Essential oils are scented oils extracted from plants. Plants have been known, throughout history, to contain healing properties, and the way that we can get direct access to those properties is through the plants’ essential oils. Essential oils can be used in medicine, cosmetics, perfumes, cooking, and aromatherapy. At Sweet Grass Farm, we pride ourselves on being a natural, plant-based skin care company. We feature essential oils in most of our products. Each type of essential oil has different benefits and can be used for a variety of treatments. Here are some of the most popular:
Lavender
Lavender is known for its incredible healing properties. It is full of antioxidants, which help to speed the healing process for cuts, rashes, wounds, and burns. It is also helps to slow the activity of the central nervous system to improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and increase concentration. Sometimes, lavender is used to help the process of hair regrowth for those who have alopecia or hair loss. Not to mention it has a lovely, light floral scent.
Lemon
Citrus essential oils are used for a variety of things. They are a natural antibacterial tool and are used in natural cleaning products. They also have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to stimulate healing, and rejuvenate skin that appears dull. Their acidity is thought to help stimulate the immune system and be a cleansing oil.
Peppermint
Peppermint is one of the most widely used and versatile essential oils in the world. It is said to help a variety of different issues. It is often used to help nausea, headaches, upset stomach, gas, indigestion, fever, and even anxiety. According to Global Healing Center, peppermint contains menthol, which interferes with electrolyte movement across cell membranes, stopping involuntary contractions in the gut.
Tea Tree
Tea tree oil is a great oil to use for healing and for cleaning. It has strong antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiprotozoal properties. It fights infection in cuts and burns, scabs, and acne. It makes a great natural hand sanitizer, bug spray, all-purpose cleaner, and mouthwash. DO NOT swallow tea tree oil, as it is toxic if ingested.
How To Use Essential Oils Safely
Add It To Your Bath
Certain essential oils make a soothing and relaxing bath. If you are going to use your essential oils in your bath, make sure your oil is meant to be applied to skin, and add about 10 drops to ½ cup of coconut milk and one cup of salt. Lavender is a great oil to use in the bath.
Inhale Through Diffuser
A common use of essential oils is through a diffuser. This is called aromatherapy, and the benefits of the oils are absorbed through the bloodstream when inhaled. Aromatic use is considerably safer, and has been shown to be more effective than internal use.
Topical Use
Applying essential oils to wounds and other ailments on the skin is a way to rapidly absorb the benefits of the oil. It is important to read guidelines carefully to make sure that your oil is safe to use on the skin. When using it topically, it’s recommended that you dilute the oil in another, safe carrier oil and apply to the skin with a towel.
Use Products With Essential Oils In Them
A great way to reap the benefits of essential oils without spending the money on essential oils and having to take the precautions to make sure it’s safe is to use natural skin care products that contain essential oils. Sweet Grass Farms has a number of high-quality natural skin care products that contain essential oils, so you reap the benefits of both a natural skin care product and the essential oil.
Bottom Line: Pay attention to the intended use of your oils and stick to what is recommended. Some oils cannot be ingested and some cannot be applied to the skin. When used incorrectly, you will not reap the benefits of essential oils, and can seriously harm yourself.
Shop Sweet Grass Farm’s collection of products with essential oils to get the natural benefits of essential oils in your skin care routine.