Essential oils are extractions from plants that become concentrated and able to be used for many different purposes. Plants contain chemicals that can be highly beneficial for human health if used in the right way. Essential oils are created using high levels of plant material which means that they are highly concentrated and potent making them extremely powerful.
Essential oils may help to improve a person’s mood, boost their digestive process, decrease stress, reduce inflammation and pain, and improve the quality of their sleep. Each essential oil has a different purpose. Today, we are going to break down different types of essential oils, their benefits, and how to use them in your day-to-day life to reap their benefits.
Different Types of Essential Oils and When To Use Them
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is one of the most commonly known essential oils. Lavender oil helps to trigger your parasympathetic nervous system which is known for controlling processes such as your heart rate, breathing, mood, and hormones. By triggering your parasympathetic nervous system, lavender oil helps to neutralize these different processes. If you struggle with any of these, try incorporating lavender oil into your routine. For example, some add it to a water spray bottle and spray it on their pillow for a calming and relaxing effect right before bed.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil comes from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree, and is especially helpful in combating respiratory symptoms such as a cough and nose congestion. The oil can help to loosen the mucus in your system making it easier to deal with. Eucalyptus oil is also known to help fight inflammation, pain, and reduce the chances of infection. For example, it can help pain such as joint pain due to its anti-inflammatory compounds such as limonene.
Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil may help to promote hair growth, decrease cortisol levels, relieve pain, and increase circulation. If you experience deficits in any of these different sectors try incorporating rosemary oil into your routine to see if it improves your symptoms. If using topically, be sure to dilute the rosemary oil before use.
Like with any new addition to your wellness routine, be sure to consult your doctor before use as some essential oils may not be beneficial for certain people.
Essential Oils and Supplements That Can Improve Digestion
Peppermint oil can be a great way to get your digestive health in order. Peppermint acts as a muscle relaxant which can help the bowel wall to relax, promote bowel movements, relieve bloating, and decrease stomach cramps. Peppermint oil can be found in the form of a capsule which makes it a wonderful bloating supplement option.
For topical use and digestive benefits, ginger oil is another great option. It helps to promote movement within your body and can alleviate nausea. It can specifically help to target constipation as it promotes bowel movements. Once diluted, try massaging ginger oil onto your abdomen to reap its benefits. Massaging one’s abdomen is another great way to stimulate the digestive process.
The connection between the receptors in our brain and our nose can be used for our own advantages including better digestion. When your nose inhales a scent that is food-related it sends a signal to our brain that our body must prepare for the meal that is to come. This will help your body start to develop the digestive juices and processes needed to achieve optimal digestion. Some food-related essential oils are basil oil, coriander oil, and ginger oil.
Sexy & Slim, which contains top rated digestive enzymes, helps to promote healthy digestion as well. If you are struggling with digesting meals, gut health enzymes can help support your body breaking down the different parts of the meal.
The Different Ways In Which Essential Oils Can Be Used
Versatility is another great reason to add essential oils to your next shopping list. Essential oils can be used in the following ways:
- Aromatherapy
Adding essential oils to your diffuser is a great way to experience aromatherapy in the comfort of your own home. Breathing in the aroma from the air that expels from the diffuser helps to trigger your central nervous system leading to a decrease in stress and overall improving one’s mood. Chronic stress can actually contribute to a poor digestive system, so this is a great way to allow your body the chance to relax and help you to avoid these potential adverse effects.
If you do not have a diffuser at home, not to worry, there is a simple way to still experience aromatherapy and reap its benefits. First, put a few drops of the essential oil in a bowl of hot water. Then, put your head over the water and cover your head with a towel in order for you to properly inhale the steam that is coming off of the water. This method would create the same type of aromatherapy that a diffuser has to offer. Opening up the oil and breathing in its scent is the simplest way to experience aromatherapy.
- Applying it to your skin
The benefits of essential oils can also be gained by applying it directly to your skin. However, it is important that you are diluting the essential oil before applying it to your skin in order to avoid skin irritation due to its high potency. If you find that this method works best for you, try adding the diluted liquid to a portable bottle for easier access.
In terms of essential oil use, it is highly advised to ingest essential oils through foods and beverages. Unless you are otherwise advised by a medical professional, ingesting essential oils can be potentially harmful and dangerous to your body due to its high level of plant material. Some essential oils such as tea tree oil can be toxic to our body if ingested. However, some food recipes call for certain essential oils to be used. Be extra cautious of dosing when this does happen.
The versatility and benefits of essential oils make it a great item to add to your pantry.