Essential oils are highly concentrated natural extracts from the leaves, roots, flowers and stems of plants. They are known to have a wide range of therapeutic and medicinal properties.
Some of them are even safe to ingest. You can sprinkle them over your food or take them in capsule form as a supplement.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to maintain and promote physical and psychological health. It is also used to improve quality of life by helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
Researchers are not sure how aromatherapy works, but they believe that the smells stimulate parts of the brain called the amygdala and hippocampus that store emotions and memories. The oil molecules also enter the bloodstream, where they can have a direct impact on the body’s hormones and enzymes.
Essential oils should never be swallowed, but they are safe to apply topically or to inhale as a diffuser. They can be added to a lotion, aloe, or oil and massaged into the skin. They can also be diluted with water and placed into a pre-filled sniffer or into a room diffuser.
When choosing an essential oil, look for one that is labeled “100 percent pure” on the bottle and buy from a reputable seller. It should be dark in color, because light can affect the chemical makeup of the oil.
Complementary therapy
The scent molecules of essential oils travel from the nose through the olfactory nerves to the limbic system of the brain where they affect mood and emotion. There is scientific evidence that essential oil aromatherapy can help with stress and anxiety.
Some studies suggest that essential oil aromatherapy can help with other health conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, bronchitis and headaches. For example, peppermint oil may relieve IBS symptoms and reduce tension. Other studies suggest that lemon oil can help alleviate a headache.
However, more research is needed on the safety and efficacy of using essential oils for these purposes. You should talk to your traditional healthcare provider before using any complementary therapy for a health condition. He or she can help you find scientific articles and trustworthy books on the topic. Also, it is important to use only high-quality essential oils. The best oils are those that have been minimally processed and distilled.
Cooking with essential oils
Essential oils have been used since ancient times, especially for aromatic and topical use. They are highly concentrated plant extracts distilled from various parts of a plant. When inhaled, scent molecules travel from the nose to the limbic system of the brain, where they affect emotions and trigger physical responses.
Incorporating essential oils into cooking is a simple way to add flavor, boost energy, and elevate your meals. Essential oil infused recipes can be used for everything from soups and stews to smoothies, drinks, and baked goods.
Always dilute your essential oil before adding it to a recipe. A drop in a glass of water or a bit of olive or coconut oil is a great place to start.
Some essential oils can be toxic if not diluted properly or are consumed in large amounts. Look for the “Supplement Facts” panel on your essential oil bottle to see if it is safe for internal use.
Safety
While the use of essential oils is safe for most people, some individuals may have a reaction to certain types of oils. Typically, these reactions occur in the form of skin irritation or an allergic reaction. Generally, these reactions can be avoided by diluting the oil before applying it to the body or by using only a very small amount of oil.
It is also important to store the essential oils properly and keep them out of reach from children. This is because some of the oils, such as wintergreen, can be toxic if ingested.
If you have a sensitive skin, before applying any essential oil to your body, try a patch test. To do this, apply a drop of the diluted oil to your wrist or elbow and check for any reactions within 24 hours. If you notice any signs of irritation, discontinue the use of that particular oil. If you have an allergic reaction, consult with your doctor for further guidance.
