% kill rate of head lice in the administrated area. These results, as with the other varieties, really do make the tea tree option a very attractive option for dealing with the issues outlined above.
Benefits
Other Notable Mentions:
Thieves
The next one that I have for you is slightly different to the ones I’ve mentioned so far in that it’s actually a combination of a number of various oils.
The recipe for thieves can vary, but the mixture usually contains a combination of lemon (Citrus Limon); clove (Syzygium Aromaticum); cinnamon (Cinnamomum Vernum); eucalyptus (Radiata); and rosemary (Rosmarinus Officunalis).
Ironically, such a good invention actually has somewhat of a scrupulous origin. The idea and formulation of this essence came from French thieves who were trying to create a blend that would ward of the plague that was present centuries ago. The scrupulous part? They then used their new creation to stay healthy so that they could rob plague victims!! Nice guys.
This unique version takes the best benefits of the above mentioned ingredients and combines them into a super effective aromatherapy essence. It’s usually not a great idea to mix and match these substance, some are very incompatible, but with the thieves the formula is spot on.
Eucalyptus
This aromatherapy oil is also known as Eucalyptus Radiata and comes from an evergreen tree of the same name that is native to Australia.
If this sounds familiar, then it’s probably because the leaves of this tree are what koala bears munch on!!
Eucalyptus essence is renowned for having a multitude of health benefits, primarily of medicinal purposes. For example, this oil is a key ingredient in any cough or cold medication worth its salt.
This is because eucalyptus has strong antiviral properties which makes it ideal for battling infections and germ related maladies
When it’s not providing top grade nutrition for various forms of wildlife, the oil that comes from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree can also be used to maintain and improve our hair. A few drops of this essence can soothe irritated scalps; prevent dandruff from forming; and kill any head lice that might be present.
Clary Sage
Much like oregano, clary sage would be more famous for being a cooking herb rather than an EO. However, I’ve included in my extra choices because it is actually an incredibly popular choice.
The medicinal potential of this particular oil is nicely epitomized by the Latin meaning for the word sage – this being “salvere” which translates into “save”. This is very apt as sage has a whole host of medicinal properties.
These properties include aspects such as antibacterial, anti-fungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. It pretty much covers all the main areas! As you can see, sage is a next level type of EO and thus this is the reason why it costs that bit more. While it can treat a whole host of ailments and maladies, below are two of the most common problems that it is used for.
Uses
- Lowers Cholesterol Levels
- Battles Alzheimer's
Alzheimer’s is a disease that is profoundly sad. The way it affects the human mind can truly be heart breaking for loved ones. As such, every and all options should be explored when it comes to trying to prevent this disease occurring.
Due to the massive natural benefits of this oil type, it is widely believed that people who incorporate it into their daily diets boosts their chances of maintaining their cognitive functions for a much greater extent. This substance has even been proven to help those who have already been struck down with Alzheimer’s. [10]
Citrus Variations
There are a few citrus based EOs that I feel are well worth a mention. I’ve decided to group them together for convenience sake. Below are some of the key such ones:
Orange | Grapefruit | Lemon | Tangerine | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Source: | Orange peel | Grapefruit rinds | Lemon rinds | Citrus Reticulata tree |
Benefits/Uses: | - Revitalizes the mind & body - Increases & stabilizes energy levels - Boosts mood - Great addition to cooking | - Mood booster - Aromatic agent - Powerful cleansing agent - Effective had inhibiting fat burning | - Aromatic purposes - Cleanser - Adds flavor to a meal - Antibacterial properties - Anti-fungal properties | - Most commonly used as an aromatic due to its tangy, rich scent - Adds zest to cooking - Mood lifter - Powerful antioxidant - Helps with irritability |
What is Aromatherapy?
As I’m sure you’ve noticed, aromatherapy and EOs are two things that are often intertwined. But what exactly is this term and how is it different to the actual essences?
