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Health Benefits of Essential Oils
Health Benefits of Essential Oils
The essence, or concentrated extract, of a plant that comes from its leaves, flowers, or bark is known as essential oil. Distillation, either by water or steam, is used to extract this essence, which is then used for a number of health and therapeutic purposes. A variety of cultures, from the ancient Chinese to the Egyptians and Romans, have been using essential oils for roughly 6,000 years. They used these oils in items such as drugs and cosmetics and for rituals and therapies. Today, the use of essential oils is called aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is used to achieve various beneficial results that depend on the specific essential oil or blend of oils that is being used.
Essential oils can be used for the treatment of many conditions, including burns, skin irritation, nausea, anxiety, breathing difficulties, and infections. Hospitals and massage therapists use them to improve the well-being of their patients or clients. When properly used, certain essential oils are safe for use on children and adults. To benefit from the use of these oils, it is important that people understand what oils are best to treat their specific concern and also how to properly use them. There are three ways in which essential oils can enter the human body: inhalation, topical application, and ingestion. Inhalation takes place through the mouth or the nose and into the lungs. When inhaled through the nose, the aroma from the essential oils rapidly triggers a reaction from the brain.
Topical application means that the essential oil is introduced into the system via the skin. Massage uses topical application, as does the rubbing of oils or oil-containing lotions onto the body. When applied topically, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream. When applying essential oils in this manner, people must exercise caution to prevent irritation or burns. Because many of these oils can be poisonous, they must be mixed and safely diluted with other oils or water. For example, both tea tree oil and cinnamon oil must be mixed with water prior to use.
Although ingestion of essential oils is listed as one of the means of using them, people should never use them in this way unless prescribed by a physician or professional. As noted, many essential oils are poisonous and some can be lethal if ingested.
Using the right type of oil is just as important as using it the right way. People who are unfamiliar with aromatherapy may be overwhelmed with the choices that are available to them. Each essential oil has unique properties that are beneficial for physical ailments and/or psychological complaints and concerns. A commonly used essential oil is lavender. Inhaled lavender has a calming effect, and as a result, it is frequently used to reduce anxiousness and agitation and to help people relax. Studies have shown that inhaled lavender is also useful for insomnia, migraine, and depression, and it may help reduce pain associated with certain types of injuries or procedures. For example, in one study, it was illustrated that lavender reduced pain from episiotomies. It may be combined with other essential oils to produce certain other desirable results, such as eliminating head lice when combined with tea tree oil. Other traditional uses of lavender include relief from muscle aches, joint pain, acne, burns, eczema, and insect bites when used topically.
Tea tree oil is another commonly used essential oil that has multiple purposes. It has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties and can be found in products such as toothpaste and creams. Additionally, tea tree oil is also antiviral. Peppermint, ginger, and eucalyptus oils are also popular. Use peppermint oil for relief from vomiting, menstrual pain, headache, and respiratory infection. Steamed eucalyptus oil vapors are good for asthma and whooping cough. Eucalyptus also provides relief from nasal and sinus congestion and bronchitis. Ginger oil, when used topically, works well for circulation and the relief of aches and pains. It also helps with nausea and digestive pain.
Essential oils and their use in aromatherapy are invaluable to people in terms of health and relaxation. The right oil can help provide increased comfort for cancer patients or relax one's muscles after a stressful day. When using essential oils for medicinal purposes, understanding the differences between the oils is critical. Not only will it ensure that the recipient of the treatment has the most positive response, but it will also reduce the risk of injury from improper usage.
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