Do Essential Oils Work, And If They Do, How?
Did you know that essential oils have been used for approximately over 6000 years and it is mainly used to create a mood and to enhance a person's health.
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts and are extremely powerful and strong.
Large quantities of raw plant material or in some cases gum, are either distilled with water, steam or dry distilled to get the concentrated oil content from the plant material.
Pure essential oils have phytochemical properties that benefit not only the plant in its natural form but also us and other animals. Molecules either enter the nose, mouth or skin, then pass to the lungs and blood system, and from there, to other parts of the body. It affects the heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels and hormonal levels.
All essential oils also have certain actions that they can carry out , for example they can be anti-bacterial , anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antiseptic, anti-parasitic etc. Very much like their medicinal plant versions.
How To Use Essential Oils
Because they are so strong and concentrated, only small doses should be used at a time and you must be aware what you are using them for. The majority of essential oils should be used externally, there are very few that can be used internally. Pregnant and breastfeeding woman must be certain that the oil they are using is safe to use at that time.
Aromatherapy:
This involves inhaling the oil that stimulates the part of the brain connected to the sense of smell and triggers an emotional response in the limbic system. It is capable of reducing stress and anxiety fairly quickly.
One inhales the vapour by means of a diffuser, burner, spray or by steam inhalation.
Topical application:
Essential Oils are absorbed through the skin using various skin care products, a few drops in the bath or added to a massage oil as a base to dilute their concentration.
Ingestion:
Ingesting essential oils is not commonly recommended as this can harm the liver and kidneys.
The oils that can be ingested are used in small quantities in teas and smoothies.
Some of the more common benefits of using essential oils are:
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts and are extremely powerful and strong.
Large quantities of raw plant material or in some cases gum, are either distilled with water, steam or dry distilled to get the concentrated oil content from the plant material.
Pure essential oils have phytochemical properties that benefit not only the plant in its natural form but also us and other animals. Molecules either enter the nose, mouth or skin, then pass to the lungs and blood system, and from there, to other parts of the body. It affects the heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels and hormonal levels.
All essential oils also have certain actions that they can carry out , for example they can be anti-bacterial , anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antiseptic, anti-parasitic etc. Very much like their medicinal plant versions.
How To Use Essential Oils
Because they are so strong and concentrated, only small doses should be used at a time and you must be aware what you are using them for. The majority of essential oils should be used externally, there are very few that can be used internally. Pregnant and breastfeeding woman must be certain that the oil they are using is safe to use at that time.
Aromatherapy:
This involves inhaling the oil that stimulates the part of the brain connected to the sense of smell and triggers an emotional response in the limbic system. It is capable of reducing stress and anxiety fairly quickly.
One inhales the vapour by means of a diffuser, burner, spray or by steam inhalation.
Topical application:
Essential Oils are absorbed through the skin using various skin care products, a few drops in the bath or added to a massage oil as a base to dilute their concentration.
Ingestion:
Ingesting essential oils is not commonly recommended as this can harm the liver and kidneys.
The oils that can be ingested are used in small quantities in teas and smoothies.
Some of the more common benefits of using essential oils are:
- Improves moods
- Enhances work performance as it relieves stress, increases concentration and attention
- Improves sleep
- Kills bacteria , fungi and viruses
- Reduces anxiety and pain
- Reduces inflammation
- Reduces nausea and headaches
Using pure essential oils is a complimentary therapy. It is not necessarily a complete cure for disease, rashes or illnesses, but it certainly can support conventional treatments.
For more information on some commonly used essential oils click on the links below:
Cedarwood Essential Oil
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Lavendar Essential Oil
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Peppermint Essential Oil
Rose Geranium Essential Oil
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Keep well and keep the good vibes vibing.
Megan
The Lion Heart Lady