The definition: In simple terms, aromatherapy relates to the actual therapeutic treatment itself, while the oils are the tool that is used to create this treatment. If you google this term, then you’ll get a definition along the lines of the following:
“This method incorporates plant essences, plant materials, and aroma compounds in order
to boost physical and psychological well-being and health.” [11]
Does This Treatment Work?
The short answer is yes! I’ve already explained the multitude of benefits and uses that EOs and aromatherapy can have – both that have been around for thousands of years I might add.
Aromatherapy, just like the natural essences, is something that has been refined over the generations by numerous tribes, empires, civilizations, and now modern societies. This has resulted in a top quality therapeutic treatment being available to us in the present day.
If you’ve skipped ahead to this part, please take a look back at the uses and pros of the above mentioned elements that I’ve discussed in previous paragraphs.
Benefits & Uses of Aromatherapy
Humidifier
The benefits of using a humidifier in your own home are numerous and are actually quite important. Humidifiers work to place moisture back into the immediate vicinity.
This will have great positive impact for your skin; hair; overall health and indeed your entire household.
Most commonly used in Winter time when the air is dry, humidifiers have been proven to negate the risks of viruses and infections that are common at this time of year.
Such ailments spread and multiply in dry conditions, so by adding more humidity to a certain environment this lowers the risk of such ailments.
An aromatherapy humidifier is then another step up in terms of the health benefits that can be gained.
Adding the positives of a quality oil into the equation along with the extra humidity supplied by a top-quality humidifier is a sure-fire way of creating a super healthy and relaxing environment.
Sleep
Using essentials oils in a session of aromatherapy for sleep problems is a tested and proven way to help with a lack of sleep. This treatment method has the natural effect of relaxing the body and mind which is of course needed in order for us to gain a good night’s sleep.
Anxiety
Using this treatment for anxiety issues is another great example of how beneficial and positive it can be. There’s nothing worse than having a feeling of doubt or worry in the back of your mind – sometimes we cannot even pinpoint where this sense of anxiety and angst comes from.
Aromatherapy and the accompanying essences, as they do for sleep issues, relaxes the mind and body both on a psychological level as well as a physical one. This means that a good session can greatly relieve the stress, anxiety, and angst that can negatively affect us throughout our lives. [12]
How to Use Natural Essences?
Just as there are multiple benefits and uses, and just like there are literally dozens of different types, there are also quite a varying range of methods in which to use these natural substances. Every person has their favorite method – my own being a home dispersing machine – so below I’ve outlined some of the most preferred options. Hopefully the following inspires you.
- massage
- steaming water
- facial steaming
- home machine (the health base's top choice)
Dispersing natural essences into the air is without doubt the best method of getting the maximum from any of these substances. Why? Because these nifty machines have been specifically designed for just that purpose.
Due to the fact that this method is so far ahead of the others I’ve mentioned, I’ve decided to give this area of an entire section to itself. This section is located directly below and in it I delve into everything and anything that you might need to know about this technique.
What is a Home Machine?
These machines are regarded as being the best delivery method when it comes to getting the maximum out of the essences. While the methods that I mentioned previously are effective, a quality home machine really does take the therapeutic element of aromatherapy to the next level.
Such a device has been specifically designed to fill any given environment with the essence of your chosen oil. The reason why this method stands head and shoulders above the other methods lies in the flow and texture of steam in which the unit releases the natural goodness into the air.
This flow and texture has been specifically calculated so as to ensure that all the benefits are achieved and that none of that natural essence is wasted. The other methods that I’ve mentioned do not possess the same quality as this technique.
The Undeniable Benefits
There are tonnes and tonnes of pros that can come from using one of these machines. I won’t bore you by repeating myself – all these benefits are outlined in the previous paragraphs. Safe to say that when it comes to dispersing EOs in your vicinity, the health positives are literally endless! Below is a quick recap of some of the key ones:
Easy to Use?
One of the great things about these machines is the ease in which they can be operated. There really is very little in terms of knowledge needed, and absolutely no technical skills required whatsoever.
