Benefits of Essential Oils

Do you know all the wonderful properties of essential oils and how to use them?

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years in various cultures for medicinal and health purposes. There are more than 90 types. They are highly concentrated phytochemicals that are distilled from different parts of plants.

Essential oils provide the mind and body with numerous health benefits and have antidepressant, stimulating, detoxifying, antibacterial, antiviral, and calming properties.

Their uses include aromatherapy (which triggers responses in the brain that send healing to the body), personal beauty care, cleaning products and natural medicine treatments. They can also improve immunity and speed illness recovery.

To improve mood, cognitive brain function, sleep and reduce stress/anxiety

• Lavender
• Roman chamomile
• Eucalyptus
• Jasmine
• Bergamot
• Grapefruit
• Orange
• Rose
• Frankincense
• Rosemary

To boost immunity and fight infections

• Eucalyptus
• Peppermint
• Tea tree
• Cinnamon
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Sage
• Clove
• Garlic (a very powerful healing oil)

Studies have shown that these essential oils effectively destroy several fungal, viral and bacterial pathogens. They also have anti-inflammatory properties.

To reduce toxicity

• Lemon
• Grapefruit
• Parsley
• Fennel
• Lemongrass
• Peppermint
• Ginger

These essential oils promote internal detoxification and they help reduce toxicity by promoting detoxification of your home and body.

We are all inhaling and ingesting a number of chemicals and environmental toxins that are dangerous to our health daily! Using detoxifying oils can help your body to flush out these toxins and can clean the air in your home.

To relieve aches and pains

• Lavender
• Peppermint
• Eucalyptus
• Chamomile
• Rosemary
• Marjoram
• Thyme
• Frankincense
• Turmeric
• Ginger
• Myrrh

Since these oils can be absorbed through the skin, they can be used in the treatment of aches and pain. They are safe and often work quite quickly.

To boost digestive health

• Ginger oil (especially good for promoting digestive health)
• Peppermint
• Lemongrass
• Fennel
• Marjoram
• Black pepper

These oils stimulate digestive enzymes, help relieve upset stomach, indigestion, diarrhea, stomach spasms and conditions of the gastrointestinal system such as IBS. These essential oils can boost energy levels and even improve athletic performance. They have stimulating effects and can increase oxygen to your brain.

To boost skin and hair health

• Lavender
• Roman chamomile
• Frankincense
• Tea tree
• Geranium
• Myrrh
• Rosemary
• Clary sage

Using essential oils on your skin and in hair and beauty products is a natural and effective way to keep your personal care regimes without using products made with chemicals and hydrogenated oils.

These powerful oils can calm irritated skin (such as eczema and dermatitis), reduce signs of aging (like age spots), improve acne, protect your skin from sun damage and thicken your hair.

To improve hormone balance

• Clary sage
• Geranium
• Thyme

These essential oils can balance estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, thyroid and testosterone levels. They can improve conditions like infertility, PMS and menopause symptoms.

To relieve headaches and migraines

• Lavender
• Peppermint
• Eucalyptus
• Rosemary

These essential oils work as natural headache and migraine relievers because they effectively treat the trigger, addressing the root of the problem instead of just covering up the symptoms.

Keep in mind that, when choosing essential oils, use only the highest quality. Choose organic and find oils that contain only aromatic plant compounds, without additives or synthetic oils. Choose a chemical-free essential oil that has been extracted through distillation or mechanical cold pressing. Always avoid oils that have been diluted with synthetic fragrances, chemicals or oils. Purchase a brand with a reputation for high quality products.

Just because something is natural doesn’t necessarily mean it is safe. Essential oils are very powerful plant compounds and should be used carefully and in the correct way, following safe usage guidelines. Some may cause side effects such as rashes, headaches and allergic reactions. They are generally safe to inhale and apply to the skin, as long as they have been combined with a base oil (such as Arnica, Coconut, Jojoba, Almond or Rosehip). To be safe, consult with a qualified aromatherapist or functional medicine doctor before using.

Struggling with health problems? Consider doing a custom nutrition program at the Nutritional Wellness Center, where we address the root cause of cravings and work out a nutrition program that fits your needs!