ESSENTIAL OILS
October 14 2024 – Delikate Rayne
Essential oils are commonly used within the practices of aromatherapy. It has been referred to as a alternative medicine that uses plant extracts to support your health and well-being. The oil captures the plant’s essence, and the different scents and compounds contribute to their benefits. However, it is important to mention that essential oils can be inhaled or diluted and then applied to the skin.
How do essential oils work?
When you utilize essential oils through aromatherapy or by even applying the oil directly to your skin, it can stimulate certain areas of your limbic system, which is the part of your brain that plays a role in the functioning of your emotions, behaviors, sense of smell, as well as your long-term memory. In addition, the limbic system controls several unconscious physiological functions, like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
There are over 90 types of essential oils that contain their own unique smell and potential health benefits. Some of the most popular essential oils include:
- Peppermint:
Boosts energy and aid digestion
- Lavender:
Relieves stress
- Sandalwood:
Calms nerves and helps with focus
- Bergamot:
Reduces stress and improves skin conditions
- Rose:
Improves mood and reduces anxiety
- Chamomile:
Improves mood and reduces anxiety
- Ylang-Ylang:
Treats headaches, nausea, and skin conditions
- Tea Tree:
Fights infections and boost immunity
- Jasmine:
Helps with depression, childbirth, and libido
- Lemon:
Aids digestion, mood, headaches, and more
These are the most popular essential oils for their multiple benefits. However, there are many other essential oils besides the ones previously mentioned. Additionally, there are other factors regarding essential oils’ health benefits.
Health Benefits:
- Stress and anxiety
- Headaches and migraines
- Sleep and insomnia
- Reducing inflammation
- Antibiotic and antimicrobial
- Relieve nausea
- Ease pain from menstrual cramps
- Offers antimicrobial effects
- Tames muscle pain
In addition to health benefits, essential oils can be used for other uses. Many people have used essential oils around their homes to freshen up things like laundry, furniture, and other items. They can also be used for natural scents in homemade cosmetics and other high-quality natural products. Moreover, essential oils can also be used for cleaning the home! How to choose the right essential oils:
- Purity: you should aim to find an oil that is only made of plant compounds. There are lots of essential oils in the world that contain many other chemicals and products besides plant compounds, so it is important to know what you are inhaling or putting on your body.
- Quality: true essential oils have been changed the least from the extraction process. So with that, you should choose a chemical-free essential oil that has been either extracted through distillation or mechanical cold pressing.
- Reputation: you should purchase a brand that has a great reputation for producing high-quality products and raving reviews to go with those products.
Essential oils have so many benefits regarding your well-being and health, and they can also be used for other purposes. It should be noted that if you have pets or think you are allergic you should research the best essential oils for them or contact your doctor regarding your allergies!
Words by: Erica Benton
Sources:
Helen West. What are Essential Oils, and Do They Work, Healthline,
Lauren Bedosky. 7 Potential Health Benefits of Essential Oils, Everyday Health
Lauren Bedosky. 7 Potential Health Benefits of Essential Oils, Everyday Health
Photos: Pinterest