Essential oils are becoming the more increasingly preferred form of alternative medicine or alternative therapy amongst millennials who are looking for a healthier and holistic approach to their health and lifestyle. Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that retain the natural smell, flavor and overall beneficial properties of their source. Essential oils are popularly recognized as lavender oil, sandalwood, bergamot oil and peppermint which are usually raw and concentrated. The majority of essential oils are chemical-free, highly produced under cold pressing or distillation; allowing them to preserve longer with a longer shelf life and preserving their scent.
To put it simply, an essential oil is the oil of the plant from which they are extracted. The most effective method to use essential oils is through aromatherapy which can be in the form of inhaling, diluting or application to the skin with an accompanying carrier oil. With the concentration of essential oils, it has been proven to have the ability to treat and alleviate certain health conditions that include stress and anxiety, pain, insomnia, depression, improve fine lines and wrinkles for your skin (when mixed with a carrier oil).
Why an essential oil you may ask? It improves your limbic system; by inhaling the aroma, it improves your mood, lowers stress where the sense of smell can trigger a calming and relaxing effect on the brain and the body. So what are the top health benefits we can derive from essential oils, well here is what you need to know;
Reduces stress and anxiety
With all the things we need to accomplish and possibly juggling home and work life, stress levels can plummet through the roof causing bouts of anxiety because of everything that we need to juggle and do all at the same time. Essential oils can be a great alternative by choosing to diffuse in your home or inhaling them with a facial steamer making sure to add a few drops to the process because essential oils are a concentrate that requires dilution to make them less harmful. Essential oils are not meant to be swallowed or consumed but simply absorbed for their medicinal effects.
Manage pain
Due to their medicinal effects, essential oils have the ability to treat certain health conditions one of which is managing pain. Managing pain can be in the form of applying an essential oil directly to your skin in small doses either diluted with a carrier oil or added to your bath gels, hair shampoo or body lotion. Direct rubbing can be in the form of a heat rub to the affected area or aromatherapy via a diffuser or inhaler.
Treat headaches and migraines
Headaches and especially migraines can make it hard to live a fully functioning lifestyle especially in the case where you need to manage or treat them. Essential oils can be a great alternative remedy for headaches and migraines by simply dabbing small doses of either peppermint oil or chamomile oil to your forehead and temples to help treat a headache. Speak to your doctor or health practitioner if you are on prescribed medication before taking on essential oils.