Essential oils are gaining popularity. You might have seen moms gush about them in their social media accounts. But what are essential oils?
Essential oils come from the essence of certain parts of plants such as leaves, barks, and rinds, distilled and prepared for your use. They are more than fragrant and relaxing scents. You can use essential oils for personal care, healthcare, aromatherapy, and beauty treatments. Some even use them for household cleaning, boosting immunity, weight control and management, and so much more.
Before using any essential oil, be sure to read the labels and instructions. Remember, never ingest essential oil. It would be helpful to invest in a high-quality oil diffuser so that you can enjoy the benefits of essential oils. It is also best to do your research first before you buy oils to ensure their purity and quality.
How are essential oils good for your health? Here are some of their uses:
1. Back Pain Relief
Back pain can be debilitating, as people with scoliosis can attest to it. Along with the non-surgical treatment from your scoliosis specialist, you can use essential oils on the side to help manage the pain. The following are some of the best essential oils you can use to manage back pains.
- Peppermint Oil – Peppermint is one of nature’s analgesics. It has 44% menthol content, and it can be applied to the spine area to help with the inflammation.
- Thyme Oil – Thyme, like peppermint, can also be applied directly to the spine area.
- Oregano Oil- Oregano is an anti-inflammatory oil and soothes muscles around the spine area to help reduce back pain. Check labels on instructions for dilution before you apply directly on your back.
- Frankincense Oil- Another anti-inflammatory oil, frankincense can be used with other oils to strengthen their effects.
- Ginger Oil- Known for its strong anti-inflammatory effects, ginger oils are also used to relieve pain.
2. Colds and Allergies Relief
Seasonal allergies are very common. You can use essential oils as a complementary relief for allergies and their symptoms. You can diffuse them in the air using a diffuser, add them in your bath, or use them as an inhaler.
Here are some essential oils that can help relieve colds and allergy symptoms:
- Lavender Oil- Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils. It can ward off colds symptoms by reducing allergic inflammation. You can diffuse it or add in a carrier oil. You can even add some drops to your bath water for some relief.
- Eucalyptus Oil – Eucalyptus is well-known for its ability to relieve you of nose congestion. Its cooling effect can help provide relief to people dealing with seasonal allergies. You can diffuse it in your bedroom or you can use it as an inhaler.
- Tea Tree Oil – Tea Tree is best known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help relieve of pesky allergy symptoms.
- Peppermint Oil – Try putting a few drops of peppermint oil in a diffuser to help you breathe easier.
- Lemon Oil – Lemon oil can help clear your nasal channels and make you feel less congested.
3. Natural Skin Care
Going natural with your skincare regimen can be good for your skin. Pure essential oils can be used for skin concerns, such as dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, and acne-prone skin.
You can use essential oils to remedy your dry skin problems, such as lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood. For oily skin, rosemary, frankincense, and clary sage can do wonders for your skin. If you have sensitive skin, you can use lavender, frankincense, and sandalwood. Acne-prone skin can find relief in lemon, lemongrass, tea tree, and cinnamon oils.
You can also use some oils for acne scars and other pigmentation. The following essentials oils can be used as a serum for your scars and dark spots: pomegranate, tangerine, ylang-ylang, and frankincense. Essential oils can also be used to improve the elasticity of your aging skin. You can use rose oil, myrrh, and jojoba to promote skin cell regeneration and to repair the top layer of your skin.
4. Immunity Boost
Essential oils are known to help strengthen your immune system. You can dilute them and carry them around as an inhaler. Here are some essential oils that can help ward off flu: eucalyptus oil, frankincense, oregano, and thyme. Thyme is rich in a terpene called thymol, which can help against coughs. Thyme is also known for its anti-microbial benefits, helping fight off infectious bacteria.
If you are planning to use essential oils, it is best to consult your doctor and do your research. Take and follow your prescriptions, and use essential oils as a complementary solution to your health problems.
