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The last several years have seen a dramatic increase in the popularity of essential oils, and for a good reason.
But essential oils are not new. In fact, the plant extracts have been in use for centuries, providing users with physical benefits, mental improvements, and cleanliness both of the body and home.
With modern-day science, people are finally beginning to see what makes essential oils so spectacular.
What are Essential Oils?
Before jumping right into the different types of oils and their unique advantages and uses, let's first investigate what essential oils are.
Essential oils are produced through distillation, or cold pressing, of specific, highly concentrated plant extracts. The oils get distinct smells and therapeutic effects from their volatile organic molecules (VOCs).
After distillation, the oils can be used in many ways for desired effects. One method of use includes aromatherapy, where consumers can experience benefits by simply smelling the pungent aroma of the oil.
Other methods involve topical application or ingestion of the oils. It's important to note that ingestion of essential oils should only be performed under the advice of a trained professional.
3 Reasons to Use Essential Oils
1. Immune System Improvement
A robust immune system allows us to fight off certain disease-causing illnesses. Therefore, one of the most notable benefits of essential oils is their function in immune system improvement.
Here are just a few of the top-rated immune-boosting essential oils:
Tea Tree oil is known for its antimicrobial properties, which help fight against dangerous viruses and bacteria. The oil, native to Australia, has been around for nearly 100 years and is distributed worldwide. In addition to its incredible ability to boost your immune system, tea tree oil can also help reduce inflammation.
Lemon oil is rich in antioxidants and has been proven to boost the immune system by actively increasing the body's production of white blood cells. It also improves the body's lymphatic drainage, stimulating the lymphatic system, and improving overall health. In addition to an immunity boost, breathing in the diffused lemon oil can also improve your focus, kick-start your energy, and clear up any congestion you might be experiencing.
Eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial properties, thus making it a great preventative against sickness and disease. Eucalyptus oil is a potent antiseptic. This means it slows down the growth of microorganisms. In addition to these benefits, eucalyptus oil can improve your respiratory system by clearing the sinuses and promoting healthier breathing habits.
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2. Stress Reduction
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 19.1% of adults in the United States have some form of anxiety disorder. Additionally, an estimated 31.1% of adults in the United States will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their life. That's nearly one-third of the entire adult population of the United States.
Anyone who has experienced severe anxiety can attest that the feelings can often be debilitating. However, for anyone currently battling severe stress or anxiety in their daily living, essential oils might help.
Here are three essential oils that have been proven to reduce stress and anxiety:
Chamomile oil is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs. It has been said to reduce tension throughout the body and promote relaxation. Its naturally soothing effect on the body and the mind can reduce stress and help you feel more like yourself. In addition to stress reduction, chamomile oil has been used to help with muscle spasms, inflammation, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, gastrointestinal issues, pneumatic pain, hemorrhoids, and wounds.
Lavender oil has long been the most widely used essential oil for reducing stress and anxiety. This is because lavender oil naturally calms the nervous system, actively lowering feelings of stress and anxiety throughout the body. Don't believe in the power of lavender oil? Just check out the countless clinical efficacy studies conducted on this mighty oil.
Frankincense oil delivers results of peace and tranquility for multiple centuries, Frankincense Oil has natural calming and grounding qualities. Not only does Frankincense help reduce anxiety and stress, but has been used to treat various diseases and ailments, including asthma, arthritis, cerebral edema, chronic bowel disease, chronic pain, cancer, and more.
3. A Cleaner Home
There's been a lot of talk about how wonderful essential oils can be for both body and mind, but would you believe it if we said essential oils are fantastic and natural house-cleaning solutions as well? It's true; essential oils can purify the air and clean the walls and surfaces in your living space.
Here are three of the most effective essential oils for cleaning and purifying the home:
Peppermint oil can target insects in your home. Don't use that chemical-saturated bug spray. Instead, use 100% natural and safe peppermint oil. Peppermint oil repels ants, spiders, and other pests that might invade your personal space. Instead of that horrible bug spray smell, your house will have a pleasant aroma.
