Written by Hanna Dillenger, Karina Guy, Liz Heaney, Robin Hill, Brady McLamb

Are you feeling stressed out? Essential oils have been shown to help with feelings of anxiety and stress while also increasing focus and concentration. According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, “the term ‘essential oil’ is a contraction of the original ‘quintessential oil’.”

While a bit complicated, essential oils are basically a highly concentrated version of the natural oils found in plants that are extracted by distillation or mechanical separation. Some of the known benefits of essential oils include increased relaxation, deeper sleep, elevation of mood, increased immune function (essential oils are a powerful anti-microbial), easier breathing, pain relief, improvement in cognitive function, cleaning and freshening the air, repelling insects and first aid.

Essential oils have also been used by many health care professionals in therapeutic settings such as hospitals and mental health clinics. Essential oils (including tea tree, frankincense, lemon and oregano) can aid in fighting off a cold or flu when rubbed on the bottom of the feet, swallowed in a veggie capsule or diffused into the air. Did you know that a blend of essential oils including clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus and rosemary was used to help people survive the bubonic plague?

There are four main ways to use essential oils. They can be absorbed when rubbed on the skin, but caution must be taken to identify whether a particular essential oil requires being mixed in a carrier oil (like fractionated coconut oil). For example, essential oils like wintergreen, cinnamon bark, clove and oregano need to be diluted before applying directly to the skin.

Another method of use is inhalation. This can be achieved through an inhaler stick or by diffusing. Some essential oils like lemon, oregano, basil and black pepper can be used in cooking – but remember the oils are highly concentrated so a drop or two is all that is necessary! Finally, some oils can be taken internally, but it is best to work with a reputable company such as doTERRA or Young Living when considering supplementation.

There are many different types of oils. Peppermint is used to boost energy, alleviate headaches and aid digestion. Lavender is used for stress relief and sleep. Lemon is often used to aid digestion, improve mood and increase metabolism.

Essential oils provide many benefits enabling your mind and body to perform at its peak. Essential oils can also be used in place of synthetic fragrances to scent your room or car.

Below are some favorite fall blends to diffuse from Tabitha Blue, a lifestyle blogger and life coach:

Cinnamon Spice: two drops of orange, one drop of cinnamon bark, one drop of clove and five drops of vanilla essential oils.

Autumn Air: four drops of orange, three of drops of lemon and three drops of fir essential oils.

Spicy Chai: three drops of cassia, three drops of clove and two of drops ginger essential oils.

You can find many more essential oil diffusers blends online for relaxation, concentration and cold or flu symptoms. A simple search will provide numerous websites with step-by-step instructions on how to combine essential oils into blends.

Oil prices do vary depending on the type of oil and cheaper is not always better. Research the company before purchasing and look for therapeutic grade essential oils that are organic or ethically sourced. Please share your favorite uses for essential oils on Twitter using #EtownSimplified. The column next week will focus on DIY dorm tips.