Essential oils have been used for centuries to promote healing of the mind and body. Made from plants that carry a scent, essential oils are the liquids extracted from various parts of trees, bushes and herbs. The oils can be absorbed through the skin during massage or by being added to bath water. Aromatherapy is another popular method of absorption. Essential oils assist with the body's natural healing process and have been found to elevate mood, reduce stress and promote a general sense of relaxation and well being.
Stress Relief
All essential oils are stress relieving. Stress lowers your resistance and makes you more vulnerable to illness and disease. According to the website Essentials of Aromatherapy, certain oils, such as lavender, balance the emotions and have a calming effect on the nervous system. Ylang ylang essential oil is known for its mild antidepressant qualities, calming the nerves, regulating cardiovascular and respiratory rhythms and relieving stress. Chamomile is another popular stress-reducing oil.
Relaxation
Many essential oils, such as chamomile, lavender, jasmine and rose, are used during massage to enhance relaxation. Sandalwood essential oil is known for its calming effect. A massage therapist may sometimes choose to diffuse essential oils to create an aromatherapy experience during the massage to further promote relaxation and stress relief.
Better Sleep
The scent of lavender essential oil promotes sleepiness and calms nerves, allowing for deeper, more restful sleep. According to the Bright Hub website, a study done at Wesleyan College in conjunction with the Sense of Smell institute found that lavender essential oil, when inhaled, improved the length and the quality of sleep in both men and women.
Though lavender is the most common and effective oil for promoting sleep, a variety of other essential oils, such as sandalwood, chamomile, marjoram and frankincense, can also relax your nerves and induce deep, restful sleep.
Though lavender is the most common and effective oil for promoting sleep, a variety of other essential oils, such as sandalwood, chamomile, marjoram and frankincense, can also relax your nerves and induce deep, restful sleep.
Probiotic
All essential oils are probiotic in that they help fight infection and disease and build the body's natural defenses. Probiotics, or friendly bacteria, are known for their use in managing intestinal conditions. According to the website Squidoo, an imbalance of good bacteria in the body may cause poor intestinal health and skin problems. Ginger, lemongrass and peppermint oils are known digestive aids, while rosemary and tea tree oils are especially soothing to the skin.
Antibacterial Properties
Naturopath and Master Herbalist Tarah Michelle Cech's Ananda Apothecary website notes that essential oils hold promise in the treatment of various infectious diseases. Essential oils work to support the healing of cuts and abrasions and stimulate tissue regeneration while keeping the area free from potentially harmful bacteria.
One of the safest and most effective ways of controlling minor infections is by using tea tree oil, one of the most popular essential oils. The Ananda Apothecary website indicates studies have shown that the primary molecule found in oregano oil has exceptionally strong antimicrobial activity. Basil, cedarwood, cinnamon, frankincense, lavender, lemon, rose and sandalwood are also well known for their antiseptic properties.
One of the safest and most effective ways of controlling minor infections is by using tea tree oil, one of the most popular essential oils. The Ananda Apothecary website indicates studies have shown that the primary molecule found in oregano oil has exceptionally strong antimicrobial activity. Basil, cedarwood, cinnamon, frankincense, lavender, lemon, rose and sandalwood are also well known for their antiseptic properties.