Do you know how powerful are essential oils to your body and mind?
Essential oils are substances released by plants and provide incredible benefits for physical and emotional health. Their emanations may calm, stimulate, heal and disinfect body and mind as well! Meet the amazing healing power of those sacred substances!
Inside some special plants, hidden in roots, seeds, flowers, and bark, are concentrated, highly potent chemical compounds: the essential oils!
Essential oils activate parts of the nose (responsible for the smell), then they send "subtle messages" to the brain through the nervous system.
When reaching the brain, the aroma of oil activates the limbic system that plays an important role in the area related to emotions.
The hypothalamus area is affected as well by serotonin liberation!
Serotonin is the hormone that regulates mood, sleep, appetite, heart rhythm, body temperature, sensitivity, in addition to intellectual functions.
In order to produce essential oil, it is necessary for many plants. For instance, to extract 1 liter of lavender oil, approximately 700 pounds of lavender flowers will be required.
Essential oils aren't that new!
Essential oils use is deeply rooted in the traditions of the past. Ancient civilizations used them for many purposes, such as:
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Aromatherapy
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Personal care
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Healthcare practices
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Religious ceremonies
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Beauty treatments
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Food preparation
Egyptians used specific oils in the mummification process and in celebration ceremonies. These substances were highly valued and could even be used as a bargaining coin.
In addition to inhalation, essential oils have good results when rubbed on the skin, by massage in various parts of the body
Every essential oil varies in its natural makeup, so aromas and benefits are also unique!
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Aromatic Massage
Therapeutic massage serves to reduce stress and as a muscle relaxant since it stimulates circulation. By reactivating blood circulation, the oxygen and nutrient supply of cells increases, with important stimuli to the lymphatic system.
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Diffuser
It works through evaporating the oil in the room while you sleep if that's the case. Also used in herbal treatment. The diffusers process themselves through heat, released by the flame of a candle. It also purifies and humidifies while infusing your air with the healing power of plants. Furthermore, it gives your atmosphere the same refreshing feeling as standing near a waterfall, for example!
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Direct Inhalation
The patient aspires to the aroma released by volatilized essential oils. This modality is indicated for those who have respiratory and skin problems. It improves the emotional state, as well. The "steam bath" can be facial or by dry inhalation.
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Foot Scald
The immersion of the feet in a bowl containing hot water and essential oils allows blood vessels to tear. With increased blood flow, the danger of congestion is reduced. It helps fight insomnia, headache, menorrhea, flu, and cold. It is recommended 10 drops of oil for every 5 liters of water.
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Aromatic Compress
The compress - cold or hot - containing the essential oils, is applied directly in the sore region according to the type of treatment. Pour at least 2 drops of oil for half a liter of water. It also helps with muscle contusion, swelling, fever, abscess, colic, earaches, headaches, and rheumatic pains.
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Cosmetic
Essential oils can be used as a gel, creams or lotion, mostly as natural and organic cosmetics. They can be applied as perfumes, shampoos, soaps, skin creams and detergents.
The powerful carrier oils!
Carrier oils are vegetable oils, such as coconut oil or avocado oil, that have been derived from the seeds, kernels, or nuts of a plant.
To be used in aromatherapy, it is recommended that the oil is obtained through cold pressing. In this process, the oil is extracted by crushing the plants.
In aromatherapy, vegetable oils are used as a basis to help dilute essential oils. Their vitamins nourish and moisturize the skin and hair.
Vegetable oils are:
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coconut oil,
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almond,
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grape seed,
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rose hips,
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avocado oil, and some other less known.
Regardless of the mysticality of essential oils, the scientific community has taken seriously due to their incredible healing power!
10 essential oils therapeutic properties:
1- Lavender (Lavandula officinalis)
- Blood pressure
- Insect repellent
- Insect bites
- Light burns
- Eczema
Nausea - Acne
- Painkiller
- Pain relief during surgery
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Hair growth
- Digestion
2- Melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia)
- Antifungal
- Antibacterial
- Anti-infectious
- Dandruff
- Insect repellent
3- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Memory gain
- Reduction of head trauma
- Hair loss
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Muscle spasms
- Antioxidant protection
4- Lemon (Citrus limonum)
- Facilitates digestion
- Insect repellent
- Disinfectant
- Sore throat
- Skin care
5- Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
- Attenuates "irritable bowel syndrome"
- Finishes headache
- Food flavoring
- Nail infection
- Skin infection
- Itching caused by pregnancy
- Eczema
- Hair growth
6- Eucalipto (Eucalyptus: globulus, sideroxylon or torquata)
- Upper respiratory infection
- Antibacterial
- Antifungal
- Antitumor
- Natural deodorant
7- Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
- Antibacterial
- Pain relief
- Toothache
- Insect repellent
- Oral candidiasis
8- Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Inflammations
- Eczemas
- Muscle spasms
9- Myrrh (Commiphora mirra)
- Antioxidant
- Antibacterial
- Antiviral
- Antifungal
10- Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
- Anti-inflammatory
- Atherosclerosis (or clogging of the arteries)
- Digestion problems
- Protects the gut from infections
- Antiparasitic properties
- Antitumor
- Antifungal