Natural Choices — Health Food, Organic Produce, Gluten Free, Vitamins, Supplements — Columbus, Bartholomew County, Indiana

I like the drive from Indianapolis to Columbus and when I get there, I am rewarded with a visit to Natural Choices, the healthy living store. Without even trying, I always learn something new or find something to make my life healthier when I walk through the door of Natural Choices.

Essential oils come in small, potent quantities.

The last trip I learned about essential oils. I knew people who purchased essential oils, but I had no idea what they did with them. The first thing I learned is that, for the most part, essential oils are not for ingestion. That’s a big one for me because I thought they were used in cooking which is not usually true.

Essential oils are the “essence” of a plant, the scent and vitality of a plant distilled into a very potent, useful bit of oil. The oils are used in aromatherapy for one thing. But for novices like me, I have to learn a little bit at a time.

Pure and natural oils are the best. Consumers have to be aware that there are synthetic products out there. Pay attention to ingredients (you don’t want to see the word ‘fragrance’ as an ingredient) and buy oils from “people who know” rather than from the big box store manned by workers trained in emptying boxes onto shelves despite the contents.

Lavender oil smells wonderful and is healthful, too.

For summer, one of the big finds is that specific essential oils like citronella, peppermint and lavender can be used as a natural bug repellent. Simply sprinkle a few drops onto a cotton ball and place it near doorways and windows! Keep the bugs out and freshen the air at the same time! What a great idea.

Another important bit of information gleaned was that because the oils are so potent, care must be exercised in using them around pets and children. You know how they like to put things in their mouths – and ingested full-strength essential oil would not be a good thing.

What started this whole new adventure in essential oils was a huge display of them at Natural Choices. You can trust that they will be pure and healthful if they are on the shelves there and the staff can help you explore the scents and choose those that will benefit you.

Go on in, explore, learn and take home an essential oil to freshen your home and boost your health at the same time!

–Ellie of the Natural Choices Blog Team

Natural Choices is nearby no matter where you live. Call, place an order and it will be shipped directly to you.