More and more Canadians are experimenting with essential oils as part of aromatherapy, an alternative-medicine approach, in which these highly concentrated, aromatic plant oils are used in small amounts in hopes of improving someone's physical or emotional health. Inhaling the essential oil, or rubbing it into your skin, is more natural than popping pills so many have turned to essential oils to help with headhaches and anxiety. But what exactly should you look for in these oils?
Headaches:
Essential oils provide relief, aid circulation and reduce stress. They also have a ton of other health benefits and boost your immune system instead of wreaking havoc on your vital organs.
One major headache trigger is stress, which can be reduced by using lavender and peppermint oil aromatically. Changes in sleeping patterns can also lead to a headache — luckily, lavender works as a mild sedative that helps people suffering from insomnia or a lack of sleep.
Headaches may also be the result of intense physical exertion, allergies, sinus pressure, certain foods and sensory stimuli. Eucalyptus works as an expectorant — it helps cleanse the body of toxins and harmful microorganisms. It also opens the nasal airways and eliminates sinus pressure that can lead to a nasty headache, all while promoting emotional balance and boosting mood.
Rosemary essential oil has been used in folk medicine to treat headaches and poor circulation because of its stimulating, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It has a calming effect and improves personal orientation and alertness. Rosemary oil also reduces stress and emotional triggers that can cause headache attacks. It also aids digestion and soothes an upset stomach, which can be a symptom of a severe headache.
Anxiety:
According to a study conducted by scientists at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of Vienna, Germany, the healing compounds in essential oils can be found in the bloodstream as quickly as five minutes after skin application.When you smell an essential oil, cells in the nose receive the aroma molecules and send signals to the limbic system of the brain. The limbic system rules the emotions, which is why smelling certain essential oils often triggers emotions including a sense of peace, joy, contentment or excitement.
Besides triggering emotions, the limbic system is directly connected to the parts of the brain that control blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, memory, stress levels, and hormone balance. Feeding the limbic system with healing essential oils balances emotions and the functions that the limbic system controls.
Because essential oils elicit emotional reactions unique to each person, what essential oil you should be looking for is often a matter of preference. If an essential oil uplifts your spirits, chances are it’s helpful in treating anxiety. Four of the most commonly used essential oils for anxiety include:
Clary Sage: A 2010 research study conducted by the Department of Basic Nursing Science, Korea documented that clary sage essential oil has antidepressant-like effects useful after highly stressful situations. The same department also found that clary sage may even be more powerful than lavender for anxiety treatment in women.
: Bergamot is part of the citrus family and is fresh and uplifting. A study conducted using bergamot essential oil concluded that even ten minutes of weekly inhalation of bergamot oil resulted in a significant reduction of blood pressure and heart rate, while balancing nerves and reducing anxiety. The study authors selected elementary school teachers known to work under significant stress as their subjects.
Sweet Orange: While all citrus essential oils are uplifting and great to combat anxiety and depression, Yale Scientific cited a study from the Mie University School of Medicine that found that patients with depression needed smaller doses of antidepressant medications after citrus aromatherapy treatments like sweet orange essential oil.
Lavender: Perhaps the most versatile and popular of all essential oils, lavender is great for relaxation, heart health and well-being in general.
This might be a lot to take in if you’re a new essential oil user, but we’ve taken the liberties of looking at all of the ingredients listed for the Headache and Anxiety Essential Oil rollers from Elixir Apothecary, (their ingredients are listed on their site – they don’t hide ingredients from their customers) and they’ve got everything covered. So, if you’re looking for a natural, aromatherapy option to help fight against your headaches or anxiety, check them out! Plus, you can enjoy the limited editition Merry + Bright Essential Roll On Oil in the Winter Babe Box. With a strong scent of orange and peppermint, this essential oil will give you an instant boost of energy.
The Winter Babe Box is available from December 2016 to February 2017, or until supplies last. Order yours now for $10 for shipping!
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