Following on from my previous blog ‘What Are Essential Oils’ this blog will focus on the benefits of Essential Oils. 

Essential oils have been around for nearly 6,000 years and are used globally for their many benefits, in that they are natural products which have strong antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiseptic activity and can provide natural protection against microorganisms that can produce disease.  Today Essential Oils are predominantly used in Medicinal and Cosmetic products. 

Medicinal Benefits

Research has shown that Essential Oils have subtle effects on the body and can provide benefits in the following areas:

• Balance your hormone levels
• Immunity Boost
• Inflammation relief
• Pain relief
• Sleep
• Stress and anxiety reduction

Research into the benefits of Essential Oils is ongoing.  In an article in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine in August 2015 titled “Essential oils used in aromatherapy: A systemic review” it states:

“Once the oils are in the system, they remodulate themselves and work in a friendly manner at the site of malfunction or at the affected area.  This type of therapy utilizes various permutation and combinations to get relief from numerous ailments like depression, indigestion, headache, insomnia, muscular pain, respiratory problems, skin ailments, swollen joints, urine associated complications etc”.

The medicinal benefits of Aromatherapy are being recognised more widely and some health organisations are providing aromatherapy treatments in clinics, hospitals, care homes and hospices.   

Cosmetic Benefits

Essential Oils can be used in body, face and hair products.  Facial products benefit from the inclusion of Essential Oils due to the compounds in the oils and the naturally occurring vitamins.  They are a part of age-old beauty ritual and are still relevant today.  From treating acne, soothing dry skin, and reducing signs of wrinkles, essential oils can do it all for you.  

Full of pleasant fragrance, essential oils have health benefits too.  When used in full-body products Essential Oils can help to moisturise and balance the skin while the aroma can help to rejuvenate the mind  

How To Use Essential Oils

Essential Oils are commonly used through inhalation or as a topical application.  

Inhalation:  

Apart from providing a pleasant aroma, essential oils can provide respiratory disinfection, decongestant, and psychological benefits. 

Inhaling essential oils stimulates the olfactory system, the part of the brain connected to smell, including the nose and the brain.  Molecules inhaled through the nose or mouth are also carried to the lungs and interact with the respiratory system.  Therefore inhaled essential oils can affect the body through several systems and pathways.  As the molecules reach the brain, they affect limbic system, which is linked to emotions, the heart rate, breathing, memory, stress levels and hormone balance.  This relationship helps explain why smells sometimes trigger emotions.   In this way, essential oils can have a subtle, yet holistic effect on the body.

Essential Oils can be inhaled in various ways including the following:

Topical applications:

Essential oils can be applied topically to the skin - ensure that they have been diluted.  The active chemicals in essential oils are absorbed through the skin just like the ingredients in common medicinal creams and ointments.  Massaging the area where the oil is to be applied can boost circulation and increase absorption. 

Some maintain that body areas that are richer in sweat glands and hair follicles, such as the head or the palms of the hand, may absorb the oils more effectively.  I personally think that this may have some merit and I have found that if I apply blends to my hands, feet or armpits that I feel the benefits quicker.

Whatever way you choose to use Essential Oils it is important to never apply pure Essential Oil directly on your skin.  They must always be diluted with a carrier oil.  

#Essentialoils #Essentialoilsbenefits #Diffusers #HowToUseEssentialOils