Benefits of Essential Oils, And Uses

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years worldwide, for a wide range of applications ranging from perfumes and beauty products to medicines. Essential oils are derived from plants, and usually many leafs of the plant or flower are required to extract a small amount of essential oil, using the process of distillation. These oils contain a large number of terpenes, esters, phenolic ethers and ketones. The properties of each essential oil, vary depending on the plant from which the oil has been extracted. Some of the many Essential oil benefits are discussed below.

Boosting immunity

Many of the essential oils can be used as an alternative to conventional allopathic medicinal treatments for boosting immunity and preventing illness by fighting infections. The ingredients in the oil can fight and destroy various disease causing bacteria, virus and fungi. Increasingly pathogens are becoming resistant to allopathic medicines, like antibiotics, hence these essential oils are being recommended by healthcare professionals. Oregano oil is most widely used to inhibit the growth of bacteria, microbes, though other oils like ginger, lemon, eucalyptus, peppermint and cinnamon may also be used.

Improving digestion

Essential oils are used extensively for improving digestion and treating digestion related problems. They help in treating indigestion, stomach spasms, diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). These oils help stimulate the production of digestive enzymes which make it is easier to digest the nutrients like proteins, vitamins and minerals in the food which is eaten. Ginger oil is used for treating stomach ulcers, constipation, and indigestion. It also helps in alleviating stomach pain and nausea. Peppermint, fennel, marjoram, lemongrass are some of the other essential oils used for digestion.

Skin and hair growth

A large number of skincare and haircare products include essential oils because of the compounds which they contain. The essential oils help to treat acne, killing the bacteria. They also help in treating scars on the face and elsewhere making them less visible. The oils can reduce the signs of aging like age spots and reduce the damage caused by the sun. The oils help in healing of wounds, and have anti-inflammatory properties. They can be used for treating skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis. Rosemary oil is used for treating hair loss, balding, without side effects like itching caused by allopathic treatments.

Reducing stress, anxiety, and insomnia

Aromatherapy uses essential oils for reducing stress and anxiety levels, helping the person relax. The essential oils have a sedative effect and help the person feel calm and relaxed. This can help the person sleep far better, preventing insomnia to a great extent. Hence these oils are widely used for patients who have major health problems, helping them feel better, reducing the negative emotions. Essential oils also help in alleviating the aches and pains especially after surgical treatment. Research has indicated that essential oils is very effective for treating headaches since the source of the pain is treated. These oils also have detoxifying effect, helping get rid of the toxins in the body and in the air.

Many children and adults have a difficult time falling asleep and scents are known and proven to help the body relax and fall into a state where it is much more likely to be able to rest. There are many different options, from diffusers to Scentsy Buddies, which are ideal, because they are essentially stuffed animals with a zippered pouch that holds scents. Stuffed animal that smells good = instant hit with the kids!