Essential oils and their benefits for well-being

Essential oils can play a powerful role in promoting well-being and health, but this is no longer news to anyone. Recent research suggests that some natural essential oils have powerful pharmacological functions.

Safe use, however, requires basic knowledge of what essential oils are, how they work, and how they can be incorporated into daily life. This is because essential oils can be a powerful medicine – and irresponsible use means the risk of overexposure, toxicity, and allergic reactions. Here is what you need to know to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy while avoiding potential dangers.

Table of contents

1. What do we mean by essential oils?
2. What is aromatherapy?
3. Benefits that natural essential oils can have
4. How can essential oils be used safely?
5. The top four essential oils

1. What do we mean by essential oils?

Essential oils are, in principle, plant extracts. They are obtained by infusing or pressing different parts of a plant (flowers, bark, leaves, or fruit) to capture the compounds that produce the scent. It can take several kilograms of a plant to produce a single bottle of essential oil. Besides creating fragrance, essential oils also perform other functions in plants.

2. What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefits. Aromatherapy has been used for centuries. When inhaled, fragrance molecules travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain and have a particular impact on the amygdala, the emotional center of the brain.

Essential oils can also be absorbed through the skin. This is why massage therapists quite frequently add a drop or two of essential oil to help relax tense muscles during a massage.

3. Benefits that natural essential oils can have

Although people claim that essential oils are natural remedies for a range of ailments, there is not enough evidence to determine their efficacy in human health. Laboratory study results are promising – one conducted at Johns Hopkins found that certain essential oils could kill a type of Lyme bacteria better than antibiotics – but the results of human clinical trials are still being analyzed (Source).

Some studies (Source) indicate that there is a benefit to using essential oils, while others show no symptom improvement. Clinical studies have looked at whether essential oils can alleviate conditions such as:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Low appetite

There is a category of natural essential oils that stand out and are the most recognized and promoted for their benefits. Many of their benefits are anecdotal, and there is limited research to support their claims on humans (a large portion of research has been done on animals). Nevertheless, essential oils can be beneficial for more than just relaxation and stress relief.

Kintensiv tip: Always read the product label carefully so that you ensure you receive all the advantages that the natural essential oil can offer.

Supporting a strong immune system

Some essential oils are believed to help stimulate certain parts of the immune system, increase the activity of specific immune cells, and interfere with pathways associated with inflammation. Higher levels of inflammation can block the immune system. In addition, reducing inflammation also helps promote gut health. Experts recommend using eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, lemon oil, clove, and tea tree, all of which may have anti-inflammatory properties (Source).

Wound healing

Certain essential oils have anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial properties. Using essential oils while a wound is healing can help minimize any scarring, especially when using helichrysum, lavender, and tea tree oil. A 2020 review in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (Source) concluded that lavender essential oil was effective in promoting wound healing and reducing pain. Some research, the authors describe, mixed lavender oil into aloe vera to treat minor skin tears and fissures.

Relieving stress and headaches

Some essential oils are excellent analgesics for treating headaches and migraines and tend to have stress-fighting and anti-anxiety benefits. A good remedy is peppermint oil, as it contains menthol, which can help relax muscles and relieve pain. A 2019 study published in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Source) found that using a drop of peppermint oil decreased the number of migraines in 40% of patients (similar to intranasal lidocaine, a pain-relieving drug), which was better than a placebo group, of which only 5% reported relief.

Relieving digestive disorders

Interestingly, the brain and the gastrointestinal system are intimately connected, so simply inhaling essential oils can help ensure gut comfort. However, it is important not to ingest the oil; it is not safe for consumption.

A good example for nausea and digestion is ginger. Ginger essential oil stimulates the digestive system, which increases gastric activity, helping to prevent and relieve constipation. Cloves have also been traditionally used to ease digestive disorders, to relieve stomach aches, and to soothe indigestion caused by acid reflux. Any orange oil falls into the same category, as it is a good diuretic.

4. How can essential oils be used safely?

The quality of essential oils on the market varies greatly, from natural essential oils to those diluted with less expensive ingredients. And because there is no regulation, it is possible that the label does not list everything that is inside the bottle. That is why essential oils should never be ingested.

