Problems that essential oils may help relieve include stress, arthritis, acne, flu and menstrual difficulties. You need to use pure essential oils and not fragrance or perfume oils, which contain synthetic ingredients, and therefore do not possess the same therapeutic properties. Consult a qualified aromatherapist if inexperienced in the use of essential oils to ensure proper use and remember to always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil or lotion before applying to skin.
Stress and Anxiety Benefits
Many essential oils are suitable in helping with stress and anxiety, depression, insomnia, nervous tension and shock. Julia Lawless, in her book "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils," lists many such stress-relieving oils including juniper, ylang ylang, lavender, rose, thyme and geranium. These oils can help you calm down and relax.
Pain Relieving Benefits
Some essential oils are analgesic, which means they have the ability to reduce pain and inflammation. Problems such as arthritis, headaches, muscle pain, migraine, rheumatism and toothache are helped by the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. Shirley Price, in the "Aromatherapy Workbook," lists essential oils such as juniper, lavender, rosemary, peppermint, eucalyptus and clove bud that help with pain.
Respiratory Benefits
Respiratory problems include asthma, coughs, bronchitis, sinusitis, sore throat, catarrh and ear ache. Some essential oils help relieve the symptoms of these health problems as they are antiseptic and antimicrobial. Julia Lawless suggests frankincense, hyssop, sweet marjoram, tea tree, sage, peppermint and chamomile essential oils to helping relieving respiratory problems, although there are many other essential oils which can be used too.
Immune System Benefits
The immune system comes under attack from diseases such as colds, flu, chickenpox and fever. Some essential oils possess therapeutic benefits which help relieve the symptoms and effects of diseases which affect the immune system. Julia Lawless recommends essential oils such as eucalyptus, sage, chamomile and yarrow to help with the immune system.
Skin Care Benefits
Essential oils possess therapeutic benefits which help with many skin problems. Oily, dry and mature skin benefits from the application of essential oils, in addition to skin care problems such as wrinkles, psoriasis, acne and inflamed skin. Shirley Price lists niaouli, geranium, lavender, rose, lavender, frankincense and neroli as some of the most common essential oils used in skin care. Essential oils help restore, balance and maintain the appearance and texture of the skin.
Digestive Benefits
Essential oils help calm the digestive system and relieve irritating and uncomfortable symptoms often associated with digestive problems such as constipation, heartburn, nausea, indigestion, flatulence and colic. Citrus oils, such as lemon, orange and mandarin, can be useful with digestive complaints but ginger, black pepper, nutmeg and myrrh also possess therapeutic properties which help with digestive problems.
Therapeutic Benefits for Women
Women suffer from a number of unique problems such as amenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, labor pain, pregnancy problems, P.M.S.,cystitis and menopausal problems. Many essential oils help relieve the symptoms associated with these problems, among which recommended are the rose, lavender, frankincense, geranium, chamomile and sweet marjoram. Symptoms such as hot flushes, pain, discomfort and itching are relieved by the properties of these essential oils. Consult a qualified aromatherapist, however, before using essential oils in pregnancy.
References
- "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils"; Julia Lawless; 1995
- "Aromatherapy Workbook"; Shirley Price; 2000
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