The majority of these machines are very simple to use – all that is needed is to add your favorite substance to the container provided; set the unit to whatever time you want it to run for; and then press start! Simples.
Obviously, different brands have varying different methods with regard to operating techniques. However, all the machines that we researched and tested were very similar, and none of them were in any way confusing to work. In a nutshell, a top quality home unit is not something that will cause you any operating issues.
The Cleaning Process
Of course, as is always advised, it’s prudent to take a quick look at the instruction manual before using any type of machine related product. Cleaning any machine is vital in terms of both maximizing its performance as well as extending its life. Below is a quick and easy to follow five step method in how to clean such a machine:
STEP ONE
- Fill the compartment with clean water
- Fill half way but not all the way to the max line
STEP TWO
- Add 8-10 drops of white vinegar into the water; the vinegar aids in dislodging the build up of residue that can become stuck on the inside of the unit
STEP THREE
- Run the machine for in-between five to ten minutes
- When finished, empty out all the excess water
STEP FOUR
- Next, use a piece of kitchen paper or a cotton swab to wipe clean the corners of the inside of the machine and the container. I find that an earbud is a perfect tool for this
STEP FIVE
- Rinse clean the container with water and then empty it again
- You are now ready to begin your session!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Some machines will vary with regards to their mechanical makeup. However, the outlined steps should still be an effective cleaning routine.
Video - Benefits & Uses of Home Machines
Below is a great little video about this method which reinforces everything that I've said thus far. It's only a short video and well worth a look. 🙂
Aromatherapy Inhaler – Convenient Alternative
When it comes to getting the best out of aromatherapy oils, then it’s well worth mentioning inhalers. These nifty little devices are perfect if you would like to bring your therapeutic session with you on a trip.
A home machine is the best method when it comes to availing of natural essences, but the actual device isn’t really designed for travel – it’s more of a home apparatus. In saying this, one of these machines could indeed comfortably fit in a suitcase, but it would take up valuable space.
A handy alternative is to use an inhaler. This handy device can easily fit in a backpack, handbag, or even your pocket, depending on the inhaler chosen. The actual device can vary in size from a pint glass all the way down to the size of a lipstick tube – all in all, inhalers takes up no space at all.
These inhalers are also perfect for work spaces. Let’s face it, you might get some odd looks or even outright hostile ones if you decided to turn on such a unit in your place of work – especially if you work in a communal work space. Some people might not share your enthusiasm for the scent of lavender!!
To avoid this problem, and to still get your whack of natural goodness, simply take a blast of an aromatherapy inhaler and off you go! The same goes for when you’re travelling on public transport. I personally have one of these inhalers and use it whenever I fly. I’m quite a nervous flier – why, I don’t know! – so having the ability to take a whiff of a lavender is great as it calms my irrational fears.
The Best Starter Kits
1: Artisan Aromatics – Professional Aromatherapy
The Brand
The Artisan Aromatics brand has been a prominent supplier and manufacture of natural essences for over twenty years – bringing 150+ essence types from 6 different continents to the market place.
All of the Artisan formulations are sourced from either organic, wildcraft, or conventionally cultivated methods.
Every product supplied by this brand have undergone GC-MS testing by independent laboratories in order to verify their purity and quality.
These reports are available on the official website of this brand.
The Starter Kit
Known as the Professional Aromatherapy Starter Kit, this kit supplies 16 different oils, that’s between 3-9 more EOs than the other starter kits.
16 unique options mean that you get a whole range of different options for your aromatherapy sessions.
This wide range of choice is the star element of this product as each essence has its own unique scent; set of uses; and litany of benefits.
If you’re new to EOs, or indeed if you’re an experienced hand, then this starter kit is a great way to experiment with new substances as well as to pinpoint which ones are your favorites.
2: DiffuserWorld – Baker’s Dozen Collection
The Brand
Primarily known for their top of the range home machines, the good people at DiffuserWorld have been involved in the aromatherapy/essential oil niche since 1999.
Run by Earl and DeAnn Sevy, this company has strived to raise the bar when it comes this beauty niche.
