The TRUTH about essential oils: and it's not what you think.
Essential oils have been used for a variety of health benefits for more than 5,000 years. Just recently, they have exploded in popularity. Last year the U.S saw more than $133 million in sales of essential oils. This did not include the millions sold by independent distributors. As more and more people look for natural remedies that don't have the same side effects of prescription drugs, I anticipate the sales of essential oils to continue to increase.
Modern science reveals that there are undeniable health benefits in using essential oils. The department of cell physiology at Ruhr University Bochum in Germany has done research which reveals that the odorants from essential oils have been shown to
- improve sleep
- lower blood pressure
- accelerate skin regeneration
- Some hospitals and clinics use essential oils for reduce stress, pain, and nausea.
A mixture of ginger, spearmint, peppermint, and cardamom is used post surgery to help with nausea.
In the science of ayurveda, practitioners use essential oils as one method to bring the body back into balance.
PRECAUTIONS
With the increased popularity and sales of essential oils, it's important to note that some companies put synthetic fragrances in their oils. So beware. Read the labels. Make sure the bottle is made of glass and is a dark color, to ensure that the oil stays fresh. Also know that essential oils are distributed throughout your bloodstream. They can be very strong and although they have many benefits, they can cause damage, especially if misused or overused.
People have reported
- chemical burns
- allergic reactions
- skin sensitivities to the sun
- respiratory issues.
One example I read about, was of someone using an essential oil by inserting it into her vagina to treat a yeast infection...Yikes!
One of my favorite oils, Bergamont, is an antiseptic, but it will cause sun sensitivity. So I only use it on my skin, when I know that I won't be in the sun for at least 12 hours.
I recently wrote about the benefits of rosemary. Read the article to learn more about rosemary here http://bit.ly/2Gnzyx4
Putting a few drops of rosemary oil in your shampoo or body wash will help prevent dandruff, as it is a natural antibacterial.
Some distributors claim that you can use essential oils to cure almost anything. I suggest that you consult with a certified practitioner before you use essential oils to try to alleviate any specific condition. You can go to https://www.ayurvedanama.org/ to locate a certified specialist in natural remedies.
As for a few rules of thumb to consider when playing around with essential oils...
1. Don't ingest them, in spite of what some people may suggest.
2. When using topically, use them with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil or coconut oil.
3. Only use a few drops. These are highly concentrated, and you really don't need to use more than a few drops.
4. If you like the way they smell, use a diffuser. Once again, you only need to use a few drops, and don't run the diffuser for more than 30 minutes at a time.
Here are some essential oil basics, backed by scientific studies...
- Lavender with help you relax and sleep better.
- Eucalyptus (used in vix vapo rub) helps clear up congestion and is good for stuffy noses.
- Thyme and Rosemary are natural antiseptics and can be used to clean surfaces.
- Chamomile is a powerful anti-inflammatory when applied topically.
- Bergamont reduces the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which can help prevent weight gain.
- Peppermint and Ginger reduce nausea and upset stomach.
To learn more about how to use essential oils to balance your dosha and bring your body back into balance, sign up for my Yoga Strength & Flow Program at www.ayurvedacoach.org/plans-pricing
Sabrina White is a health and fitness coach and ayurveda health educator. She teaches a variety of classes and works with clients both online and in person. To learn more about Sabrina, please visit her at www.ayurvedacoach.org