Essential oils have been used since ancient times and for an excellent reason, or should we say reasons. Not only do they offer beautiful, healing scents, but essential oils have vital health benefits as well.
Arthritis, sleep problems, migraines, colds, allergies, and digestive issues… These are just some conditions that you can use to treat with essential oils. In this article, I will introduce the science of essential oils as well as suggest some useful oils to begin or add to your collection.
Finding a natural cure is not always easy, but one thing that you should never do is give up on your search. Who knows, perhaps essential oils are the natural remedy that will help to heal you. And then you will be able to join the millions of people all around the world that believe in their power.
Essential Oils Guide to Health and Non-Toxic Living – In this essential oils guide, we share how to use essential oils for health and non-toxic living. We'll also explore some of the most common questions people have.
The Science of Essential Oils
How Are Essential Oils Used?
There are three ways to use essential oils to gain health benefits. The most effective one will depend on the health benefit you are aiming to achieve.
- Aromatic – This is the most characteristic way of using essential oils. This is because our smell receptors quickly absorb the volatile oils which have a healing effect on our physical and mental health.
- Topical – Â The most common areas to apply essential oils are on the neck, arms, chest, forehead, and temples.
- Internally – You can add a few drops of essential oil to your water, tea, smoothie, meals, etc.,
What are the Best Essential Oils to Start With?
There are many different essential oils and blends… So, it can be quite overwhelming for a beginner to choose the best essential oils to purchase. If you are just beginning your journey with essential oils, here is a most helpful Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Guide. But, the best idea is to look for the essential oil that has the beneficial effects of the problem you're trying to solve.
But not all people are trying to solve a health problem by using essential oils. Some may just want to enjoy in some natural, pleasant smells that essential oils have to offer you.
So, what essential oil should you start with?
I recommend trying the lavender oil [1] to start. It has soothing, detoxifying, calming and sedative benefits. Also, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antidepressant and antiseptic properties as well.
You can also try the peppermint essential oil which is from the leaves and the stem of the peppermint plant. It has an energizing and refreshing effect that you might take in at the end of a busy day.
There is also eucalyptus essential oil with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. Eucalyptus oil is very useful for any condition related to the respiratory system such as bronchitis, sinusitus, asthma, sore throat, and infections. It is also effective for muscular aches and pains, arthritis, rheumatism, plantar fasciitis, and sprains. Uplifting and refreshing, eucalyptus clears and stimulates the mind, aids concentration, and helps to clear the air of negative energies, especially after an argument.
Another must-have essential oil is lemon oil with antidepressive, antiseptic, and detoxifying properties. Lemon oil is able to heighten consciousness and is generally calming during a potential emotional outburst due to its cooling, clearing and refreshing effect. Lemon has the ability to dispel sluggishness and can help to clear negative blockages and revitalize your energy.
These are all great oils for you to start with and continue using throughout your life!
Why Use Essential Oils?
For thousands of years, essential oils have been used in Ayurveda to prevent and treat many of today’s medical issues.
Essential oils function quite well when used for the symptoms that come with common cold and flu symptoms, sore muscles, digestion problems, and high-stress levels. Even cellulite and even wrinkles can improve with essential oils.
The reason why people love essential oils is that anyone can enjoy them. They are a highly functioning, inexpensive treatment.
Now I will go just a few common situations that can be helped by the use of essential oils.
Essential Oils to Fight Arthritis Symptoms
Symptoms of arthritis include joint pain, inflammation, swelling, reduced range of motion. This chronic disease requires a lifelong treatment plan so that one can have a more normal life.
It is not uncommon for these patients to rely on natural remedies, including essential oils, to reduce their symptoms.
For this purpose, I recommend you use essential oil of Ginger, known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Also, Turmeric essential oil has been proven [3]Â to prevent joint swelling among rats with Rheumatoid arthritis.
Also, for those who experience depression as a result of chronic Arthritis, a blend of lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, peppermint, and marjoram essential oils can be quite effective.
Using Essential Oils For Travel Anxiety
It is not uncommon for people to experience discomfort while traveling by car, plane or train. Traveling can be stressful as much as it is relaxing. Using essential oils while traveling can help to soothe your nerves, and reduce stress levels. I recommend using the topically to relieve any problems that you might experience while traveling.
By just applying a few drops of lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, or valerian essential oils on your arms, forehead, temples, neck or chest you will help you to relax and stay calm. Let the healing oils take your anxiety away so that you can enjoy the traveling process as you have intended to do in the first place. Using essential oils can efficiently reduce nausea and the need to vomit or the sleeping problems that you may experience while traveling.
Essential Oils For Migraine Headaches
For unknown reasons, some people have to deal with awful migraine headaches known as migraines for the rest of their lives. Nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, loss of appetite and insomnia are some of the most common symptoms that come with each migraine attack.
Sure there are some medications that these people can take, but unfortunately, in a lot of cases, these medications can do little to nothing when a migraine attack happens.
Once again, essential oils can soothe you in times like these. In fact, it has been scientifically proven [4]Â that aromatherapy with lavender oil is a safe, natural treatment for an acute migraine attack.
Thanks to the calming, sedative, analgesic and antimicrobial properties of lavender oil, I can say for sure this remedy that is worth a try!
Also, applying a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow is one of the best natural treatments for insomnia, which is one of the common symptoms of migraines. The relaxing smell of the lavender oil will soothe your nervous system so that you can get a good night sleep.
Conclusion of The Science of Essential Oils
Although essential oils have been used since the ancient times, only recently have they become a significant trend.
Nowadays, more and more people are using essential oils to treat their various medical issues.
Perhaps you, as well, can try some of the most popular essential oils to gain the beneficial effects they promise to deliver. And if not, you can at least use them as a potent soothing and calming agent to relax your body and mind after a long, busy day spent at work.
Author Bio
Meighan Sembrano is a health enthusiast and a passionate writer. Her primary expertise is in Beauty and Skin Care, but she has also published articles on Health and Fitness. Her sincerity and thoughtfulness resonate with readers, and her enthusiasm is contagious. You can follow Meighan on Twitter and Facebook.
Enjoyed your article very much, very informative and enlightening for someone wanting to learn more the purpose and benefits of using essentials oils. This article helps clear up the confusion of what to purchase in the start of using essential oils. Have used essential oils in the past, maybe it’s time to start using them again. Thanks for the information, Deanna
Hi Deanna… Thanks for connecting… and yes, definitely use more essential oils. There is a long history of aromatic plant use because it’s one of the best holistic therapies! Take care