Essential oils

Did you ever wonder about the power of essential oils? Well, essential oils are compounds you extract from different plants. The oils will capture the plant’s essence or scent and flavor, for instance.  According to Google, unique aromatic compounds give each essential oil its own personal essence. I find the process intriguing because something so natural is also complex.

Methods

Essential oils are obtained through distillation or mechanical methods. Often, this can involve steam, water, and cold pressing. I sometimes buy essential oils at Walmart to put into a diffuser and make rooms in my home smell good. Now, I realize other wonderful benefits! A little bit of this and a little bit of that can turn into a masterpiece.

Uses

Outside of aromatherapy, essential oils have a variety of uses. Let us review some evidence pertaining to specific health conditions essential oils may treat. A massage therapist uses certain oils to treat individuals suffering from anxiety and stress. Because of the process, the individual smells the scent and feels the benefit of massaging the oils into their skin. Next thing you know, mentally and physically the client is feeling like a brand new person.

Remedies

Let us move onto headaches and migraines. How amazing it is, that dabbing peppermint and ethanol mixture on your forehead and temples can relieve headaches. Actually, I purchase a roll-on with peppermint from Melaleuca every couple of months to help me with sinus problems. The roll-on is great for stress and tension headaches. Also, a traditional Persian remedy for headaches is mixing chamomile and sesame oil together and applying the mixture to your temples.

Insomnia

Amazing stuff with the power of essential oils! A popular one that you are most likely familiar with is lavender oil. So often, people have issues with insomnia throughout their lifetime. The smell of lavender can improve sleep quality helping to alleviate restless nights. Maybe the remedies are temporary but I would rather take something natural than medications with unhealthy side effects.

Bacterial Infections

Today, the rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria sparks an interest in finding compounds to fight off bacterial infections. A favorite of mine is buying tea tree oil from Melaleuca for its antimicrobial effects. For example, In war times, the British used tea tree oil to treat the wounds of soldiers. Melaleuca makes a bacterial ointment with tea tree oil that is awesome for scrapes and abrasions.

Chemical Free

The quality and composition of many essential oils will vary. What is important in your search is purity, quality, and reputation. Choose chemical-free essential oils! I love Argan oil for my face and body. When I am comparing prices, serums are cheaper. Pure Argan oil can be expensive but the quality is impressive when you see the results in little time.

Side Effects

Avoid the dilution of oils with synthetic fragrances. Plants and herbal products contain bioactive compounds that may cause side effects. I personally have never gone through allergy testing. Talk to your doctor about the remedies you want to try. So many people are leaning toward natural healing. Graves’ Disease is a challenge, and I am always open to therapeutic ways to heal my aches and pains. Medications and supplements often make me feel bad. Thyroid replacement medication is a daily must for me but feeling healthy is what my journey is all about!

Approach

Make sure to discuss options of interest with your healthcare practitioner. From relieving stress and anxiety to sore muscles and headaches, and obtaining soft skin, a natural approach can keep life simple. Depending on what medications you are taking, the issue is mixing it with other compounds. However, most essential oils are not used internally.

Chart Of Uses

Below is a chart on essential oil uses I found online. I hope this will be helpful and fun in your health journey. Who knows what magical things can happen with that perfect oil remedy. Remember, always check with your doctor first!