Essential oils—are they just a wonderful scent or is there more to them? Essential oils are gaining more popularity in recent years, but they are NOT really a new thing. They actually go back thousands of years and were used then as medicines, cosmetics, natural perfumes, and aromatherapy. One needs to be educated in their use however, as some are NOT to be ingested, while others are, and some need to be diluted with water or unscented carrier oils to be used properly. They contain phytochemicals from plants or trees and are highly concentrated so that only a few drops added to water or a carrier oil are required. So a small bottle goes a long way!
So what are the health benefits to using essential oils? The benefits do vary from the many different types of oils there are. Generally they may benefit without side effects which is a great plus. A list of helpful qualities may include: fighting organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, relieving nausea, headaches, stress, anxiety, improving mood and others qualities.
The first essential oil of the ten selected is eucalyptus essential oil. It is derived from small eucalyptus tress in Australia. Eucalyptus oil acts as an expectorant loosening phlegm from congestion due to colds and coughs which is usually inhaled from eucalyptus steam. It attacks bacterial strands from strep, influenza, and pneumonia. It helps with sinus infections, and allergies such as hay fever. Besides these respiratory properties, eucalyptus oil is antimicrobial, herbicidal, insecticidal and acaricidal (killing mites and ticks). Eucalyptus can be mixed with peppermint oil to affect mental and muscular relaxation, improve cognition, and relieve headaches.
Next we will discuss peppermint essential oil. Peppermint oil is well known for its ability to improve digestion issues. It helps with upset stomach, gas, nausea, soothes IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and improves the flow of bile. It may be blended with eucalyptus oil as mentioned above to help mental capabilities and aid relaxation. Peppermint can also aid with throat and nasal congestion.
Tea tree essential oil was used by the native indians, Aborigines in Australia. It comes from the trees which have paperlike bark in Australia and is known for its antiseptic qualities. The Aborigines used it to make poultices to heal wounds. Tea tree oil is antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiprotozoal, fighting harmful organisms by damaging their cell membranes. Among its benefits are that it relieves cough when inhaling, it inhibits the growth of yeast and fungi, and prevents infections in wounds.
A fragrant and popular essential oil is lavender. The pleasant scent of lavender comes from fresh lavender flowers. It helps to improve sleep patterns, and increases concentration while reducing anxiety. It can be used in hair products to help with dandruff and as an aid for those losing hair due to alopecia, a common balding problem. Other uses of this oil are relief from aches, cramps, pain, acne and athlete's foot, helpfor headaches, herpes, throat infections, and sinutitis.
Another essential oil used in ancient times as well as now is chamomile essential oil. It was used therapeutically for thousands of years by the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians to help with skin problems such as wounds, sprains, bruises, burns, canker sores, eczema, and mastitis a breast infection. Chamomile is effective in treating nausea, diarrhea, asthma and throat infections.
Lemon balm is another commonly used essential oil. It can be referred to as valerian. Lemon's pleasant scent is effective in calming disordered sleep patterns, helping with memory recall, boosting problem solving, and easing menopausal symptoms. Lemon assists with fighting colds, the flu, sinutitis, and throat infections and also in calming acid reflux distress.
Frankincense may be best known as one of the gifts brought by the wisemen to Jesus, the Christ child in the Bible. Frankincense however, was also known as a therapeutic and precious commodity. Derived from the dried sap or resin of the Boswellian tree, it was used medicinally. Some of its benefits are that it promotes healthy and normal cell growth, can help in the treatment of high blood pressure, aids circulation, and has been used successfully in the treatment of asthma. Frankincense helps to balance hormones, can be used to heal wounds, and has been used cosmetically as an eyeliner.
An essential oil supporting vascular and heart health is bergamot essential oil. It is thought to assist the body in maintaining healthy body weight. Tests are being done to confirm that this oil is helpful in lowering cholesterol and blood sugar. Other advantages of bergamot oil are that it aids with nausea, helps control head lice, is effective for acne, and aids with hay fever allergies.
Pomegranate essential oil is derived from the seeds of pomegranates which are rich in linolenic acid, which is an essential fatty acid. Pomegranate oil is thought to delay the development of colon cancer and skin cancer in patients prone to it. It enhances health by supporting the immune system in general.
The last essential oil we will discuss is rosemary oil. Rosemary essential oil is an excellent source to moisturize skin and hair. Its source is from the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and it is primarily used as an aromatherapy oil. It enhances a positive mood, and a clear mental focus boosting concentration and memory. Its aromatherapy scent is energizing and uplifting. Rosemary oil can also be used in practical, internal ways to help problems of constipation, as well as allergies such as hay fever.
Hopefully you are positively inspired about the importance of essential oils and how they benefit many aspects of our lives. Remember there are many more essential oils that could be discussed regarding healthful advantages. Visit our essential oil section of naturalvitaminandherbshop.com
Carol Waite
