Essential oils have many uses but aromatherapy is certainly at the top of the list. The organic compounds found in essential oils have therapeutic powers with the ability to improve your overall health and well-being. For this reason, many people are using them when searching for a holistic approach to health care and maintenance.
Pure, high-quality essential oils are all natural. They don’t normally have the bad side effects associated with prescription medications and other drugs. However, allergic reactions are possible so know your oils and follow all safety guidelines to help ensure your experience is a good one. If you’re not sure if aromatherapy is right for you, here are five ways essential oils can support your health that may help you decide.
Fall Asleep Faster and Rest More Peacefully with Essential Oils
Millions of people across the globe suffer from some form of insomnia that keeps them from getting the rest they need to stay healthy. This sleep disorder affects people in various ways. Some have trouble falling asleep while others fall asleep fast only to wake up all through the night. People with extreme insomnia may go days without sleeping.
If you or someone you know has insomnia, aromatherapy may help you get the rest you so desperately need. The most popular oil used for insomnia is Lavender. It has calming and relaxing qualities that create the perfect environment for falling asleep and the sedative properties will help you rest more peacefully throughout the night. Other oils that promote peace, relaxation and calmness include Roman Chamomile, Patchouli, Vetiver, Marjoram and Cedarwood.
Support Respiratory Function and Reduce the Spread of Viruses and Germs
The respiratory system brings oxygen into the body and expels carbon dioxide. When the system is working properly, you can breathe easily and your body functions better as a whole. However, when you suffer from allergies, have a cold or the flu or suffer from any other respiratory condition, it hinders your breathing and disrupts the natural way the system functions.
Certain essential oils have the potential to help support respiratory function by promoting a feeling of clear airways and free breathing. Myrtle, Peppermint, Rosemary, Fir Needle, Eucalyptus, and Pine are oils one might choose to promote good respiratory health. Oils such as Tea Tree and Oregano help purify the air to reduce the spread of germs and allergens that cause or contribute to breathing problems, which in turn helps to support healthy respiratory function.
If you are suffering from seasonal allergies, a blend of equal parts Lemon, Lavender, and Peppermint can be very helpful.
Support other Body Functions
In addition to the respiratory system, the body has many other systems that all work together as a whole. These include the circulatory system, immune system, nervous system and digestive system.
Certain essential oils have the potentials to help support these systems to enhance your overall health. For example, oils such as Peppermint, Dill, Ginger, Lemon, Basil, and Oregano help support the digestive system by easing nausea, indigestion, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. Cardamom and Clove help support a healthy cardiovascular system, and essential oils such as Lemon, Geranium, Melaleuca, and Tangerine help boost the immune system so your body can fight off infections naturally. Frankincense, Fennel, and Roman Chamomile may also support healthy immune function.
Support Your Mental and Emotional Health
Your mental and emotional health play a major role in your physical health. If you’re stressed, angry or feeling a bit depressed, diffusing essential oils can make a difference. While you can’t eliminate stress completely and everyone feels a little down sometimes, many agree that these oils can help to eliminate stress and tension while promoting good feelings.
Some oils are grounding and others improve your mood and overall outlook on life. Clary Sage, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, Frankincense and Lavender are a few of the essential oils that can help support your mental and emotional health naturally.
Pain Management
Some essential oils are soothing and have the ability to help ease a wide variety of pain that includes sore, achy muscles, headaches, cramps, joint and back pain. Rosemary, Lavender, Helichrysum, Sandalwood and Marjoram are all great oils to use for pain management. Clove is great toothaches and oils like Tea Tree can help clean and disinfect minor abrasions to relieve pain and promote healing.
These are just five of the main ways essential oils support your health to give you an idea of just how versatile these oils really are.
You might also enjoy:
- Why Quality is Important in Essential Oils
- 18 Best Essential Oils for Stress Relief
- The Best Essential Oils for Everyday Wellness
Precautions
Never use essential oils undiluted, in the eyes or mucus membranes. Do not ingest unless working with a qualified practitioner. Keep essential oils away from children. If applying an essential oil to your skin always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body (after you have properly diluted the oil in an appropriate carrier oil).
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Leave a Reply