Experts also recommend using a spray bottle with caution. This is because the effects can differ depending on each individual person. For example, peppermint is often recommended for headaches. But if you use it around a child who is under 30 months old, they may become agitated. It could, therefore, have a negative effect. In addition, a person suffering from tachycardia may react negatively to peppermint oil.

Kintensiv tip: Choose oils from safe sources, from authorized manufacturers, so that you avoid the appearance of side effects generated by mixing with chemicals. We recommend using exclusively natural oils.

Allergic reactions to essential oils

A small number of people may have irritation or allergic reactions to certain essential oils. An unpleasant reaction is more likely to occur in people who suffer from atopic dermatitis or have a history of reactions to topical products. Although there could be a reaction to any essential oil, some are more likely to be problematic, including:

• Oregano oil
• Cinnamon bark oil
• Jasmine oil
• Lemongrass oil
• Ylang-ylang oil
• Chamomile oil
• Bergamot oil

Because some natural essential oils are powerful, diluting them in a carrier oil is the best way to avoid an unpleasant reaction when applying directly to the skin. In case you suffer from a red, itchy rash or hives after applying essential oils, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

How are essential oils applied to the skin?

One of the best and simplest ways to use essential oils is to apply them topically to the skin. First, you will mix the essential oil with a carrier oil to dilute it. Good options for carrier oils include coconut, jojoba, or almond oil.

When you dilute an essential oil, do not use water.

The correct proportion of essential oil and carrier oil depends on the desired strength. For example, for 50 ml of carrier oil, you will add between 12 and 60 drops of essential oils. However, it is always recommended to check the manufacturer's recommendations.

Another way to use essential oils is to diffuse them in a room with the help of a diffuser. You can use between three and five drops of essential oil per 100 milliliters of water.

5. The top four essential oils

With the numerous options of essential oils, it can be hard to know which ones to buy first. Here is a handy guide. Here are a few suggestions.

Lavender

Distilling lavender is one of the most popular and versatile methods used in aromatherapy, because lavender oil can help with relaxation and a more restful sleep, as well as calming anxiety. You can combine lavender oil with a carrier oil to massage the skin, or you can add a few drops to the bath water. Keep the essential oil near your bed, so that it is accessible whenever you struggle to fall asleep and need a quick dose of relaxation without having to get out of bed. Or keep a lavender hand cream by the bed to hydrate dry hands while the pleasant aroma helps you have a peaceful sleep.

Peppermint oil

Due to its refreshing aroma, but also the cooling sensation given by menthol, peppermint oil has been used to help relieve digestive discomfort, such as an upset stomach, and to alleviate headaches. It can be diluted and applied topically to relieve headaches, muscle pain, joint pain, and itching, or you can add it to a diffuser to reduce stress and pain and improve mental function. In addition, peppermint is refreshing and stimulating.

Lemon essential oil

Lemon oil promotes a better mood, diminishing anxiety and lifting spirits. In addition, this extract has antimicrobial properties. When diluted and applied to the skin, it has demonstrated both antibacterial and antifungal effects. Lemon oil can also help accelerate wound healing.

Orange essential oil

Used in aromatherapy applications, orange essential oil is known for having a pleasant, but at the same time, relaxing and calming smell, which is why it helps reduce heart rate. For this reason, it is believed to be beneficial for vaporizing in any room, especially when dealing with anxiety, sadness, anger, high blood pressure, frustration, and other negative states. When diffused throughout the house, it effectively diminishes unpleasant odors, such as the smell of food and pets.

The aromatic benefits of orange oil are known not only to create a warm environment but also to boost the power and resistance of the immune system and to eliminate bacteria and pathogens from the air.

It is believed that the scent of orange essential oil improves cognitive function, especially for patients with Alzheimer's disease. Diffused or diluted and sprayed in the air before going to bed, orange oil is known to induce sleep and improve sleep quality, while facilitating the body's detoxification process and balancing hormones.

Conclusions

Natural essential oils can be considered a natural and non-invasive gift of nature for humans. Not only can they alleviate certain symptoms of some ailments, but they can also indicate a state of well-being. However, using essential oils requires caution, because, as with any remedy, excessive use or using inappropriate aromas can lead to discomfort. Also, choosing quality products that are as natural as possible is an essential factor for obtaining as many benefits as possible on a physical and mental level