Relax, relate, release and smell the aroma of essential oils! For years, essential oils have been used during aromatherapy sessions for rest, relaxation, and pain relief. Essential oil is a compound that is extracted from a plant through a mechanical or chemical process.
The oils have the same scent and taste as the plant from which it was extracted. Therefore, it is said that the oils carry the essence of the plant and this is where the term “essential oil” was derived. There are several health benefits that have been claimed to be associated with the use of essential oils.
Essential oils for health
Check out these 5 essential oils that can improve your health!
1. Lemon Oil
Ever wonder why the fresh scent of lemons reminds you of sparkly, clean countertops? It’s because lemon oil has antibacterial and antiseptic properties and it’s used in a variety of household cleaners. These same properties make lemon oil an option for acne, athlete’s foot, and warts.
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Not only can lemon oil make your home a healthier place to live, but it can also affect your mood by helping ease depression, anxiety, fatigue, and stress. It is also believed that lemon oil can trigger the body to break down fat cells leading to increased weight loss and improving the appearance of varicose veins.
How To Use It
Pure lemon oil should not be used on the skin. If you are using it on the skin, it should first be combined with a carrier oil like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil to dilute the concentration. Although the scent may remind you of a tall glass of lemonade, it should not be ingested. A drop or two may be added to your bath water or used in an aromatherapy diffuser.
2. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil comes from the lavender plant that is grown in Northern Africa and the Mediterranean mountains. Lavender plants have a beautiful pastel purple color and a fragrant scent that is often associated with relaxation. There are about 40 different species of lavender and they all have many properties that make them very beneficial to your health.
Like lemon oil, lavender oil can be used for anxiety, depression, and insomnia. If you have minor cuts, burns, or bug bites lavender oil can help reduce inflammation and has antiseptic properties. Lavender oil can be used as a pain reliever for sprains, headaches, and even toothaches! When used as an anti-fungal, lavender oil may be effective for athlete’s foot and other fungal infections. Hair loss, due to alopecia, has been improved with the use of lavender oil.
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How to Use It
Pure lavender oil is a very powerful, natural chemical. Therefore, it should not be applied to the skin or the scalp. It must be diluted with a carrier oil before it is applied to the skin or scalp. You can add lavender directly to your hair products or shampoo to stimulate hair growth.
Pure lavender oil should not be ingested. However, lavender tea, made from the lavender plant, can be ingested to help with
