Are you looking to buy essential oils? Welcome to the club!
Over the years, more and more people have started to discover the therapeutic benefits of using plant extracts like lavender, rose geranium, chamomile, and so many more. They can be used in a wide variety of therapeutic contexts including relief from stress and anxiety, promoting better sleep, soothing skin irritations…the list goes on!
If you are going to buy essential oils for the first time, there are some things you should know about them. Ideally, after reading this article, you will have an adequate understanding of these products for you to be able to purchase and use them with confidence.
Here’s what you should know before you run off to buy essential oils.
They can have different effects on different people
One of the most important things to understand before you buy essential oils is that they can provide different results for different people. For example, while extracts of lavender, basil, chamomile etc. are associated with having a calming and relaxing effect, for some people they can be quite stimulating.
The effects of the extract you use will also be influenced by how much it has been diluted, and the way you use it. For example, massaging it into your skin can often produce a different result than if you used a diffuser.
As you can see, there are a lot of variables at play. Most people who buy essential oils for the first time need to experiment to find what works best for them.
With all this in mind, you should be proactive in your research before you buy essential oils. It can be helpful to get in touch with an experienced aromatherapist or even just someone you know who has a lot of experience in this area.
There are also plenty of books out there you can use as a resource. For example, a book about leveraging aromatherapy to promote better sleep can be the way to go if you are struggling with sleep issues.
Understand how to use them
If you are going to buy essential oils, then you would no doubt want to have a firm understanding of how to use them. If you start using extracts without knowing what you are doing, the consequences can be severe.
Luckily, you don’t need to be a chemistry wizard to use these products, but there are some basic things you should understand.
There are 2 popular ways to use them; aromatically and topically.
Aromatically
For most people who buy essential oils, this is the most familiar way to use them. There are several different ways to use extracts aromatically.
The most common way is via a diffuser, primarily because it is a relatively low-effort means of introducing the therapeutic benefits of your favourite extracts into your home. While they are not difficult to use, the aroma they produce can be quite potent and may not be suitable for everyone.
A standard diffuser works by using heat to break down the molecules of the extract and dispersing them through the air so that you passively inhale them in small amounts. A diffuser is designed to disperse the aroma at a concentration that is comfortable and not overbearing (even the nicest aroma can be overpowering if over-concentrated).
If you are about to buy essential oils for the first time, then a diffuser is often the best place to start due to their ease of use. There are several different types of diffusers out there, and the right choice for you will depend on the experience you want.
A nebulising diffuser uses a high-velocity, pressurised jet nozzle and air stream to break down the extract into tiny particles. While nebulisers are effective and reliable, they are also the most expensive variety, so be prepared to make an investment.
Another type of diffuser to consider using when you buy essential oils is an ultrasonic diffuser. This diffuser makes use of electronic frequencies and water to create ultrasonic vibrations that turn the extract into a fine mist.
There are also other varieties of diffusers out there each with their own unique features and benefits.
You don’t absolutely need a diffuser to enjoy the aromatic benefits of different extracts. If you buy essential oils, then you can pour a few drops onto cotton balls and place them in a bowl, leaving them to disperse the scent wherever you like in your home (this is known as dry evaporation).
Topically
Of course, when you buy essential oils, you can also use them topically. You likely already have used skincare products that contain different plant extracts, such as jojoba oil which helps promote younger-looking skin.
It’s very important that you understand that most extracts are very potent and therefore should not be applied directly to your skin without first being diluted. To dilute the extract, you use a carrier oil which dilutes the potency of essential oils without interfering with its therapeutic properties.
Coconut, sweet almond, olive, vegetable, nut and other oils are commonly used as carrier oils. After you buy essential oils, it may take some experimentation to figure out which carrier pairs best with them.
A general measurement most people follow is having one teaspoon of carrier mixed with every three teaspoons for pure essential oil. However, depending on your sensitivity, you may want to dilute it more (this is also recommended when using extracts with children).
When you buy essential oils for topical use, it’s a good idea to know what your goals are. This will allow you to research and select the extract with properties that are most beneficial for you.
For example, for wound care, you would want to buy essential oils that have antimicrobial properties and are gentle to sensitive skin. There are a small number of extracts (such as lavender) that can be used in small amounts on the skin undiluted.
Where to buy essential oils?
Since it is a massive and growing global industry, there’s no shortage of places for you to buy essential oils. Going online is a great way to find a wholesaler who can ship the desired amount of extract to your front door at a competitive price.
It’s important that you do your research into the supplier you want to buy essential oils from so that you are assured they have a good reputation. It can be a good idea to start with a small order at first and then make larger purchases once you are confident you are getting the best products.
There are a lot of different sources out there from which you can buy essential oils but taking some time to research the best option for you will be well worth it. Hopefully, you will be able to find a supplier that you can rely on to consistently deliver a high-quality product.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, you should not be afraid to take the leap and buy essential oils if you are interested in exploring their therapeutic or skin care benefits. While it can seem like there is a lot to learn, everything will fall into place once you get started.