This brand possess a very flattering consumer feedback history and go out of their way to include their consumer’s input into their products and services when possible. This customer friendly approach is epitomized by the brand’s top-grade customer service.
The DiffuserWorld Starter Kit
Known as the Baker’s Dozen Collection, this starter kit includes 13 top quality EOs that cover a large spectrum in terms of the differing variations.
Supplying a massive 195ml of varying options, this starter kit is a great way to get introduced with the art of aromatherapy.
This kit also includes some addons which allows you to mix some of the essences if you’d like to experiment with some different blends.
3: Official HCG Premium Kit
The Brand
Originating in India in the 1950s, the Official HCG brand really came to the fore in the past few years. Being the brainchild of Doctor Simeons, this brand primarily focuses on, and specializes in, weight loss treatments and techniques.
The name HCG comes from the hormone Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG). This water-soluble hormone has been identified by Doctor Simeons as being vital in aiding the body to metabolize fat stores rather than lean muscle – this obviously then results in weight loss.
The Official HCG Starter Kit
Also known as the Premium Kit, this pack contains 7 premium aromatherapy oils. While this obviously is a lesser amount of individual EOs than the Artisan Aromatics starter kit (16) and the DiffuserWorld starter kit (13), the HCG essences come in 30 ml bottles compared to the 10 ml and 15 ml bottles supplied by the other two brands.
This results in less choice but more volume with regards to the oils contained in the HCG kit. This starter kit is ideal for those who want to try out a few specific EOs rather than a whole host. It’s also perfect for those who know something about the different options and want to restock on their favorite ones.
The Health Base Verdict
In terms of which starter kit is best…that’s really up to you. We at the Health Base would never instruct you to buy a certain product or brand, that’s just not how we operate. Instead, we simply offer our opinion and knowledge on what we think were the best brands that we came across.
In saying this, you really couldn’t go wrong with the three beginner kits that I’ve mentioned in this article – all three tick the important boxes of quality and cost effectiveness. Also, there’s not a massive difference in terms of price or overall volume of the three kits so it really comes down to which oil combinations you like the look of best.
Essential oils are brilliant tools that have multiple uses and benefits for our health and our overall well-being. There really is no down side to using them once you pick a brand that supplies the best of the best in terms of ingredients. Artisan Aromatics, DiffuserWorld, and Official HCG all have proven without doubt to do just this.
So, whichever of the three you decide to go for, or indeed if you choose another top brand, I can promise that you and your health will be better off for that decision!
BRAND: | Artisan Aromatic | DiffuserWorld | Official HCG |
|---|---|---|---|
Name: | Professional Aromatherapy | Baker's Dozen Collection | Premium Kit |
|  |  |  |
Number of EOs: | 16 | 13 | 7 |
Bottle size: | 10ml | 15ml | 5-30ml |
Total Oil Volume | 160ml | 195ml | 185ml |
Essences included: | - Lavender - Ylang Ylang - Rosemary - Peppermint - Lemon -Eucalyptus - Cedar wood - Tea Tree - Geranium - Orange - Bergamot - Cypress - Frankincense - Marjoram - Palmarosa - Petitgrain | - Lavender - Ylang Ylang - Rosemary - Peppermint - Lemon - Eucalyptus - Cedar Wood - Tea Tree - Cinnamon - Sweet Orange - Clove Leaf - Lime - Grapefruit | - Lavender - Ylang Ylang - Basil - Roman Chamomile - Clary Sage - Geranium - Orange |
Free Add-ons: | - Doctor Power’s Aromatherapy Study Guide | - Blending Kit - 15ml Amber bottle x 3 w/ Lid + Reducer - Pipette Plastic Dropper x 10 | 5 eGuides: - Starter Guide - Massage Guide - Health Guide - Beauty Guide - Childcare Guide |
Best Place to Purchase
This guide would be pretty useless if I didn’t suggest some possible places where you could purchase these essences or quality home machines.
