Benefits of Essential Oils
December 16, 2018
Essential oils come from plants that capture their scent and flavor helping the body in multiple ways. In the 1920s, aromatic essential oils were used for treatment of disease and injury. Essential oils were used as replacements for antibiotics during 1948-1959 to treat war injuries.
These oils are now widely used for aromatherapy, which helps improve both physical and emotional health. These essential oils are either inhaled or rubbed on the skin. When rubbed on the skin, the skin absorbs some of the plants chemicals. In contrast, inhaling these oils help areas in the limbic system, which is the part of the brain that controls emotions and behaviors. There is a variety of different oils that help with different stimulations.
The most common oils include:
- Peppermint: boosts energy
- Sandalwood: calms nerves and helps with focus
- Bergamot: reduce stress as well as skin conditions
- Rose: improve mood and help anxiety
- Lemon: helps with mood and headaches
- Jasmine: helps with depression
- Tea Tree: fights infections and helps immunity
- Chamomile: improves mood and relaxation
- Ylang-Ylang: treats headaches
Mrs. Dutka, an art teacher at Carolina Forest, sells a variety of essential oils. Her interest sparked when her aunt shared the benefits of essential oils with her and her family.
“It was hard for me not to share them with everyone. I get a little excited talking to people about them,” stated Mrs. Dutka.
Mrs. Dutka says that everyone should have OnGuard (helps of the immune system), Lavender (calms sleep, itching, burns), and Peppermint (opens airways, headaches, and cooling).
Two of the top sellers include OnGuard and Serenity, which is “blend using lavender that helps with anxiety and sleep.” Mrs. Dutka shares that her favorite oils change throughout the year but at the moment is her favorite is Holiday Joy.
“It smells like Christmas. It is uplighting from an emotional standpoint and great for your immune system.”
Essential oils are not only beneficial to health but are also fun to experiment with in order to find what smell one enjoys. Hint: These products would also make wonderful Christmas presents!
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-are-essential-oils#section4
