Essential oils are plant extracts that are collected by pressing, distilling, or steaming roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and bark. The use of essential oils dates back several generations ago and thousands of plants are prized for their unique characteristics.
Can essential oils really relieve stress?
Yes! Essential oils have been used since ancient times and have been subject to numerous scientific studies and medical development for their calming and relaxing effects. The aroma they produce limits the compounds of the brain that cause you to feel anxious, upset, or stressed. Here are essential oil favorites that help with releasing negative emotions and de-stressing:
Lavender definitely tops the list of essential oils that are most commonly used in aromatherapy. The plant is a natural remedy for anxiety and stress. Several studies have also linked anxiolytic, mood stabilizing, sedative, analgesic, and anticonvulsant and neuroprotective properties to Lavender.
The earthy scent of Clary Sage is credited for its stress-reducing ability. It promotes a sense of well-being and peace of mind.
Ylang-ylang has a sweet, fruity scent that is known to enhance our moods,reduce feelings of depression, tame anxiety, lower high blood pressure and regulate our heart rate, as shown by several scientific studies. It’s also an ingredient in many signature perfumes like Chanel No. 5!
Can essential oils help with bodyache?
Body aches can be quite limiting. It’s difficult to get on with our day when our physical state isn’t at a hundred percent. Luckily, there are essential oils that could definitely help you with stress and injury-induced body pain!
Lemongrass is an anti-inflammatory herb. It works well as a muscle relaxant to ease aches and pains (B. Devi, G. Devi & Priya, 2018). It’s also used to soothe the skin from rashes and as an insect repellent.
The sweet, invigorating scent of Wild Orange oil is known for its ability to significantly improve headaches and pain from injuries. The distinct scent boosts recovery, mental well-being, and physical well-being.
Studies have shown Frankincense’ significance in supporting our immune system to combat pain. It has long been a key ingredient in traditional medicine to treat body pain, joint pain, swelling, and gut inflammation.
Which essential oils are known for their healing properties?
Because of essential oils’ antimicrobial, antiviral, nematicidal, antifungal, insecticidal, and antioxidant properties, many of them are used to treat and/or to complement medicines in improving our health and immune system.
Eucalyptus is an ingredient in many medicinal products that treat coughs, colds, and congestion. Its potent aroma is powerful in clearing sinuses, easing headaches, and as an insect repellent.
Peppermint’s mild scent and flavor makes it a viable relief for indigestion, nausea, stomach pain, and irritable bowel syndrome.
For one hundred years, Tea Tree has had multiple uses because of its antibacterial feature, founded in its ability to break down bacteria cell walls (Li et al.,2016). Tea tree helps with conditions like dry skin, eczema, chronic itchy skin, and acne.
What are ways I can use essential oils?
1. Apply on your pulse points like your wrists and the outer sides of your eyes.
2. Apply on the sides of your neck right below your ears.
3. Apply on your temples.
4. Take a whiff.
5. Use them on your diffuser.
6. Gargle by adding 1-2 drops to a quarter cup of water.
To conclude
Essential oils truly transform the way we handle those that threaten our physical and mental health. They provide comfort, improve brain function, help with muscle soreness, and complement medicines in speeding up recovery periods. Which essential oil do you think would be most beneficial to you? Let us know!
Sources:
Gnatta JR;Piason PP;Lopes Cde L;Rogenski NM;Silva MJ; (n.d.). [aromatherapy with ylang ylang for anxiety and self-esteem: A pilot study]. Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da U S P. Retrieved October 21, 2021, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25076278/.
Koulivand, P. H., Khaleghi Ghadiri, M., & Gorji, A. (2013). Lavender and the nervous system. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM. Retrieved October 21, 2021, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612440/.
Devi, B.V. & Devi, Gayatri & Priya, Jothi. (2018). Effect of lemongrass oil on body pain. Drug Invention Today. 10. 2076-2078.
Gerhardt, H., Seifert, F., Buvari, P., Vogelsang, H., & Repges, R. (2001, January). Therapy of active crohn disease with Boswellia serrata extract H 15. Zeitschrift fur Gastroenterologie. Retrieved October 22, 2021, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11215357.
Su, S., Duan, J., Chen, T., Huang, X., Shang, E., Yu, L., Wei, K., Zhu, Y., Guo, J., Guo, S., Liu, P., Qian, D., & Tang, Y. (2015, September 2). Frankincense and myrrh suppress inflammation via regulation of the metabolic profiling and the MAPK signaling pathway. Scientific reports. Retrieved October 22, 2021, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4556964/.
Li, W. R., Li, H. L., Shi, Q. S., Sun, T. L., Xie, X. B., Song, B., & Huang, X. M. (2016). The dynamics and mechanism of the antimicrobial activity of tea tree oil against bacteria and fungi. Applied microbiology and biotechnology, 100(20), 8865–8875. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-016-7692-4
