What Is An Essential Oil?
Essential oils are composed of volatile compounds that give them their characteristic aroma and therapeutic properties. These compounds can include terpenes, phenols, alcohols, esters, and other chemical constituents, each contributing to the oil's unique scent and potential benefits.
Each essential oil boasts a unique chemical composition, contributing to its distinct aroma and potential therapeutic effects. From the calming scent of lavender to the uplifting aroma of citrus oils, these botanical extracts offer a natural approach to holistic healing and self-care.
Essential oils find applications in various realms, including aromatherapy, skincare, haircare, massage therapy, and even household cleaning. Whether diffused, applied topically, or incorporated into beauty products, these versatile oils have the potential to promote relaxation, alleviate stress, soothe discomfort, and invigorate the body and mind.
In essence, essential oils embody the essence of plants, offering a fragrant pathway to holistic wellness and vitality. As we delve deeper into the world of aromatherapy and natural living, these precious extracts continue to captivate and inspire, inviting us to embrace the healing power of nature's botanical bounty.
It's important to note that while essential oils can offer a range of benefits, they are highly concentrated and potent substances.
Therefore, it's crucial to approach essential oils with knowledge and caution, as their potency requires proper dilution and usage guidelines. High-quality, pure essential oils sourced from reputable suppliers ensure safety and efficacy, allowing individuals to harness the full potential of nature's aromatic treasures.
Some Kind of Essential Oils
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Lavender
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Peppermint
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Lemon
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Tea Tree
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Ylang Ylang
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Lavender
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Peppermint
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Lemon
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Tea Tree
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Ylang Ylang
Why do plants have essences?
- We use essential oils for a variety of different reasons, but what do plants use their own essences for? Plants use their essences to attract pollinators such as bees, to prevent other plants from growing around them (also known as allelopathy), to defend against predators and to protect itself from bacteria and disease.[1]
What are essential oils used for?
- Common essential oil constituents include limonene, linalool, pinene, camphor, and menthol. Each has their own therapeutic benefits. Through studies and tests, essential oils have proven themselves to benefit humans in a plethora of ways. A simple search for essential oils on the US National Library of Medicine[2] will reveal thousands of studies done on essential oils and their efficacy in helping to improve sleep, reduce pain, ease stress, heal skin, kill bacteria and more. For example:
- In 2007, researchers studied the effects of santalol on rats. They found that it helped to improve sleep cycles—even in test subjects with impaired olfactory systems! They postulate that when used in aromatherapy, Sandalwood enters the bloodstream through olfaction, carrying a sedative effect throughout the body.[3]
- In a lab study, b-caryophyllene was found to boost the effects of morphine when used in combination with each other, thus reducing the need for a higher morphine dosage and lowering the undesirable side effects of morphine.[4]
- In 2015, researchers studied Lemongrass’ calming effect, measuring how aromatherapy influenced test subjects’ stress levels and the time it took them to complete a task. People who inhaled Lemongrass reported less nervousness than those in the control group. What’s more, they completed the task at a faster pace.[5]
Source:
“NAHA | Exploring Aromatherapy.” National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy, NAHA, naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/about-aromatherapy/what-are-essential-oils. Accessed 9 Oct. 2020.
“Essential Oil - Search Results.” PubMed, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=essential%20oil. Accessed 9 Oct. 2020.
Ohmori, Asae et al. “Effect of santalol on the sleep-wake cycle in sleep-disturbed rats.” Japanese Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology 27.4 (2007): 167-171. https://okayama.pure.elsevier.com/en/publications/effect-of-santalol-on-the-sleep-wake-cycle-in-sleep-disturbed-rat
Katsuyama, S. “Involvement of Peripheral Cannabinoid and Opioid Receptors in β-Caryophyllene-Induced Antinociception.” PubMed, May 2013, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23138934.
Costa Goes, Tiago et al. “Effect of Lemongrass Aroma on Experimental Anxiety in Humans.” The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 21.12 (2105): 766-773. .http://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2015.0099