Have you ever smelled something and got reminded of a distant memory? Perhaps the smell of roses reminds you of your great grandmother… or maybe the smell of cedar wood reminds you of that time you went camping as a child. Smells are connected with thoughts, emotions, and memories so deeply ingrained in the subconscious mind. Why does this occur? Well, whatever connections you have with certain smells, there is a very scientific explanation to why we associate certain memories to certain scents.
Our brain contains more neuroreceptors for smell than any other sense. There is a direct connection between our nose and the brain’s emotional control center, also known as the limbic system. The information from our nose goes directly to the limbic system, which controls mood, memory, and emotions. So, it is no wonder that when we find ourselves in a certain place, smelling the flowers (or whatever it is), it brings us to a very nostalgic space.
That brings us to essential oils. Essential oils are a great gateway to create these emotional connections within our subconscious and conscious minds. Within this article, you will find yourself learning more about the specific healing benefits of certain oils, and how you can utilize them to upgrade your overall well being.
So, “what exactly are essential oils?”
Essential oils are concentrated compounds extracted from different plants. Each oil has a unique aroma and can induce different types of healing. For example, lavender essential oil can support relaxation and sleep, while sweet orange essential oil can support your immune system and digestion. These oils can be utilized internally, topically, or aromatically. Now, depending on the type of oil and the emotional state you are in when you utilize it, you will notice either a subtle or great impact on your overall well-being.
Let’s get into it!
Benefits of just a few essential oils:
Melaleuca, also known as Tea Tree Oil
This oil comes from steaming the leaves of the Australian Tea Tree. It is antiseptic (kills microorganisms & reduces spread of infections), antibacterial (prevents bacterial growth), antiviral (helps fight viruses and disease), and immunostimulant (stimulates the immune system). This oil is often used to eliminate bacteria within the body. It helps treat minor cuts and scrapes, acne, athlete’s foot, lice, nail fungus, and insect bites. Not only that, but it is also a natural insect repellent, and can be a great alternative for hand sanitizer, mouth wash, and deodorant! It is also a great tool to heal a sore throat!
Next up we got… Peppermint Oil
Peppermint is an aromatic herb in the mint family. It is a hybrid; crossed between spearmint and watermint, and is naturally found in North America and Europe. This oil is anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation and swelling), antimicrobial (stops the growth of microorganisms), antiviral (fights off diseases), and antibacterial (prevents bacterial growth). This oil, being beneficial for many things, has a wide variety of uses. It is a remedy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), nausea, indigestion, gas, and other digestive issues. It also assists the healing of cramping, colds, and respiratory problems. When used topically, it can bring relief from itching, muscle soreness, and headaches. It is also commonly used to add a pleasant flavor and scent to certain products such as mouthwash, toothpaste, and soap.
Now for one of the most popular oils, we have: Lavender Oil
Lavender Oil is one of the most well known oils in aromatherapy. It’s uses are multi purposed and serve to treat many symptoms such as anxiety, depression, fungal infections, allergies, eczema, insomnia, menstrual cramping, and nausea. It is known to have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antidepressant, antiseptic, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, as well as antispasmodic (relieves muscles spasms), analgesic (relieves pain), detoxifying, hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), and sedative effects… So pretty much: there is a lot we can do with this concentrated plant. Simply putting a few drops into your hands and breathing it in transmits messages to your limbic system, which helps regulate your emotions and nervous system.
Last but not least: Cymbopogon Oil, aka Lemongrass Oil
This oil is extracted from the leaves of the Lemongrass plant. It is native to the tropical countries of India, Cambodia, Indonesia, China, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. This oil has antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly used to treat digestive issues (nausea, diarrhea, cramping, & bloating) and high blood pressure. Not only that, but it is also a pain reliever, fever reducer, stress/anxiety reliever, muscle reliever, and can assist the reduction of cholesterol. It has also been shown to prevent the growth of fungus found in athlete’s foot, ringworm and jock itch. Another study found that this oil can help reduce blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes. Along with tea tree oil, lemongrass oil is also another great alternative to bug spray.
Now, to really maximize the benefits of these plant medicines, I always recommend having an intention when using them:
“How would you like to heal with the medicine?”
“What type of experience would you like to have?”
“How can this medicine add to your life experience?”
Answering these questions and getting clear with an intention allows you to not just passively use it, but to have a Conscious experience with the healing properties of each oil. Afterall, when you do anything with intention, you create much more of what you desire in this life experience.
So there you have it: The benefits of essential oils provide boundless support & relief in each of our healing journeys. Whether we use them topically or aromatically, the conscious utilization of these concentrated plants induce psychological connections to our own health and wellbeing.
