Do Essential Oils Really Work?

It’s no coincidence that people are still raving about essential oils! They have definitely been a growing trend in the healthy lifestyle sector, and their status doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon!

Many have said that essential oils have helped with their insomnia and headaches, but let’s get to the reason why! We’ve done our digging and research to see why these essential oils have such a positive impact on our health and well-being.

Firstly, what on earth are ‘essential oils’? In simple terms, they are plant extracts. The oil of the plant is found in either the roots, stems, leaves or flowers. In more complicated terms, active compounds of the plant can be extracted by either steam/ water distillation or by cold pressing to create them into oil.

You’re definitely thinking that this sounds all well and good, but how do they actually work?

Many natural medicine practitioners use essential oils, and aromatherapists promote breathing in an oil to help it enter the lungs and bloodstream to benefit the body. Another way they can be used is topically on the skin, and the oils can interact with your body in a number of ways. QUICK TIP: Essential oils can be easily absorbed this way and you can even massage the area first to help increase the circulation.

Now let’s get to the benefits, what can these essential oils actually treat and how can they help us. If you’re looking for ways to manage anxiety, migraines or even help with your sleeping habits, you may not need to look any further than essential oils!

Stress and anxiety

Many studies have shown that the smell of some essential oils can work positively alongside other therapy to treat anxiety and stress. A number of essential oils can assist with this by stimulating the smell receptors in your nose to send messages to the nervous system. Then, brain signals are triggered, and certain positive emotions are released by interacting with your limbic system.

Headaches and migraines

YES! Some essential oils even help reduce those annoying headaches and migraines that you can’t just shake off. Studies have shown peppermint oil and lavender oil when DABBED onto the skin can reduce headache pain. For the more intense headaches and migraines, it’s been suggested that mixing chamomile and sesame oil to the temples can definitely treat them! Now that is a mix we need!  

Helping with sleep and insomnia

Do you ever have those nights when you just can’t fall asleep? You’ve tried everything - from having a warm bath to counting sheep, and you still find yourself tossing and turning. Don’t stress! At last, there is a cure for those sleepless nights!

Many have said by smelling the oils of lavender lets the brain and mind relax and can even increase the quality of sleep. Lavender oil also helps restore the nervous system by lowering blood pressure and decreasing heart rate. By calming nerves, this essential oil can treat restlessness and help you have a deeper and less disrupted sleep.

If you are looking for a simple way to manage headaches, insomnia or even your anxiety, trying essential oils is definitely worth the shot. Have a scroll through our online health store for a number of brands that stock a wide range of essential oils.