Do Essential Oils Really Work?
I hear people say things like “Essential oils don’t really work. They just smell nice. They are just a big fad.” I think the biggest reason people think essential oils don’t really work is because they don’t really know how they work! Essential oils work in simple, but amazing ways. It is astounding how God made such a small thing work in such powerful ways to help our bodies become healthier.
Sometimes it’s hard to tell if essential oils are just a fad or if they really work. Here you will find out how they really work in an easy to understand, nonscientific way!
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils come from the insides of plants. They can come from the roots of a plant, leaves, flowers, and even bark.
Essential oils are stronger than just taking the herb and brewing it to make an herbal tea. This is because all the oils are carefully taken out of the plant usually through steam distillation. When we use herbs in other ways, we can’t get those essential oils out as easily. Don’t get me wrong though. Herbs are still amazing healers by themselves!
These oils don’t only help us, but they are also there to help the plant. The oils repel and attract certain bugs and animals to the plant, may help the plant retain water, and it delivers nutrients throughout the plant.
How Do They Work?
Essential oils can be used three different ways: Topically, aromatically, or internally.
When you first use an essential oil topically, you may realize that it does not feel like normal oil. It doesn’t make your hands slimy like olive oil. It soaks right into your skin after just a few rubs! It doesn’t leave your fingers oily or slippery. Why is that?
Now pay attention! This is what makes essential oils so amazing!
Essential oil molecules are small enough to pass through our cells into our bloodstream where they are dispersed all around our bodies in just MINUTES while other oils and topical are not small enough to do this.
Because of this, essential oils get to our problem spots quickly and take effect faster then any commercial medication can. (They also don’t harm your body if used in the right way… just sayin’.)
When inhaled, essential oil particles interact with the olfactory system (organs related to smell), and the brain (which includes the limbic system (emotions)). By inhaling essential oils, they send immediate signals to brain because the chemicals in the nose have direct access to the brain. This is why so many people use essential oils to help mood issues like depression or anger.
Okay. Listen up! This is another reason essential oils are just amazing! Are you ready for this?!
Essential oil molecules are small enough to pass our blood brain barrier which is difficult for conventional medications.
WHAT?! DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS?
This makes essential oils one of the best candidates to heal brain injuries since brain injuries are so hard to cure. That blood brain barrier is hard to pass!
The last way essential oils are used is by ingesting them. Some essential oils cannot be ingested and you must be very careful with this as some oils are so hot (we will talk about hot oils later) that they can harm organs.
When ingested, they absorb through your internal organs and get to work on your problem spots. Essential oils are usually ingested to help stomach issues or to get more essential oils in your body at a faster rate.
Why Should I use Essential Oils and Where Do I Start?
My first and biggest reason about why you should start using essential oils is that they have no negative side effects when used correctly, where conventional medication does. Have you read the side effects listed on the side of your Tylenol bottle?! I also believe that essential oils are much more effective than conventional medications.
Secondly, essential oils were made by God for us to use to help our bodies heal. Conventional medications were made by limited human minds. God is the Master Healer and I trust Him more than anyone else!
So how do you get started? First, do research on which essential oils brand would be right for you. Be careful as some brands put fillers in their products. If you don’t know which kind to get, I highly recommend Eden’s Garden. They are pure and inexpensive and they have organic options!
Secondly, get a good diffuser. This is not necessary (as you can use your new oils topically) but it is one of the best ways to get essential oils in our bodies without us really thinking about it. Plus it makes your house smell great (you can even get essential oils that kill odors in the air)!
Are you on the essential oils train? If so, what brand are you going to use and why? Leave a comment below!
References
Rose, Jeanne. “The Function of Essential Oils in Plants.” Jeanne Rose Aromatherapy and all Things Herbal. N.P.,n.d. Web. 16. August. 2016.
“The Parts of Plants That Produce Essential Oil.” Parts of Plants That Produce Essential Oil. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Aug. 2016.
Halcon, Linda. “How Do Essential Oils Work? | Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellbeing.” Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellbeing. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Aug. 2016.
