I knew I wanted to to publish a post on the benefits of the use of essential oils. It seemed only natural as a follow up to my last few posts.
I can’t say I’ve been sleeping that well over the past few weeks as a result of the major changes in life. In an effort to decompress and attempt relaxation I cracked open my arsenal and broke out the lavender oil and spray my sister made for me.
As many of you who read my blog regularly know, I am always researching and writing about ways to reduce stress and the hell that it wreaks on our bodies, particularly women.
Obviously as a result of recent events, my stress level is at an all-time high and justifiably so. I definitely need to find ways to manage it better. I recently assumed a new role at work so my job description and my schedule have changed drastically. In this new role I am pretty much on call 24/7, so it makes it very difficult to stick to my former routine in terms of exercise. (Which for me was a huge stress reliever!)
I signed up for a meditation challenge with Deepak, but they are on day three and I’m still trying to sit down and complete Day One! Day one was interrupted by a work related call. Followed by texts and emails although I’m quite grateful to have the job! It’s not a complaint. It’s an adjustment! A major adjustment.
In addition to managing my own stress, it is extremely important that I work with my daughter to attempt to reduce her stress level as well. Unfortunately, she’s having recurring migraines and most mothers will understand, when your kids are in pain, you are in pain. I included migraine relief in my research and essential oils were one of the suggested natural treatments.
She and I have talked about the benefits of yoga and daily exercise and anyone that knows me, knows I’m all over the dietary changes. I spent an afternoon this past weekend visiting organic farms and all evening chopping fresh New Jersey produce! Nothing like a Jersey tomato!
So, I decided it was perfect time to revisit my research on essential oils. Essential oils and other types of natural therapies are all the rage right now. But according to an article I read in association with Johns Hopkins Medical, the consensus was that essential oils do not work for everyone, “but there’s no harm in trying them as long as you use them in a safe manner.”
Hell even if they merely boost your mood, that can make a positive impact on your overall health and well-being. We can all use a mood boost!
Essential oils are basically plant extracts made from steaming or pressing various parts of a plant (flower, bark leaves, or fruit) to capture the compounds that produce the fragrance.
Aromatherapy is the practice of using these essential oils for therapeutic benefit. “Aromatherapy has been used for centuries,” says Harpeet Gurjal, Program Directs of Integrative Medicine at Sibley Memorial Hospital.
When the fragrances from essential oils are inhaled, they travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the emotional center of the brain. Essential oils can also be absorbed into the skin by massage or bath salts. Damn, I miss massages! Can ya’ll just please wear your damn masks! I’m sorry. I just had to say it. I need spas open!
These naturally occurring oils are extensively used in natural treatments such as aromatherapy and massage. When used properly and regularly I totally believe they can benefit your overall wellbeing.
According to Dr. Gurjal, there are claims that essential oils are natural remedies for a number of ailments, “but there’s not enough research to determine their effectiveness in human health. Results of lab studies are promising.”
Okay, I will take promising! Promising works for me.
An hour-long massage with a relaxing essential oil can either energize you or put you in relaxed state. These natural treatments have been used to help women with menopausal, as well as periomenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, melancholia, anxiety and headaches. Bingo! Headaches! Exactly what I wanted to hear.
Though selection of essential oils depends on personal appeal and desired effect, there are literally over three hundred essential oils to choose from. As with all natural therapies, do your homework! Consult with your doctor if you have any medical conditions or take any medications! I know much of my audience is past their baby-making days, but definitely consult with your doctor before using if you are pregnant!
Here is a list of my Top 6 essential oils for anti-aging and vitality!
LAVENDER OIL: Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils for inducing feelings of relaxation and improving moods. This is one that I have been using regularly for the past few stressful weeks! Lavender oil can benefit the skin in numerous ways. It has been stated that is can help to lessen acne and reduce wrinkles. The jury is out on that one, but it certainly can’t hurt! It can also benefit, hair health and digestion.
