The Significance And Benefits Of Using Anti Inflammatory Essential Oils
Anti Inflammatory Essential Oils
People have always been looking for alternative means of finding relief when they have got tried using conventional means, which were not effective in curing the illness or pain. Some of the alternative methods have become quite popular over the years, and people across the world are keen to use these methods and find relief from particular illnesses or pain. The list of some alternative medicinal practices includes acupuncture, homeopathy, Chinese medicine, chiropractic, and herbal treatment.
Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment and more or less come under the alternative method of treating certain body ache and inflammations. Aromatherapy consists of using natural plant extracts to address health issues and promote wellness. Aromatherapy is also called essential oil therapy as the therapy consists of using numerous kinds of essential oils to improve both physical and mental health.
The essential oils are compounds that are extracted from the plants that grow naturally in the environment. The oils that are extracted capture the scent of the plant, which is called the essence of the plant hence the name essential oil. Every plant has its unique chemical composition, and so the aromatic compound is also unique. The essential oils are obtained through distillation and mechanical methods. Once the extracts are taken from the plants, the concentrated extract is combined with a carrier oil to make it suitable for usage. The way the oils are extracted is extremely important as oil taken out by chemical processes are not considered essential oils.
The popular types of essential oils that are widely used according to their special function include
- Lavender: Used for relieving stress
- Peppermint: Mostly used for enhancing energy levels and improving digestion
- Chamomile: Improves mood and helps a person to relax
- Rose: Known to reduce anxiety
- Jasmine: Quite effective in reducing depression, and childbirth pain
- Sandalwood: Used to improve concentration and calm the nerves
- Ylang-Ylang: Used for treating skin allergies, nausea, and migraines
The essential oils are not meant to be taken orally or swallowed but can be applied topically on the skin, or a person can inhale the molecules. Inhaling the aromas is considered to be the best form of taking benefit of the essential oils as the aroma stimulates the limbic system that is associated with many functions such as emotions, sense of smell, and behavior. There are many known benefits of using essential oils such as reducing anxiety and stress, relieving headaches and migraines, reducing inflammation, and helping with sleep. Anti inflammatory essential oils topical is commonly used today and helps people to find proper relief without any negative side effects.
Many people who have used anti inflammatory essential oils say that they feel quite relaxed and comfortable by either topically applying essential oils or inhaling the aroma. Inflammation is one common problem that affects nearly every person once in a while. Inflammation is the body’s response to an infection or irritant. There are two types of inflammation that a person can experience, acute inflammation and chronic inflammation. Acute inflammation can be a result of an injury or illness and is usually short-termed. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, can be a result of chronic diseases and is long term
The key signs or symptoms of acute inflammation include pain, soreness of the skin, swelling, and loss of function. Experts believe that antioxidants and natural oils should be used to effectively treat and cure the redness and other symptoms of inflammation. In ancient times, when there was no concept of chemical medicines, people only used plants and herbs to treat wounds or infections, and it worked. Many of the modern medicines and treatments we see and use today are, in fact, the modified versions of what people used to do in ancient times. The need for having antioxidants in your everyday meal is therefore emphasized, and many experts suggest that essential oils can be used as an alternative to antioxidants to treat and reduce inflammation.
The essential oils that have anti-inflammatory properties include clove, rose, bergamot, eucalyptus, thyme, and fennel, which lessen the effect of inflammatory COX-2 enzyme by nearly 25%. The essential oil, thyme, is known to reduce inflammation by nearly 75%. Some of the other essential oils that can be used to treat inflammation are ginger, roman chamomile, and helichrysum.
Inflammation can affect a particular part of the body or skin, and you can either inhale the aromatic compounds or topically apply the essential oil. If you are feeling pain and inflammation on your hand or leg, then you can easily apply the diluted essential oil to reduce the swelling or redness of the skin. But there are some precautions that you have to take when applying the essential oil topically, and that is not to apply the essential oil directly but mix it with a carrier oil to make it dilute. Some of the common carrier oil include coconut and jojoba oil. You can also do a small test by applying the mixture on the part of your skin and then seeing for a reaction, if you do not feel any irritation or pain then you can use the mixture you have prepared.
You also need to consult a doctor if the pain and inflammation persist as it can be due to an underlying medical condition. You also need to find out your skin type and if your skin is allergic to some of the essential oil. Every person’s skin is different, and one essential oil, if applied topically, may benefit one person but may show an allergic reaction on the skin of another person. Also, if you have asthma or any other respiratory problem, then also you need to be careful when applying the essential oil. Pregnant women also need to be careful about what type of essential oil to use.
You need first to determine the exact spot where you are feeling pain or inflammation and then gently apply and rub the essential oil mixed with a carrier oil. You can also apply and rub the oil on the pressure points or massage your feet. Women can also mix the essential oil with the cosmetic products they are using, such as toners. Lavender oil is very effective for relieving inflammation due to skin injuries.
