5 Essential Oils for the Body, Mind, and Soul
Posted: September 26th, 2016
Popularized as part of day spa services such as aromatherapy, essential oils have been used throughout history to promote physical, mental, and spiritual health. Proponents maintain that many oils are useful outside of the day spa, and are a key part of healthy living. The rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria has caused many people to seek out alternatives to chemical disinfectants. Grapefruit seed extract can be used as a treatment for UTI's, nail fungus, and candida, and has shown itself to be a mild yet effective antimicrobial agent. Eucalyptus oil is popular for cold and allergy sufferers due to its decongestive effects. Rubbed onto the neck or chest, it works like over the counter vapor rubs to relieve stuffy sinuses, but without the harmful synthetic additives. Lavender oil is one of the most widely used oils, due to its comforting scent. Used widely in day spa services to promote relaxation, lavender oil can be used at home to help calm the mind. Many people use it as a sleep aid, and will dab a few drops of oil on their pillow to help promote restful slumber. Ylang-Ylang oil comes from the flowers of a tree native to Southeast Asia. The heady perfume of this oil is not only pleasant when used for its scent, but it is believed that Ylang-Ylang also has antidepressant properties. Some also use this oil to help hormonal balance. Peppermint is so much associated with aiding digestion that many over-the-counter acid reducers and nausea cures are peppermint flavored. Used internally, it can help soothe an irritable stomach. When used externally, it helps relieve muscle pain and has a pleasant cooling sensation. These five oils represent just a small number of the essential oils used for healthy living and deserve recognition outside of the day spa for their use as natural alternatives to harsh disinfectants, cold medications, mood stabilizers, and digestive aids. Gien their possible uses, it's likely that these age-old alternatives will continue to be given new uses in the future.