When it comes to using oil for our health, the first thing that surely comes to mind is essential oils. For many centuries, various essential oils have been used in different cultures because of their multitude of uses. Essential oils have been used for the purpose of traditional medicine and healing as well as religious tools. Until now, essential oils are still deemed as effective natural remedies for certain ailments according to several scientific studies.
Essential oils in history
Essential oils were once called aromatic oils back in historical times. The earliest use of aromatic oils date back to the Egyptian times sometime around 4500 B.C. Since then, cultures in China, India, Greece, Rome, Persia and some parts of Europe. It was recorded in ancient times that certain plants contain healing properties.
Nowadays, essential oils have become widely known to have plenty of benefits for our health. Not only that, it is relatively safer, cost-efficient and ultimately, it is a natural or organic alternative.
How are essential oils made?
When certain parts of plants like the leaves, flowers, roots, bark, peels or resin become extracted, they make up the components of the essential oils. The process of extracting the essence of the parts of plants is known as distillation. This is where water and oil are separated through steaming which becomes concentrated and produce a pungent aroma.
When the oils of plants become isolated, you get what you call the essential healing properties of the plant in just one drop of oil.
What are the benefits of essential oils?
Essential oils are known for their antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. This is why people choose essential oils as an alternative and natural remedy to help boost treatment for certain health problems.
So how do essential oils help our body? Listed below are some of the ways essential oils are good for our overall health and well-being.
- Strengthens the immune system and helps attack harmful bacteria
This is one of the things that stand out about essential oils – the ability to fight bacteria and viruses that cause infection. This is because of the chemical compounds in essential oils like ketones, terpenes, phenolics, esters, and ethers. There are several studies showing that essential oils can significantly eliminate harmful pathogens that jeopardize your health and cause inflammation due to their antibacterial, antiseptic and antiviral properties.
- Puts hormones back into normal balance
There are also a lot of studies that show essential oils help in returning the balance of our hormonal levels like progesterone, cortisol, estrogen, thyroid, and testosterone. There are some essential oils that help women who are in their menopausal stage. There are also essential oils that help lessen cortisol levels and significantly reduce anxiety and stress, improve our mood and lessen the chances of depression.
- Increases levels of energy
There are also certain essential oils that help in boosting energy levels and improving performance in sports and athletics. This is because of the ability to stimulate the brain and increase oxygen flow to the brain making you feel rejuvenated and motivated.
- Boosts healthy digestion and help treat stomach problems
Essential oils have chemical substances that help in the breakdown of food through stimulating the digestive enzymes. Moreover, essential oils have also been known to relieve problems with the stomach like irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, and certain gastrointestinal issues.
- Helps in promoting healthy function of the brain and retain memory
Essential oils have also shown to have health effects on our neurological system. For individuals who have neurological problems like dementia or Alzheimer’s, taking essential oils can help in improving the functions of the brain and decreases the chance of inflammation.
Moreover, taking certain essential oils can also help in restoring memory, improve focus and learning as they have sedative and soothing effects to the brain making it easier to concentrate at intense situations.
- Helps in achieving healthy skin and hair
Many people have vouched for the use of essential oils and making their hair and skin look more glowing and healthy. This is due to the anti-inflammatory properties that help decrease acne, and antifungal properties to help reduce skin ailments like eczema and dermatitis.
- Helps in boosting quality sleep
Since essential oils have sedative and soothing effects, they have been largely used by people who have difficulty sleeping at night. Some essential oils are ideal as a sleeping aid because using it can make you feel more calm and relaxed.
- Helps in lessening body pains and aches
Essential oils are largely used as aromatherapy in many massage centers. Because of its sedative and calming properties, essential oils are well known in being used as oils for massages. Their effects can help in easing tension, therefore, reducing pain and aches from the body.
What are the top five essential oils that are widely used today?
It is a given fact that using essential oils have plenty of benefits for our overall health and well-being. However, which specific type of essential oils is ideal for the conditions of our body? Below are the top five that are common when it comes to treatment.
- Tea Tree Oil
You have probably heard of this oil everywhere and is used as a key ingredient in many types of natural treatments. This type of oil is effective for fungal infections on the skin and is also an ideal remedy for smelly feet and used in shampoo to get rid of dandruff.
- Lavender Oil
This type of oil is taken from lavender flowers and has a nice smell. Its antiseptic properties are ideal for treating cuts and wounds. It is also perfect for using as oils in the bath for a soothing and relaxing soak.
- Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is the ideal type of oil in helping improve digestion. It can also help in soothing and stimulate the stomach walls to lessen gastrointestinal problems and make it easy for the stomach to digest food.
- Chamomile Oil
Chamomile oil is best used for skin problems. It is commonly used to treat problems on the skin like psoriasis and eczema. It also helps relieve inflammation from the skin problems.
- Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is largely used as a lozenge that can help clear sinuses and nasal congestions. In other words, this can be used to treat colds and flu as well as people who are prone to allergies. Usually, the best way to use this oil is through vaporizing it.
Other oils are also good for our health. There are health stores where you can purchase these oils, or you can also find them online.
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