Essential oils are a powerful natural remedy and can be used in many different ways. They can help with stress, insomnia, anxiety, pain, nausea and headaches or migraines.
They can also be added to cooking to add flavor and health benefits. However, it is important to know how to use them safely in the kitchen.
Aromatherapy
The oils are inhaled to stimulate olfactory receptors, which send messages to the limbic system. These signals trigger emotional responses that can reduce stress levels and increase mental alertness. The oils are also used for topical application to relieve pain, relax muscles and soothe skin.
Stress is a global issue that can lead to anxiety, depression, and other disorders. Aromatherapy is a natural way to treat anxiety and can help improve sleep quality and alleviate depression. It can be used for relaxation and to soothe the nerves, according to Sumi Thadani, a certified aromatherapist.
The oils are extracted from plants using various methods and distilled to produce a highly concentrated oil that can be inhaled directly or indirectly or applied to the skin in the form of massage, lotions or bath salts. When purchasing essential oils, make sure to read the label and choose a trusted company. The labels should include the Latin name of the plant and any information on purity or additives. They should also be stored in dark-colored glass bottles because the pure oil can dissolve plastic and taint the bottle over time.
Topical application
Applied to the skin, essential oils can provide direct physical and psychological benefits. They can help to soothe muscles, relieve pain, ease breathing, and reduce anxiety. They also have the ability to stimulate the limbic system and affect brain function.
It’s important to note that topical application of any oil should always be done after dilution. Diluting with a carrier oil can protect the skin from irritation, as well as reduce the potential for adverse reactions to the chemical compounds in the oils. It’s also a good idea to avoid sunlight after using certain oils, such as citrus oils, that can cause sun sensitivity.
Some of the most popular places to apply essential oils for a topical effect are on the feet, behind the ears, and wrists. These areas have the most pore space and will absorb the oil most quickly. Before applying, do a spot test on an inconspicuous area to see how your skin reacts.
Internal application
Whether diluted with a carrier oil and massaged into the skin, added to a bath, or inhaled from a vaporizer or diffuser, internal application can help to ease stress by calming the nervous system. It can also improve sleep, which is often disrupted by stress and may help reduce cortisol levels. It’s important to use high quality oils and to always do a patch test, putting a few drops of highly diluted oil on the back of your wrist for 48 hours before applying it to the rest of your body. This helps ensure that you won’t have an adverse reaction to the oil.
Safety
Despite the growing popularity of essential oils, it’s important to be cautious when using them. They’re very potent and can irritate the skin or cause a harmful reaction in some people.
Always look for a trusted producer that makes pure oils without anything extra added. This will make it more likely that you won’t have an allergic reaction to the oil.
Keep in mind that the quality of an essential oil depends on many factors, including where it’s grown and how it was distilled. Even a single plant variety can have dramatically different properties. That’s why it’s a good idea to buy oils from reputable producers and look for the labeling details that you might see on your favorite bottle of perfume:
