As our dependence upon modern, Western medicine has increased, we have turned away from the older concepts, which, when examined prove to be efficacious for reasons we might not expect.
Essential oils can have surprising benefits, for obvious and scientifically rooted reasons we simply dismissed out of hand.
Here are five brief examples to put you on the path to wellness through a variety of methods.
Pine Oil
Does this scent bring to mind Christmas trees? Its benefits are for everyone, and actually accrue to all coniferous oils, such as cedar.
Studies have shown that volatile compounds present in the oils of these trees helps to improve mood, and also combats the chemical imbalances responsible for many clinical depression cases.
No, it won’t cure you overnight, but using these oils or walking regularly in the woods will have an uplifting effect on you.
Geranium Oil
Long a secret ingredient in skin toners, geranium extract refreshes and sooths skin. It’s also proven helpful in combating the impact of intense hormonal surges present in PMS, and stabilizing general emotional states.
Much like lavender and rosemary oils, it has an astringent affect that when, coupled with its styptic effect helps to reduce inflammation, bloating, the appearance of scars, and improves circulation.
Rosemary Oil
This was often used as a hair cleanser prior to shampoos. Not only does it strip dirt without drying the hair cuticle, it also serves to kill any insects living on the human body—a pretty big concern prior to daily bathing.
If your children pick up lice at school, try using it to help treat the problem at home.
Clove Oil
Prior to modern dental hygiene, cloves were often recommended for a “tooth ache.” That’s no old wives tale. The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of clove oil actually do reduce pain, swelling, and infection.
It’s also recommended to help combat stress and may be used as massage oil or simply to provide a warm ambience.
Lemon Balm Oil
This unassuming little plant packs a punch when it comes to herbal remedies. The oil has a long reputation for its antiseptic properties, and may also help in soothing skin irritation. As well, it calms ulcers, counteracts insomnia, and even helps to combat situational depression (non-clinical).
This is an ultimate, but very gentle common remedy for everything from anxiety to scraped knees, ulcerations in the alimentary canal and stress from your day in the office or the classroom.
Herbal cures aren’t all nonsense.
While some herbs and oils have garnered reputations they can’t substantiate, a helpful way to discern which are best for you is to first find out what the active chemical compounds and other herb info for a particular oil, then plot your research from there.
Modern science has disambiguated the rationale behind many of these “home cures” and “folk remedies.”
[…] taking a hot bath 30 minutes prior, as your body cools down afterward you will begin to tire. Essential oils are another aid that some use to improve their quality of sleep such as lavender or cedar […]