The Buzz on Essential Oils
Essential oils have been known to be used for their anti-depressant, detoxifying, antibacterial, antiviral, stimulating and calming properties. For thousands of years, many cultures around the world used essential oils. As far as 20,000 years ago in the Dorgogne region of France shows the oils were created for everyday use. The use of essential oils in recorded history goes back as far as the time of the Ancient Egyptians. However, they had their oils imported from other places. Ancient Greece, Persia, and China recorded their use of essential oils for medicinal use, aromatherapy, and perfumes.
Peppermint Essential Oil - According to a study(1) peppermint essential oil showed positive results in antimicrobial and antiviral activity. It also demonstrates pain relief, relaxation of the gastrointestinal tissue, and chemo-preventive potential. Peppermint EO is used to aid in digestion and increase energy. It is known to be used to soothe headaches, nerve pain, allergies, and muscle pain.
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil - Ylang ylang is native to the tropical areas of Asia. Prized for its beauty and health promoting benefits, this exotic essential oil, similar to the qualities of jasmine, contains an intense floral-fruity scent that is one of the ingredients used in Chanel No.5. It is used in aromatherapy to reduce anxiety and as an aphrodisiac. According to recent studies(2), Ylang ylang EO demonstrates a variety of bio-activities including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, insect-repellent, anti-parasitic. It is widely used as the raw material perfumes, and show prospects in the use of medicine and agriculture.
Lavender Essential Oil - Known for its powerful healing properties, lavender EO is most used in aromatherapy AND cosmetics. It is said to promote calming and relaxation, sooth menstrual cramps, and aid in reducing anxiety and depression. It is also known to help in minor burns and insect bites, and contains anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and antioxidant properties.
Sandalwood Essential Oil - Known for its warm, rich, woodsy smell, Sandalwood EO is used in religious and spiritual practices, as a base in aromatherapy and perfumes, and to enhance moods, and it is known to have antioxidant and astringent properties. In addition to ginger, thyme and hyssop essential oils, sandalwood EO shows anti-viral and inflammatory properties (3), (4).
Patchouli - The aroma of this prized EO derived from the leaves of the patchouli plant, is warm, woodsy, herbal, sweet and spicy. It is associated with stress relief and controlling appetite, and having anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pain-relieving properties.
Rose - While this EO needs no introduction, rose is root of the stuff we associate love with. Yet little is mentioned about its benefits other than the proclamations from the proverbial heart. Aside from enjoying the sweet honey aroma, it is used to treat dehydrated skin, acne, fine lines and wrinkles. It is also used to help with rosacea, eczema, and hormone balancing.
Blue Tansy - This luxurious rich blue EO with a sweet and fresh aroma calms and clears the mind and helps to promote relaxation and stress relief. Its therapeutic properties include anti-inflammatory and pain relieving.
