The Many Benefits of Essential Oils

Essential oils are oils that are derived from plants, flowers and even seeds. By using these essential oils as aromatherapy your bodies nerves are stimulated and each different oil has their own results. Aromatherapy has been used for centuries and some historians believe they can date aromatherapy back to 2000B.C! Smells can bring back memories, change your mood and impact your health.

The process of creating an essential oil is very similar to making wines from grapes. The part of the seed that is used for making the oil is pressed, then distilled and eventually bottled for consumer use. The oils are very concentrated so they must be diluted in another material prior to use.

Some simple ways to use essential oils as aromatherapy include adding them to your bath. As the oil joins the hot water, the aromatic atmosphere can create a mood altering place. Your body will take in the aromatherapy and the nervous system will begin to relax and change as you need it to. Some essential oils even have healing properties when added to your bath water.

When giving or receiving a massage, try using an essential oil to increase circulation, muscle relaxation, and a beautiful smell. As the oil is rubbed into the skin, the pores will absorb it and bring it deep into the muscles as well as your bloodstream. By inhaling the oils while they are in the bottle you can receive immediate aromatherapy results! As you inhale the scents from the oil, your lungs will absorb the aromatherapy and distribute the vapors into your blood stream. You can use an infuser, vaporizer, steamer, candles, or potpourri burners as well to send the aromas from the essential oils throughout your home.

One heart saving benefit is brought to your blood stream through aromatherapy. By using the essential oils of lavender, mint and basil, research has shown patients cholesterol can be lowered. It is especially shown to remove buildup of cholesterol and plaque in the patients' aorta. Who wouldn't want to clean out their primary and largest blood vessel?

Stress can be relieved with aromatherapy as well. Many different oils can trigger the release of serotonin from your brain. Serotonin is then sent throughout your nervous system and helps you calm down. Lavender has been used for hundreds of years as a sleep aid.

Some specific essential oils include the following. Hyssop is found quite regularly in a household which uses aromatherapy. Hyssop has been linked to regulating your heart rhythms and stabilizing your blood pressure. Hyssop is used in soaps, oils, and even liqueur! Another essential oil that has been linked to good blood pressure health is Clary Sage.

Juniper is another commonly used essential oil. The strong scent of juniper has been shown to have many health related benefits. Juniper oil can have a sedating effect which can sooth your nerves as well as lower your anxiety levels. Juniper is also a great oil to use if you would like to improve circulation to a particular area of the body. If you have a sore muscle, joint or tendon, try massaging in some juniper oil.

Lavender of course is one of the most widely used herbs. Place a lavender candle, or oil jar next to your bed to help you sleep and make your bedroom smell immensely relaxing. The plant is also beautiful when used in your landscape. Lavender has a very calming effect, so it is great to use to calm your body.

Another great essential oil is Rosemary. Rosemary is used in cooking quite often, but can also have great benefits outside the kitchen. Rosemary can be helpful to reduce your blood pressure and also helps to control your heart rhythms.

If you are more interested in the use of essential oils, I would highly recommend consulting a holistic health professional. These doctors are trained and very educated about all the essential oils, herbs and aromatherapy methods. They can help you find an essential oil for almost any problem!