Research on the health benefits of essential oils is scarce, but what exists suggests the oils may relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
The only way to determine whether using essential oils will help you is to try using them. By doing a little research and some experimenting you might discover certain oils help you feel calmer, or lift your mood.
How Essential Oils Work
Essential oils are extracted from the leaf, root, bark, seed, or flower of trees or plants. A distillation process separates the plant’s oils from its water compounds.
These scent-heavy oils are extremely concentrated. For example, 150 pounds of lavender is needed to extract a single pound of lavender essential oil. So, the oil has 150 times the protective and healing properties as unprocessed lavender.
The effectiveness of essential oils is owed to the size of its molecules— they are tiny enough to slip into our cells. Some can even traverse the blood-brain barrier. Their Lilliputian size makes them transdermal meaning they can enter our bloodstream by passing through the skin.
We can also assimilate essential oils with our sense of smell, or olfactory system. As the delicious smelling oils stimulate scent receptors in the nose, messages influencing tranquility and mood are delivered to our nervous and limbic centers.
Enjoying Essential Oils
The four most common ways to use essential oils are by inhalation - using a diffuser or inhaler, applying them topically, taking them internally, and using them as part of personal care (e.g. in bath water). Several essential oils are so potent they should be diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, before rubbing them on the skin.
An easy and convenient way to begin enjoying essential oils is diffusing them into the air. With a purchased diffuser, or by putting about 15 drops of oil into warm water, you can reap their well-being benefits. To relax you might use rose or lavender oil. Peppermint can increase energy and focus. Citrus oils and frankincense are good choices for a mood lift.
Whenever possible, invest in therapeutic grade, organic essential oils. They come from pesticide free plants grown in nutrient rich soil, and the oil extraction is done without using chemicals.
Cautions
Before applying or ingesting essential oils, talk to people trained in their use, or educate yourself from reputable sources. Some individuals might experience an allergic skin reaction to specific oils. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those taking prescription medications may want to consult with their physician before using essential oils.
Source: Mayo Clinic; Aromatic Science; Dr. Josh Axe, The King’s Medicine Cabinet, Essential Oil Uses, Cures, and Recipes for Healing, ebook
Photo credit: Tatiana Vdb
