Many of us know the benefits of essential oils as they have become a staple in a lot of our lives. They are added to skin care products, to help calm us, or even to aid with healing.
Essential oils are usually obtained by distilling the plant with steam or water. Once extracted, the oils are then combined with another type of carrier oil to create the final product. How the oils are made is especially important because if they are created through a chemical process, they aren’t really true essential products.
The oils are usually taken orally, topically or diffused in our homes. Of course, not only does each oil have different healing properties, but they will affect us each differently due to our different body types.
There have been numerous studies done over the years about the many benefits of essential oils.
Below are just six of the many ways that essential oil can help address different health concerns.
1. Anti-bacterial qualities
There are many essential oils that have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal properties and help to prevent viruses while promoting a healthy immune system and fight off infections. The substances found in some of these oils have the potential to fight off foreign bodies that affect our health.
2. Digestive issues
Essential oils are also known to help with digestive issues besides, of course, or normal diet. There are some essential oils that help with stomach spams, IBS, and some gastrointestinal issues. The oils work to help stimulate your digestive enzymes to help absorb the good nutrients for positive digestive health.
3. Energy boost
Essential oils are also know to help increase our energy levels and can even help athletes improve their performance levels. Some oils increase oxygen levels in our brains and can make us feel energized, focused and refreshed. Eucalyptus, grapefruit and rosemary are among the best for an energy boost.
4. Reduce stress
Essential oils are best known for their ability to help calm us down and reduce stress levels. Some essential oils, in fact, have a mild sedative effect which can make us feel peaceful, relaxed and calm. (Get rid of those anti-depressants!) Some oils also help us sleep due to this tremendous calming effect. Ylang ylang, chamomile and bergamot are among the favorites for their anti-stress properties.
5. Reduce toxins
One of the more popular uses of essential oils is to help detoxify our home to aid in your overall health. As we inhale so many different chemicals daily just by being outside, some essential oils will act as a shield to help us detoxify. In fact, many different hospitals around the world use essential oils to keep the air clear of viruses and other contagious germs.
Some of the more popular oils for detoxification are funnel, peppermint, lemon and grapefruit.
6. Headache reliever
Essential oils are also used as a natural headache and even migraine reliever because the oils help address the headache naturally rather than cover up the pain. The idea is that the oils help with improved circulation and stress, both of which are the typical causes of headaches and migraines.
Eucalyptus is an essential oil that is known to help open up our sinuses and promotes circulation which can relieve headaches.
These are just a few of the many benefits of essential oils. They are an effective, natural form of therapy and can help with so many different health issues.
The most important thing to keep in mind when looking for essential oils is that they are concentrated, pure and not diffused with other chemicals and fillers. The oils that come right from the plant are the most effective to produce the healing effects.
Guest post by Steven Regener
How have you used essential oils?
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