Enthusiasts of alternative medicine have recommended the power of essential oils for many years now. Such oils have become mainstream these days primarily because of their health benefits and increased accessibility. Essential oils are known for being fantastic and loaded with multiple benefits, prompting many people to buy essential oils for varied reasons.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are known as concentrated plant extracts. Plants are often composed of structural materials and phytochemicals, which benefit not only the plant but also the people. It requires a lot of plant material to use in making essential oils, which is why these oils can be expensive and powerful.
Health benefits of essential oils
There is limited information about the ability of essential oils to treat various health conditions. The following are some of the most popular ones:
For headaches and migraine
In the ‘90s, two small studies revealed that dabbing a small amount of peppermint oil with ethanol on an individual’s temple and forehead may relieve headache. Recent studies also showed that the application of peppermint oil and lavender oil to one’s skin reduces headache. The studies also suggested that applying a combination of sesame and chamomile oil to one’s temples may cure migraines and headaches. In Persia, this is also considered a traditional remedy for headaches.
For dealing with insomnia and getting sleep
Sniffing lavender oil has been observed to help improve the quality of sleep among women who just gave birth and also individuals who suffer from heart disease. A review looked into 15 studies about sleep and essential oils. Most of the studies demonstrated that smelling the essential oils, mostly lavender oil, had beneficial effects on one’s sleeping habits.
Antibiotic and antioxidant effects
Test-tube studies have been done to determine the benefits of essential oils like peppermint oil and tea tree oil due to their antimicrobial effects. This led to positive results. The results of test-tube studies are quite interesting. They don’t reflect the effects of such essential oils to the human body.
Provides relief from menstrual pain
It is said that 16 to 91 percent of women and girls suffer from dysmenorrhea or menstrual pain. Most of them turn to over-the-counter medications for relief. There are other holistic options you may choose from. One of these is aromatherapy, which is one major reason for people to buy essential oils. This offers a complementary approach to soothe menstrual pain. It also reduces the effects of using pain relievers.
Reduces stress and anxiety
One possible benefit of using essential oils is stress reduction and calming anxiety. A September 2019 review and meta-analysis published in Phytomedicine looked into 90 randomized and nonrandomized studies and concluded that inhaling or smelling lavender essential oil may reduce levels of anxiety. Such effects may be brought about by linalyl acetate and linalool.