Essential oils are often used in aromatherapy, a form of alternative medicine that employs plant extracts to support health and well-being in a natural way. This article explains all you need to know about essential oils, their natural properties and what essential oils we use mostly in our blends alongside their associated health benefits.
Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants. Essential oils are obtained through distillation (via steam and/or water) or mechanical methods, such as cold pressing. Once the aromatic chemicals have been extracted, they are combined with a carrier oil to create a product that’s ready for use. The way the oils are made is important, as essential oils obtained through chemical processes are not considered true essential oils.
The oils capture the plant’s scent and flavor, or “essence.” Unique aromatic compounds give each essential oil its characteristic essence.
Essential oils are most commonly used in the practice of aromatherapy, in which they are inhaled through various methods. The chemicals in essential oils can interact with your body in several ways.
When applied to your skin, some plant chemicals are absorbed. Inhaling the aromas from essential oils can stimulate areas of your limbic system, which is a part of your brain that plays a role in emotions, behaviors, sense of smell, and long-term memory. Interestingly, the limbic system is heavily involved in forming memories. This can partly explain why familiar smells can trigger memories or emotions.
The limbic system also plays a role in controlling several unconscious physiological functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. Some people claim that essential oils can exert a physical effect on your body.
Essential oils are not meant to be used internally.
Essential oils can be inhaled or diluted and applied to the skin. They may stimulate your sense of smell or have medicinal effects when absorbed.
10 Most popular essential oils we use in our blends
There are more than 90 types of essential oils, each with its own unique smell and potential health benefits. Here’s a list of our 10 essential oils and the health claims associated with them:
Peppermint: used to boost energy and aid digestion
Lavender: used to relieve stress
Sandalwood: used to calm nerves and help with focus
Bergamot: used to reduce stress and improve skin conditions like eczema
Rose: used to improve mood and reduce anxiety
Ylang-Ylang: used to treat headaches, nausea, and skin conditions
Jasmine: used to help with depression, childbirth, and libido
Lemongrass: is restorative and mood-boosting and had antioxidant properties
Vanilla: is known for its calming effect on the brain
Eucalyptus: promotes feelings of a clear mind and relaxation
There are over 90 commonly used essential oils, each associated with certain health claims. Popular oils include peppermint, lavender, and sandalwood.
Health benefits of essential oils Stress and anxiety It has been estimated that 43% of people who have stress and anxiety use some form of alternative therapy to help relieve their symptoms. Regarding aromatherapy, initial studies have been quite positive. Many have shown that the smell of some essential oils can work alongside traditional therapy to treat anxiety and stress. Interestingly, using essential oils during a massage may help relieve stress, although the effects may only last while the massage is taking place. Headaches and migraines In the ’90s, two small studies found that dabbing a peppermint oil and ethanol mixture on participants’ foreheads and temples relieved headache pain. Recent studies have also observed reduced headache pain after applying peppermint and lavender oil to the skin. Sleep and insomnia Smelling lavender oil has been shown to improve the sleep quality of women after childbirth, as well as patients with heart disease. One review examined 15 studies on essential oils and sleep. The majority of studies showed that smelling the oils — mostly lavender oil — had positive effects on sleep habits.
Other uses Essential oils have many uses outside of aromatherapy. Many people use them to scent their homes or freshen up things like laundry. They are also used as a natural scent in homemade cosmetics and high-quality natural products.
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