Are Our Essential Oils Actually Doing Anything? by Morgan Byerley [66]
Essential oils such as peppermint, lavender and tea tree have become increasingly popular over the years. They are often promoted as part of natural living, yet some remain skeptical about their effectiveness and usability. Avid users of the oils are passionate about the healing capabilities of essential oils and are committed to living naturally without the toxins and chemicals. Questions have arisen about the effectiveness of essential oils and if they actually do more than just smell nice. Dr. Abby Horton, a nurse and professor at The University of Alabama, whose research has included holistic care, said she “finds essential oils to be very helpful for supporting overall health and wellness, but that they are not a substitute for conventional medicine.” Essential oils can help support the body when it’s going through an illness or have certain symptoms, but Dr. Horton emphasized that it is important for users to do research and find what works best for them. Using essential oils is a very personal journey so it’s important to find a brand that the user is comfortable with and has data to back their products. Horton teaches a class through the WellBAMA Program and said using essential oils is part of a lifestyle. Many people don’t realize the irritation caused by synthetic fragrances and other toxins. Using quality essential oils can greatly help reduce allergies caused by harsh cleaners and household products. Essential oil companies, such as Young Living, support switching out everyday household products like soaps and detergents for naturalbased products that use essential oils. Essential oils can eventually become a part of daily life and positively impact a person’s overall health. With many options available, it may be overwhelming when first choosing a brand and starter oils. “I think you definitely have to be careful in choosing the best essential oil brand,” said Ainsley Frey, a nursing student at Franciscan University. “For example, most of the oils found at Target or on Amazon contain synthetic ingredients and do more harm to your body than good.” Frey uses Doterra oils since “they are more transparent in their process of deriving and processing each oil.” Young Living is also another essential oil company that is also known for its commitment to purity and transparency in its processes. “Young Living Essential Oils are pure, they are nontoxic and delicately cared for at each farm under strict standards for quality and purity,” said Carmine Loper, a member of the Young Living Company. They are monitored from when the seeds go into the ground until the distilled oil is bottled to ensure the highest quality oil.” When choosing an essential oil brand, it’s important to make sure the company is committed to both quality and purity in its products. Synthetic fragrances found in lower quality oils can potentially cause irritation or an allergic reaction for the user. Within companies like Young Living and Doterra, there are a variety of essential oils to choose from that all have specific properties and uses. Most oils can be used in numerous ways and even combined with other oils to create a new blend of oils. Thieves, a blend of essential oil made from clove, cinnamon and lemon, is a popular oil for cleaning. Essential oils can also have many different uses such as helping headaches, promoting immune support and even increasing concentration. “Clary Sage helps my menstrual cramps immensely, and ingesting ginger does wonders if I have nausea or feel sick,” Frey said. “I also like peppermint oil for headaches and always ingest oregano oil in a capsule when I have an infection.” Loper also uses a variety of oils within her home ranging from skincare to immune support. “Peppermint is a great oil to diffuse to enhance focus and concentration while studying; it also can be used diluted with a carrier oil to rub on fatigued muscles,” Loper said. Other oils, like Frankincense, can be used in a variety of ways and can also provide skincare benefits. “Frankincense is also one of my favorite oils,” Loper said. “Frankincense has a very mild aroma, and sometimes I apply it to my forehead and over my heart for calming; it’s also amazing to use in your skincare routine for healthy-looking skin and evening out skin tones.” Many essential oils can also be used for their mood-boosting properties. Citrus scents such as orange or lime can make a room feel fresh and clean. Lavender and peppermint are also popular oils recommended to people interested in trying essential oils for the first time. Loper recognizes that it can take time to get used to using essential oils rather than turning to over-the-counter medicine right away. Using essential oils is committing to living more naturally and recognizing your body’s specific needs. Learning to use essential oils is a personal journey due to the uniqueness of one’s body and health needs. It’s important to do research when first starting out and recognize that essential oils are not a stand-in for conventional medicine but still have many health benefits. “I’m going into my ninth year of using essential oils, and it truly has been life-changing for our family,” said Loper. Learning to use essential oils may be a learning curve since it takes time to learn about the oils and decide on a brand that is a good fit. It’s important to research options and learn how the oils can be used on a daily basis. From helping headaches to cleaning a room, using essential oils is a commitment towards a natural and effective lifestyle. Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult his or her personal healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation. [67]