Essential oils.. the starter information

Lets talk for just a moment about essential oils. Just the smallest introduction about some of these personal heroes

Lavender oil is one of the most well known essential oils. It appears to slow the activity of the central nervous system, improve sleep quality, promote better concentration, and help encourage hair regrowth. Lavender may also help fight anxiety. In one study, encapsulated lavender oil was found to be effective for generalised anxiety disorder.

Ylang ylang has a long history of use, but its medicinal properties weren’t recognized until the beginning of the 20^th century when it was used to treat a variety of diseases like malaria, typhus, and intestinal distress. Interestingly, it was also noticed to have a positive effect on the heart in times of distress – perhaps the first indication of its calming abilities.

You’re probably accustomed to using rosemary in your cooking, but what about in your skin care? It’s been used extensively since ancient times for a variety of purposes, including being used in wedding ceremonies and medicinal herbal care. Paracelsus, a renowned German-Swiss physician and botanist in the 16^th century, promoted rosemary oil and its ability to strengthen the entire body, and he specifically touted it for its effects on the liver, brain, and heart.

In ancient Egypt, this oil was used in the mummification process, to repel insects, and in cosmetics. Not only is cedarwood essential oil beneficial for focus and a calm energy, but in the last 100 years, its positive effects on skin problems like eczema has widely been noted.

Its place of origin is debated, from Southeast Asia to Europe to Greece, but the oil has long been used as a pick-me-up when people are plagued with tension, stress, or low moods. This oil comes from the peel of the fruit of the bergamot tree when the fruit is cold pressed. Because of its citrus but spicy aroma, it’s often used in perfumes and other cosmetic applications.

This oil comes from the lemon verbena plant which was originally native to South America, but was introduced in the 17^th century to Europe. By the 18^th century, it spread to the Mediterranean and North American regions. The lemon verbena plant has a thin stem and long, pale green leaves which undergo steam distillation to extract the oil. Lemon verbena oil has a fresh, lemony, sweet scent and a pale olive or yellow in colour.

Used in teas to help thin mucus and alleviate cold and flu symptoms. Menthol is an effective decongestant and expectorant, and it’s also useful in soothing and calming dry coughs or sore throats. Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules can also treat bloating, gas and pain due to IBS. Peppermint oil also calms the muscles in your stomach, improves the flow of bile so food passes through your stomach faster, and can ease an upset stomach. When Peppermint is applied directly to the skin as part of a cream to reduce headache symptoms, soothe and cool irritated skin caused by poison ivy, poison oak, or hives. Peppermint oil is an antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic (pain reliever), it works wonders for eliminating pain, swelling, and calming the spasms that cause muscle cramps.

Important health benefits of pine essential oil is its role in treating various skin problems. Dermatologists often prescribe this oil for treating psoriasis, itching, pimples, eczema, skin diseases, poor skin, scabies, sores, and fleas. Its said to give you a balanced, smooth, renewed, and shiny skin and can also act as an antioxidant for free radicals which have a negative impact on your skin.

The oil is highly reputed for its cleansing, purifying and detoxifying effects. It bursts with a sweet, energizing and refreshing aroma that is known to be rejuvenating and uplifting. Its inhalation helps increase energy levels, ease tensions from everyday stress and balance a tired and overwhelmed immune system.

Lime essential oil has antiseptic properties, and it can cure infections and protect against their development. When externally applied, lime oil can cure infections of the skin and wounds. When consumed, it effectively helps to cure infections of the throat, mouth, colon, stomach, intestines, and urinary system.

Sweet, dessert-scented Vanilla essential oil (vanilla planifolia) is a delight to the senses and fantastic for health. Benefits are said to include lowering blood pressure and fights depression. 

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