Essential Oils May Speed Wound Healing

Posted: December 23rd, 2019

In recent years, the use of aromatherapy for healing and cleansing has gone from a new-age ritual to a popular home remedy. Almost every soap, body wash, detergent, bubble bath, and fragrance now contains an essential oil that claims to promote well-being. More than that, science is on the side of those who believe there's more to aromatherapy than relaxation and meditation. While it may not be groundbreaking news that a jasmine bubble bath or lavender-scented pillow will help provide a luxurious and restful night's sleep, most are surprised to learn that the right essential oil can save a costly and inconvenient trip to the doctor.   Aromatherapy, herbal remedies, and essential oil tinctures have been used for medical purposes for centuries. Though Eastern medicine still relies on these regularly, for many decades, Western medicine denied their scientific value. However, eucalyptus has been an effective decongestant in over-the-counter cold medicines for a century. Likewise, peppermint has been used to fight indigestion. nausea, and stomach troubles without question.  Some essential oils are proven to fight inflammation, thereby reducing pain. A few even act as agents for wound healing, giving a boost to the body's natural defenses. A compound known as beta-caryophyllene is responsible for the healing agent that causes superficial wounds to disappear faster. Found in the essential oils of plants such as lavender, rosemary, and ylang-ylang, beta-caryophyllene won't keep you from needing stitches on a deep cut. However, superficial wounds treated with these oils after proper cleaning are less likely to become infected, heal more quickly and reduce the pain and swelling due to inflammation of injured tissue.   Even if herbal medicine isn't your literal cup of tea, natural essential oils from common plants can boost your body's performance in many ways. Eucalyptus and rosemary will stimulate the blood pressure, saving those with hypotension from fainting spells. Orange and rose are natural mood enhancers, often helping people combat depression and seasonal affective disorder.   The latest research on beta-caryophyllene in the use of wound healing just proves something we've known for centuries: nature does have a place in our medicine cabinets.