Essential oils are some of nature’s best blessings. Extracted from herbs, flowers and fruits, essential oils have unique and often enticing aromas. Essential oils’ many potential health benefits may be unlocked when used topically, through aromatherapy, and even - some would say - by ingesting them. Before investing in a bottle of essential oils, it is important to know a bit about what they are and what they can offer you.

Whether to Consume Essential Oils

One important thing to know about essential oils is that there is no added benefit for ingesting them. If someone recommends you ingest essential oils, it is likely they are trying to get you to use more product than is necessary. Essential oils have plenty to offer your health and well being through other avenues, and a small bottle ought to last you a long time.

You may hear about essential oils that are food grade, or food-safe. What this simply means is that you can cook with them if you feel led, but it does not mean they need to be taken that way. For instance, if you are seeking the health benefits of peppermint oil (memory, immunity, sinuses, etc.), you could put a drop of food grade peppermint essential oil in a cup of hot water, making some peppermint tea. But this is not necessarily the best way to take the essential oil; just one way. Food-grade essential oils may also be used in items such as dental floss, toothpaste and mouthwash.

Instead, taking essential oils topically or through aromatherapy is a much better choice. Some people like to include essential oils in a bath to gain the soothing properties of the oils. Another popular method is through massage. When used topically, a typical concentration is 1 percent when putting it on the body, and .5 percent when using it on the face. When using an essential oil for the first time, it is best to dab just a tiny bit on your arm to see whether there is a negative reaction.

Now Foods for Essential Oil Health Benefits

If you do choose to give essential oils a whirl, make sure to get them from a brand that is well trusted. May I suggest Now Foods, a brand whose supplements are often recognizable thanks to an orange label. A family-owned company tracing back to the 1940s, Now Foods is committed to the community and leading environmental efforts such as The Nature Conservatory. Now Foods’ comprehensive laboratory testing assures their products are high grade and consistent.

Now Foods makes quality products for sports nutrition, natural beauty, personal care products, and even nutritious organic foods. But some of their best products are in their essential oils line. Now Foods makes just about any essential oil you could need: Lemon Oil, Clove Oil, Rosemary Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Cedarwood Oil and many others. Many of these oils are great for topical use as well as aromatherapy.

Now Foods also makes variety pack oils for special use. Put Some Pep In Your Step is a four-pack of mostly citrus essential oils to boost your energy. Let There Be Peace and Quiet is a kit that comes in handy when you need the opposite effect: to wind down gently. And of course, there is Love At First Scent, another four-pack that is guaranteed to offer you warm feelings and good vibes. This product is the perfect asset for those times you want to look and feel lovely.

As you can see, there is a wide range of uses for essential oils. They really are remarkable. And what’s more is that a little goes a long way. You don’t need to ingest them. It can be fun to take essential oils a variety of different ways. There are so many to try that you are sure to find one or more that you love. Maybe start with a Now Foods variety pack to get things started. See where they take you -- I’m sure it will be a good time!