Questions about essential oils? We’ve got answers.
1. What are essential oils?
Essential oils are natural oils that come from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, and other elements of plants.
2. What is an essential oil blend?
A blend is a combination of essential oils, mixed together to achieve a new scent or effect.
3. How do essential oils work?
The sense of smell is the only one of our five senses linked to the limbic lobe of the brain, which is your emotional and hormone control center. That’s why essential oils can easily affect you, impacting your mood and energy levels.
4. What benefits do essential oils bring?
Each scent may have its own unique benefits, but all are designed to help relieve stress, boost mental clarity, and improve your well-being.
5. How long have essential oils been around?
Believe it or not, essential oils date all the way back to prehistoric times. From the Egyptians to the Greeks and Moses to the Romans, essential oils have been used in a variety of ways throughout the centuries. Take a look at the timeline.
6. How strong are essential oils?
Let’s put it this way: Essential oils are strong enough to work wonders. Because they’re so highly concentrated, they can be 50 to 70 percent more potent than the herb they came from. For example, one drop of peppermint oil is equal to 28 cups of peppermint tea.
7. How do I dilute an essential oil?
If you’re using essential oils aromatically, fill your diffuser and add the oil droplets.
If you choose to use your essential oils topically, the standard rule of thumb for an adult is ½ tsp. carrier oil, like olive, coconut, jojoba, or almond, for every 1 to 3 drops essential oil.
8. How long do essential oils last?
Most oils have a shelf life of 18 to 24 months. Some oils, like citrus scents, degrade much faster and have a shelf life closer to 12 to 18 months. However, oils like patchouli, frankincense, and sandalwood can actually last more than five years when stored in proper conditions.
9. How should I store my essential oils?
It’s best to store essential oils in dark glass, away from light and heat. It’s also important to keep oils out of reach of children—even if they have a childproof cap.
10. Are my essential oils still good if they got frozen?
Yes! Freezing will not degrade the quality of your essential oils. However, if your oils do get frozen, it’s best to let them thaw completely before use, as some components of the oil may thaw more quickly than others.
Eager to learn even more? Take a look at these 21 Fun Facts About Essential Oils.
