Wellcure
Wellcure
10:04 AM | 04-11-2019
Essential Oils are the best preventers of all viral infections. They should never be consumed internally. They are safe for all. Pregnant women shouldn’t use essential oils. Which essential oil should I use? How to use it? There’s so much information and misinformation about essential oils. What should you believe and what are the facts?
Here, in this guide, we answer all your queries about essential oils – the What, Why, and Hows without making you feel overwhelmed. Let’s get started.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are not a new invention. They have been used for centuries and played an important role in ancient civilizations like the Chinese, Egyptian, Indian, and others.
These oils are extracted from seeds, leaves, and barks of plants. They are obtained by using nonchemical methods like – distillation with steam and/or water, cold pressing, etc.
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that contain the natural flavour and smell, i.e. the essence of the plant.
Why use Essential Oils?
Chronic stress takes a huge toll on your body and life. It not only makes you feel anxious at all times; it also prevents your body from healing and repairing. To heal and recuperate, you need to free yourself from the clutches of chronic stress.
And, aromatherapy with essential oils is an effective stress reliever, helping you move towards the path of healing.
What happens when you use Essential Oils?
When you inhale essential oils, the tiny nerves in your nose (that is part of the limbic system that is connected directly to the brain) send signals to your brain, calming you down. The limbic system is responsible for emotions and pain perception. Inhaling aromatherapy oils relaxes your body, helping to focus your internal energy on healing and recuperation.
Alternatively, when you apply essential oils on certain aching parts, it gets absorbed by the skin into the bloodstream and moves to specific organs, thereby helping in recuperation. Essential oils are most effective when applied near specific pulse points like – inside of your wrists, behind the neck, on the temples, etc. Remember that these oils are highly concentrated, so a little bit goes a long way.
How to use Essential Oils?
Aromatherapy is a highly personalized science. No one size fits all. For example, eucalyptus oil may offer headache relief for some, while for others, it may feel overwhelming and too powerful. You need to figure out what works for you.
Here are a few helpful tips on how to get started with aromatherapy and using essential oils:
Instead of investing thousands of rupees in purchasing a huge collection of different aroma oils, start with one or two oils that you like the smell. Remember that a small amount goes a long way, so don’t invest in big bottles.
There are several methods to use essential oils:
Diluting Essential Oils
If you are using these oils for inhalation, you can add two-three drops directly to the water in your steamer, without diluting it. This is because you are essentially diluting the oil here with the water, so prior dilution is not necessary.
On the other hand, for topical application, it’s highly recommended that you dilute essential oils before applying to avoid adverse skin reactions, etc. Another reason for dilution is that undiluted oils when applied to the skin evaporate quickly before it gets absorbed into the bloodstream. When you mix essential oils with carrier oils, it helps in better absorption and prevents any allergic or negative skin reactions.
What carrier oils to use? You can use plant-based oils like coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, and other plant-based lotions, including aloe-vera jelly to dilute essential oils. Water is not recommended for diluting essential oils since these oils are hydrophobic and do not mix with water.
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Dilution Chart |
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If you are an aromatherapy beginner, go for 1% dilution |
1 drop of essential oil with 1 tsp of carrier oil |
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For room, diffusers go for 2% dilution |
2 drops of essential oil with 1 tsp of carrier oil |
*For children, seniors, pregnant women and people suffering from injuries, pain it’s highly recommended that you seek the guidance of an aromatherapy expert to find out the right concentration of essential oil that works for you.
Essential Oils and their Effects
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Essential Oil |
Effects |
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Lavender oil |
Relaxation, insomnia |
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Tea tree oil |
Skin problems and to get rid of dandruff, lice and other scalp issues |
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Peppermint oil |
Aches and headaches |
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Clove oil |
Dental problems |
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Eucalyptus oil |
Cold, congestion and arthritis pain relief |
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Orange oil |
Household cleaners, in-room diffusers, to create calmness |
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Lemon oil |
Natural bath product, natural pest repellant |
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Rose oil |
Natural perfume |
Essential Oils Help Your Body Begin its Natural Healing Process
Essential oils are an excellent natural way to relax and de-stress, helping your body focus on healing and repairing. Get creative and try to incorporate them in different ways in your daily routine – add it to your bath instead of store-bought bathing foams, to your puja lamps, home air purifiers, on your handkerchiefs, etc.
Natural aroma oils are a great alternative to store-bought chemicals, pain relievers, and cosmetics. Try to understand the different types of essential oils, and embrace them on your path to a natural lifestyle that minimizes the usage of artificial products.
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Disclaimer: The health journeys, blogs, videos and all other content on Wellcure is for educational purposes only and is not to be considered a ‘medical advice’ ‘prescription’ or a ‘cure’ for diseases. Any specific changes by users, in medication, food & lifestyle, must be done under the guidance of licensed health practitioners. The views expressed by the users are their personal views and Wellcure claims no responsibility for them.
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