Essential Will Be Your Game Changer

I started using essential oils at age ten. Back in 2001, after dealing with some serious health concerns, my mom wanted to boost her energy levels and was open to using anything natural that could help her become more balanced. For years, I was the kid with lavender instead of Polysporin at baseball games, peppermint instead of Advil at sleepovers, and citronella instead of bug spray on Girl Guide trips. I was conditioned to lean towards natural remedies before turning to drugstore products. Other than treating typical physical pains, essential oils didn’t take up much space in my life until my transition to university. Here, I’ve found myself feeling increasingly stressed, anxious, and confused. After doing some research, essential oils became my way to keep grounded, calm, and focused. Throughout my learning process, I’ve discovered some common myths about essential oils that I feel a duty to debunk.

The first myth is that all essential oils are created equally. Companies use terms like “100% pure”, “high grade”, and “certified”, however, many of these terms are self-policing. Only a few companies have the resources to actually verify the quality of their products. To avoid ones like these, start by questioning: Where does this company get their oils? What is their quality control process? How much detail is the company willing to disclose? Does the company do third party testing? You want a brand that is going to give you the best product to get the best results. I encourage you to ask these questions and be critical of the an effort companies you choose. The second myth is that you have to invest a ton of money right away. The best essential oils cost more, but you may want to start small. Evaluate what you need out of an essential oil, start with a few basics, and see how you can use them in your routine. Whether you want to focus on acne, muscle pain, headaches, or something else, there’s an oil for it. If you want something more all-purpose, I suggest a basic starter kit of Lavender, Peppermint, and Lemon. These are oils that can be used in many ways, so you can try them out in different areas of your life. Think of an essential oil as an aid in your personal journey of wellness– it’s all about listening to your body and finding what works for you. I ended up turning to essential oils because I wanted to maketo live a healthier lifestyle, physically and mentally. Like my mom ten years earlier, staying balanced became my focus. For me, balance means working with and listening to my body, which can mean noticing minor headaches, bloating, or anxious feelings. It means being consciously aware of my stress levels, my environment, and what I’m eating. Since beginning to trust my body and listening to what it’s telling me instead of searching for temporary relief, I’ve never looked back.

By: SARAH VOPNI