Tea Tree oil has antimicrobial properties, as mentioned previously, and can improve immunity in the body, but these same properties can also help kill bacteria and germs on household surfaces. For an extra kick, consider adding apple cider vinegar with this essential oil.
Lemon oil: With antimicrobial properties, lemon oil works as a natural disinfectant when cleaning walls and counters. Lemon oil is known to kill germs and bacteria, and as an added bonus, lemon oil leaves an irresistible smell throughout your home!
Honorable Mentions
We've covered the top three essential oils for boosting immunity, reducing stress, and purifying the home, but there are still so many other amazing essential oils that need to be recognized.
So, here are the honorable mentions of essential oils for the home:
Rosemary oil can actually improve memory—long-term memory, specifically—and overall cognitive state. By regular use of the oil, one can experience improved focus and better mental clarity throughout the day.
Ylang Ylang oil has several uses, so it made the honorable mentions list. Ylang Ylang has a sweet, citrusy, and floral scent, making it a wonderful oil for holistic perfumes. The oil can also be used in skincare products for a more natural solution to improve skin. And lastly, Ylang Ylang oil can be diffused and used via aromatherapy to help with relaxation and stress reduction. A study explored how Ylang Ylang oils helped improve the positive feelings of patients in a mental health treatment center waiting room. The oil was diffused, and the results were satisfactory, to say the least.
Bergamot oil is a citrusy sweet oil made the honorable mention list because it reduces anxiety, boosts mood, and promotes muscle relaxation throughout the body. Interestingly, Bergamot oil can also relieve specific skin ailments such as psoriasis and eczema.
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Common Ways to Use Essential Oils In The Home
You may have already purchased your essential oils, and now, you're looking for a way to put them to use. Here are a few different ways that essential oils can be utilized:
In a bath: After filling your tub with warm water, select your essential oil and place a few drops in the tub. Chamomile oil and lavender oil are two great choices for bath time. These are known for promoting relaxation and reducing unwanted stress in the body.
Topically: Some essential oils can be applied directly to the skin for quick and effective results. Always dilute the essential oil before application. A good diluter could be jojoba oil or coconut oil. Common application sites include the neck, wrists, ankles, and temples.
Diffusing: The most common way for essential oils to be enjoyed is via an oil diffuser. This allows for the oils to be breathed in, which is usually the method required for good results. Add some water and a few drops of your oil of choice, and enjoy the diffuser for several hours at a time. A diffuser can be purchased via online retailers, Amazon, or many local stores.
Direct Inhale: In some instances, and with certain oils, a direct inhalation might be most effective. Inhaling oils directly from the bottle, or placing a few drops on a cloth or tissue, can sometimes deliver the quickest and most aromatic results. Using a homemade inhaler is often used for anxiety or mental clarity.
Cleaning: Many essential oils can be added to spray bottles filled with warm water. This mixture can then clean and disinfect counters, walls, and appliances. Using a 100% natural cleaner allows you to be confident in knowing the product you're using around your house is nontoxic.
Ingestion: Some companies manufactured food-grade essential oils for direct ingestion and digestion. You can put these food-grade oils directly onto your food or inside your beverage. The best foods and beverages to add essential oils are non-cooked, such as smoothies, juices, smoothie bowls, and salads to add extra aroma and flavor.
Bottom Line
There's a reason essential oils have stood the test of time. People have realized the countless benefits that come from natural essential oils.
As always, follow instructions on all essential oils and consult your primary care provider before use. In addition, make sure to do your due diligence before utilizing any of the essential oils listed above. You can also consult a certified Aromatherapist to help you achieve the best essential oil combinations for your specific goals.
Never consume oils meant for topical use only. Ensure any essential oils used in your home are safe if you are pregnant, nursing, or have pets or children.
Whether you're looking for an immunity boost, a more trustworthy stress reducer, or an all-natural home cleaner, an essential oil option is guaranteed out there for you!
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