How to choose and use essential oils

Essential oils are a fantastic natural remedy to a diverse variety of ailments.

You can use peppermint oil to help you soothe an aching stomach, lavender oil to calm your nerves at night and grapefruit oil to give your energy a boost before a gym session.

But it can be difficult to know what oils to choose to treat which issues.

If you can find CBD hemp oil in South Africa, you can combine it with your daily regimen for a healthier lifestyle. For those who want to introduce essential oils into their routine, read on below for tips on how to choose and use essential oils.

Identify your problem

The very first step to choosing an essential oil for your problem is to identify what your problem  is. Is your problem physical, such as regular migraines or stomach problems, or do you feel like it could be more of a mental issue, such as brain fog or fatigue?

Once you have identified your problem, you can move on to choosing the right oil for your needs. You will have to take into account your personal aroma preference, as some people are sensitive to certain smells. For example, if you have an issue with sleeplessness but find lavender an unpleasant smell, you can opt for chamomile or ylang-ylang.

Understand the chemistry

While you might not think about the chemistry behind essential oils, it is important to understand it if you are going to be using them. This is especially true if you are going to be blending two oils, such as hemp oil from Cape Town and Roman chamomile oil, for a relaxing aromatherapy treat.

Understanding the chemistry is important if you have a certain therapeutic goal in mind. Oils have different properties that we might not know about. Some are heating and some are cooling, which are important aspects to consider when blending them. If you are working with oils that are “hot”, such as oregano, thyme, cinnamon leaf, and clove, you will need to use caution when using them on your skin.

Be aware of the different uses

There are numerous different uses for essential oils, so it is important that you understand them before moving on to choosing which ones are right for your needs. Essential oils can be applied topically to the skin, inhaled through the nose, ingested through the mouth and diffused in an oil burner or diffuser.

If you have a skin abrasion or burn, you can rub an essential oil gently onto your skin. To treat mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression, quickly inhaling the oil is the best route to choose for almost instant gratification. By using a diffuser, you will be giving yourself a mental boost whenever you enter the room it is in. The way you use the oils is really dependent on the problem you will be using them for.

Which essential oils should I choose?

Now that you know how to choose and use essential oils, you are most likely curious about what to use for what ailment. For example, you can use CBD hemp oil from South Africa for inflammation and the treatment of arthritis. Below are just some of the essential oils you should choose for different ailments.

Cold-busting combination

If you have a cold coming on, or if you are already sick, you can use a unique combination of three oils to combat it. You should combine rosalina, eucalyptus radiata, and german chamomile. These will work together to unblock your nasal passages and boost your immune system to help you recover from the virus quicker.

Dream-filled sleep

Sleep is something that a vast majority of us battle with. To get a restful night’s sleep, combine lavender, roman chamomile, and clary sage. These oils have high levels of esters, which offer you an instant calming effect on the central nervous system, making for a peaceful sleep and an energised waking. Be sure to breathe in this combination an hour before you go to bed and once more before your head hits the pillow.

Magical moisturiser

Essential oils can do more than just boost your mood and fight colds. They can also help to moisturise and plump your skin, which is especially useful for people who are prone to dry, dull skin. If you want to improve your skin, you can combine oils such as rose and Helichrysum italicum (better known as “curry plant”). Rose helps to reduce redness and offers a glorious scent, while the curry plant helps to heal acne and eczema.

Breathe in deep

Essential oils are highly useful in treating any number of ailments. They offer a natural alternative to over-the-counter medicine, but you must always check the ingredients to be sure you are not allergic to any. First, you will need to identify your problem, then you can move onto choosing the oils that fit your needs. Use them to clear your head in the morning or for a restful night’s sleep after a hard day.