Essential oils are often used in aromatherapy, which is a form of alternative medicine. However, some of the health claims associated with them are controversial. I recently attended an event held by Oils Actually where they had introduced Young Living Essential Oils. I've been quite curious about essential oils as well as their health benefits. I've heard a lot of stories on how using essential oils has helped them improve their lives.
According to our resource speaker, Ms. Jasmine Ang, a Singaporean mompreneur who also discovered the wonders of using Young Living Essential Oils. Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants, "Ït only takes 22 seconds for the molecules to reach our brain, 2 minutes for it to be in our bloodstream and 20 minutes to create impact in every cell in our body."
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| Ms. Jasmine Ang |
The oils capture the plant's scent and flavor, also called its "essence." Unique aromatic compounds give each essential oil its characteristic essence. Essential oils are obtained through distillation (via steam and/or water) or mechanical methods, such as cold pressing. Once the aromatic chemicals have been extracted, they are combined with a carrier oil to create a product that's ready for use. The way the oils are made is important, as essential oils obtained through chemical processes are not considered true essential oils.
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| Young Living Essential's Oil Diffuser |
Essential oils are most commonly used in the practice of aromatherapy. They are either inhaled, or diluted then rubbed on the skin. Essential oils are not meant to be swallowed no matter how they claim to be "all-natural." The chemicals in essential oils can interact with your body in a number of ways. When applied to your skin, some plant chemicals are absorbed. It's thought that certain methods can improve absorption, such as applying with heat or to different areas of the body. However, in my honest opinion, research in this area is lacking evidences and further studies. Inhaling the aromas from essential oils can stimulate areas of your limbic system, which is a part of your brain that plays a role in emotions, behaviors, sense of smell and long-term memory.
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| The insides of the Young Living Oil diffuser |
Essential oils can be inhaled or applied to the skin. They may stimulate your sense of smell or have medicinal effects when absorbed.
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| Young Living also has cosmetics which are infused with oils |
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| The ningxia drink made from goji berry |
- Peppermint: Used to boost energy and help with digestion.
- Lavender: Used for stress relief.
- Sandalwood: Used to calm nerves and help with focus.
- Bergamot: Used to reduce stress and improve skin conditions like eczema.
- Rose: Used to improve mood and reduce anxiety.
- Chamomile: Used for improving mood and relaxation.
- Ylang-Ylang: Used to treat headaches, nausea and skin conditions.
- Tea Tree: Used to fight infections and boost immunity.
- Jasmine: Used to help with depression, childbirth and libido.
- Lemon: Used to aid digestion, mood, headaches and more.
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| Necklace diffusers which one can wear |
Despite their widespread use, little is known about the effectiveness of essential oils in treating health conditions. Here's a look at the evidence for some of the common health problems that essential oils and aromatherapy have been used to treat.
Helps ease depression. It has been estimated that 43% of people who have stress and anxiety use some form of alternative therapy to help with their condition. Many have shown that the smell of some essential oils can work as a complementary therapy to treat anxiety and stress.
Headaches and migraines. Recent studies have also found positive effects against headaches when applying peppermint and lavender oil to the skin. It has also been suggested that applying a mixture of chamomile and sesame oil to the temples may effectively treat headaches and migraines. This is a traditional Persian headache remedy.
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| Oil infused food supplements |
Antibiotic and antimicrobial. The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has renewed interest in the search for other compounds that can fight bacterial infections. Essential oils, such as peppermint and tea tree oil, have been investigated extensively in test tubes for their antimicrobial effects. In fact, they have shown some positive results.
How to choose the right oil that's safe to use?
Many companies claim that their oils are "pure" or "medical grade." However, these terms aren't universally defined and therefore hold little weight. Given that it is an unregulated industry, the quality and composition of essential oils can vary greatly.
Keep the following tips in mind in order to choose only high-quality oils:
- Purity: Find an oil that contains only aromatic plant compounds, without additives or synthetic oils. Pure oils usually list the plant's botanical name (such as Lavandula officinalis), rather than terms like "essential oil of lavender."
- Quality: True essential oils are the ones that have been changed the least by the extraction process. Choose a chemical-free essential oil that has been extracted through distillation or mechanical cold pressing.
- Reputation: Purchase a brand with a reputation for producing high-quality products.
Safety and side effects:
Just because something is natural doesn't mean it's safe.
Plants and herbal products contain many bioactive compounds, which may be harmful to your health in some cases. Essential oils are no different.
However, when inhaled or combined with a base oil for use on your skin, most essential oils are considered safe.
Nevertheless, they may cause some side effects
- Rashes.
- Asthma attacks.
- Headaches.
- Allergic reactions.
If you have a serious health condition or are taking medication, you should discuss your intention to use essential oils with your doctor.
If you're interested to use essential oils, you may get in touch with Ms. Jasmine Ang and her team from Touch One. Email her at oilylifeofjas@gmail.com or visit their website at www.oilsactually.com. You may also message them on Facebook.
Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post, Opinions are my own.
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