Essential Oils and their reported benefits

Essential Oils and their reported benefits:

Benefits of essential oils:  Essential oils can be used in aromatherapy, a kind of complementary medicine that uses smell to improve your health or applied topically to the skin.  Studies have shown that essential oils may help:

• Boost mood.
• Improve job performance through reduced stress and increased attentiveness.
• Improve sleep.
• Kills some bacteria, funguses and viruses.
• Reduce anxiety and pain.
• Reduce inflammation.
• Reduce nausea.
• Relieve headaches.

Source: Cleveland Clinic 12/14/21  Yufang Lin, MD (Bio)  Integrative Medicine Specialist

‍

Lavender Oil
A relaxing, and gentle aroma, lavender has a lot of benefits and can be used in a variety of ways. It can be added to a hot bath or used in a diffuser as aromatherapy. Add water, and it can be used as a room spray or body spritzer.  It can be combined with a carrier oil to make a body/massage oil or used in more concentrated form and applied in various ways to help facilitate relaxation.  Lavender can help with stress, pain, and sleep habits. Before the discovery of antiseptics, lavender was used as a cleaning agent in hospitals.

This is one of the most popular and versatile essential oils used in aromatherapy. Distilled from the plant Lavandula angustifolia, the oil promotes relaxation and believed to treat anxiety, fungal infections, allergies, depression, insomnia, eczema, nausea, and even menstrual cramps.

There are studies that have shown that lavender can:

• Create a calming effect and boost your mood, which can help with anxiety and depression.
• Promote restful sleep by increasing your body’s melatonin production.
• Reduce headache pain caused by stress/inflammation
• Can ease menstrual pain on the abdomen, or through aromatherapy.

Lavender was often used to clean hospital wards before we had antiseptics. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal properties. Since bacteria and fungus on the skin often result in inflammation, lavender oil can help ease and promote the healing of irritated skin conditions.

Lavender soothes and tones the skin and is useful for acne, oily skin, burns, sunburn, wounds, eczema, psoriasis, and insect bites.  Since bacteria and fungus on the skin often result in inflammation, lavender oil can help ease and promote the healing of irritated skin conditions.

Lavender can be so relaxing for some, that the aroma has become directly associated with feelings of contentment and well-being.  It can help improve your mood to relieve tension as it soothes and has a calming effect on your nerves.  It has a woody and floral fragrance that’s great for simple relaxation and stress relief.  Lavender acts to deodorize stale air in the home and can help promote more relaxed breathing.

The lavender scent will help you create a serene atmosphere that can aid in promoting a restful night’s sleep.  Many will add a lavender bath oil to a relaxing hot bath before bedtime with amazing results.  Others have used a lavender essential oil & water “spritz” on their clean linens to aid in achieving a more soothing sleep.

Precautions: This information is not intended to replace the advice or counsel of your doctor or other healthcare professional.  We suggest that you do your own research and consult these important people in your life before use.  The information currently available on the use of any essential oil either topically, diffused, or any other means can be ambiguous and even contradictory.  If you are pregnant/nursing, taking any medications or have a medical condition, you should consult a qualified, licensed health professional prior to use.  For external use only. This oil must be properly diluted when applied topically. Avoid contact with from eyes & any mucous membranes. Keep out of reach of children.

‍

Tea Tree Oil
Most people use tea tree oil as a natural germicide or antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antifungal.  It can be used to help with acne, helping it to resolve faster.  It can be diluted with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil and put on affected skin for those with athlete’s foot and ringworms. It’s been discovered to help with so many things since the late 1700’s and has so many beneficial uses, it’s been called, “First Aid in a Bottle” by many.

There are studies that have shown that tea tree oil can help with:

• Acne/oily skin.
• Athlete's foot
• Dandruff and an itchy scalp
• Insect bites and stings
• Burns and ringworm
• Eczema and inflamed skin
• Urinary tract infections

It is also great for reducing inflammation, is one of the most antiseptic of all essential oils, and is gentle, even for those with sensitive skin.  Tea tree essential oil is an all-around medicinal oil, as it can even help heal infections and soothe your skin.  It’s also able to help with topical allergic reactions or rashes and help fight acne without causing dryness or other side effects cause by over-the-counter acne treatments.

