Essential Oils

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants. The oils capture the plant’s scent and flavor, or “essence.” Unique aromatic compounds give each essential oil its characteristic essence. 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.

How do essential oils work?

Essential oils are most commonly used in the practice of aromatherapy, in which they are inhaled through various methods. Essential oils are not meant to be swallowed. The chemicals in essential oils can interact with your body in several ways. When applied to your skin, some plant chemicals are absorbed.

It’s thought that certain application methods can improve absorption, such as applying with heat or to different areas of the body. However, research in this area is lacking. 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. As such, some people claim that essential oils can exert a physical effect on your body. However, this has yet to be confirmed in studies.

Source: Healthline

Health Benefits

Essential oils hold a prominent place in traditional and folk medicine around the world. But modern medicine supports many of the ancient claims made about them, including:

Stress Reduction

Many essential oils are used in aromatherapy to manage stress and anxiety. For example, scientists found that orange oil had an anxiety-reducing effect on male volunteers who inhaled 2.5, 5, or 10 drops. More research is needed, but initial results were promising.

Fungal Infections

Early tea tree oil studies have had promising results regarding antimicrobial qualities long touted in traditional medicine. The oil has been used for athlete’s foot, oral thrush, and fungal infections like candida. Again more research is needed.

Sleep Aid

Lavender oil’s relaxing fragrance is thought to improve sleep quality. Scientists tested this claim on older adults living with dementia. They found that sprinkling the essential oil on towels around their pillows significantly increased their sleep time, helping them slumber longer in the mornings.

Disease Prevent

Many essential oils have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help prevent damage to cells caused by free radicals. This damage can lead to serious diseases such as cancer. Researchers are interested in how adding essential oils to food can increase our consumption of antioxidants and prolong shelf life.

Source: WebMD

How to use essential oils

There are several ways to enjoy essential oils:

• Add a few drops to a spray bottle filled with water and spritz on your pillow and sheets

• Apply a few drops to a cotton ball, then put the cotton ball in your car's air vents

• Put a few drops in your bath tub

• Rub oil on your pulse points

• Take a quick whiff from the bottle whenever needed

• Use an oil diffuser or vaporizer

• Wear jewelry specifically designed to diffuse essential oils

Source: Piedmont Healthcare