“Yes, I admit it: I am afraid to make eye contact with ladies in the wellness aisle at the store.”
If you prefer not to get tackled by your local essential oil lady and be forced to put lavender on your crow’s feet as well as buy a new car diffuser you weren’t expecting to purchase, listen up.
Essential oils have a centuries-long history of aiding us in our health pursuits, and it wasn’t until the pharmaceutical industry took off in the early 1900s that the synthetic versions of these herbal remedies interrupted our common knowledge of their uses.
Yes, pharmaceuticals may have longer lasting effects than their herbal counterparts; however, with side effects playing a larger role in people’s chronic illness now, longevity seekers want information about natural health alternatives.
While the chemistry of essential oils is one of the most intriguing rabbit holes I’ve ever spent time in, most people just want the facts, so here they are.
“What are the most common essential oil types?”
1. Undiluted - Potent Powerhouses
Pure essential oils are like the espresso of the plant world—potent and powerful. A little goes a long way. They offer the maximum therapeutic benefits and can be customized to suit your needs. However, they should be diluted with a carrier oil before applying directly to the skin to avoid irritation.
People often use this type of essential oil to make their houses smell good without even recognizing that healing is taking place. Our company's line of Diffuse It™ essential oils are for this purpose. Diffuse the oil. Diffuse the problem.
* Pro Tip: Use undiluted oils for diffusing or creating your own blends. If you’re dealing with a stuffy nose, add a few drops of eucalyptus to your diffuser. For a refreshing pick-me-up, a drop of peppermint oil in your diffuser can do wonders. Remember, these oils are strong, so a few drops are all you need!
2. Prediluted Oils - The Convenience Kings
Pre-diluted oils are the fast food of the essential oil world—convenient, ready-to-use, and perfect for the busy bee who doesn’t have time to mix their own. Pre-diluted oils come premixed with a carrier oil, taking the guesswork out of dilution.
Imagine you’ve just survived a long day of work, or you’re in pain and on the go, and the last thing you want is to channel your inner mad scientist. Pre-diluted oils to the rescue! They’re perfect for quick application and ideal for those who are new to the essential oil game.
Our entire house is filled with essential and carrier oils, but if I get a burn in the kitchen when cooking, I immediately grab my Ready to Roll® lavender because… why? Because I’m in pain and don’t want to take five seconds to unscrew a coconut oil lid in my pantry, that’s why. First world problems.
* Pro Tip: Look for rollerball bottles—super easy to carry and apply. Roll a bit of lavender on your wrist before bed or the Breathe Better blend on your chest during cold season. It’s like aromatherapy on the go!
3. Blended Oils - The Symphony of Scents
Blended oils are the divas of the essential oil stage—complex, multifaceted, and designed to deliver a full performance. They are a combination of several essential oils to create a harmonious symphony of benefits.
Blends are formulated to tackle specific needs, whether it’s relaxation, energy, focus, or even a little romance. They’re like the carefully curated playlists of the essential oil world, hitting all the right notes for the perfect mood.
* Pro Tip: Blended oils may refer to undiluted or diluted, so be sure to read the ingredients. For example, our company has a product called Daily Wellness (five oils known for immune support) that is available in both undiluted form for the diffuser or tub, as well as the Ready to Roll® prediluted version in a roller bottle that is safe to use topically on the palms or soles of feet.
See comparison below. Both products have the same ingredients except the one on the left contains only organic essential oils for a diffuser or tub. The product on the right is Ready to Roll® and can be rolled directly onto skin because it is prediluted with coconut oil.
Conquering the Wellness Aisle:
So now that you’re armed with this essential oil knowledge, how do you brave the wellness aisle without breaking a sweat?
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Start Simple - Pick out one or two favorite aromas to start with or perhaps address a particular ailment.
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Read Labels - Is it undiluted? Prediluted? A blend?
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Ask Questions - Research studies online for tested remedies or ask a seller for guidance.
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Purchase High Quality Organic - Your skin (and nose) will thank you.
Final Thoughts
Venturing into the world of essential oils doesn’t have to be intimidating. Whether you’re easing into it with pre-diluted oils, enjoying the pure potency of undiluted options, or diving deep into the complex world of blends, there’s something for everyone. With this guide, you’re well on your way to becoming an essential oil connoisseur.
Disclaimer: Always perform a patch test before using essential oils on your skin, and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any health conditions or concerns. This blog is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
* Essential oils are highly concentrated substances. Researching their benefits and cautions is your responsibility. We use GreenMedInfo.com and PubMed.gov when we want to check the latest studies of their proclaimed uses.