They smell good. They come in pretty looking bottles. And they’re used in spas. Yes, we’re talking about essential oils. But did you know that sitting inside those tightly sealed vials, these oils are way more than just feel-good scents and have the power to heal? For a long time, these highly concentrated liquids extracted from plants, had been confined to new-age spas and beauty products. Research has now proven that these are much more useful than we thought, and if used properly, have in them, the power to cure ailments.
Read on to know more.
Why Use Essential Oils?
Studies have proven that essential oils have the power to support long-term health and also help relieve common ailments. These oils help in reducing stress, relieving pain, improving moods and also help in relieving nausea and cravings. They have even been seen to demonstrate anti-bacterial properties and help with flu and E. coli infections. Not only this, they have even shown considerable effectiveness against cancer cells. When we inhale these oils, they help activate the hypothalamus region of the brain, that controls hormone secretion, as well as our energy and drives. Each essential oil causes a different response in the brain, which then directs the nervous system accordingly.
Although essential oils aid in relieving us of ailments, they need to be used with caution. These oils release vapors of organic compounds and a prolonged exposure to them can cause cardiac risks. For their safe use, when breathing in essential oils, any exposure needs to be restricted from 15 mins to an hour at a time, and never exceeding an hour. It’s always a good idea to stick to instructions on the bottle and consult your physician before trying any of these oils, if you have a chronic health condition. Just like any other discipline of medicine, essential oils are extremely beneficial, but need to be used the right way and with caution.
Studies have proven that essential oils have the power to support long-term health and also help relieve common ailments. These oils help in reducing stress, relieving pain, improving moods and also help in relieving nausea and cravings. They have even been seen to demonstrate anti-bacterial properties and help with flu and E. coli infections. Not only this, they have even shown considerable effectiveness against cancer cells. When we inhale these oils, they help activate the hypothalamus region of the brain, that controls hormone secretion, as well as our energy and drives. Each essential oil causes a different response in the brain, which then directs the nervous system accordingly.
Although essential oils aid in relieving us of ailments, they need to be used with caution. These oils release vapors of organic compounds and a prolonged exposure to them can cause cardiac risks. For their safe use, when breathing in essential oils, any exposure needs to be restricted from 15 mins to an hour at a time, and never exceeding an hour. It’s always a good idea to stick to instructions on the bottle and consult your physician before trying any of these oils, if you have a chronic health condition. Just like any other discipline of medicine, essential oils are extremely beneficial, but need to be used the right way and with caution.
Which Oils To Buy
It’s important to buy the right kind of essential oils for any treatment and since these aren’t FDA regulated, it becomes even more important to make sure the oil you buy is the right one. Don’t fall for oils with fancy aromatherapy labels that usually contain diluted oils with artificial fragrances added. Look for 100 % pure, undiluted organic oils. The label in such oils may read – therapeutic grade or steam distilled oils.
How To Use Essential Oils
A diffuser is the best way to use an essential oil, but if you don’t have one, you can use one or two drops of the essential oil in a bowl of steaming hot water, stand a few feet away and take 10 deep breaths, breathing the oil in, and then breathe normally. The idea is to limit your time near the oil to 15 mins to an hour at max. You can use this therapy everyday too, and wherever you happen to be. Just place one drop of oil in a cotton ball, keep it under your nose and breathe in the scent for a minute or two. Let’s now take a look at which oils to use for common maladies.
Sage
Sage is known for its properties that aid in blood pressure reduction. In a study conducted in 2013, women who smelled sage essential oil, displayed reduced blood pressure and breathing rates compared to the others. This essential oil also helps boost memory and attention.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a known stress reliever and is also helpful with headaches. Research suggests that breathing in peppermint essential oil reduces the cortisol levels in the body, thereby reducing stress levels. It also reduces chocolate cravings. To use it, just sprinkle a couple of drops of peppermint oil on your handkerchief and inhale the scent at intervals throughout the day.
Lavender
Lavender oil helps trigger the body’s ‘rest and digest’ response and helps our body to relax. It is also known to relieve the painful symptoms of PMS and helps decreases anxiety, insomnia and pain from a migraine headache. To use this oil, just place a lavender plant near your bed or on the night stand.
Lemon
Lemon is known for its fresh lemony scent but has many other therapeutic uses. It improves concentration, boosts immunity and also aids in digestion. It also helps with acne and with the symptoms of arthritis. To use this essential oil, just use it in a diffuser in the house for an hour at a time.
