Essential Oil and Its Health Benefits

Essential oils have been used since pre-historic ages. In ancient Egypt, essential oils were used for beauty care, spiritual enhancement, and for medicinal purpose. Essential oils were also used in ancient India as part of the Ayurvedic health care system.

The widespread use of essential oil in various culture shows the benefits these plant extracts offer. Let us have a look at a few of the health benefits of essential oil.

• Reduce stress and anxiety: Essential oil can uplift your mood and reduce stress and anxiety. Some essential oils have sedative properties that create a calm and peaceful feeling inside you.

The most popular essential oils that are used for relieving stress and anxiety are lavender, ylang-ylang, orange, and rose essential oil. These oils can be used for massage, during the bath, or it can be diffused in your bedroom to create a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

• Boost energy: Certain essential oils influence a specific part of the brain that controls tiredness and stress. When these essential oils are applied topically or inhaled, it instantly gives you a boost that makes you feel more energetic and fresher.

The essential oils that can boost your energy are lemon, orange, cinnamon, and peppermint. You can use these essential oils in aromatherapy or use a diffuser to diffuse its refreshing scent. Alternatively, you can also use these essential oils while taking a bath and instantly uplift your mood.

• Fight infection: Essential oil also has the power to fight infection and boost your immunity. Certain essential oil has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties which help in fighting infection.

Few of the essential oils that are well-known for fighting infection are ginger, eucalyptus, oregano, and peppermint. These essential oils can either be inhaled, applied topically or consumed as part of your diet.

• Alleviate pain: Some essential oil has the power to alleviate pain especially postoperative, gynecological and obstetric pain. Some can even reduce swelling in the body part.

The essential oils that can be used to alleviate pain are eucalyptus, rosemary, ginger, and black pepper oil. These oils can either be inhaled, applied topically, or added to a warm or cold compress.

• Reduce skin blemishes: Essential oil has the power to soothe the skin and clear blemishes. It can reduce the signs of aging, protect the skin from sun damage, and also reduce acne. It also helps in treating skin conditions like eczema, and dermatitis.

Lavender essential oil helps in reducing the signs of aging as well as inflammation caused by acne, and eczema. Tea tree essential oil is useful for acne, burns and bug bites. The essential oil extracted from rosemary helps in relieving skin dryness, and in toning the skin. Rose essential oil reduces inflammation, and fine wrinkles appearing on the skin.

Because of these health benefits, essential oils are widely used in skin and hair care products. They are used for making face wash, body spray, breath freshener, and soap. They are also used for massage therapy, treating allergies, and food craving.