As highly concentrated plant extracts, essential oils contain many of the same properties as the herbs from which they’re derived.
Some people believe they’re more powerful than the herbs themselves, because they’re so highly concentrated.
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Today, many people reach for their essential oils when infection strikes. (Actually, I use a special mix of five oils called Germ Fighter Synergy Blend.) They also employ these oils when they’re not sick, in hopes of preventing an illness.
Are Essential Oils Good for You?
Some essential oils are noted for their ability to fight pain and inflammation, so they are often used for headaches or arthritis, or to calm muscle spasms. (I also use another blend called Rapid Relief when my back hurts, or I have a headache.)
Other people appreciate the seeming ability of these oils to dispel negative thoughts and elevate the mood. Some essential oils, especially those in the citrus family, have earned a reputation as being able to banish depression. So you can also find special mood enhancing and stress relief blends too.
Essential Oils and Your Health
So, where are all the studies, proving that these oils can do all the things they’re purported to do?
Essential oils have been used medicinally for hundreds of years. However, as of yet, there’s been little scientific research into the healing potential of essential oils. But the few studies that have been done are very encouraging.
Are Essential Oils Good for Your Health?
As for me, I’m not waiting for all of the studies to be published. For one, I’d probably have a long wait. Most researchers are focused on finding pharmaceutical solutions. Also, there’s little financial incentive to study aromatic oils. They can’t be patented and turned into profitable drugs.
However, I do need to point out that I’m not a doctor. So I’m not making any medical claims or promises that essential oils will solve your particular health problems. I’m simply sharing information on how I use them in my own life, and how much they’ve helped me.
Essential Oils for Your Health
Essential oils have a long record of medical use. Oils distilled or otherwise extracted from plants were used by a number of civilizations, including the ancient Egyptians and in China as well. They were also used as perfumes and cosmetics.
A number of the oils have an affinity for the skin. They’re considered good for evening the skin tone and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. A number of aromatics are used to fight wrinkles. One of the best known is frankincense essential oil. It’s even been said that Cleopatra used this natural remedy to help retain her beauty.
Medical practitioners who work with essential oils are known as “aromatherapists.” However, the term “aromatherapy” is a bit misleading. That’s because oftentimes essential oils are massaged into the skin, where they are readily absorbed into the body, rather than just inhaled.
Potential Health Benefits of Essential Oils
Some of the most popular aromatics are germ-fighting blends designed to ward off infectious disease. They generally include five oils – lemon, clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus and rosemary.
Individually, these oils are known to have germ-killing properties. One study found that one brand that contained the above oils did kill bacteria in the lab. A separate study of a similar brand found it stopped the influenza virus in a laboratory setting.
Although I can’t make any claims or promises, here is the germ-fighting blend I’ll be using in my own house this year. It’s made by Plant Therapy, which sells excellent oils that are independently tested for purity.
Why Essential Oils are Good for Your Health
Essential oils are also known for relieving pain and inflammation. In fact, on the University of Maryland Medical Center website, there’s even mention of a “small study” showing peppermint oil is able to reduce headache pain.
I don’t own any over-the-counter pain relievers. In our house, run-of-the-mill pain is treated with essential oils. In the past, I’ve used peppermint essential oil on my tension headaches, with excellent results.
Currently, I use a special blend called Rapid Relief. It contains peppermint, as well as eight other essential oils chosen for their analgesic properties. Aromatherapy blends are believed to have a synergy that makes them more powerful than single oils. You can see the blend I use for pain control.
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Essential Oils and Your Mood
Lavender’s lovely smell seems to have a positive effect upon the nervous system. Inhaling lavender makes you relax. That’s why this particular oil is often used as a sleep aid.
Chronic insomnia was something I once suffered from. It was especially bad if I went out at night, and didn’t get time to unwind before trying to fall asleep. However, essential oils have been a huge help. Nearly every morning I now wake up after a deep, restful sleep.
Essential Oils for Your Health
At night, I sprinkle lavender essential oil or another aromatic oil on a small piece of cloth (or a tissue) that I place near by pillow.
Various oils, including lavender, have caught the attention of some mainstream researchers. The University of Maryland Medical Center website has a section devoted to lavender oil, in which it notes that “research has confirmed” that lavender oil, when inhaled, does, indeed, facilitate relaxation.
Below you can see a bottle of 100 percent pure lavender oil, as well as Relax Synergy Blend made with lavender and other aromatics. I own it and it smells amazing.
Plant Therapy Lavender Oil
Relax Synergy Blend
Disclaimer
These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use essential oils unless directed to do so by a healthcare professional.
