Introduction
People have been utilizing the medicinal properties of plants since time immemorial, and essential oils are one of them! But in recent years, it has gained immense popularity due to ongoing trends among consumers, in terms of aromatherapy practices, increased awareness about health benefits of essential oils, and positioning of organic products by oil producers. It has caught the fancy of a lot of people on social media also.
These fragrance oils have a pleasant scent that lower stress levels, cure fungus infections, and promote sleep. They have concentrated plant extracts. The ‘essence’ of a plant is transformed into a liquid form through a process called distillation for a variety of therapeutic and recreational applications.
Essential oils are available in a huge range. Most of these essence oils are popular for their aroma. Others assert that they have significant healing abilities. But you need to be mindful of their qualities and area of use.
The capacity of these plant-derived extracts to accomplish anything, including improving mood, reducing anxiety, alleviating heartburn, etc., is attracting online buyers and it is developing trust in modern ayurveda. Essential oils can be very helpful in maintaining good physical and mental health.
Let’s know what these essential oils are in more detail.
What are essential oils?
Compounds extracted from plants are called essential oils.
The oils, or ‘essence,’ of the plant are extracted. Each essential oil’s distinctive fragrance is derived from distinct aromatic components.
These oils are produced mechanically, such as by cold pressing, or by distillation (using steam and/or water).
Following extraction, the aromatic compounds are mixed with carrier oil to produce a finished product that is ready for use.
In aromatherapy, a type of complementary medicine that uses plant extracts to enhance health and well-being, these oils are frequently employed.
It matters how the oils are created since those acquired by chemical procedures are not thought of as genuine essence oils.
Popular Types of Essential Oils
Approximately there are more than a hundred types of essential oils present, each with its own exceptional aroma and potential health benefits.
- Tea tree oil:
Boosting immunity and treating fungal infections with it are both extremely successful. As it decreases acne-causing germs on the face and dries up active acne, it is a very effective elixir for the treatment of acne and blemishes. For oily skin, use tea tree oil.
- Lavender oil:
Lavender is popularly used to improve sleep. It has the ability to reduce pain and has several applications. It is calming and revitalising to use lavender oil.
- Rose oil:
Rose oil is one of the most costly oils because of its calming flowery scent, which may help with tension and anxiety. It is well-recognised for encouraging hair growth and for relieving stiffness and joint discomfort.
- Sandalwood oil:
This is extremely popular for its fragrance and also helps relieve anxiety and improves sleep.
- Peppermint oil:
Peppermint oil used to treat gastrointestinal problems such as irritable bowel syndrome and headaches. Migraine patients have been observed to benefit from applying peppermint oil to their temples. Additionally, peppermint oil has mood-uplifting qualities.
- Roman Chamomile oil:
Works wonders in terms of relieving stress and lifting your spirits. It is frequently employed to treat mental diseases including depression and anxiety. This oil may be found in chamomile tea, however, it is suggested to be only taken in small amounts.
- Ylang-Ylang oil:
It is mainly used to relieve pain, improve mood and lower blood pressure.
- Lemon oil:
It helps with digestion, mood, and other things. Lemon oil’s fragrance relieves nausea and vertigo. It is also well known for lowering symptoms of related disorders including depression. Lemon oil may be used topically and has antimicrobial qualities. The citrus fruit peels of orange, grapefruit, lime, and lemongrass are the most popular sources of lemon oil.
- Basil oil:
This essential herb that helps in easing a cough, enhances mood, and soothes sore muscles.
- Jasmine oil:
An oil with a pleasant scent is used to ease stress and may be able to heal dry skin, and inflammation, and delay the effects of ageing.
Health Benefits of Essential Oils
Improves hair quality
For hair treatment, essential oils are a fantastic alternative. Peppermint oil is good for both oily and dry hair. It aids in enhancing blood flow to the scalp’s various regions. The deep conditioning properties of lavender essential oil assists in keeping hair glossy and reducing dandruff.
Gives you a nourished skin
Deep nutrition and skin healing are provided by essential oils. Due to their anti-inflammatory characteristics, lavender oil and tea tree oil help lessen the irritation and inflammation brought on by skin disorders including acne, eczema, burns, and bug bites. It reduces wrinkles, which enhances the texture and quality of the skin.
Helps in reducing inflammation
Some essential oils can aid in lowering skin inflammation and irritability. To lessen discomfort and swelling, use diluted essential oil straight to the afflicted region.
Helps in coping with stress and anxiety
According to studies, utilising essential oils might help you feel less stressed. The brain sends signals to certain emotions that make us feel upbeat and positive when we inhale essential oils. We end up reducing a great deal of tension and anxiety when you use certain essential oils for massage.
Improves sleep
Particularly after childbirth, inhaling lavender oil might enhance the quality of sleep.
Cures headaches
Recent research has shown that using peppermint oil and lavender oil together reduces headaches.
Possess anti-microbial properties
Essential oils also have antimicrobial effects when applied to specific areas of the body. For example, the anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial qualities of tea tree oil aid in the healing of infections.
All skin infections, including psoriasis, herpes, and athlete’s foot, respond quite well to it. Additionally, it helps in reducing inflammation and skin irritability. Apply the mixture to the afflicted region after mixing a few drops of tea tree oil with moisturiser or olive oil.
How to use essential oils?
Three methods exist for using these oils
- By breathing: This technique allows you to smell the essential oil by spraying, inhaling steam, or diffusing an essence oil in a diffuser.
- Applying to the skin: When used topically, some essential oils can penetrate through your skin. These oils must be diluted before being applied topically.
- Consuming orally: These oils can be consumed for a variety of reasons, but always consider your safety first and know about the right process and quantity.
Final thoughts
Essential oils can be worth a try if you’re seeking supplementary therapy that might perhaps assist with stress and worry, sleep, pain, nausea, and headaches or migraines.
To avoid allergic reactions or drug interactions, do your homework before using any essential oils.
When in doubt, it’s better to speak with your physician or any otherr professional with experience with essential oils for medical issues.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. Is it OK to use essential oil every day?
Yes, you may use them every day. But using essential oils in moderate quantities after dilution.
Q. Is inhaling essential oils good for you?
Yes, essential oils can boost your mood and make you feel good with just a whiff of their fragrance.
Q. Do essential oils help the lungs?
Essential oils may potentially benefit people with COPD by clearing mucus from the lungs and opening the airways
Q. What essential oil helps open airways?
Peppermint essential oil
Written by: Anjali Sharma