This oil can be used in several ways:
Lavender oil can be used as aromatherapy which produces a “calming effect without sedation” that is beneficial for your mental health.
It combines well with other oils such as argan oil, coconut oil etc. Try adding a few drops to a diffuser, massage oils, or body lotions.
PEPPERMINT OIL: Peppermint can help reduce discomfort when experiencing hot flashes, the pain and discomfort brought about by, migraine, sinus, tension, and cluster headaches. It also helps in dryness, itching, or other scalp issues.
This oil can be used in several ways:
A topical application that can be used for relief from itching, muscle pain, and headache.
It is used as a flavoring agent in foods and in products such as mouthwashes.
It can be used as a fresh, pleasing scent added to homemade soaps and cosmetic products.
BASIL OIL: Basil contains a component similar to estrogen. This means it has the potential to aid the body in adapting to changing estrogen levels. It also helps to lift moods when used in aromatherapy. Basil oil can be used to help improve your mood, reduce stress, help with sleep issues, forgetfulness, (like when I’m on my phone and looking for my phone!) and depression. Adding basil aromatherapy to your daily regimen can be a beneficial practice.
This oil can be used in several ways:
Basil oil can be used by adding a few drops to an aromatherapy diffuser and inhaling it as the oil.
Basil can be used by consuming the fresh leaves which offers even faster relief.
CLARY SAGE OIL: Clary sage oil contains the same linalyl acetate that is effective in increasing hair growth. It improves hair strength that can weaken as we age, in addition to improving hair growth. It also helps to prevent breakage. Clary Sage oil can promote increased energy, improves mood and lessen anxiety. Clary sage oil has been linked to estrogen balancing, which is one of the important features of this oil for us aging women.
This oil can be used in several ways:
Clary sage oil can be used by diluting it in carrier oil and massaging it into the skin.
For quicker relief, consider adding a few drops of oil to a tissue or napkin and inhaling and exhaling softly will also provide benefits.
GERANIUM OIL: Geranium oil is useful when it comes to providing relief for menopause symptoms such as improving dry skin. This essential oil also helps menopausal women to manage hormonal changes. Geranium oil has antidepressant properties that can help women who are experiencing depression and mood swings.
This oil can be used in several ways:
By inhaling one to two drops of this oil in a napkin it helps in immediate stress relief. The best method is to add a few drops of the diluted oil to the water during a relaxing, hot bath, etc.
Geranium essential oil can be diluted with a carrier oil, such as sesame oil, and used topically on the skin. You can use it as a spot treatment for acne, itchy skin, or as massage oil.
HELICHRYSUM ESSENTIAL OIL: Helichrysum essential oil has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties that are useful in healing skin. It has antioxidant properties that help to prevent scarring by regenerating new cells and preventing the accumulation of free radicals. This oil is also said to relieve skin rashes and increase collagen production.
This oil can be used in several ways:
Helichrysum oil comes already diluted as a cream which can be used directly on your skin to soothe muscle and joint pain. If helichrysum is not diluted, you can dilute it with carrier oil yourself before using. You can use a diffuser to inhale the mist that comes from helichrysum essential oil.
Experiment with these essential oils. See which works best for you or which aroma is most appealing to you. Even though I have covered only six essential oils, you shouldn’t restrict yourself to just these six.
I present to you another introduction to the powerful and beautiful world of natural healing.
Have you tried aromatherapy? Did it work for you? Please feel free to share your experiences with using essential oils! I would love to hear from you! In the mean time, below are some nice blends to check out!
Here are some essential oil recipes to try:
Anti-Aging:
Rosehip seed Oil: This oil is perfect for dehydrated skin, especially to moisturize and plump up the thin skin (around the eyes). It’s also best for mature and acne-prone skin.
Frankincense Essential Oil: This oil helps treat dry skin, reverse the signs of ageing, and reduce the appearance of scars.
