Essential oils have become the new holistic way of improving general well-being. Essential oils in their highest quality state are 100% pure and natural… and more and more people want to surround themselves with holistic methods of care rather than an abundance of toxic alternatives.
Essential oils come packed with tons of health benefits, and depending on which oil you’re using for whatever reason, you could receive multiple health benefits at once! Essential oils can lower stress, calm you sympathetic nervous system and improve thinking and mood. Oils may also help reduce body and brain inflammatory conditions. Essential oils are ideal for delivering the right remedy to the right region of your brain as their unique chemistry allows them to both easily cross the blood brain barrier and permeate the cells of your brain tissue.
According to Jodi Sternoff Cohen, a leading international authority on essential oils, oils can stimulate or sedate the brain to promote or inhibit the production and release of various neurotransmitters which then impact the nervous system. This makes essential oils especially powerful tools for dealing with emotional challenges, like anxiety, depression, fear, worry, grief, trauma, anger and self-abuse. Many emotions and thought patterns can trigger an ongoing stress response in the body (since our stress response cannot differentiate between physical or emotional and thought driven stressors) which impedes our ability to heal. Smelling essential oils can be a powerful tool for improving brain health.
Inhaling the scent of Lavender oil, in particular, can also help aid sleep and prevent insomnia. One review examined 15 studies performed on this matter, showcasing that smelling essential oils (and, in this case, mostly lavender oil) had positive effects on sleep habits. Diffusing lavender at night has helped some users to fall asleep more quickly and feel calmer as they lay in bed.
Lavender is one of the most popular oils on the market. The properties of lavender work well for anyone in your family even on babies as young as 6 months! Lavender is calming and includes properties that make it anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral
Putting it on before heading out in public can, in some instances, help you keep from picking up germs from others around you. Recent studies have confirmed finding that placing both peppermint oil and lavender oil directly to the skin of participants’ foreheads relieved the pain of headaches and migraines.
Bergamot is another great essential oil that most people don’t think about. The last time you thought about or even saw bergamot was probably in your last cup of Earl Gray! Bergamot is extracted from the rinds of citrus fruit and is used a lot in teas as well as personal care products. But you can use it in aromatherapy as well! Before using it on your skin directly be sure to mix it with a carrier oil like coconut or mineral oil.
Bergamot oil can be used as an antidepressant as it treats mood swings and boosts energy. It has also been shown to help lower cholesterol and reduce pain and inflammation. The most targeted way to use this oil is on the skin where it can be absorbed through the skin. To help with pain and inflammation, it’s best to put it right on the joint or achy muscles! Also, the oil itself is antibacterial and can be used to keep your kitchen surfaces clean as well as disinfected after exposing them to things like raw chicken and fish.
Frankincense is an aromatic essential oil which is produced from Boswellia trees in the Middle East. It has anti-inflammatory, immune-stimulating, anti-microbial, anti-depressant, and anti-cancer properties, among others. When inhaled, frankincense oil been shown to reduce heart rate and high blood pressure. It even has anti-anxiety and depression-reducing abilities.
Furthermore, according to Essential Oils Desk Reference, studies have shown that Frankincense resin protects the nervous system and that many of the biochemicals in this essential oil, particularly sesquiterpenes, work on getting more oxygen to the brain and may help release negative emotions that have been stored there.
Other brain healthy essential oils include: Rosemary which can help your brain absorb and retain information. Sage that has been used since ancient times to improve memory. Lemon offers an invigorating scent that can help you focus better. Basil has been shown to enhances mental strength and clarity. Ylang Ylang can calm anxious minds and make them ready to process and retain information Grapefruit can relieve tension and balance a tired mind
There are three different ways to use essential oils in your home that are all super easy and convenient. We’re going to break down these three different methods so you can figure out which method may be best for you!
1. Diffuse
You’ve likely seen diffusers in other people’s homes or even in a store, diffusing some type of vapor into the air. This method is typically known as aromatherapy and virtually any essential oil can be used to diffuse into the air (and you can buy diffusers pretty much anywhere, too!) Some popular oils for diffusing include Lavender, Rosemary, and Sage.
2. Topical
Topical applications of essential oils can help treat skin conditions and also help treat inflammation or swelling. When it comes to topical treatments, it’s important to note which oils are safe for topical use.
3. Cleaning
Yes, it’s true that more and more people are turning to essential oils for cleaning and tossing out their traditional cleaning products. Cinnamon, pine, and lemon are three safe essential oils you can use for cleaning that do not contain any additional harmful chemicals you may find in traditional cleaning products in the store. You can turn them into disinfectant sprays or just your usual cleaning spray – and you won’t be inhaling any dangerous chemicals that can effect brain functioning!
It has been estimated that 40% of people are already utilize aromatherapy with essential oils to relieve stress and anxiety, according to Healthline. The main takeaway here is that there are various ways to use essential oils in your home and in your daily life and way they can improve brain functioning. Essential oils are the way of the future in holistic living. It has been proven time and time again they improve your well-being and general lifestyle. Investing in them will help transform your life and your mind, body, and soul.