Are Essential Oils Beneficial?

 These days, there seems to be an essential oil for whatever ails you. Anything from impulsive behaviors to ADHD can find relief from essential oils. There are several available that are supposed to have calming abilities. For years, I’ve used Dr. Bach oils with great success.

Essential oils are not new. They have found uses in medicine for a few thousand years. But, there has been a resurgence lately, most likely due to the widespread use of the internet.

While there are benefits to using essential oils, they should not be a replacement for proper medical care without consulting a qualified professional. It’s a controversial topic and one that is not currently regulated. Also, most essential oils are not for ingestion. The primary use is through burning for the aromas they emit. Essential oils are concentrated and powerful, so you should follow their instructions for safe use.

Another caution is that house pets may not tolerate essential oils. Cats specifically, lack the enzymes to break down the smells that enter their bodies. This problem can cause permanent damage to their internal organs. It’s difficult to imagine smells can hurt animals, but it is true. Be sure to consult with your vet before using any essential oils.

Many essential oils have an expiration date. If you find over time that they do not smell the same as when you first bought them, this could be the reason why. The benefits they are supposed to give will probably diminish over time as well, and so you need to buy the correct sizes for your needs. If you are a casual user, try to find the smallest bottles possible.

Lavender is an essential oil that is particularly useful in keeping you calm. It is meant to handle anxiety, which is one of the leading causes of stress and not being calm. It is also a multi-purpose oil that has antiseptic properties among others. Calming is a particular attribute.

Another oil that is supposed to help with anxiety and depression has the odd name Ylang Ylang. It is quite sensitive to the skin, so care is needed when handling.

Sometimes, essential oils can lose their effect as your body becomes accustomed to prolonged use. For this reason, it’s best to vary the oils that you use for calming.
Several other essential oils are also meant to help with calming people. The best way to determine which will work for you is to try them out. As always, take every precaution and be open-minded...see if certain scents calm you, ease anxiety, and bring rest.

Until next time...

Lisa

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