Essential Oils Can Improve Health
Insomnia, sore throat, stomachache/nausea, pain, these are only some of the ailments essential oils can help with. Essential oils have been used for hundreds of years and come with little to no side effects. EOs have been used in traditional medicine for centuries and even likely Ayurvedic medicine, originating in Ancient Egypt as early as 3500BC. Their use only began to expand from there to other countries. The increased interest in EOs began in the last 50 years as an alternative to the growing concern regarding the use of synthetic drugs, pesticides, and fertilizers.
Essential oils can be made by the distillation process, mechanically pressed, or derived from a solvent such as hexane. Essential oils are generally potent (depending on the source) and often little is needed to provide relief of some sort. For example, cinnamon bark contains Cinnamaldehyde which can act as a antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and an antioxidant. It can even help with metabolic health among other things.
As we know, stress causes inflammation; which can lead to a host of physical and mental health issues. Say for example, insomnia or headaches. A few drops of applied essential oils (Lavender for insomnia or peppermint for headaches) can alleviate such problems. Of course, no one product is a be all, fix all. We should still do our part to take care of our health, engage in physical activities, eat well, minimize our toxin exposure, and for many even detoxing is necessary to improve/support health.
There are 3 ways to use essential oils: inhalation, topically, and by oral administration. I honestly do not suggest consuming essential oils unless you absolutely trust where you've obtained that EO and the extraction process. Also, you'd want to be very careful about oral use because some EOs are considered "hot" like cinnamon bark and could cause some issues if not diluted properly (this is for both oral and topical use). The safest ways to use EOs would be by inhalation or topically and they enter into the body just as well as oral use.
There are so many benefits to using essential oils and it is quite easy to start. Bonus, essential oils can also be used for cleaning and it leaves your home smelling nice! I took the notion to list a few essential oils that seem to really work well with most people. I have also provided a link as one option to purchase them from.
Lavender Lavender oil is the most universal oil. It is often used for it's tranquility which is soothing to the senses and even to the skin when used topically. If you choose, lavender oil taken internally, contains antioxidants, may provide immune support, and can be used to add a floral flavor to your evening tea.
Peppermint: Peppermint oil contains menthol for a minty aroma and a cooling sensation that can soothe fatigued muscles. If decided to take internally, it can promote healthy bowel function, supports gastrointestinal system comfort (both topical and internal use can provide GI relief), and adds a fresh, minty flavor to foods.
Lemon: Lemon essential oil has a fresh, uplifting aroma that cleanses the air and eliminates odors when used aromatically. Lemon oil can be used for cleaning. Taken internally, it provides immune and circulatory support and can be used to add a fresh flavor to food and beverages.
https://www.youngliving.com/us/en/product/lemon-essential-oil?enrollerId=37750084&sponsorId=37750084
Orange: Orange essential oil has a bright, uplifting aroma that cleanses and refreshes the air when diffused and removes adhesives and residues to clean surfaces. Orange essential oil is also good to uplift your mood, if you're feeling down or sad.
References:
Hoffmann, Klaus H.. "Essential oils" Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C, vol. 75, no. 7-8, 2020, pp. 177-177. https://doi.org/10.1515/znc-2020-0124
Zhang G, Li T, Liu J, Wu X, Yi H. Cinnamaldehyde-Contained Polymers and Their Biomedical Applications. Polymers (Basel). 2023 Mar 18;15(6):1517. doi: 10.3390/polym15061517. PMID: 36987298; PMCID: PMC10051895.