Jojoba Oil: This oil is very hydrating.
Vitamin E Oil: Is great to reduce the appearance of age spots, reduces dark circles, make the skin super soft and it is rich in antioxidants!
Lavender Oil: Helps heal skin conditions, soothe sunburns, and helps improve cellular communication within the skin.
Ingredients (30 ml glass bottle with dropper)10 ml jojoba oil
10 ml rosehip seed oil
20 drops frankincense essential oil
8 drops lavender essential oil
5 ml of pure vitamin E oil
Combine ingredients in a small (dark-colored) Shake gently to combine. Fill the dropper and apply the oil on your fingertips. Apply to the skin and massage gently.
This recipe makes around 30 ml of oil. Use within six months.
Immunity Builder:
Lavender Essential Oil: Specifically for immunity, lavender is beneficial in promoting a good night’s sleep, but is also commonly used for reducing stress as well and we all know what stress does to the immune system and pretty much everything else!
Lemon Essential Oil: Is an energizing, mood boosting oil that can make you feel refreshed.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil: This oil is stimulating to the immune system, as well as to the mind.
Peppermint Essential Oil: This oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties and is beneficial for numerous issues ranging from ringworm to headaches, to digestive troubles.
Oregano Essential Oil: Is incredibly beneficial for boosting immunity. It is antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal, making it fantastic for killing germs that can cause illness.
Immunity Blend:
Lavender – 3 drops
Eucalyptus – 2 drops
Rosemary – 2 drops
Niaouli – 2 drops
Oregano – 1 drop
Adjust the number of drops to accommodate your diffuser’s instructions.
Stress Relief:
Lavender Essential Oil: This oil has a very calming & relaxing scent that may be helpful in alleviating both physical and emotional stress.
Frankincense Essential Oil: This oil is a great essential oil that many believe may help in decreasing the stress and improving attitude.
Orange Essential Oil: This oil is very uplifting like many citrus oils. Orange and other citrus scent help promote relaxation.
Diffuse:Lavender – 4 drops
Frankincense – 4 drops
Orange Essential Oil – 2 drops
Adjust the number of drops to accommodate your diffuser’s instructions.
Never considered using oils, this was good info! You are on my mind a lot! Hope you and your daughter are ok!
Thanks for reading! I definitely believe that certain fragrances trigger different responses. I rub lavender oil on my wrists and temples at night lately. So many store-bought fragrances, plug-ins etc are toxic, so I only use organic essential oils. I use diluted peppermint and rosemary essential oil on my scalp. I find the citrus scents to be energizing so I add them to shower gels. I definitely believe there are benefits to using essential oils. I will be trying the suggested oils for migraines on my daughter. I need my baby to NOT be in pain!
Let me know if you try them. I would love to hear your thoughts! And thank you for the well wishes. She is on the path to healing!
Great Information !! I totally love love love essential oils and use them to brighten the mood in my home. I look forward to your next topic!!!
Thanks for your comment! Let us know what you use so we can all try it!
I appreciate you!
Please share!!!!
Thanks so much for sharing a way to blend natural oils. I rely on quite a few of them for muscle aches, headaches, aromatherapy, and relaxation but never combined them with one another.
On the other hand, I enjoy your blog, appreciate your honesty, and can relate to something in every post!
More importantly, I pray for you, your baby, and her babies as you adjust to change. 💕
Thanks for your comments. If you have any essential oil suggestions for headache remedies that have worked for you I would love to hear about them. I truly appreciate your love and support. Thanks for sharing.
One of the headache/congestion remedies that work for me is keeping my peppermint oi in a spritzer and when I feel the need, spritz a half of a pump of the peppermint oil in my mouth then inhail slowly through my nostrils or mouth. This also works well for nausea, flatulence, and halitosis.
Thanks for sharing! I will share that with my Daughter for her headaches. And try it myself. Might have to try that since it seems that as we age, tragically, everything causes gas!