4 Best Uses Of Essential Oils

The history of essential oils can be dated way back to centuries ago when Egyptians used to burn herbs and spices to produce aromatic incense. They use it to purify the smell of their home and drive away evil spirits. They also use it to cover dead bodies as part of the mummification process. Now, essential oils are continuously prescribed by alternative medicine practitioners to help relieve stress, improve sleep quality, reduce body pain, and boost moods. They may not be FDA-regulated, but essential oils are thought to bring numerous benefits to your overall wellness when used properly. 

Definition Of Essential Oils  

Essential oils are natural extracts you can get from a plant’s seeds, flowers, leaves, roots, or stems. They’re obtained through distillation to preserve the source’s natural flavour and smell. Each essential oil has a different chemical composition, thus distinguishing each oil based on flavour, aroma, and its effects on the body. In other words, each type of oil can provide different uses and benefits to the user. 

For example, if you want to relieve stress, you may opt for frankincense oil. If you’re looking to improve your sleep, you can use lavender oil. You may also click here for additional references about different popular essential oils.

Best Uses Of Essentials  

While the research surrounding the benefits of essential oils is still underway, they’re believed to help enhance one’s health and overall life quality. Here are the four best uses of essential oils for your reference.  

1. Relieving symptoms of stress and anxiety 

Your sense of smell is relatively connected with your emotions and memories, maybe even more so than your other senses. 

When you smell something, the scent quickly travels from your nose, passes to the bottom of your brain, and eventually reaches your amygdala and hippocampus. These parts of your brain are in control of your feelings, thoughts, and memories. If you’ve noticed, when you smell something familiar, it automatically triggers a part of your memory or perhaps an experience that was attached to that specific smell. Hence, the scent you collect can be so powerful in ruling over your emotions, thoughts, and memories.

Thus, inhaling or exposing yourself to the scent of the essential oil is known to relieve the symptoms of stress and anxiety. It’s believed that the aroma from the essential oil will send chemical signals into your brain that control your emotions and moods. Ultimately, essential oils may not take your stress and anxiety away, but the aromatic scent may help you relax and relieve you from the symptoms.

2. Alleviating headaches

If you’re suffering from headaches and migraines, applying an essential oil to the painful area may help. According to a study, you only need to dap a few drops of essential oil into your temple and forehead to alleviate the pain in your head.

Some essential oils best for alleviating headaches are eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil. Although the essential oil may not directly remove the pain sensitivity, the chemical compounds of the oil may help promote muscle relaxation, thus, relieving the headache.

3. Improving sleep quality 

Another best use of essential oils is improving your sleep quality. One type of essential oil made for sleep is lavender oil. Its sedative properties make it a good tool for calming physical and mental concerns that might be affecting one’s sleep quality. For instance, if you’re struggling from insomnia due to stress and anxiety, having a lavender essential oil diffused in your bedroom may help your mind and body relax and eventually promote better sleep.

Aside from oil diffusion, you can also use lavender oil by sprinkling a few drops on your towels and placing them around your pillow. The scent of the oil is believed to help you relax and increase your sleeping time to ensure you wake up feeling energized in the morning. Overall, essential oils are known to influence your sleeping habits positively.

4. Reducing inflammation 

Research also suggests that essential oils contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties known to help fight and reduce inflammatory conditions. However, it’s never recommended to directly apply oil into your skin, especially on areas with injuries or open wounds, as the oil might only irritate the sensitive cells. Instead, the best way to enjoy the essential oils and reduce inflammation is through diffusion, humidification, or inhalation.

Here are some essential oils best for reducing inflammation: 

• Clove 
• Rose 
• Fennel 
• Eucalyptus 
• Bergamot 

If you do wish to apply oil to your skin, specifically to the affected area, make sure you dilute the oil first before applying and massaging to reduce the pain and swelling.

Takeaway 

Essential oils offer numerous uses that may help improve your overall health and wellness. You can use essential oils through inhalation, diffusion, or humidification. Either way, remember to use any oil with caution and watch out for any reactions, especially if it’s your first time using one. If necessary, see a doctor immediately.