I’ll be honest, when it comes to these products there are literally dozens upon dozens of different vendors to choose from. Like I said earlier, this particular niche is a trillion-dollar industry – this results in plenty of interest from all sorts of companies! If you were to do a quick Google search on this topic, then you’ll soon discover that there is no end to the places you can buy them.
So, when it comes to figuring out where to buy from, I have one simple piece of advice for you – that is that you buy directly from the brands that create the oils rather than from wholesalers like Amazon who supply multiple brands.
Why? Well, because there is…
A Problem with Amazon
Amazon are a hugely trusted wholesaler, don’t get me wrong, but they don’t actually manufacture nature essences. They just provide a platform for brands who want to sell their wares. This means that it can be hard to discern which brand is better than the other. Yes, Amazon do rate products with regards to quality and they do allow reviews. The problem with this is that sometimes the Amazon rating system is not reflective of which brand is actually the best.
Let me explain: if a particular brand pumped massive money into advertising – let’s say they hire a celebrity figure to promote their range of products – then this brand would more than likely sell well on Amazon. People would see the promotional work and then search for the brand’s wares on Amazon. This would result in Amazon rating this line of oils highly because they are selling well.
So, as you can see, sometimes the data may not be a fair representation of which brand is the best. Therefore….
Buy From the Source
We at the Health Base highly recommend that you buy from the top brand’s websites. A key reason for this is that the brand’s websites are often a lot more affordable than wholesalers. Also, brand’s regularly run promotions on their websites which could save you a buck or two.
But, before we can get to the actual website, there’s the little matter of identifying which is the best brand.
When it comes to doing this a sure fire way to separate the quality brands from the dodgy ones is to examine the 1) reviews and 2) the top brands that are available today. I've explained this in more depth below.
1
Reviews
It’s very easy and tempting to go for the cheap options. The problem with this, as tends to be the case, is that if you buy a product that’s cheap in price then it’ll no doubt be lacking in quality. More often than not in life you will get what you pay for when it comes to products – brands and companies aren’t in the habit of selling their wares for less than their worth.
Conversely, you don’t want to be ripped off. Very often brands use fancy packaging, slick advertising, and even celebrity endorsements to hike up the prices of their products. These kind of black hat tactics have been used since the beginning of time – don’t fall for them!!
So, don’t buy cheap essential oils, and don’t be suckered into paying over the odds either. This is where customer reviews and testimonials come into the equation.
There are tonnes and tonnes of such reviews online – these are a good place to start in sorting the fact from the fiction and the quality products from the rubbish ones.
2
Best EO Brands
As with every purchase, you should also be cognitive of the brand as well as the product itself. Brand quality and product/service quality are interlinked – you really can’t have one without the other. When it comes to the best oil brand, it’s really a matter of opinion. If you sift through the online reviews and testimonials, you’ll soon become a bit swamped. There really are tonnes of brands.
Through our extensive research and testing on this subject, we came across and analysed many brands. While there are many leading suppliers of these products, we particularly liked the Official HCG range of products – in particular, their beginner kits are great value and a good way of getting into this area of health and beauty.
When it came to home machines, we were taken with the Aroma-Ace Atomizer supplied by DiffuserWorld. We’ve reviewed this particular device if you’d care to take a look – Aroma-Ace Review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are the key points in terms of storage?
Answer: The thing to remember when it comes to storage is that elements of these essences can degrade if exposed to too much sunlight and/or air. This will cause the natural material to breakdown and become less effective.
Therefore, ensure that you store your essences in a cool, dry place. Kitchen, bathroom, or indeed any type of cupboards are a perfect place to keep these items safe. Following this simple bit of advice will ensure that your oils reach their maximum shelf life.
Question: Where's the best place to buy?
Answer: As I’ve mentioned before, there are tonnes and tonnes of different vendors when it comes to this niche – it is, after all, a trillion-dollar industry. As part of our research, we spend quite a bit of time comparing and contrasting the top vendors in terms of the oils; the units; and the packages and kits that each produce.
