Essential oils have been around for a very long time, and I’m certain you’ve heard a thing or two about them at some point.

I was one of the skeptical ones, unsure if their so-called “beneficial properties” were legitimate or if was homeopathy hogwash.

I am someone who suffers from a variety of issues from severe anxiety to migraines to a poor immune system. Now, I’m not looking for sympathy or pity. I’ve never wanted that. What I have always wanted was some relief from these ailments.

When conventional cures (think pain killers and sleep aids) stopped doing the trick, I was desperate so I began to look more closely at essential oils and what they might have to offer me.

That’s when I became a fan and a true believer in their therapeutic value. You won’t find me out on the streets imploring you to throw out your over-the-counter and prescription medicines in lieu of essential oils. I’m not a fanatic or anything. I just feel that, if something has the potential to help even a little, why not give it a try?

Some of the most popular essential oils on the market include tea tree oil, peppermint oil, lavender oil, and eucalyptus oil. These are readily available at most drug stores and definitely at vitamin shops and holistic health stores.
The most common uses for essential oils come in the form of aromatherapy. If you have a diffuser, add a few drops of your essential oil of choice to the water and enjoy the pleasant fragrances that envelop your living space. This in itself can be calming and relaxing. It’s a great, simple method of easing your stresses after a particularly long day.

Now I’m going to answer a question that was probably not on your mind in the first place: Can you eat them?

The short answer is yes, essential oils have internal uses as well, but you must know how to properly ingest them or you are going to have a bad go of it.

Not everyone will react the same to the oils, so you have to familiarize yourself with your personal sensitivities as well as those of your family. Never start dropping essential oils into your mouth willy-nilly.

However, once you’ve determined you can handle essential oils without problems, consider adding a few drops to your water. You’re drinking it anyway, aren’t you?

Adding a few drops of lemon essential oil to your water can help increase your metabolism and give you more energy. Just be sure to use a glass container rather than plastic because essential oils by nature fight toxins so they will attempt to break down the toxic plastics in a water bottle.

Certain strong oils like cinnamon and oregano have antibacterial properties that can even help you overcome a nasty sinus infection. It’s kind of like when your grandma told you to drink whiskey with honey. It sounds weird, but it does help.

If the thought of ingesting these oils freaks you out, I don’t blame you. A good way to ease into essential oil use is with the topical method.

You can take a few drops of your preferred oil and let it absorb into your skin. If you love a good tingly feeling, you’ll like this. Otherwise, be aware of how your skin reacts so that you don’t cause yourself any unnecessary discomfort. Some oils need to be diluted with a carrier oil first before being absorbed into your skin.

It’s always better to be safe instead of sorry, so go ahead and dilute any oils if it makes you feel more comfortable. I don’t want a bad experience turning you off of their benefits for good.

Adding essential oils to your daily routine is an awesome choice. They can help your skin feel clearer and brighter. They can help regulate your digestive tract for a happy tummy, and they can help you get the much-needed sleep you so deserve.

If you’re still on the fence, run yourself a bath and drop a few drops of lavender oil into the water. Bring a glass of wine and a good book, and thank me later.