Do Essential Oils Really Live Up to the Hype?

If you are striving for the best life possible, you may be willing to try some unconventional steps to reach your peak performance, restful relaxation or maximum alertness. Although the knowledge of plant oils is ancient, in the past decade or so, many people have turned to the benefits of essential oils to better their lives.

An essential oil is a concentrated liquid that contains aroma compounds from plants that readily evaporate at room temperatures. They are termed essential because the oils contain the essence of the plant’s fragrance. Although testing is mostly inconclusive, if they help you feel better, why not use them?

Aromatherapy

Putting an essential oil to work for you is called aromatherapy. Essential oils can be used to help soothe a hurt, tired body, focus a foggy mind or renew a broken spirit. Pass Health Foods explains that the oils can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. The typical applications are with a spritzer, a vaporizer or any type of cream or lotion you apply to any part of the body. There are approximately 100 different essential oils that have been extracted and used for thousands of years.

Has There Been Any Research?

Essential oils are still being researched to find out what their components do.. Many of the studies that have been conducted on the benefits of essential oils have methodology issues. Also, as with everything, some people have exhibited allergic reactions to some essential oils. Aromatherapy using essential oils should be started with an open mind and open eyes to detect any negative reactions.

Roseman University’s study of doTERRA shows that the essential oils tested have therapeutically relevant cellular effects in many physiological, scientifically validated research models. They also observed that the effects of essential oils were not replicated by administration of individual components within the oil itself, suggesting that the biological effects of essential oils are a property of the whole oil.

Lavender: A Very Useful Starter Oil

In your chaotic world, lavender for relaxation may be a good first essential oil to try. Some advocates believe that it may be the only essential oil you will ever need, but you can – and should – make that determination for yourself.

AnnMarie talks about how a few drops of deeply inhaled lavender will leave you with a calm feeling. A few drops on your temples and on your pillow may help you achieve a restful night’s sleep. Lavender oil will also aid in skin irritations and bug bites. If you suffer from motion sickness, some people have experienced relief with a few drops of lavender oil strategically placed around their bodies.

While essential oils may not be a cure for major health issues, if they help you feel better, continue to use them and enjoy the benefits.

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