Essential Oils of Well-Being

Essential Oils of well-being have been making a lot of buzz lately, and you may have seen them advertised in a number of natural health products. They’re essentially concentrated plant extracts and have a strong smell, which can be applied to the skin or inhaled through a diffuser or hot bath. Inhaling them stimulates the olfactory system and can affect our emotions as well. They also contain healing properties that help the body physically, such as antiseptic, analgesic, antiviral, decongestant, and immune-stimulant properties.

They can be diluted and used as aromatherapy, or they can be added to other substances such as lotions or cosmetic products. But, remember: They’re not a cure-all and can cause chemical reactions or even poisoning, so they should be treated with care and only under the guidance of a trained professional.

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Inhaling them stimulates the olfactory receptors in our noses and can influence brain chemicals, helping to ease symptoms of anxiety or depression by encouraging positive signals to be sent to your brain. Oils like lavender are calming, bergamot and orange can energize, while frankincense, ylang-ylang, and grapefruit are great for uplifting.

Other physical benefits include reducing nausea, easing muscle tension and pain, and treating the common cold. You can find them in beauty products, perfumes, and household cleaners. But, it’s important to know that the oil concentration is often much higher in these commercial products than in pure therapeutic grade essential oils, and the claims about what they can do for your mood or physical health can be exaggerated.