Think essential oils are just a fad? Overpriced quackery? Voo doo? We’ve heard it all on our journey to wellness with essential oils, and wholeheartedly disagree! Today on the blog, we have a guest post from Sally who blogs over at Think Oily, and she shares with us three reasons as to why essential oils are here to stay (and why you might want to incorporate them into your health and wellness routine!). Enjoy!
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years by numerous cultures as a safe and effective way to treat and prevent a number of ailments and discomforts, as well as provide mental clarity and relief from stress. Once scoffed at as a new-age fad, aromatherapy has since earned its place among reputable alternative methods to over-the-counter drugs and ointments commonly prescribed for minor aches and discomforts.
When looking to assemble your own essential oil collection, here are three strong arguments for the case of oils, as well as several suggestions for use.
1. Essential Oils Are The True Essence Of Plants
In their simplest definition, essential oils are the product of a volatile liquid being extracted and distilled from the singular leaf, fruit, flower, wood, bark, or root of a plant. Once the liquid is extracted, the essential oil is then administered through inhalation or skin absorption, and in some unique cases ingested under the guidance of a licensed aromatherapist.
Quite a few recognizable essential oils are incorporated into our everyday products, from household cleaning supplies to personal care items, as well as candles and scented diffusers. On a deeper wellness level, certain plant extracts are used in many of the recommended supplements, vitamins, and healing compounds we frequently use.
We often rely on pain relievers, disinfectants, and other aids to promote healing and immunity, and one would be hard pressed not to find an essential oil that cannot boast the same components.
2. Essential Oils Have Been In Use For Thousands Of Years
When researching a product’s reputation and legitimacy, we often look to see how long it has been in use, and the duration of its popularity. In this regard, essential oils literally carry the best customer reviews of all time!
The earliest documentation of essential oil use dates back to the ancient Egyptians and Romans, with medicinal texts written within the same time frame surfacing from the Far East as well. A papyrus scroll dating back to 1500 BCE was recently excavated by archaeologists, containing multiple lists of uses for essential oils within the household and in personal use. Similarly, ancient Romans routinely diffused essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, and frankincense to purify the air of their homes and bathhouses.
During the reign of China’s Huang Ti between 2697-2597 BCE, the famous “Yellow Emperor’s Book of Internal Medicine” was written, featuring the combinations and uses of a variety of essential oils. The book is still widely referred to by Eastern medicine practitioners today.
French physicians in the late 19th century conducted laboratory tests concerning the anti-bacterial benefits of essential oils due to lower reported incidences of diseases such as tuberculosis in flower-growing regions of the south of France, notably the lavender provinces.
In short, essential oils have been trusted and incorporated into daily care around the world for multiple centuries. Unlike passing trends in any field of interest or concern, essential oils have not wavered in their use and reliability.
3. There Is Scientific Evidence That Supports The Use Of Essential Oils
While skeptics are inclined to cite the lack of scientific evaluation in the case of essential oils, nothing could be farther from the truth. Multiple studies conducted over the years have revealed the significantly beneficial properties of certain essential oils.
For example, tea tree essential oil has been proven to inhibit fungal growth and prevent candida-related infections, while clinical trials suggest lavender to be a natural antidepressant. Similar studies conducted in 2014 revealed the ability of frankincense to combat cancer cells in the bladder and prostrate. (A full outline of the study can be found here.)
It’s certainly true that essential oils should not take the place of doctor prescribed treatments, but there is no denying the benefits that can be reaped from including essential oils in one’s health and wellness kit.
Rest assured, essential oil use is no passing fad, but a time-honored addition to home and self care. Take the time to research the many essential oils available, and their noteworthy properties, to decide what oils and blends are right for you. You may want to invest in an oil diffuser and experiment with different drops of essential oils to purify the air and induce peace and calm in your household. You can also explore the many oils used in relieving various skin conditions and bodily discomforts, as well as appropriate carrier oils used in dilution.
No matter what you ultimately decide on, the worldwide use of essential oils is well-deserving of the recognition its finally receiving.
About The Author: Sally Wong is a manual therapist with over 15 years of experience. Wong took great inspiration from her mother, who was also a manual therapist in China, as well as her grandmother, who introduced Wong to the healing properties of essential oils.
Read about the best smelling essential oils to use in your home or as a perfume here, and choose a piece of beautiful diffuser jewelry from Drops of Joy Jewelry to enjoy with your favorite essential oils!