Have you ever experienced the soothing aroma you get upon opening the bottle of your favorite perfume? Essential Oils act in the same way. Essential oils have been used for medical and health purposes in different cultures for thousands of years. These healing oils have gained tremendous popularity due to their natural ingredients with minimal to no side effects on the human body.
These oils are considered the best therapy to improve mental, physical, emotional, or spiritual wellness.
Where do these essential oils come from?
Essential oils have all organic compounds which are extracted from seeds, bark, roots, or flowers of plants using a number of methods. The application of essential oils varies from household cleaning, personal care, and aromatherapy.
History: The beginning of Essential oils history backs to ancient Egyptians who used these oils extensively in cosmetics, skincare, medicines, or even for their religious purposes. It would not be fallacious to say that Egypt is the birthplace of these Essential oils. Ancient Greeks and Romans followed the footsteps of Egyptians where they firmly believed that all the issues related to health should be treated with these oils. The use of oils in aromatic baths to promote health was also a common practice.
Uses of essential oils
Numerous combinations of essential oils can be made according to one’s preference. Let’s look into some of the amazing essential oil combinations:
- For Concentration: vetiver root+ rosemary+ patchouli+ lemon
- For Immune System: clove bud+ oregano+ eucalyptus+ tea tree+ cinnamon
- For Cleaning up: ylang-ylang + clove bud+ orange
A blend should have 3% of essential oil that is 3 drops of oil in 5ml of carrier oil. As these essential oils are commonly used for Aromatherapy, different age groups have different recommendations for using these oils. Let’s have a look at them:
- 6 months-2 years: 1 drop of oil in 10ml of almond oil as a base.
- 2-5 years: 1-3 drops on 10ml of carrier oil.
- 5-12 years: half of the adult dose.
- 12 years and above: the same as that for adults.
Health benefits of essential oils
Though these oils are used widely all over the world still there is uncertainty about their benefits on specific health problems. Let’s have a look at some of the health benefits of these oils:
Insomnia or Sleep Disorder
Many people suffer from insomnia or lack of sleep, owing to some kind of stress, post-partum depression, or some particular health issue. About 15 studies showed that lavender oil is very advantageous in soothing the mind and helping people sleep well throughout the night. Aromatherapy with Lavender oil is being encouraged by the therapists for sleeping peacefully and calmly.
Immune System Support
Oils like Chamomile oils mixed with water or any carrier oil is very advantageous in supporting the immune system and the best way to use this is through aromatherapy. Chamomile oil has a floral and sweet smell that soothes the mind and helps in making our immune system better and strong.
Tension and Fatigue
What if after a long tiring day at the office or home, we get a good massage that makes our body relax. The best way to make this possible is by getting an aromatic essential oil massage and Rosemary would be perfect for this purpose. The scent of rosemary makes our bodies relax and liberate all the exhaustion, anxiety, stress, and nervousness from our minds as well as physically.
Insect Repellents
Essential oils have been used as insect repellent from ancient ages. A number of oils are used in combination to ward off insects. The most commonly used oils are eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint, or oregano and a widely used combination for this purpose is Citronella oil mixed with lemongrass oil, peppermint oil, and tea tree oil.
Antibiotics and Antibacterial Benefits
Although the research on the use of oils as antibiotics is very vague still it is widely believed that certain essential oils are the best antibiotics and protection against bacteria. Tea tree oil is used as the main component in many antifungal medicines especially in vaginal infections in women. Many vaginal washes are available which regulate the PH level of the vagina that protects against vaginal diseases.
Migraines
A limited study showed that people having migraines or constant headaches can be cured by applying essential oils on their temples, besides medicines. In ’90s, herbalists mostly used lavender oil and ethanol mixture to cure these types of headaches. But recent studies perceived that a mixture of lavender oil and peppermint oil applied on the head relieves migraines. Persians have been in ancient times and still in recent times, use chamomile and sesame oil to cure such migraines.
Invigorating Effects
Many of these oils have invigorating effects on human bodies. The aromatherapy used with different mixtures of essential oils boosts the energy levels and is the best simulator for human bodies. There are a number of invigorating essential oils and some of them are:
- Orange: This supports the immune system.
- Basil: basil oil makes our skin clear and our nervous system healthy.
- Spearmint: these are best for digestion and upset stomach.
- Peppermint: aromatherapy with this oil works best for respiratory and digestive systems.
Household Benefits
Other than health conditions or aromatherapy, essential oils are also used in daily household routines. Let’s peep into some of these uses:
- Various homemade cosmetics have essential oils as key ingredients in them.
- These oils are also used in laundry to freshen up clothes.
- Now a day, diffusers are widely available in which a combination of essential oils is mixed in a water base and placed in living rooms, bedrooms, or bathrooms.
- Essential oils have certain properties that help in extending the shelf life of food items that are desired to be purposely stored for longer periods.
Side effects
Though these oils are very advantageous for pregnant women, children or pets may have negative effects when applied on the skin or inhaled. Some of the side effects areas:
- Allergies
- Rashes
- Headaches
Essential oils should not be swallowed as they can be harmful and fatal.
Final verdict
These oils are normally safe and healthy when inhaled or applied on the skin but only when mixed with any base or carrier oil. Other than medicines, essential oils can be therapeutic and helpful in curing emotional issues as well as physical also. Besides all these benefits, these oils should not be swallowed directly while one should seek medical help in case of any reaction.
