Inflammation is both a symptom and a cause of a variety of diseases and conditions. At one time, essential oils were one of the first-line treatments for treating inflammation, but now doctors prescribe medication and anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent complications from inflammation. However, studies have proven there are several essential oils that act in the same way as NSAIDS, the drugs prescribed to fight inflammation. These anti-inflammatory properties in these oils reduce swelling and pain in the body, reducing the risk of diseases associated with inflammation. Oils with anti-inflammatory properties include:
Fennel Fennel oil can be used in a topical application by adding it to lotion, massage oil, or cream. Not only does it reduce inflammation and water retention, it also keeps wrinkles away. Fennel can also be brewed in tea, which relieves digestive problems. Some studies have shown it is the anethole contained in fennel that reduces inflammation and prevents cancer cell growth.
Clove Clove is an easy essential oil to use for reducing inflammation because it has a sweet, warm flavor. It can be added to toothpaste or mouthwash, or used in cooking. It is also a natural way to freshen your breath. Clove warms the digestive system and eases digestive issues. In addition to encouraging healthy digestion and reducing inflammation, it also relieves gum and tooth pain.
Thyme Thyme can be brewed in tea, inhaled, or added to carrier oil for a therapeutic massage. Its antimicrobial properties alleviate the symptoms of bronchitis and respiratory disorders. Thyme is believed to be the most potent of anti-inflammatory oils. The anti-inflammatory property in thyme is carvacrol and research has shown it to reduce inflammation by more than 80%.
With all of the medicinal benefits of essential oils, their most basic accomplishments are sometimes overlooked. Fragrance is a powerful mood booster and essential oils can be used to brighten and uplift from the outside in. This can be especially useful as we enter a New Year and face new challenges. If you are trying to improve your outlook on life and accomplish more, essential oils can help.
Essential oils most useful in brightening a mood and motivating your spirit are oils with a bright, invigorating smell. Think of how you feel different when you inhale the scent of warm bread versus the scent of lemons. Both smell delightful, but one is soothing and comforting, while the other is bright and fresh. Those bright, fresh fragrances are the ones that make you want to get up and get going.
If you are looking for a boost to help you tackle New Year’s resolutions, organizational tasks around your home, or tasks to help you become a better person, utilize essential oils with an invigorating scent. Eucalyptus, mint, and citrus oils are all fresh and bright. Eucalyptus and peppermint clear your breathing passages, and oils such as lemon and orange help you feel fresh and light. Keep a vial of an uplifting oil near your bed for an early morning sniff or use these scents in your morning shower to get going early in the day. Later in the afternoon as your energy starts to wane, dab one of these refreshing oils on your wrists for a quick pick-me-up. No matter how lofty your goals in 2012, these oils will give you the energy needed to achieve.
The start of a new year often includes goals for getting organized. Those who collect and use essential oils know how important organization is when it comes to their oils. Keeping things orderly saves a lot of money, helps you utilize oils in the best way, and makes it possible to feel great about your use of essential oils. Though organization systems can be very personal, there are a few tips everyone should follow.
Storing oils properly prevents them from oxidizing. When oils oxidize, they lose their aroma and therapeutic potency. Keeping oils stored properly means you will not have to replace unused oil as frequently. There are some oils that mature with age, similar to what happens with wine. Sandalwood and patchouli are examples of oils that mature, but they still need proper storage.
Photo credit: cohdra from morguefile.com
Essential oils storage containers come in a variety of sizes. Make sure you have a collection of clean bottles in different sizes so you can divide larger containers of oil into smaller vials when necessary. Bottles with droppers will cause your oil to deteriorate faster than those with the plastic reduction insert. Using dark containers that are amber or cobalt in color also keeps oils fresher for longer periods of time. Be sure to label your oil containers carefully. You might think you can tell the difference just by smelling the oil now, but weeks from now this could be impossible. Labeling prevents mix-ups.
Once your oils are bottled correctly, store them in a cool, dark place. You might want to use small wooden boxes or crates for your oils to keep the bottles from rolling and spilling. You can arrange the bottles of oil in these boxes alphabetically, making each oil easy to find.
Most people love filling the rooms of their home with fragrance. Everyday, houses are filled with smells from cooking food, pets, children, and household cleaning. Sometimes these are pleasant smells, but on many occasions they are not. Even pleasant aromas can be overwhelming when you smell them on the constant basis. Anyone who has sautéed onions or garlic knows the delicious scent gets old fast, especially after you have enjoyed your meal and you are ready to move on.
If you are looking for a natural way to fill your home with pleasant aromas, essential oils are a great solution. Commercial room sprays and air fresheners are usually filled with dangerous chemicals. Even certain kinds of candles can damage air quality in a home. Essential oils scent the air safely and naturally. They also provide a wide variety of choices as far as aroma choices.
Choosing Your Oil
Choose your home fragrance oil based on the season. Light, flowery scents are usually best for spring, while heavier fragrances are better for colder months. Musky scents such as sandalwood and patchouli smell great when there is a chill in the air. Certain fragrances such as pine and cinnamon are also great for the holiday season.
Essential oils can be warmed to increase their potency. Put a few drops of oil on a light bulb or use an oil burner to heat the oil. You can also use essential oils for cleaning, so the fragrance will permeate the entire room. Citrus scents such as lime and lemon are great for cleaning and provide a refreshing, fruity scent in the home.
Homeowners who enjoy having a natural, fresh smelling home will love using essential oils to scent the air in their house.
Many people deal with the pain of arthritis on the daily basis. Arthritis is typically chronic and can be mild or debilitating. There is no cure, but aromatherapy and essential oils can help ease the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. Even if essential oils are unable to eliminate arthritis completely, aromatherapy can reduce the frequency and intensity of an outbreak. For some, even a slight reduction in pain is enough to improve their quality of life.
Essential oils that are effective for treating inflammation are usually helpful for relieving the pain of arthritis. Oils such as Roman chamomile and black pepper are anti-inflammatory oils that relax and soothe pain and inflammation. Some people have also found a blend of fennel, cyprus, and juniper helpful in alleviating the pain of arthritis. Mixing these oils with Epsom salts and adding to a warm bath is a very soothing treatment.
In addition to the therapeutic benefits of each of the oils, the touch therapy associated with applying the oils can also be helpful for relieving arthritis. Massage soothes soreness and helps blood circulate to the affected areas of the body. Soaking in a warm tub is also helpful, so in addition to the benefits of the oil blend, you also enjoy secondary benefits from the application of the oil.
Keep in mind that some treatments will not offer immediate relief. Daily baths and massages might be required for up to two weeks to fully alleviate a bout of arthritis pain. Each day should bring a bit of relief, so be diligent about continuing treatment even if the effects are mild at first. Speak with your doctor about your preferred treatment method, too. It is important to get feedback from a medical professional when dealing with a condition, even if you are using natural treatments.
.