When it comes to our minds and our bodies, we want to treat them with the utmost love and respect.
So why do we keep pumping them full of toxins and additives?
From treating the flu or allergies, to treating depression and anxiety, why do we keep reaching for chemical-riddled medications and over-processed foods?
Well, no more. The buck stops here, and we start ACTUALLY taking care of ourselves.
One of the things that holds people back the most when it comes to all-natural alternatives to common treatments is a lack of knowledge.
Luckily for you, I’m going to break down one of the most effective and rewarding ways of treating both physical and mental illnesses: essential oils.
Is that not the flashy answer you were expecting?
Well, I hate to disappoint you, but essential oils have so many benefits, and have been proven to work for so long, that it’s about time we stopped ignoring them.
From fighting cold and flu symptoms, to soothing sore muscles, to alleviating pain, to balancing hormones, to improving digestion, the uses for essential oils goes on and on.
There are a multitude of ways to use essential oils, from topical application, to diffusers, to nebulizers.
People who apply essential oils topically typically do so to treat skin conditions or improve the quality of their skin (such as clearing breakouts or brightening overall tone).
However, applying essential oils topically can be a tricky business, since they need to be applied with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba oils) and can still result in allergic reactions depending on the person using them.
My advice for those getting into essential oils for the first time is to stick to a diffuser.
Diffusion is the fastest way to get essential oils into your bloodstream through your olfactory senses.
It is also the safest way, and doubles as an air humidifier.
Nebulizers work in similar ways to diffusers but are more complicated to start using and require a great deal of essential oil to work.
So, if you want to reap the nearly endless list of benefits provided by essential oils, I would recommend starting with a diffuser (these can be purchased almost anywhere for around $20 from grocery stores to Amazon).
Still need a little convincing?
Here is a list of ten of the most popular essential oils and their uses:
- Lavender—improves mood and aids in relaxation and deep sleep.
- Tea tree oil—naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, reduces bad odors, and can treat acne breakouts.
- Lemon—frequently used in all-natural cleaning products, and works to cleanse and detox the body.
- Myrrh—naturally antiseptic and can prevent/ reduce infections.
- Peppermint—improves focus and energy, supports digestions, and relieves headaches.
- Ginger—inflammation reducer, nausea reliever, and improves digestion.
- Eucalyptus—improves respiratory issues, especially allergies; is also purifying and invigorating.
- Frankincense—builds immunity and reduces inflammation
- Rose—reduces skin inflammation and helps achieve glowing skin and a clearer complexion.
- Rosemary—naturally thickens hair and can improve memory.
These benefits may seem hard to believe, but just give them a quick and easy try and you’ll be a believer too.
Essential oils are becoming more and more mainstream as more people discover their effectiveness.
They are even starting to be used by medical professionals, such as those at Vanderbilt University Hospital, for treating patients’ anxiety, depression, and infections.
So, what do you have to lose?
Essential oils are cheaper and safer than their over-processed counterparts and can lead to year-round health and wellness.