We took into account such elements as volume; quality; purity; price; warranty and a whole host of other factors.
Question: What if I ingest a substance?
Answer: There is a huge amount of convoluted information online when it comes to this question. It’s a topic that is heavily debated. A key problem in answering this question is that there are tonnes of different types of aromatherapy oils…and then are hundreds of brands which produce slightly different versions of each of these essences.
The easiest answer is both yes and no – some are safe to ingest, but some are most definitely not. That goes for the brands as well. If you are hell bent on ingesting these substances, then our best advice is for you is to take the substance in question to your local doctor. He/she will be able to tell you if any particular ingredient is safe for oral consumption.
Question: Does these treatment method really work?
Answer: Absolutely!! If you are still hesitant over this then…well, there’s not much more that I can say! These natural substances are massively beneficial in numerous different ways.
Question: How to make my own oils?
Answer: Some people prefer the DIY route rather than buying from a trusted vendor. This is fine, though it is obviously more expensive and time consuming if you attempt to make something from scratch. There is also no guarantee that the resulting concoction you’ve created is actually any use!
The key problem is that you could make something that looked and smelled like the real deal, but the mixture could be slightly off without you knowing. However, if you do want to give making an essence yourself a go then there’s tonnes of different recipes available online.
Question: How to dilute?
Answer: The key to mixing and diluting these substances lies in using quality carrier oils. Carriers are liquids extracted from vegetables and plants for the specific reason of diluting these substances.
Question: How to make perfume?
Answer: There are many different variations of natural essences that can be used as the foundation of a perfume. Examples are vertiver mixed with sweet almond essence; ylang ylang mixed with jojoba essence, or cedarwood essence mixed with vanilla extract.
A quick google search will reveal a plethora of different options, just make sure that the source you’re using is a trusted one. Otherwise you could end up with a rather stinky concoction!
Question: Which ones to avoid when pregnant?
Answer: Every pregnancy is different, this is a leading factor as to why pregnancies are so amazing – each one is unique and special. When it comes to EOs, there are quite a lot of them that are good to use. However, thing’s get a bit trickier when it comes to the ones that you shouldn’t use.
Again, there are mixed reports and opinions available in regards to this topic. As with ingesting these substances, the best and safest piece of advice that I can give you is to make a trip to your local doctor before you start using an oil during pregnancy.
Question: How many drops to use in a machine?
Answer: There is real no definitive measurement when it comes to this question. However, there is a common trend that you can follow which won’t steer you wrong. A usual unit has a water container with a volume of 100ml. It’s widely regarded that 4-5 drops of any particular essence is plenty for such a volume of water.
I would personally start with this measurement. You can always then do a bit of experimenting as you go.
Question: Are there Cheap EOs?
Answer: The answer to this is simple...you get what you pay for!! This is the undeniable truth behind 99.9% of products and services. Sure, you might get a bargain in some cases, or overpay for a poor product, but for the most part the quality of a product will be representative of the price that you'll pay.
So, yes, there are cheap EOs out there, but they're cheap for a reason!! 🙂 In saying this, quality EOs do not cost a fortune. This is another massively attractive element of these oils - the cost is very affordable.
Our Final Word
There you have it folks – that brings to an end to my reference guide on essential/aromatherapy oils; the methods; and pretty much everything else that is involved with this particular health and beauty topic. Of course, I am not infallible. I’m well aware that I’ve probably overlooked some area or another.
If this is the case, and you think there’s something missing from this guide that should be present, then please drop me a message at the end of this post and I’ll be sure to add it in. That’s what theHealthBase is all about after all!
To Your Health,
Maggie
Resource Section
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4289931/
2. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/peppermint-oil-uses-benefits-effects#1
3. https://www.healthline.com/health/migraine/peppermint-oil-for-migraines
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27659004
5. https://www.healthline.com/health/cancer/frankincense-and-cancer
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12121393
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12451368
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3480584/
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24050577
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12605619
11. https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-aromatherapy
12. https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/essential-oils-for-anxiety
