Which essential Oils are the most beneficial

Essential Oils

Article #01

What are essential oils?

Essential oils
Essential oils

Essential oils are naturally occurring compounds that can be extracted from plants. Plants have essential oils for self-defense, attracting pollinators, and reproduction. Essential oils are typically distilled for several hours by passing steam through plant material with high densities of these aromatic compounds. Distillers capture the steam – carrying the scent of the plant’s natural fragrance – in a cooling chamber where it condenses, leaving behind its pure essence.

The term “essential oil” is usually reserved for liquids derived from petals, leaves, seeds, bark, or roots of flowers and herbs that are cold-pressed or CO2 extracted. These highly concentrated products contain active biological properties that help in ailments when consumed undiluted or applied topically. They are highly potent, so they should never be taken internally or applied undiluted to the skin unless recommended by a health care practitioner.

Benefits of Essential Oils

-It can be used topically but not to be ingested

Topical use of essential oils is a fantastic way to maintain a healthy lifestyle if you’re interested in exploring natural remedies for common ailments or if you simply want to reap the benefits of these amazing compounds for their health-boosting properties.

Immune-boosting

Essential oils are immune-boosting due to the compounds present in them. Most therapeutic grade essential oils include phenols, monoterpenes, and oxides which help in boosting immunity. Some of these amazing compounds found in essential oils are Geraniol, Farnesol, etc.

Boost Energy

The various plant extracts present within essential oil boosts energy levels by increasing blood flow. These extracts also help in improving skin health & ridding the skin of blemishes giving you a flawless complexion. Aromatherapy using essential oil can help you achieve your New Years’ resolution of losing weight more efficiently than exercising or dieting alone if it’s done with consistent results.

Reduce Stress & Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can be a debilitating condition if it goes unnoticed. Stress and anxiety can lead to poor diet, lack of sleep, etc. Essential oil diffusers have been used as a natural alternative. An essential oil diffuser or aromatherapy is far better than using some synthetic chemical-filled room freshener, as the effects of these oils on mood are quite strong.

Boost Skin & Hair Health

Skin toners with essential oils like Witch hazel promote skin health due to their astringent properties, which tightens pores and also reduces redness. The anti-inflammatory properties in essential oils like neem promote hair growth by calming inflammation that causes itching, redness, and scalp flaking.

Promote better Sleep

Massaging your feet or scalp with essential oil before going to bed is a great way to drift off into a restful sleep. Lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood are the most common essential oils associated with promoting better sleep.

7 Most Beneficial Essential Oils

Essential oils are best known for their therapeutic benefits. Modern research has identified more than a hundred essential oils with beneficial properties ranging from antibacterial to anti-inflammatory to antioxidant. In this article, we look at 7 of the most beneficial essential oil uses and recipes you can easily try at home.

Clove

Clove oil has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It can help reduce inflammation caused by arthritis, aid digestion, fight ovarian cancer cells and strengthen the immune system. In addition to its health benefits, clove essential oil is an excellent natural remedy for oral hygiene due to its antibacterial effects on the mouth’s microorganisms that cause cavities and gingivitis.

Frankincense

Frankincense has been highly valued since ancient times as incense, perfume, medicine, and spiritual practice. The ancient Egyptians used it to treat anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antidepressant, antipsychotic and sedative conditions.

Frankincense oil also has antioxidant benefits, which can help reduce free radicals like carvacrol. Free radicals have been linked to the development of cancer. Frankincense may help with Alzheimer’s disease as its high antioxidant content helps fight free radicals that lead to brain cell degeneration in people with this condition.

Myrrh

Myrrh comes from a tree native to Arabia and Somalia called Commiphora myrrha. In Greece and Rome, it was used to treat wounds and infections. Historians believe that myrrh was one of three gifts given by three wise men during Jesus’ birth.

Myrrh has antiseptic, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic properties, making it useful for treating dental cavities (topical use only) and halitosis (bad breath). It also reduces inflammation caused by arthritis, including osteoarthritis, gout, and fungal infections like ringworm.

Oregano

Oregano is a flavorful herb commonly used in Italian dishes. Oregano oil has powerful antimicrobial properties that include antifungal activity against candida Albicans. Candida Albicans is a common fungus responsible for yeast infections in the mouth, vagina, and intestinal tract.

