HEALTHY LIVING: Essential oils

Essential oils are nature's best kept secret!! The uses for essential oils (both for getting and staying healthy) are vast and diverse. As human residents of planet Earth, hardly a moment goes by when we are not reminded of our dependance on plants and their uses. We use a broad variety of plant life for oxygen, food, clothing, building, and to bring harmony and balance into our homes and outdoor surroundings. Plants have many beautiful qualities, but the plants themselves are not the only bounty. The essential oils that are extracted from plant leaves, flowers, stems, roots, or bark are incredible tools for us to use in our everyday lives, and when we are facing serious problems and looking for natural and healthy solutions in a more potent form.
Essential oils carry the essence of the plants in such a potent form that a single drop of essential oil can equal multiple teaspoons of the dried herb (for instance, 1 drop of peppermint oil equals more than 25 cups of peppermint tea!). And they can be used or applied in a multitude of ways and combinations to bring powerful results to your tasks, atmosphere, and bodies.
Many essential oils have antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibiotic properties. In addition to these impressive qualities, they often also transfer very pleasurable sensory experiences within minutes because of their fragrances and restorative natures, making them impactful on our brain chemistry, emotional well-being, and spiritual wellness.
The remarkable uses of essential oils can only be maximized when purity is involved. But government regulations vary from country to country and are subpar in assuring quality and purity. Knowing where your oils come from and how they are created is crucial to ensuring safety and effectiveness. Also important is knowing how to use each oil properly. 
My favourite of all essential oils is Lavender essential oil
 

Pure lavender oil is an incredible essential oil to use for your own health and wellness. It's among the gentlest of essential oils, but also one of the most powerful, making it a favorite of households for the healing properties and uses of lavender essential oil.
 According to diverse researches carried out, the properties within a quality brand of lavender oil include:

• Analgesic
• Anticoagulant
• Anticonvulsant
• Antidepressant
• Antifungal
• Antihistamine
• Anti-infectious
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antimicrobial
• Antimutagenic
• Antiseptic
• Antispasmodic
• Antitoxic
• Antitumor
• Cardiotonic
• Regenerative
• Sedative

Truly pure oil will have a sweet floral smell first, with only a slight woody, herbaceous undertone. Other than the numerous physical effects it has it promotes well-being, peace, compassion, grounding and centering and spiritual consciousness.
Lavender is said to be the oil of honest communication and expression. It calms a racing mind, allowing a person to settle into their heart and speak with gentleness and kindness. It also eases anxiety or fear, including fears of rejection, and allows a person to feel present, calm, and engaged in healthy ways. It increases a sense of security and peace, and in this way helps to build trust in one's self and others.