Healing Properties of Essential Oils
Essential oils have long been utilized to treat a variety of conditions. Most oils can be used alongside modern medicinal practices or in some cases, as an alternative.
Essential oils have a very small molecular footprint, meaning they are easily absorbed when rubbed on the skin, although generally they should never be ingested orally (although there are some exceptions).
Essential oils are powerful and should only be rubbed straight onto the skin after being mixed with some type of carrier oil, such as Jojoba oil.
You should always seek advice before using any essential oil, especially if pregnant or if you suffer from any existing health conditions.
Each oil has a different set of properties that lends itself to the treatment of different ailments. However, there are a few oils that can be used for more than one ailment. Below are just a few of the more common ones that can have a positive impact on your life and help you towards a natural recovery.
The following three have been chosen as they have a wide range of healing properties and can be a huge help to many different people.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil can be used to treat many conditions. It has excellent anti-bacterial properties and can be used for insect bites, and skin abrasions. Lavender oil is also great for promoting relaxation. In years gone by people used to sleep with lavender filled pillows and it has long been linked to a more restful sleep.
Putting a few drops on a pillow at night can aid sleep and help those that suffer from insomnia. A UK study found Lavender could significantly inhibit agitation and increase relaxation, therefore promoting a better night’s sleep.
Other research has shown Lavender to be helpful for alopecia sufferers. One study encouraged participants to massage their scalps with lavender oil for seven months and found much-increased instances of hair regrowth as a result.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil has long been used in a variety of ways. Peppermint oil has generally been found to be most beneficial to mental alertness and the digestive system. Research has found that peppermint oil can increase mental alertness and cognitive abilities fairly significantly.
Unusually, peppermint oil is one of those rare oils that you can actually ingest. It is recommended that you mix it with some water first and simply drink it. Partly for this reason, peppermint can have a huge effect on indigestion and other digestive issues.
Similarly, the smell of peppermint has been shown to help with feelings of nausea, which can help people with many different illnesses, or those dealing with the side effects of certain medications. Finally, when peppermint oil is combined with lavender oil it can be a huge help to those who experience migraines and other headaches.
Lavender can help with relaxation as outlined above, and the cooling properties of the peppermint oil can help soothe the pain of a migraine or a headache.
Roman Chamomile Oil
Roman chamomile oil has many beneficial properties such as aiding relaxation from its lovely, mild scent. This means the oil is great for soothing and helping to encourage sleep. It is also used as a natural remedy.
Furthermore, Roman Chamomile oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is, therefore, an excellent choice for those who suffer from inflamed skin, acne or delicate skin in general. When Roman chamomile oil is combined with coconut oil, it can be particularly beneficial to skin conditions such as eczema.
More widely, Roman Chamomile oil is the oil of choice for those who experience allergies such as hay fever. It is by far the most beneficial oil and will really help with those allergies.