The Most Essential Essential Oils
Last week I composed a story on the history and modern-day use of aromatherapy. As I started each morning this weekend dropping a few essential oil drops into my diffuser, I decided that I wasn’t quite done with the topic. Sure, we’ve learned about the benefits of aromatherapy (and if you haven’t, go ahead and check out my article here), but one of the most interesting parts is what power each scent holds.
Essentially (hah, get it?), these aromatic oils stimulate a part of your brain known as the limbic system. This system has to do with a lot of things, like your emotions, certain behaviors, memories (which is why certain scents bring us back to very specific moments in time that we’ve experienced), and most relevantly to this article, several physical physiological features of your body. So, light up those diffusers and get ready to plop in a few drops of one of the following.
For when you’re feeling bloated…
Peppermint isn’t only a pleasant, festive aroma but this essential oil aids in digestion and helps to boost energy levels. Speaking from personal experience, throw in a few drops to your diffuser and get right up close and personal when you have a cold, and your sinus will instantaneously feel relieved.
For sleep and stress…
Lavender is one of the most reputable essential oil options on the market. There are several studies that discuss the anxiety-reducing components. Additionally, lavender is known to be a great sleep aid. Simply sprinkle a few drops onto your pillow at night, or even toss some into the washer when you start a load of bed sheets or pillowcases.
To get the party started…
Ok maybe not quite that powerful, but rose is a great mood booster! Additionally, it eases the body and mind stresses. I like to call it the ultimate argument diffuser.
When you’re looking to get smarter…
You may know it as a seasoning, but rosemary has a pretty impressive rap sheet when it comes to cleansing the mind and body. Back in ancient times in Rome and Greece, it was thought to improve your brain capacity. Nowadays, studies have been done that have shown increased levels of concentration when using rosemary.
To light up the room…
There is just something so happy about an orange, and that goes for the essential oil as well. Orange is known to reduce levels of depression and anxiety, with studies going as far as to say it led to physical pain relief.
There are plenty more essential oils out there, and even better there are “recipes” that can combine complementary aspects of different scents! So continue on with your own research, and find what is the most therapeutic for your life.
