Have you ever used essential oils? Are you unsure how to do it? In this post, you'll find a short beginner's guide that will help you clear up any doubts and begin using them safely. And if you already use them, we encourage you to stay tuned. This will be a very comprehensive post , and you might discover new things.

Essential oils, to be of high quality and with all their properties intact, must be 100% pure . Avoid products that call themselves "essence or aroma of..." This already indicates that their components contain more than just the essential oil of the plant in question.

The ones we carry at Alma Eko are from the Labiatae brand . These are 100% pure essential oils, also sourced from organic farming , which further assures us that their properties are respected. They are suitable for external use (inhalation and topical use) and internal use (ingestion).

Essential oils have a large number of health-promoting properties. They are used in aromatherapy to naturally improve physical and emotional health . But they can also help with household cleaning , as we'll see later.

It's important to understand the properties and uses of each essential oil to know which one you need for each situation. At a time when health is more important than ever, we invite you to add some essential oils to your family medicine cabinet.

If you visit our online store, you'll see that each oil has different properties , and many share some of them. This can be confusing. That's why we're bringing you this post, to try to clarify some concepts.

 Types of uses for essential oils

There are several ways to use and apply essential oils, and we're going to tell you all about them:

• Diffusion in the environment : When used in an ultrasonic diffuser, they purify and improve air quality. They can also be used in essence burners, diluted in water, but they lose their properties when heated.
• Direct inhalation : Place a drop of essential oil on your hands and rub together. Bring your hands up to your face and inhale. Repeat this process several times.
• Topical application : You can gently massage the area to be treated. It is recommended to use a carrier vegetable oil (coconut, olive, almond, etc.) to spread evenly, helping to hydrate the area and prevent accidental irritation. It can also be used cosmetically by mixing it with creams, body lotions, or clays.
• Homemade cleaning products : A few drops of essential oil can be added to natural cleaning products (such as all-purpose vinegar and baking soda cleaners) or to laundry.
• Internal use or ingestion : Essential oils can be ingested with other vegetable oils or foods. It is always recommended to consult a specialist before using them.

If you don't know where to start, use lavender.

At Alma Eko we have 13 different varieties of essential oils, and you might not know where to start.

Let's play it safe. If you're looking to get started and aren't sure which oil is best for you, start with lavender . It's the most versatile essential oil.

• It has antiseptic, bactericidal, healing and soothing properties.
• It acts as a muscle relaxant and also helps calm the mind . It reduces insomnia, stress, anxiety, and more.
• It is very effective for healing wounds, bites and burns .
• It's one of the safest oils . We can safely use it on children, and it's one of the few we can safely use undiluted.

It works for both a tear and a tear, and it's also safe!

Essential oils for respiratory diseases

We want to tell you which essential oils can help you the most when you have a respiratory illness .

Scots pine and eucalyptus essential oils are excellent expectorants . If you have a cold in your home, try putting them in a diffuser or rubbing a couple of drops into another vegetable carrier oil on your chest. You can combine it with ginger , which is also anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and analgesic .

Essential oils for pain

We are going to talk to you about essential oils that can help you with possible pain .

• Rosemary essential oil is very effective against headaches and migraines . It can be used simply by placing a drop on your fingers and rubbing it on your temples and the back of your neck. The effects are almost immediate.
• You can do the same with lavender essential oil for headaches . But it's also very effective as a muscle relaxant . Gently massage with another plant-based oil when you experience back pain, a pulled tendon, or heavy legs.
• Use ravintsara for menstrual cramps and also for muscle spasms . It is a powerful anti-inflammatory .
• Oregano is an analgesic , so you can use it for any localized pain.
• Fennel essential oil is very effective against digestive problems .

Essential oils and mental health

The use of essential oils to improve mental health and aid in emotional management is increasingly widespread.

We are going to make you three proposals:

• Use cloves when you feel down. It's a good stimulant and natural aphrodisiac .
• On the contrary, if you feel rushed or stressed, try lavender . It has a great calming effect .
• Citronella is considered a natural antidepressant . It can help you avoid spiraling into sadness and fear.

When in doubt, consult a professional . We have verified information and have trained ourselves before offering essential oils in our store. However, mental health issues are very sensitive. See a specialist if you think you need one. Essential oils can help you through your process, but they're certainly not a miracle cure.

Essential oils for home cleaning

Essential oils are also great allies in home cleaning .

Thyme and oils Tea tree oils have antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Therefore, they help keep the environment and surfaces in your home disinfected.

The same thing happens with lemon , which is also a powerful deodorizer .

Essential oils of mint and citronella also help keep away insect pests and even small rodents.

Conclusion : Essential oils are good for everything! Are you up for trying them? Don't hesitate to ask us any questions you may have.