Essential oils are plant-based oils, in a highly concentrated form. The volatile aroma compounds are extracted from the desired plant, such as eucalyptus or peppermint, producing concentrated hydrophobic liquid.
Essential oils are often used in diffusers, to release their natural scents throughout a room. Often a favorite for diluting in massage oils, essential oils can provide a soothing or invigorating aroma when rubbed onto the skin.
Essential oils are also used for their physical and emotional benefits. For example, asthmatic sufferers often seek relief from minor lung inflammation by dabbing pure peppermint essential oil directly onto the base of the nostrils.
Breathing in the strong peppermint actually opens up the blood vessels, effectively reducing some of the tightness and burning caused by inflammation. While not at all a replacement for modern medicine, peppermint oil can nonetheless be an excellent addition to an asthma maintenance program.
Mental and emotional benefits of essential oils are many, as the olfactory sense is directly linked to the brain. Lavender or chamomile can soothe an anxious mood, while orange oil can invigorate and energize.
Essential oils have a myriad of benefits best understood by studying the available research and expert advice. While they may be an ancient source of comfort and healing, they continue to go head to head with more modern practices, as many individuals prefer a natural approach, when possible.