Are you asking yourself why you should consider essential oils?  The answer seems simple to me… Why not? Here is why I do:

IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH. Essential oils are made up of natural chemical compounds that have purifying, cleansing, calming and irritation reducing properties. When oils are diffused in the air, they can kill airborne pathogens to help keep you healthy, and they can improve your moods. Essential oils offer quick and effective ways to reduce pain of all types.  From children to adults, there is an application that works.

IMPROVE YOUR MOODS. When you smell an oil, it activates the part of the brain that controls emotions, heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. Simply diffusing oil into the air can alter the moods of those in the room.

MULTIPLE USES. Pharmaceuticals are made from one single isolated synthetic compound while an essential oil can have hundreds of chemical compounds. This means that a single oil has hundreds of different things it can do for you. Lavender has a variety of uses; it can improve your sleep and calm you down emotions, while also helping to reduce your response to seasonal threats and provide support to your immune system at the same time. Peppermint can support digestive issues and headache tension at the same time. Lemon for uplifting a mood and cleaning. The list is endless.

SAVE MONEY.  Essential oils are pennies per drop. Compare that to the cost of prescription and over the counter medications that most come with an undesired side effect.  Just the other day I took charge of my back pain without the fogginess of narcotics. Additionally, oils can be swapped out for cleaning products throughout the house.

SUPPORT THE PLANET. It’s so easy to make your own personal care and household cleaning products using essential oils. Lotion bars, laundry detergent, countertop cleaner, etc…the list is endless.  Imagine all the toxic chemicals and wasteful packaging you could keep out of the environment, water, and landfills. Plus, when essential oils are produced in an environmentally and socially responsible way, they actually help to improve the environment and communities where they are grown. Sustainability at its best.

POWERFUL SOURCE OF ANTIOXIDANTS. Essential oils, because they are so concentrated, are some of the most powerful known antioxidants in the world. We have all heard that eating foods high in antioxidants protect our cells. Antioxidants help to absorb free radicals and prevent the aging of our cells so we can live healthier, longer lives. Who wouldn’t want that?

Finally, it is important be careful about essential oil quality and potency before using them, especially when considering using them internally as a dietary supplement. Many essential oils on the market are 100% synthetic, so they could be irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Companies often dilute or adulterate their product in some way to get a higher yield and lower their costs.  Shop wise.  Live wise.

To learn More about the basics, check out this handy guide!