Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that are often used in aromatherapy, which is a form of alternative medicine. Alternative medicine enthusiasts have made use of essential oils for years but more recently, they’ve become more available and gained in popularity.
Inhaling essential oils can stimulate areas of your limbic system that is, the part of your brain that plays a role in managing your emotions, behaviours, sense of smell, and long-term memory. No wonder they have been linked to so many potential health and wellness benefits!
The many varieties of essential oils all serve different purposes. Let’s take a look at some of the most important oils and how you can use them at home.
Peppermint oil is used to boost energy and aid digestion as well as ease headaches, fight fatigue and lift your mood. Peppermint oil is most often used in a diffuser; it can be applied to your skin but should be diluted to reduce the risk of irritation.
Lavender oil can help to relieve stress and is used to treat fungal infections, insomnia and menstrual cramps. It is commonly used in a diffuser as aromatherapy, but you can also try adding a few drops to your bath or dilute it with water to make a room spray or body spritzer. Many people find that a few drops of lavender oil on their pillows make for a better night’s rest, and you can also combine lavender with a base oil to make body oil.
Sandalwood oil is believed to calm nerves and help you focus, while it also has a role to play in fighting coughs, colds and urinary tract infections. Sandalwood oil has natural astringent, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties – try adding it to a diffuser, or blend it with your favourite lotion or carrier oil and apply it to your skin.
Bergamot oil helps to reduce stress and improve skin conditions like eczema. It is known to reduce anxiety, lift your mood and reduce blood pressure. But what exactly is bergamot? If you’ve ever had Earl Grey tea, you’ll recognise the fruity, floral scent of bergamot. This essential oil can be used in a diffuser or applied topically when added to a carrier oil.
Rose oil has a sweet and floral aroma that is used to improve mood and reduce anxiety. It also has antioxidant qualities which have been beneficial for people with acne. If you want to have a better complexion and look younger, rose oil could be your best bet.
Chamomile oil can improve your mood and help you relax. While this oil is great for calming the mind, it’s equally beneficial for your skin – it’s been found to be helpful in treating conditions like inflammation and eczema. However, if you are allergic to daisies, marigolds, or ragweed you should avoid using this oil altogether.
Ylang-Ylang oil is used to treat headaches, nausea and skin conditions. It can even act as a form of natural insect repellent. It’s frequently found in cosmetics and promises an array of beauty benefits, including the treatment of combination skin and the promotion of hair growth.
Tea Tree oil is used to fight infections and boost immunity. This is a great oil to have handy in your home and is one of the few essential oils that can be applied directly to your skin. However, due to its high concentration of antioxidants, you shouldn’t diffuse it if you have small children or pets at home.
Jasmine oil is often recommended to help with depression and childbirth. Research has shown that the aroma of jasmine increases the brain’s beta waves, which are linked to alertness.
Lemon oil is used to aid digestion, mood, headaches, and more. from the peel of lemons, it can be diffused into the air or applied topically to your skin after blending with a carrier oil.
Last but not least, eucalyptus oil is a great essential oil to have on hand during winter. It soothes a stuffed-up nose by opening your nasal passages so you can breathe more easily.
While there is still a good deal of research to be done regarding essential oils, the benefits could well be worth exploring. You can boost your wellness by shopping all your natural and homoeopathic remedies on bidorbuy.
