Therapeutic benefits of essential oils have long been known and proven. Ever since ancient times, these strong and aromatic oil extracts from plants were being used to relax the body and sooth the mind. Hieroglyphics of the ancient Egyptians and old Chinese documents prove that even the earliest civilizations were aware of the various benefits of essential oils, including their healing benefits.

Modern studies confirm their health benefits, although there are still many debates about their therapeutic claims. Aromatherapy, which is a practice of healing through the use of therapeutic essential oils, however, remains to be popular around the world.

What are the benefits of essential oils?

Distilled essential oils extracted from roots, flowers, petals, leaves, seeds, bark, and stems of the plant contain high oxygenating components that help transport oxygen and different kinds of nutrients to various parts of the body. They also aid in removing carbon dioxide and other wastes.

Fragrant aroma of the oil also balances electrical frequencies of the brain and, thus, prevents diseases. It also significantly affects the limbic system, where reason, emotion, and smell are processed. Certain components of the essential oils, when inhaled, help release emotional trauma.

Using Essential Oils

There are a lot of ways to achieve therapeutic benefits of essential oils; foremost of which is through inhalation. When the person inhales the aroma of the essential oil, the natural chemicals of the oil revitalizes the lungs, allowing them to supply oxygen throughout the body more effectively.

You can also apply the essential oils (mostly diluted with carrier oils such as sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, and hazelnut oil) directly to the skin. It is believed that the oil is absorbed into the blood and there it helps supply nutrients to various parts of the body. Furthermore, when applied to the skin, the essential oils also act as a natural repellent and thereby, prevent skin diseases.

Essential oils can also be absorbed through the skin by bathing in warm water with essential oil extracts, massaging the body with the essential oil and using skin care products with essential oil components.

Other essential oils can be taken orally; however, be sure to consult a licensed professional or someone knowledgeable in the use of therapeutic essential oils before you take them. This is especially true for pregnant women. Some essential oils can induce abortion.