About three years ago when I first ventured into the exciting world of soap making, I purchased my first few bottles of essential oil. I’ll admit I was mostly amazed by how wonderful they made my soap smell. It was shortly after that that I began reading and experimenting with the myriad of essential oils available. One of the first things I learned was how these simple plant extracts can benefit our entire body.
Essential oils are believed to be beneficial to the body, the mind, and the spirit. They have been used for centuries to treat conditions ranging from anxiety and arthritis to psoriasis, and also aiding in our overall well-being. One perk of essential oils is that they treat the root cause of an ailment and not just the symptoms! The benefits of essential oils are varied and unique. Many of them work as analgesics by acting directly on the nervous system to subdue minor pain. There are also many essential oils that are anti-inflammatory and promote healing after exposure to toxins or following an injury.
Some have antiseptic qualities that when applied to living tissue can reduce the risks of infection, while some essential oils promote relaxation and relieve stress. I find it interesting that numerous studies have proven that because essential oils are “adaptogens” (a natural substance that promotes a balancing reaction in the body), they have a normalizing effect on the body’s functions without causing disruptions or side effects. What a refreshing thing to know after watching and listening to so many commercials listing the multitude of possible side effects for drugs marketed today.
So, no matter what ailment you’re suffering from, there’s a very good chance that there’s an essential oil that will naturally heal or relieve it. For further reading about the healing benefits of essential oils check out these sources:
Essential Oils The Complete A-Z Reference of Essential Oils for Health and Healing Natural Remedies. Althea Press, 2015 Althea Press, Berkeley, California.
The Healing Powers of Essential Oils Soothe Inflammation, Boost Mood, Prevent Autoimmunity, and Feel Great in Every Way. Zielinski, Eric, D.C, 2018, Harmony Books, New York.