The uplifting, clean scent can help relax your mind, and lift your spirits, reducing anxiety and helping you fall asleep faster.  The aroma can also help relieve swollen sinuses, which in turn helps relieve congestion.  In a diffuser, tea tree oil also helps purify and freshen the air and may even help alleviate symptoms relating to a common cold, such as helping with a cough.  It acts as a natural, non-toxic air freshener that may help remove airborne bacteria from your home.

Precautions: This information is not intended to replace the advice or counsel of your doctor or other healthcare professional.  We suggest that you do your own research and consult these important people in your life before use.  The information currently available on the use of any essential oil either topically, diffused, or any other means can be ambiguous and even contradictory.  If you are pregnant/nursing, taking any medications or have a medical condition, you should consult a qualified, licensed health professional prior to use.  For external use only. This oil must be properly diluted when applied topically. Avoid contact with from eyes & any mucous membranes. Keep out of reach of children.

Peppermint Oil
Peppermint is a strong, fresh oil that has both a cooling, deodorizing, and refreshing scent. One of the oldest documented uses of this essential oil shows how it was used by Egyptians and dates back as far as 1500 B.C.

Some properties and helpful uses of peppermint oil are:

• Anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antimicrobial.
• Eases headaches.
• Fights fatigue.
• Lifts mood.
• Reduces gut spasms.
• Supports digestion.
• Supports improved memory.

Like other essential oils, peppermint possesses antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.  Peppermint also acts as an astringent that closes pores, and because of the cooling sensation it brings, when used in a topical treatment such as a massage oil or salve, it acts to increase blood flow.  Because of the antibacterial aid it offers, this can also speed up the healing and ease the discomfort of acne breakouts.   When used as a rub/salve, it can be applied to the chest to help relieve congestion.

Peppermint oil awakens the senses when used in a diffuser and promotes a feeling of quick-energy.  The uplifting scent helps promote improved concentration and will awaken your senses, soothing any irritability.  It can help to boost energy and enhances your mental focus. It’s been known to aid in the relief of mental fatigue or strong feelings of nervous tension.

Dr. Lin from the Cleveland Clinic has been reported to have said, “Peppermint tea can settle your stomach, too, if you have irritable bowel syndrome or gastric irritation. It’s very gentle and easy to use.”

Precautions: This information is not intended to replace the advice or counsel of your doctor or other healthcare professional.  We suggest that you do your own research and consult these important people in your life before use.  The information currently available on the use of any essential oil either topically, diffused, or any other means can be ambiguous and even contradictory.  If you are pregnant/nursing, taking any medications or have a medical condition, you should consult a qualified, licensed health professional prior to use.  For external use only. This oil must be properly diluted when applied topically. Avoid contact with from eyes & any mucous membranes. Keep out of reach of children.

‍

Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus is a great essential oil to have on hand during cold season. Like peppermint oil, it soothes a stuffed-up nose by opening your nasal passages so you can breathe easier.

It can also relieve pain and fight against herpes simplex virus thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.  You should take precautions when using eucalyptus oil, making sure to dilute it before applying topically, as this potent oil can be irritating to the skin.

There are studies that have shown that eucalyptus oil:

• Contains anti-inflammatory properties believed to reduce the symptoms of acne and eczema.
• Known to boost ceramide production in the body, which is a fatty acid that helps your skin retain moisture.
• It has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal attributes & a history of use in giving comfort to those suffering from upper respiratory conditions such as the common cold, sinusitis, and even influenza.
• Can be used as a natural deodorant‍
• Is a popular ingredient in many balms, and massage blends for the ability to ease arthritis symptoms and everyday muscle aches.

The camphoraceous scent of eucalyptus can help clear your mind and promote relaxation. People using eucalyptus oil this way report a soothing or calming effect on their whole body.  This in turn decreases mental fatigue and boosts mental clarity or focus.   It also encourages relaxation of tense neck and face muscles brough on by stress to minimize headaches.

Eucalyptus is a common ingredient found in cold medications because it’s believed to help dilate your air passages and decrease mucus production.  For this reason, people use it to help ease stuffiness or congestion.  The calm aroma of eucalyptus oil promotes a feeling of wellness, helping you to relax so you can be prepared for a better night’s sleep.

