When we set about seeking ways to improve our health naturally, essential oils tend to come relatively high up the list. Increasing in popularity every single year, these aromatic oils can be used in a multitude of ways and to help a wide range of ailments. And, alongside the claims from holistic specialists, there is also scientific research to back some of them too. In this guide, we’ll look at the ways you can bring them into your diet and lifestyle today.
Essential oils are noted as being the essence of a plant. They are compounds that capture a plant’s scent or flavour. Once they have been extracted from the plant, the original compound is normally combined with what is known as a carrier oil. Also known as base oils, these are non-volatile and can largely be used on the skin without irritation.
The use of essential oils is a holistic approach to aromatherapy - the use of scents to help alleviate health issues. It is understood that, when we inhale the aroma from essential oils, the molecules impact our olfactory nerves. This sends messages to the amygdala - the brain’s emotional centre - and can help with conditions such as depression and anxiety.
These oils can also be applied directly to the skin, through massage or accessing pressure oils throughout the skin. It is believed that, through absorption, they can offer pain relieving or muscle relaxing benefits.
Over the years, there have been many scientific studies that set out to prove (or disprove) the benefits of essential oils. Some notes include:
The research conducted so far has shown many positive nods in the right direction for essential oils. While the practice is not fully backed by science, there are thousands of individuals who swear by the repeated use of oils in their daily life. Whether that’s sprinkling a few drops of calming lavender oil on your pillow before bedtime or inhaling peppermint oil for a boost of energy throughout the day - there’s no harm in trialling essential oils in your natural health bid.
It’s estimated that there are 100+ essential oils available in this modern market, so knowing which one to start with can be challenging. We highly recommend doing your research, delving into the symptoms you’re dealing with and looking for oils claiming to offer benefits. Equally, it’s always worth speaking to a natural health specialist to get their advice and recommendations.
To get you started, let’s look at 3 highly popular oils that you could easily bring into your health journey today.
As you may expect, peppermint essential oils are extracted from the flowers and leaves of its namesake plant. In its purest form, the oil is very strong and has the distinctive minty scent you would expect. Peppermint oil has been used for decades, for medicinal, culinary and aesthetical purposes. And, there is a lot of research out there to back it up too.
Many people use it daily for:
Research backs up many of these claims too. In 2019, a review of 12 trials showed that peppermint oil improved abdominal pain associated with chronic digestive issues. A study in 2016 looked into the use of peppermint oil to prevent postoperative nausea in patients who had undergone cardiac surgery. It found that the inhalation of the oil was a viable first-line treatment for these individuals. And another study from 2010 found that the topical application of peppermint oil during migraine without aura could be used as a safe, efficacious and tolerable option. The science is there, which explains why peppermint oil remains a popular option for many.
To use the oil topically, you will need to ensure the pure form has been mixed with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil. Test it on the skin to ensure no adverse reactions and then apply a few drops to the source of pain/itching.
For aromatherapy, you can either pour a few drops onto a tissue or mix it with steaming hot water. Modern-day diffusers are a brilliant way of filling a room with scent and, you may even consider adding a few drops to your bath water too.
Extracted from the lavender plant, this oil has a rich and floral scent that many people will remember from points in their childhood. It is one of the oldest oils - largely because the plant itself has a distinctive aroma. While you may notice it most in perfumes and body products, lavender oil also possesses many health benefits. For example:
There is also research to back up these claims with lavender essential oils. A 2013 scientific article looked at the correlation between lavender and the nervous system. It showed a possible link between its use and the management of Alzheimer’s disease due to its antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. A 2015 review into the use of lavender oil for insomnia included studies into the use of aromasticks in cancer patients. It showed an improvement in sleep quality in 64% of the patients involved in the study, hailing it an effective holistic option. Another 2016 study into the hair growth-promoting benefits of lavender oil showed an increased number of hair follicles, deeper hair follicle depth and a thickened dermal layer over 4 weeks. And, finally, a 2015 study into the use of lavender oil on relieving post-cesarean incisional pain showed a significant reduction in intensity throughout the 100 mother study
One of the most popular uses of lavender oil is to induce a deeper sleep. Consider sprinkling a few drops onto your pillow before sleep. Or, use it in your evening bath to help calm the mind. Lavender oil can also be massaged into the skin if used with a carrier oil.
If you use perfumes and air fresheners regularly, you’ll likely have heard of sandalwood. Sourced from a deciduous tree, natively found in China, India and the Philippines, it has a classic scent. The tree itself is hailed as being one of the most valuable in the world and, as such, sandalwood is a popular choice for holistic treatments. Alongside the signature fragrance, it has also been hailed for helping to treat:
Once again, there is research out there to back up these claims. A 2017 randomized trial found evidence to support the use of sandalwood for the treatment of anxiety. There is research from 2014 to show a potential link between the use of sandalwood and the treatment of skin cancer. And, a look into the oil in Germany discovered a strong link between sandalwood and the promotion of new skin cell growth - linked directly to wound healing.
Sandalwood can be mixed with your favourite body cream, infused with boiling water to inhale or blended with a carrier oil for topical application.
Essential oils are an easy first step into the world of natural health. Here at Natural Health 4 Life, we have a range of holistic approaches that integrate seamlessly into your everyday life. For more advice or information, get in contact with our team here today.
