Essential Oils | Teen Ink

Essential Oils

May 14, 2014
By Shelby Strei BRONZE, Odessa, Minnesota
Shelby Strei BRONZE, Odessa, Minnesota
1 article 0 photos 0 comments

Essential oils are the volatile liquids of the plant distilled from plants and parts such as seeds, roots, bark, stems, leaves, fruit, flowers or branches. A carrier oil is used to dilute essential oils and is used as a base, not every oil needs a carrier oil added to it though. There is a variety of scents and methods to apply the oils. Some oils are used for calming, sleeping, pain relief and many more! Although many people think pharmaceutical medicines are the answer to their health issues or problems, there is an alternative and it is Essential oils. (“Young Living“)

What many people do not know is that Essential oils have been around for many millenniums. They are known to be some of the most powerful and oldest substances on earth and have a large history of being used for healing. The Egyptians are known to be one of the first to use the oils for their health and healing benefits. (“Esoteric Oils”) In ancient times oils were used for religious rituals, medicinal applications and spiritual enhancement. Some people go as far to say that oils were traded for gold, especially the oil Frankincense. Some how over the years through all the wars and dark ages the knowledge of oils became lost. It wasn’t until the 20th century that people began to rediscover the essential oils and all the benefits that belong to them. (“Everything Essential”)

Over the years our bodies are exposed to many negative things. Our bodies become immune to our poor lifestyle choices. These poor lifestyle choices include: overeating, drinking alcohol, smoking, not drinking enough water, being around radiation, prescription drugs and the list could go on and on. With all of this abuse to our bodies, our bodies get tired and worn out. This is the time when oils are needed. Prevention would always be better but we always seem to push the limits. When you notice that something is wrong figure out which body system it is and then find the oils that support that system.

Essential oils are very convenient and easy to use! You can wear them during the day or just keep them in your pocket. During the day you can use them to massage or just for concentration. Since essential oils are organic they can support the body and bring it to a balance without the harmful effects of chemical based products. When the oils are spread across the forehead they can help control your moods and behaviors throughout the day. They can help with any stress, anxiety, anger or any other emotions someone might be feeling.
Essential oils have been proven to be great natural pain relievers. Many drugs that are used today were originally taken from a natural constituent first. There is over 60 different oils for pain that have analgesic properties. Analgesic means that a substance has been shown to relieve or reduce pain. There are a few oils that contain methyl salicylate which is the main ingredient in aspirin. (“Essential oil benefits”)
There are thousands of different health benefits for essential oils and more than one benefit for each oil. Some of the uncommon benefits are: prevent hair loss, help thyroid and hormone function, dental and oral care and soothe digestive upsets. (“Essential oil benefits”)
Essential oils can be thought of as food. You don’t eat just once and never eat again; it’s an on going process to get nutrition that your body may need. This is the same with essential oils! You can use them to help support your body’s health and well-being from the time you wake up to the time you go to bed.
There are thousands of different oils and even more reasons to use each oil. Some of the top known oils are:
Lavender is the most well known of the essential oils and for a good reason. It has antibacterial properties, which can reduce the healing time for scrapes, bites and stings. With lavender you do not need to use a carrier oil and the oil can be applied directly to the affected area. Lavender is also been used for relaxation and sleep. Adding a few drops to your bath or on your pillow to help you unwind. Lavender will soon take the place of Tylenol p.m. and Aleve in household medicine cabinets. (“Essential oil benefits”)

Peppermint is a great cooling oil that can help you cool down after a hot day or reduce a fever. The smell of peppermint can help fight off feelings of nausea or motion sickness. And a great thing is that when peppermint and lavender are combined and applied to the temples it can reduce intense headaches or migraines. Pepto Bismol and Tums would no longer be needed when having Peppermint oil in a person's medicine cabinet. (“Essential oil benefits”)

Frankincense is considered the king of oils and was once considered more valuable than gold in ancient times. It is known for its antidepressant and muscle relaxing benefits. It aids other oils to work at deeper levels and can provide more healing. Frankincense has been studied for its ability to kill cancer cells, helps with skin rashes, and can help you focus and bring clarity. Frankincense oil would soon take away the need to have Neosporin around any household. (Nelson)

Lemon has been studied to have great effects on the immune system. Lemon can do anything from cleaning the house to detoxing. It has powerful bactericide and can treat wounds. Lemon can also brighten dull skin. Having Lemon oil around the house would be great for people with young children. Lemon oil can take away the need to have Children’s Tylenol and Children’s motrin around the house. (“Everyday oils Collection”)

Roman chamomile has a mild scent and is greatly known for its ability to help unwind and can help reduce any swelling. It would be an ideal choice for any red, inflamed or sensitive acne prone skin. Roman chamomile is gentle and when put with coconut carrier oil it can treat rash and soothe skin. (“Essential oil benefits”)

Essential oils have many things to offer such as keeping a persons body balanced, pain relievers, calming and soothing techniques and many more! They are very simple to use and also very convenient. Just think, instead of going to a medicine cabinet or pharmacy when someone is sick or in pain, they can go right to their cabinet of oils. Essential oils will soon take over any need to use pharmaceutical drugs because of their extreme health benefits.


The author's comments:
I am very interested in Essential oils because there are so many health benefits they offer.

Similar Articles

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

This article has 0 comments.