Essential oil usage has been around for centuries, and people are still discovering how essential oils work to use them as natural remedies. Whether you’re using essential oils for aromatherapy, ingestion, topical application, or diffusion, there are endless essential oil benefits to make your life better. Not only do they improve mood and cognitive function, but essential oils can also help reduce stress levels, anxiety, and harmful bacteria.
How do essential oils work?
Essential oils work by interacting with the body’s limbic system. The limbic system is responsible for regulating mood, emotions, and memory. Essential oils can help improve mood and memory while also reducing stress and anxiety.
Different essential oils can have different effects on the body. Some common advantages of essential oils include:
Calming and relaxation
Essential oils such as lavender oil are known for its calming and relaxation effects which helps reduce headaches, muscle and joint pain. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Stimulating
Certain essential oils can help boost energy levels and make you more alert. Peppermint essential oil, for instance, is known for its stimulating effects. It can help to increase energy levels and improve focus.
Antimicrobial
Some essential oils have antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. This is why some people like to use essential oils for their skin allergies. Essential oils like chamomile oil, lavender oil, and tangerine oil are all good at helping keep bacteria at bay.
What are the uses of essential oils?
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to improve your mood and physical well-being. Essential oils are extracted from plants and can be used in many different ways, such as in a diffuser or topical application.
Essential oils have been shown to have a wide range of health benefits, including helping reduce anxiety and stress, helping improve sleep, and aiding in boosting energy levels. They can also be used to help ease various mild health problems, such as headaches, digestive issues, and skin problems.
In addition to their health benefits, essential oils can also be used for household tasks, such as cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Some essential oils even have insect-repelling properties.
How to use essential oils?
There are many ways to use essential oils. Some common methods include:
Diffusing
This is one of the most popular ways to use essential oils. Diffusing involves using a diffuser to disperse the oil into the air. This can help improve your mood and reduce stress levels. To diffuse essential oils, simply add a few drops of your chosen essential oil into a diffuser chamber filled with water. Keep adding a few drops every 3-4 hours.
Another way you can diffuse essential oils is by adding a few drops into your bathtub before taking a bath.
Topical application
You can apply essential oils directly to your skin. This can be done by diluting the oil in a carrier oil, such as virgin coconut oil, and then applying it to your skin. When coupled with a relaxing massage, the benefits of essential oils are magnified.
When using essential oils, be sure to start with a small amount and increase as needed. Some people may have sensitivities to certain oils, so it’s important to start slow and see how your body reacts.
How do I know which essential oil to use?
If you are interested in using essential oils, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider first. They can help you determine which oils are right for you and how to use them safely.
Here are some general tips on choosing the right essential oil.
- Choose an oil that is suited for your needs. If you are looking for an essential oil to help reduce stress, choose an oil like lavender. If you are looking for an oil to help boost your immune system, choose an oil like chamomile.
- Do your research. There are many oils available on the market today. It’s important to do your research to find an oil that is of good quality and suited for your needs. OleiaOil has a collection of articles that can help your narrow down which essential oils will benefit you best.
- Keep a record. If you’re still unsure about which essential oil to use, trial-and-error can also help. Test out a few essential oils you like and take note of any reaction you feel after using them.
Are essential oils safe for pregnant women and young children?
Generally, essential oils can be used by both expecting mothers and young children, but it’s best to avoid using it in its pure form. Milder essential oils, such as chamomile oil, may be better for both pregnant women and children. If there is a particular oil you’ve found useful for you or your child and you really want to use it, make sure to dilute it with a carrier oil first.
From mental to physical benefits, essential oils can help take care of your body from the inside out. Stop sleeping on the many benefits and advantages of essential oils and start trying them out for yourself today!