What are essential oils?
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that are derived from various parts of plants, such as the leaves, flowers, roots, and bark. These oils contain the natural aroma and flavor of the plant and are known to have therapeutic properties. Essential oils are obtained through a process called distillation, which involves steaming the plant material and collecting the aromatic compounds that evaporate.
The oils capture the plant’s scent and flavor, or “essence.” Unique aromatic compounds give each essential oil its characteristic essence. Each essential oil has a unique composition of chemical compounds that gives it its characteristic aroma and therapeutic properties. Some common essential oils include lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil. Essential oils can be used for aromatherapy, massage, skincare, and other natural health applications.
Herbal Goodness line of essential oils includes herbs and superfoods all carefully selected and crafted to support health and wellness and improve quality of life.
How are they obtained?
Essential oils are obtained through distillation (via steam and/or water) or mechanical methods, such as cold pressing.
Once the aromatic chemicals have been extracted, they are combined with a carrier oil to create a product that’s ready for use.
The way the oils are made is important, as essential oils obtained through chemical processes are not considered true essential oils.
How do essential oils work?
Essential oils are most commonly used in the practice of aromatherapy, in which they are inhaled through various methods. Essential oils are not meant to be swallowed. The chemicals in essential oils can interact with your body in several ways. When applied to your skin, some plant chemicals are absorbed. It's thought that certain application methods can improve absorption, such as applying with heat or to different areas of the body. Inhaling the aromas from essential oils can stimulate areas of your limbic system, which is a part of your brain that plays a role in emotions, behaviours, sense of smell, and long-term memory. Interestingly, the limbic system is heavily involved in forming memories.
This can partly explain why familiar smells can trigger memories or emotions. The limbic system also plays a role in controlling several unconscious physiological functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. As such, some people claim that essential oils can exert a physical effect on your body.
Health benefits of essential oils
Amazing Fact - It has been suggested that essential oils could provide a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to man-made mosquito repellents, such as DEET.
Stress and anxiety
Headaches and migraine
Recent studies have observed reduced headache after applying peppermint oil with lavender oil.
Sleep and insomnia
Lavender essential oil's calming properties have been shown to help reduce anxiety symptoms and promote relaxation. This essential oil can aid in improving sleep quality and alleviating insomnia, which is often a common symptom in individuals with PTSD. Lavender essential oil may help lower heart rate and blood pressure, providing a sense of overall calmness. This essential oils' pleasant aroma can help create a soothing atmosphere and promote emotional balance. Smelling lavender oil can improve the quality of sleep, especially after childbirth.
Reducing inflammation
Some essential oils can help in reducing irritation and inflammation of the skin. Apply diluted essential oil directly to the affected area to reduce swelling and pain.
Antibiotic and antimicrobial
Essential oil like Lavender is regarded for its ability to help us relax, sleep better, and even prevent signs of ageing. On the other hand Peppermint essential oil is a complex essential oil used for thousands of years as a herb, flavouring, and more.
Skin Nourishment
Essential oils heal damaged skin and provide deep nourishment. Lavender oil and tea tree oil have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the irritation and inflammation associated with skin conditions such as acne, eczema, burn, or insect bite. It alleviates wrinkles hence improves skin appearance.
Healthy Hairs
Essential oils are a great substitute for hair care. Peppermint oil is effective in treating both greasy and dry hair. It helps in improving blood flow to the areas of the scalp. Lavender essential oil helps in deeply conditioning the hair, keeps it shiny and works to control dandruff.
