Essential oils are often used in aromatherapy, a form of alternative medicine that employs plant extracts to support health and well-being. However, some of the health claims associated with these oils are controversial. In this article, learn more about the uses and benefits of essential oils.
What Is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy has been used for centuries. Aromatherapy is normally used through inhalation or as a topical application to the skin. The scent molecules in essential oils impact the amygdala, the emotional center of the brain to help you rediscover peace and joy. Diffusing Blends is the most popular way and well known way to use essential oils. Essential oils can also be absorbed by the skin to boost moisture and apply to massage to relax tight muscles or blends for soothing baths.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are highly concentrated, aromatic compounds extracted from various plant parts from the leaves, needles, stems, flowers, bark or roots of particular aromatic plants.
They’re mainly produced by methods of solvent extraction, steam or water distillation, or cold pressing.
Essential oils contain volatile compounds, give plants their unmistakable aromas and it is in these essences that we find the powerful – even seemingly magical – healing properties.
It takes a great deal of botanical material to produce essential oils. Essential oil yields range from less than one percent to about 3 percent. A few essential oils offer slightly larger yields. For example: More than 200 pounds of lavender flowers are used to make just 1 pound of lavender essential oil. About 5,000 pounds of rose petals or lemon balm make 1 pound of rose or lemon balm essential oil. Essential oils often have a much stronger smell than the plants they come from and contain higher levels of active ingredients.
Benefits and Uses of Aromatherapy and Essential Oil:
Essential oils have long been used for nearly 6,000 years, offer a variety of benefits such as spire a positive emotional state, enhance your physical wellness, enhance spiritual awareness, purify your home and refine your beauty routine.
Some of the health benefits of aromatherapy include its ability to：
|
Help promote or improve:
|
Help alleviate or reduce:
|
|
Relaxation
|
Nausea
|
|
Sleep quality
|
Headaches
|
|
Congested breathing
|
Pain and body aches
|
|
Skin conditions
|
Anxiety, agitation, stress, and depression
|
|
Alertness
|
Muscle soreness
|
|
Cognitive performance
|
Menopausal problems
|
|
Spiritual healing process
|
Menopausal problems
|
|
Energy levels
|
Alopecia, or hair loss
|
|
Mood balance
|
Fatigue and insomnia
|
Popular Types
There are more than 90 types of essential oils, all with different fragrances and chemical makeups. Every essential oil varies in its natural makeup, so aromas and benefits are also unique. Which essential oil is best depending on what symptoms you're looking to ease or fragrances you prefer? For example, many people find the lavender scent relaxing. Lavender essential oil often used to help relieve stress and anxiety and promote good sleep. Sandalwood essential oil's neutralization helps to dispel nervous tension and leaves a feeling of peace. Bergamot essential oil featuring the pleasing, bright aromas perfect for diffusing for a light brightening atmosphere. Lemon essential oil helps purify and cleanse the air, the best smelling essential oils for home specially bathroom and kitchen, allowing you to create the environment your family deserves. Peppermint essential oil can relieve tension headaches when applied topically, it also improves concentration and mental acuity. Tea tree essential oil has anti-inflammatory effects, commonly used for acne, athlete's foot and insect bites. Because of their natural composition, essential oils possess many highly beneficial properties. Look to each essential oil's description for details of its properties and applications.
Here’s a list of 19 popular essential oils and the health claims associated with them:
|
Peppermint:
|
Helps with concentration, motivation; relieves sore muscles
|
|
Orange:
|
Helps boost optimism, confidence; relieves stress, anger
|
|
Sandalwood:
|
Helps with focus, calm nerves
|
|
Lavender:
|
Helps relieve stress and skin issues
|
|
Bergamot:
|
Helps reduce stress and improve skin conditions like eczema
|
|
Rose:
|
Helps promote romance and peace; relieves depression, fear.
|
|
Chamomile:
|
Helps relieve pain, reduce inflammation and accelerate healing times
|
|
Ylang-Ylang:
|
Helps promote positivity and romance; relieves anxiety
|
|
Tea Tree:
|
Relieves rashes, acne, insect bites
|
|
Jasmine:
|
Helps promote confidence and passion; relieves depression
|
|
Lemon:
|
Helps boost energy, clarity; relieves depression
|
|
Lemongrass:
|
Helps concentration and clarity; relieves pessimism.
|
|
Geranium:
|
Helps promote calmness and relaxation
|
|
Eucalyptus:
|
Helps promote courage, confidence
|
|
Frankincense:
|
Helps relieve nervous tension, anxiety.
|
|
Rosemary:
|
Helps promote concentration and nervous debility.
|
|
Vetiver:
|
Helps relax and beneficial for stress, anxiety.
|
|
Cedarwood:
|
Helps to calm the mind and promote emotional security
|
|
Grapefruit:
|
Helps with cellulite, obesity and water retention.
|
Essential Oil Safety Guide
Essential oils can make a positive impact on your health and well-being as long as you use them following our safe guide.
They should not be swallowed.
A small number of people may experience irritation or allergic reactions to certain essential oils.
If you have a disease or medical condition or are using a prescription medication, we recommended that prior to using essential oils, you consult with a health care advisor.
If you’re interested in our essential oils, we have essential oils gift sets that are great deals, or you can check our essential oil singles and pick up your preferred scent!