Oregano oil can be applied topically for wound healing and to kill intestinal parasites. It has a very strong smell that some people find unpleasant, but it is a powerful natural antibiotic you should include in your natural arsenal against infections.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood essential oil comes from a tree native to India called Santalum album. It was made into a paste in ancient India and used as an antiseptic to treat infected wounds, skin ulcers, and even leprosy. Due to its pleasant aroma has also been prized for perfumes, soaps, and other cosmetics. Sandalwood contains analgesic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, and sedative properties which can help reduce muscle pain and relieve symptoms of depression.

Sandalwood essential oil may be found in several products we regularly use, such as face cream or soap – it’s a great aroma that we often find pleasing and relaxing; however, sandalwood also has interesting medicinal properties: it can reduce inflammation and heal skin infections as well as a natural aphrodisiac for better libido.

Peppermint

Peppermint oil results from the steam distillation of dried peppermint leaves. It is well known for its refreshing taste, pleasant aroma, and menthol content which produces a cooling sensation when applied topically.

In addition to freshening your breath, peppermint oil acts as an antiseptic to inhibit bacterial growth in the mouth and on the skin.

Some research has found it may have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Peppermint oil is often used in massage therapy to reduce pain and promote relaxation.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon may help boost your metabolism, digestion, fight bacteria, improve brain function and lower the risk of several types of cancer. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can aid in treating arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and eczema. Recent studies have found that cinnamon can help lower blood sugar levels by slowing the rate of food moving through the stomach. This helps maximize satiety after eating.

It can help with weight loss because it decreases insulin resistance and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Moreover, research shows that cinnamon may boost testosterone in men.

How Can I Use Essential Oils?

The following list provides some examples of the most beneficial essential oil’s uses:

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the practice of inhaling essential oils for relaxation and well-being. Most commonly, you will find aromatherapy in homes in the form of candles, incense sticks, and aroma diffusers used to spread pleasant smells throughout a house. However, there are many other ways to use essential oils for aromatherapy:

  • Warm a few drops of essential oil in your palms and cup over the nose and mouth to inhale the vapors.
  • Pour a few drops of essential oils into your bath water while running a hot or cold bath. The heat from the tub will help capture the essential oil molecules and diffuse them throughout the room.
  • Put 3-5 drops of essential oil inside a handkerchief or small piece of cloth, tie it up and rub it against your wrists when you feel stressed out.
  • Add stimulating scents such as cinnamon, cumin, or peppermint to foods when cooking by adding 2-4 drops into chicken stock, soups, curries, etc. When applied in moderation, they can also add a pleasant aroma to your food.

Topically

There are many ways you can use essential oils topically:

  • Add a few drops of essential oil into a tablespoon of carrier oil such as coconut, grapeseed, or olive oil, then apply to the skin.
  • Mix 3-5 drops of essential oils with a teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar and a cup of water and drink it first thing in the morning or throughout the day for its immune-boosting properties.
  • Apply diluted essential oils along the spine by mixing 8-12 drops with 1/4 cup each of almond/coconut/grapeseed oil before taking a shower. Breathe in the steam while showering for calming effects on your respiratory system.

Be careful when adding essential oils to food, as they are highly potent. Most essential oils have a very intense flavor and only require a drop or two to add intense flavors to dishes. A few drops go a long way so add with care.

Here are some ways you can use essential oils when cooking:

  • Add peppermint or eucalyptus oil before cooking fish to mask the fishiness of older fish. This trick works for meat too.
  • Add a few drops of lavender oil into boiling water while making rice for extra fragrance and flavor. You will also sleep better after eating this dish!
  • Blend cinnamon, clove, or nutmeg with a little bit of ghee and add a drop or two before eating.
  • Blend lemon zest, basil, and olive oil together for a delicious salad dressing.
  • Add 1-2 drops of tea tree oil to your coffee or tea in the morning. This will boost your immune system and keep you safe from flu and colds.

Conclusion

Using essential oils can be beneficial provided you follow instructions mentioned on the label carefully, consult with an aromatherapist if required, and never ingest them undiluted or apply them directly to the skin unless recommended by someone who has been trained in their use. There are many benefits of using essential oils, but they need to be treated with care – always dilute them.

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