20 health benefits of essential oils.
1. Affect the psyche
The aroma of essential oils triggers physiological and psychological responses. They lift our moods, aid in fighting mild to moderate depression, increase alertness, calm aggressive behavior, and help to deal with trauma. Essential oils also lower anxiety, increase memory, and even afffect our dreams.
Oils such as: lavender, orange, bergamot, rose, jasmine
2. Support immune system
Researchers suggest that certain essential oil constituents mimic human immunoglobulin. Essential oil constituents may also elevate levels of lymphocytes and stimulate the immune system.
Oils such as: German chamomile, clove, mountain savory, lemon
3. Supply potent antimicrobials
In an age where antibiotics are failing due to excessive use, we turn to the plant kingdom for help. Research indicates that essential oils are highly effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Studies find that essential oils are even effective against the superbug MRSA, a bacteria that has mutated so much that it is resistant to most antibiotics, including penicillin.
Oils such as: tea tree, geranium, clove, melissa, eucalyptus, rosemary
4. Provide natural pain relief
Essential oils may be gently massaged into sore and tired muscles or made into a compress and applied with heat. They may also enhance the production of endorphins and activate neurotransmitters in the brain that alleviate pain.
Oils such as: balsam fir, black pepper, peppermint, ginger, lavender, wintergreen
5. Provide anti-inflammatories
Inflammation is the root of most chronic diseases. Inflammation is caused by several conditions, including bacteria, poor diet, injuries, reaction to chemicals, and hormonal imbalances. Essential oils possess potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Oils such as: German chamomile, fennel, balsam fir, peppermint, helichrysum, wintergreen, juniper, thyme
6. Reduce stress and anxiety
Excessive tension, stress, and anxiety are all emotions often associated with chronic illnesses, including cancer. Forty million Americans experience an episode of impairment due to anxiety each year. Essential oils are known to soothe the soul, bringing calmness, peace, and balance without negative side effects.
Oils such as: lavender, frankincense, clary sage, bergamot, melissa, vetiver, sandalwood, Roman chamomile
7. Decreases insomnia
In 1988, the International Journal of Aromatherapy stated, "Lavender Beats Benzodiazepines". Lavender is reported to promote sleep, enhance relaxation, and decrease anxiety. Pure lavender can be sprinkled on a pillowcase to promote peaceful sleep. Other essential oils may also be beneficial.
Oils such as: lavender, valerian, Roman chamomile, frankincense, marjoram, clary sage, cistus
8. Rejuvenate skin
For thousands of years essential oils have restored, rejuvenated, and improved the appearance of aging, wrinkled skin. Modern use improves a number of skin conditions including acne, clogged pores, dry skin, eczema, freckles, and stretch marks.
Oils such as: lavender, Roman chamomile, German chamomile, geranium, sandalwood, Idaho tansy, tea gree, patchouli, frankincense, myrrh, helichrysum
9. Protect against colds and influenza
Because of their antimicrobial actions, essential oils help protect against colds and flu, and are highly effective for respiratory support. Essential oils inhaled, taken in cough syrups, and taken internally strongly affect lung, ear, nose, and throat problems.
Oils such as: lemon, eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, frankincense, ravensara
10. Soothe digestive disorders
Essential oils are soothing and effective for digestion when rubbed onto the abdominal area. Small amounts, taken internally provide relief for nausea, indigestion, heartburn, gas, diarrhea, and irritable bowel disease.
Oils such as: peppermint, ginger, fennel, basil, patchouli, chamomile, clary sage
11. Support the circulatory system
Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to every body cell. A healthy vascular system is free of clots, arteriosclerosis, and broken veins. Essential oils promote a healthy circulatory system.
Oils such as: cypress, German chamomile, myrtle, helichrysum, grapefruit, basil, ylang ylang, spikenard
12. Help the endocrine system
The endocrine system is an interconnected dance of glands and hormones. If one member of this delicate system loses pace with the rest, all become stressed. Essential oils bring balance to glands such as the thyroid, pituitary, pineal, ovaries, testes, and adrenals.
Oils such as: clary sage, fennel, myrrh, pine, lemongrass, balsam fir
13. Support urinary system
The eighth edition of Useful Drugs, published by the American Medical Association in 1930, listed a number of essential oils that were rubbed into the kidney area or taken internally (1-2 drops) to help with common urinary, kidney, and bladder infections.
Oils such as: orange, oregano, tea tree, juniper, rosemary
14. Soothe burns, sunburns, minor cuts, and scrapes
Rene-Maurice Gattefosse (1881-1950) the father of aromatherapy, tells of an explosion in his laboratory that covered his arms in severe burns. He rinsed the burns with lavender essential oils, and they began healing the very next day. Essential oils are also very antiseptic and cleansing to minor cuts and scrapes. Essential oils, with the addition of aloe vera, are very effective.
Oils such as: lavender, geranium, marjoram, tea tree, rose
15. Support muscles and bones
Muscles make up approximately 50 percent of our body weight. Our skeleton consists of approximately 206 bones. This framework enables movement and protects our vital organs. When stressed or overworked, this system becomes stiff and painful. Essential oils applied to the affected area offer strong muscular and skeletal support.
Oils such as: black pepper, peppermint, wintergreen, bay, rosemary
16. Provide oral and dental care
More bacteria live on the back of the tongue than any other part of the body. Proper cleaning and flossing do more than protect the teeth. Research indicates that oral bacteria can cause heart disease. Essential oils are often major ingredients in mouthwash and dental care products that help kill microbes that cause tooth decay.
Oils such as: mountain savory, clove, tea tree, myrrh, thyme, peppermint
17. Promote hair health
Many shampoos and personal care items contain harmful ingredients, such as propylene glycol (antifreeze) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), the main chemical in degreasers. SLS may corrode hair follicles and impair hair growth. SLS is stored in fatty tissue of the heart, liver, lungs, and brain. Essential oils are effective for hair rejuvenation and make excellent shampoo ingredients.
Oils such as: sandalwood, rosemary, ylang ylang, lemon, lavender, sage, cedarwood
18. Enable alertness and focus
The greatest fears of the aging population are the loss of mind, forgetfulness, or dementia. Essential oils have a profound impact on keeping the mind alert and focused.
Oils such as: frankincense, sandalwood, cedarwood, lavender, helichrysum, orange, peppermint, rosemary
19. Protect against cancer
A vast amount of research indicates that constituents of essential oils may play a major role in cancer prevention and act as an adjunct to cancer therapies. Numerous studies on essential oils seem promising for specific types of cancer.
Oils such as: frankincense, lemon, orange, lemongrass, clary sage, bergamot, helichrysum, clove, tsuga, lavender
20. Provide alternative to household cleaners
Research points to common household cleaners as a possible reason for the 55 percent increase in cancer for women who work as homemakers. Powerful antimicrobial activities of essential oils make them a natural alternative to chemical household cleaners and disinfectants.
Oils such as: clove, lemon, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, rosemary, tea tree
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