Precautions: This information is not intended to replace the advice or counsel of your doctor or other healthcare professional.  We suggest that you do your own research and consult these important people in your life before use.  The information currently available on the use of any essential oil either topically, diffused, or any other means can be ambiguous and even contradictory.  If you are pregnant/nursing, taking any medications or have a medical condition, you should consult a qualified, licensed health professional prior to use.  For external use only. This oil must be properly diluted when applied topically. Avoid contact with eyes & any mucous membranes. Keep out of reach of children.

‍

Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass oil has a strong citrus scent and is known to help relieve stress, anxiety and depression.  Its antibacterial properties make it a good natural remedy to heal wounds and kill bacteria. It has been shown to prevent the growth of fungus found in athlete’s foot, ringworm and jock itch.   A study found that using lemongrass oil can help reduce blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes.  Be sure to use a carrier oil before applying to your skin.

Lemongrass essential oils are useful in many ways:

• Lemongrass has been used for a very long time to treat muscular pain because it has strong, soothing properties.
• It is a natural astringent and antibacterial oil which makes it helpful in the treatment of acne or other skin inflammations. Most importantly, it does so naturally, without over-drying your skin, triggering the overproduction of oil.
• It has a fresh, uplifting scent, but its antibacterial properties make it effective against a variety of drug-resistant bacteria, including those that cause pneumonia.

Lemongrass essential oil helps relax muscles and can be used in restorative balms or massage oils for use after physical activity.  The lemongrass aroma has (of course) a citrus scent, but also carries a hint of herbaceous/green aroma as well.  Lemongrass essential oil acts as a sedative on the central nervous system which helps relieve tension, ease anxiety, and promote the sensation of being calm.  Fans of this scent value lemongrass essential oil for its ability to ward off lethargy, irritability or agitation, and nervousness.

Precautions: This information is not intended to replace the advice or counsel of your doctor or other healthcare professional.  We suggest that you do your own research and consult these important people in your life before use.  The information currently available on the use of any essential oil either topically, diffused, or any other means can be ambiguous and even contradictory.  If you are pregnant/nursing, taking any medications or have a medical condition, you should consult a qualified, licensed health professional prior to use.  For external use only. This oil must be properly diluted when applied topically. Avoid contact with eyes & any mucous membranes. Keep out of reach of children.

Sweet Orange Essential Oil
All-natural orange oil has a strong scent and is made from the rinds of the citrus fruit. It can be diffused into the air, topically on the skin (with a carrier oil) or even used as a natural cleaner in your home. With an energizing aroma that can uplift the mind and body, Orange essential oil has been highly sought after for centuries because of its potent antioxidant and immunity-boosting effects.

Orange essential oil has a variety of uses. These can include applications to:

• Lift your mood or reduce stress
• Treat skin conditions such as acne
• Reduce pain or inflammation
• Known to kill bacteria.
• Reduces effects of chronic fatigue & elevate mood.

Although orange essential oil has many uses, it’s important to remember that many of them are supported through anecdotal evidence. This means that the benefits are related to personal experience instead of being backed by scientific research.   Sweet orange oil promotes clarity, radiance, and smoothness in your skin and minimizes the appearance of pores. It has astringent & cleansing properties and is known to balance the oil production in your skin to ward-off problems/blemishes acne-prone skin.

The scent of sweet orange essential oil is cheerful and bright yet also relaxing.  It warms your mood with a sense of calming, easing anxiety and clearing your head.  Sweet orange essential oil has been called the “happiness” oil, for the overall wellness it can provide.

Precautions: Orange oil has the potential to make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so be careful about using it on your skin and then immediately going outside.  This information is not intended to replace the advice or counsel of your doctor or other healthcare professional.  We suggest that you do your own research and consult these important people in your life before use.  The information currently available on the use of any essential oil either topically, diffused, or any other means can be ambiguous and even contradictory.  If you are pregnant/nursing, taking any medications or have a medical condition, you should consult a qualified, licensed health professional prior to use.  For external use only. This oil must be properly diluted when applied topically. Avoid contact with eyes & any mucous membranes. Keep out of reach of children.