Essential oils have been used for thousands of years and people still believe they contain natural healing properties.

Essential Oils

By Idelle Kursman

Like many people,I have been hearing about essential oils. Not understanding what it’s all about, I decided to do research and share my findings. This is in no way promoting the use of essential oils, but it is solely to inform people and letting them decide for themselves.

Essential oils is not a new invention—they have been in existence since ancient times. In fact, many are mentioned in the Bible for religious rituals. Nowadays, people use them to enhance well-being and for cosmetic purposes. There are hundreds of different essential oils, but I will list the benefits of six of the most popular forms, their benefits, and how to use them.

1. Lavender-This essential oil promotes mental and physical relaxation and helps decrease inflammation. Apply a few drops to a small area of the skin or your pillow to get a good night’s sleep. The same results can be achieved by adding a few drops of lavender to a diffuser.

2. Sandlewood-Applying a few drops of this oil to your body lotion can not only improve skin hydration, but also act as stress reliever.

3. Bergamot-Bergamot is a citrus essential oil found in many perfumes and colognes. It is used to relieve stress, anxiety, and many skin conditions like eczema. Caution: This oil must be diluted before applying to the skin because it can burn if applied directly to the skin. It is also widely used as an incense or in a vaporizer.

4. Rosemary-This oil is used to treat headaches, increase memory, relieve stress, and stimulate scalp circulation to combat scalp conditions like dandruff. Add a few drops to shampoo for healthy and shiny hair.

5. Tea Tree-Tea Tree is widely used to fight infections and improve your overall immune system. It is also known for treating skin conditions, cuts and burns, dandruff, athlete’s foot, and blemishes, to name a few. Dab a little oil on skin for healing blemishes or a few drops to shampoo for scalp health.

6. Chamomile-This oil has tremendous calming effects as well as boosting one’s mood. Chamomile is used in steam or vapor therapy for stress relief.

Interesting Facts about Essential Oils
• Essential oils are derived from plants, flowers, roots, wood, bark, or seeds.

• Essential oils have been used for thousands of years and are commonly included in soaps, perfumes, aromatherapy, and skincare ingredients. It is also used for medicinal treatments.

• The most common methods of applying these oils include topical application, aromatic diffusion, and dietary inclusion.

• There are cleaning products that contain essential oils to replace harsh chemical products. The Young Living website is one company that sells a line of cleaning products.

• Essential oils are believed to help clear the complexion, reduce wrinkles, and improve hair health.

• These oils can treat health problems like arthritis, sore throat, and digestive issues.

I obtained my information from the website www.youngliving.com and the article “8 Essential Oils and their Powerful Health Benefits” by Alexis Dalba at www.wellnesstoday.com.