Before you immediately sink into the stereotype that these oils are just for "quacks" and that it's a waste of money, let me just tell you that they aren't what you think they are, and yes, they DO WORK. These are basically a new obsession of mine and I 100% support them.

So what are these oils? Essential oils are "natural oils typically obtained by distillation and having the characteristic fragrance of the plant or other source from which it is extracted" as told by Google. Basically it's plant juice, but it's HANDY plant juice. Essential oils have been a part of herbalism and apothecary for years upon years. They can be used cosmetically, for spiritual purposes ,or even, for emotionally uplifting purposes. One of my favorite producers of essential oils is Young Living Essential Oils.

Young Living is the world leader in the production of essential oils. The community was founded in 1993 by D. Gary Young and Mary Young who owned a small organic herb farming and distillation operation. In 1994, Young Living was an established operation and spread to Utah and Idaho where they began cultivating more herbs. From here they were able to satisfy the demand for top-quality essential oils, and come out as the largest, most technologically advanced essential oil distillery in North America. It's Seed to Seed process is able to preserve the integrity and potency of essential oils in its manufacturing giving you the best of the best that nature has to offer. Although their headquartered in Utah, they have offices around the world from Australia to Singapore. They are committed to selling the purest and most authentic essential oils for a a total mind/body wellness experience.

What exactly do these oils do? Anything you can think of! They focus on four main aspects of your life: emotional health, physical health, spiritual health, and a healthy home.

Emotionally

Each essential oil works differently but they call have an effect on your brain-more specifically your limbic system (the center of emotion snd memory). A different scent activates a different emotion, from helping you rediscover peace, to ensuring mental balance, to finding joy. Some basic oils in this category are Lavender, Joy, Orange, Peace & Calming, Peppermint, and Jasmine. My personal favorite is Lavender for relaxation and it helps with my allergies/asthma.

Physically

Being a college student, we are notorious for lacking in the health department. "Freshmen fifteen" isn't the only thing on our backs. We have to deal with more pressing issues like the newfound stress and anxiety that comes with college. This leads to a messy diet, no peace of mind, and a very unbalanced body with no energy. Essential oils and essential oil-infused supplements can literally cleanse your body while helping you manage weight. They also support every system of your body to restore your balance and get you back on your feet. Some examples of oils with whole food-based nutrients and powerful antioxidants are NingXia Red, OmegaGize, Life 5, Slique Tea, and Longevity.

Essential oils can also provide excellent skin care, by giving you back your natural glow. Instead of using harsh chemically induced skin car products, these promote a clear-looking complexion, soften the appearance of signs of aging, and nurture healthy-looking hair, all naturally. These products include the A.R.T. Renewal Serum, Boswellia Wrinkle Cream, and Frankincense oil among many others.

Spiritual

Everyone loves a good incense, but they are used for more than just making your yoga room smell good. Incense and essential oils go together with religious and spiritual ceremonies like peanut butter and jelly. On their website they explain that "the pure constituents in these oils stimulate olfactory receptors and activate regions in the brain’s limbic system associated with memory, emotion, and state of mind." Sacred Frankincense, White Angelica, Egyptian Gold, Inspiration, The Gift-these oils can be diluted and applied to wrists, feet, and behind the ears, or just for diffusing. My favorite is Sacred Frankincense.

In the Home

Cleaning doesn't have to always be a chore-it can be a chore that smells great! You can get rid of all your harsh bleaches and chemical cleaning products, and feel safe knowing that essential oils can polish countertops, clean sticky messes, and cleanse dirty surfaces all with the gentle touch of natural product such as their Thieves Household Cleaner. Purification Essential Oilis great for making even the smelliest rooms smell fresh. Essential oils are also great for flavoring foods using Lemon, Thyme, and Lemongrass.

Essential oils have really turned lives around for the better- mine included! I don't think a night goes by that I'm not diffusing (or as I call it "brewing") something. These oils have helped me deal with my asthma, getting through common colds, and freshening up my room. They have helped me deal with stress, stomach cramps/pains, and many other things that come with being a college student. But don't just take my word for it! Here's a story from one who's life has turned around because of essential oils!

" I lost almost 30 pounds by adjusting my diet, removing coffee, and adding supplements and essential oils from Young Living to correct a hormonal imbalance. Endoflex is a blend of spearmint, sage, geranium, myrtle, nutmeg and german chamomile. This blend supports the thyroid for metabolic and hormonal balance. I also included Cortistop, a supplement containing pregnenolone, phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine compounds, black cohosh, DHEA, and conyza, clary sage, fennel, frankincense, and peppermint essential oils to support estrogen levels in women and reduce cortisol. I also ingested a capsule made from lemon, peppermint and grapefruit every day. The lemon breaks down gunk in our digestive tract, the peppermint helps flush it all out, and the grapefruit is a metabolism booster. Overall, essential oils and supplements from YL have been a major victory for me!"-Elisa Brown Ingram.

I hope this has helped break that stigma on essential oils, and I hope you'll consider getting into them! You won't regret it when you're feeling great!