Essential oils contain chemical compounds that produce reactions in the body and can enhance or aggravate health conditions. They can also interact with certain medications.
When cooking with essential oils, experiment to find the right ratios for your recipe. Always prioritize safety and proper dilution. Also consider consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a form of alternative or complementary medicine that uses essential oils to improve a person’s mood, relieve stress, or promote general well-being. These oils are made by heating the roots, stems, leaves, flowers or bark of plants to extract their fragrance and chemical properties. They can be inhaled, added to a carrier oil for topical application or used as an ingredient in household products.
The vapors from certain essential oils stimulate the brain to produce hormones that affect our mood. Some of the chemicals in essential oils also have antimicrobial, antifungal, and insecticidal properties. In addition, some research shows that aromatherapy can reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (by stimulating a reduction in inflammation), premenstrual syndrome (by reducing anxiety and nausea) and headaches (by helping to relax muscles). Using essential oils to achieve results depends on a number of factors, including how they are used and the strength of the aroma. It is also important to use reputable and tested products.
Topical application
As the name suggests, topical application involves applying the oil directly to the skin. This is typically done by diluting the essential oil with a carrier oil and massaging into the desired area of the body. Carrier oils are plant-based products that act as the perfect partner for essential oils. They help slow down the rate of evaporation and enhance safe and effective absorption of the oil into the skin.
Massage essential oils into your chest and inhale the soothing aromas to relieve symptoms of respiratory discomfort. Apply to your arms and legs after a workout to relax them, or to the bottoms of your feet for a calming and grounding sensation. Always remember to perform a patch test before using any new oils and to store correctly to maintain their integrity and effectiveness.
Ingestion
The ingestion of essential oils is a hotly debated topic both in the aromatherapy and medical communities. The fact is that they are not inherently safe to ingest.
It’s important to use caution and only add a few drops of essential oil to your food or beverage if the label says it is “safe to ingest.” Peppermint oil may help relieve IBS symptoms, for example, and lemon oil may lift your mood.
Other uses include adding a few drops of essential oil to a bath, dropping them on a towel and placing it under your pillow or in the bathroom, or using the oil as a natural air freshener. However, the most effective way to get results is through aromatherapy or topical application. Inhaling the aroma of essential oils promotes relaxation and mental clarity and may even stimulate your immune system.
