Essential oils are used to treat a variety of conditions. In the past when traditional medicine was very limited and still to be developed, people were using plants and essential oils as the only methods to fight disease, pain, etc. Today, these oils, which are plant based, start to regain popularity as more and more people turn towards plant based medicine.
What you should know about essential oils:
- They are used in aromatherapy and are recognised to reduce anxiety and stress.
- They are often used in skincare and foods.
- They should not be swallowed. Some are toxic
- They can be used topically if diluted with a carrier oil
- Limited amount of research has been conducted on the efficiency of essential oils on different health conditions. However, there exist some scientific findings suggesting that some of them have beneficial effect on our health
1. Peppermint
One of the most popular essential oils, peppermint is very used in aromatherapy and it is used to treat various issues among which:
- headache
- muscle aches
- joint pain
- stop itching
- relieves pain
Due to its’ analgesic effects, peppermint oil, when topically applied on the ovarians’ area/ abdomen, might ease your discomfort. It has to be diluted with a carrier oil!
2. Lavender
Known for the calming properties, this essential oil acts on your nervous system and it will help you relax. A research that compares lavender oil to placebo on participants suffering from menstrual cramps found that the group that used lavender oil reported less cramps than placebo group.
Lavender oil is one of the most popular essential oils used in aromatherapy. It promotes relaxation and promises to help reduce anxiety and menstrual cramps.
3. Persil
Persil essential oil has strong tonic effects and it is traditionally used to regulate the menstrual cycle and ease discomfort during the period.
4. Yarrow
Yarrow plant has been used for decades as part of the traditional medicine. Known as a “life medicine”, it has been used for analgesic and astringent effects.
This luxurious essential oil has anti inflammatory and healing properties. It is recognised for the ability to ease intestinal and menstrual cramps.
*When taken internally, it usually has to be diluted in liquid.
HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS:
a) External use
The safest way to apply essential oils topically is to dilute them in a carrier oil (olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba or argan oil, etc.). Although, some oils are well tolerated by the skin so it is worth checking first on the product description.
b) Internal use
As for external use, the majority of essential oil require to be diluted in some liquid (e.g. water) to avoid any burning sensation or other negative effects. Again, some oils might be well tolerated by the human body. Check first with the pharmacist/ read the product description.