Using plants in a therapeutic capacity is a practice that has existed for millennia. Today, the use of essential oils is a vital part of this holistic therapy. These oils, distilled from whole plants or plant parts, are a concentrated form of many of the active compounds found in herbs. There are 5 key things that make essential oils helpful for maintaining health and well-being:
They can influence your mood
It’s no secret that scent is strongly tied to memory and emotion. Studies have shown that peppermint essential oil is helpful for boosting energy and mental alertness, lemon essential oil helps promote a positive mood , and lavender is known for its relaxing properties.
They can improve circulation and hair health
Some oils, like rosemary, are known for helping to improve circulation when applied topically in a massage. Along with this, it is also helpful in shampoos and conditioners for hair health.
Some can be used as skin aid
Most oils (citrus and ylang ylang in particular) should always be diluted to avoid a skin reaction. Others, like lavender or tea tree, can be used neat in a pinch. A drop of undiluted tea tree oil can help skin irritations or bug bites, making it a useful addition to a family.
They are versatile
Essential oils can be used in bath products, aromatherapy diffusers, cosmetics, or even cleaning products. Oils to help open airways can be diluted into a carrier oil and massaged into the skin, or diffused into the air. As long as their scents are detectable, they are providing their benefits.
They are well-tolerated by almost anyone.
Essential oils and herbs, like anything else, do have the potential for irritating skin or other effects. People with allergies should always be aware of the composition of any oil blend they use, and avoid any that contain an ingredient they may react to.
While essential oil therapy alone can’t take the place of many medical treatments, it’s a useful addition to your health regimen. Essential oils are inexpensive, versatile, and have been proven to help a wide variety of conditions, earning them a place in homes all around the world