Essential Oils In Health
Over the next 4 weeks we will be reviewing the health benefits associated with Essential oils. Essential oils are beginning to grow in popularity due to people seeking natural methods to enhance their own wellness. I too have recently become an advocate of regular use of the oils. I have had a great experience using them and want to share what I have researched, learned by self use and included into my daily routines.
The use of essential oils aligns perfectly with my philosophy and practice of health coaching which focuses on highlighting many different natural ways we can use plants and herbs to improve our health.
I will be uncovering some of the most common oils used in good health practices, how best to apply each oil into your daily routines and discuss many of the associated health benefits linked to each oil. At the end of this campaign we will be giving away a free downloadable E-Book which will include curated recipes and many different blends of oils, as well as all the practical ways to use the oils for a natural way to improve many different health conditions.
Each week I will be doing an in depth analysis of one or two key essential oils and give insight into how these oils can improve your health straight away. I will discuss the oils properties, historical uses, possible uses today, which body systems they effect, the aromatic and emotional impact of each oil as well as its application.
I know you will love the benefits that come with the regular use of these oils so stay tuned.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils have been used throughout history in many cultures for medicinal and health purposes. Today people are starting to turn back to nature to find relief from everyday health concerns. While plants have been used for millennia to ease pain, discomfort and to fight disease, people are now beginning to rediscover the amazing health benefits associated with pure, natural essential oils.
Essential oil uses range from aromatherapy, household cleaning products, personal beauty care and natural medicine treatments.
They are natural substances created by plants which have aromatic molecules which give them their distinct aroma. They are oil soluble substances that mix with carrier oils and do not mix with water. Essential oils have been used for thousands of years and are currently being studied for their profound health benefits, including antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, antiviral, anti-parasitic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, digestive, and as anti-allergenic substances.
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years and are currently being studied for their profound health benefits, including antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, antiviral, anti-parasitic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, digestive, and as anti-allergenic substances.
If you have ever been tempted by the sweet smell of a rose flower or uplifted by the crisp scent of a freshly cut lemon or lime you have already experienced the impact of the aromatic essential oils directly from nature. By gently steam distilling or pressing the plant material, skilled professionals are able to capture these unique essences to be used in our own homes for many purposes.
In ancient times, Jews and Egyptians made essential oils by soaking the plants in oil and then filtering the oil through a linen bag. Once captured, the concentrated forms of the oils is producing the most powerful healing compounds of a plant into a single oil.
How do Essential Oils support a healthy body?
For your mind they promote a feeling of relaxation, can calm tension and the nervous system and therefore are able to help lower stress. The oils benefit your immune system by being able to protect against seasonal and environmental threats. They also help maintain healthy circulation and can support respiratory function. When used in your diet they can promote healthy digestion, act as an anti inflammatory and promote a healthy metabolism. Outwardly the oils are known to improve the appearance of your skin, soothe skin irritations and can repel unwanted insects such as mosquito's.
Some of the most impressive and well documented health benefits that I have researched and want dive deeper into include;
1. Hormone Balancing
There are certain oils linked to help balance estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, thyroid and testosterone levels. A review published in Neuro Endocrinology indicates that some essential oils, notably geranium and rose, have the ability to influence the salivary concentrations of estrogen in women. This may be very helpful for women who are experiencing menopausal symptoms caused by declining levels of estrogen secretion.
Essential oils are also able to help lower cortisol levels, which can help to improve your mood and reduce symptoms of depression, and increase testosterone levels, which can improve a man’s libido.
2. Boost Immunity & Fight Infections
Many essential oils have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-fungal properties that help boost your immune system and fight infections. The chemical substances found in essential oils, such as terpenes, esters, phenolics, ethers and ketones, have the potential to fight foreign pathogens that can threaten your health. Some of the best essential oils for your immunity include oregano, myrrh, ginger, lemon, eucalyptus, frankincense, peppermint and cinnamon.
Studies have shown that essential oils effectively destroy several fungal, viral and bacterial pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Helicobacter pylori and Candida albicans infections. Using essential oils as a form of independent or combination therapy can help to fight bacterial infections in a safer and more natural way.
Oregano Oil for instance, has powerful immune-boosting properties and has displayed both antiviral and antibacterial properties in lab studies. Oregano oil contains carvacrol and thymol, two compounds that have antimicrobial effects and can inhibit the synthesis and growth of several types of bacteria.
3. Support Digestion
Another well-researched essential oils benefit is their role in aiding and improving digestion. Some oils help to relieve upset stomach, indigestion, diarrhea, stomach spasms and even conditions of the gastrointestinal system, like IBS. Essential oils can also aid your digestion by helping to stimulate digestive enzymes that make it easier to break down and absorb the nutrients, fats and protein that you need.
Ginger essential oil, for example, is known to promote your digestive health by easing indigestion, constipation and ulcers. A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that ginger oil stimulated gastric emptying in people with indigestion. Ginger oil is also used to relieve gas, reduce nausea and ease abdominal pain.
Another useful essential oil for digestion is peppermint. Research shows that peppermint oil works to provide rapid relief of IBS symptoms. In a 4-week clinical trial, 72 patients with IBS received either peppermint oil or placebo. The peppermint group experienced a 40 percent reduction in total IBS symptoms after 4 weeks, which was superior to the 24 percent decrease of symptoms reported by the patients in the placebo group.
Some other essential oils that are helpful for digestion include fennel, lemongrass, marjoram, black pepper and juniper berry.
The next 4 weeks
Follow the articles that will be published over the next 4 weeks as I will be sharing content, educating and giving in depth reviews of many of the best researched and documented essential oils.
Stay tuned so you can begin to implement the practical use of all the oils I review, and follow us until the end of the campaign where I will be releasing an E-Book so you can take ownership of all the new information and share with your family, friends or clients to improve health for everyone.