Essential oils are used for aromatherapy, which is a form of alternative medicine that uses plant extracts to help support a person’s well-being and health. However, there are still some of the claims that are considered controversial.
Getting to know the facts about essential oils can help a person figure out if this is something that would be beneficial for their life and needs.
An Explanation of Essential Oils
Essential oils are compounds that are extracted from plants. The oils are designed to capture the flavor or scent of the plant, which is also referred to as its “essence.” The process used to create essential oils includes the distillation (through water and/or steam) or mechanical processes, such as cold pressing.
Once the extraction of the aromatic chemicals is complete, they will be combined with a carrier oil. This is done to create a product that is ready to be used. The way oil is made is an essential factor. This is because if the oil is created using chemical processes, they are not considered true essential oils, like the products offered by D Gary Young.
How and Why Do Essential Oils Work?
The most common way essential oils are used today is in the practice of aromatherapy. This is when they are inhaled using various methods. It’s important to note that essential oils are not designed to be swallowed. The chemicals that are present in essential oils may interact with your body in several different ways.
When you apply them to your skin, some of the plant chemicals will be absorbed. It is believed that using some application methods will improve the rate of absorption, such as applying to different parts of the body or by applying the oils with heat. However, the research on this is minimal.
Inhaling the aromas from the essential oils can stimulate various parts of the limbic system. This is the part of the brain that plays a role in long-term memory, your sense of smell, behaviors, and emotions. Also, your limbic system is involved in the formation of memories. This helps to partly explain why smells that are familiar may trigger emotions and memories.
While essential oils are used for many reasons, there isn’t much “officially” known about if they are able to treat specific health conditions. However, some of the issues they are believed to effectively treat include the things listed here.
Anxiety and Stress
It is believed that approximately 43 percent of people who experience anxiety or stress use some type of alternative therapy to alleviate their symptoms. The studies related to aromatherapy being used for this have been positive. There are some studies that have shown that the smell of certain essential oils can work with more traditional methods of therapy for treating stress and anxiety.
Migraines and Headaches
In the 1990s, there were two small studies that discovered if you were to dap peppermint oil and an ethanol mix on someone’s temples and foreheads, it could relieve pain caused by a headache. There are more recent studies that have also shown that headache pain was reduced after applying lavender and peppermint oil to your skin.
Insomnia and Sleep
When someone smells lavender oil, it can improve their sleep quality. This is especially the case for women after they have given birth. It’s also effective for individuals who suffer from heart disease.
The Reduction of Inflammation
Essential oils may be effective in fighting inflammatory conditions. While the studies thus far have dealt mostly with studies on mice, there is promise for humans, too. However, more testing is needed to determine if these oils are safe to use.
There are more than a few essential oils that you can try for an array of issues. These oils can provide remedies for all sorts of problems and conditions. Understanding what benefits these oils offer is the best way to know if this is something you should explore or consider.
