Are Alternative Medicines Effective?

A growing number of people have become interested in alternative medicine to treat illnesses. Alternative medicine as a practice has created a significant amount of controversy both inside and outside the traditional medical field. Alternative medicine refers to a treatment or substance that is unproven under the application or accepted scientific standards. The most common types of alternative medicine include herbs, supplements, therapies and activities that are outside traditional medical practice. Some of these raise questions about their safety and effectiveness.

 

Acupuncture, massage, meditation, herbal tea, and plant extracts are popular among devotees of alternative medicine, but many traditional doctors believe these treatments are ineffective or even dangerous. Alternative medicine has become increasingly popular as more people face the aches, pains, and illnesses that accompany aging. In some cases, individuals have not obtained a cure with traditional medical approaches and turn to other options to treat their illness. In still other cases, people feel very strongly that natural methods of treatment are better than traditional medicine, so they look for answers from alternative practitioners instead of the family doctor.

 

There are risks associated with alternative medicine. Some of the risks arise through the use of untested, ineffective, and even unsafe substances. The manufacturers of these substances sometimes exaggerate the claims of their effectiveness. They may misrepresent the science related to the material to convince consumers to buy the product, even if its use can endanger a person’s health.

 

Some herbal remedies are advertised as being able to improve memory, raise metabolism, or cure cancer and heart disease. In reality, the remedies may cause harm if taken at high doses. Another risk is that someone with a serious disease like cancer will not receive traditional and proven treatments, preferring to use alternative methods that may not be effective. In these cases, people are risking their lives. Sometimes, patients may be using alternative treatments, but not telling their doctors about them. This can lead to dangerous drug interactions. If a traditional doctor is unaware of the substance a patient is taking, medications that produce harmful interactions may be unknowingly prescribed.

 

It is possible to recognize potentially risky alternative treatment. If a treatment sounds too good to be true, it probably is. While this is a cliché, it is often very true in situations involving alternative medicines. Be careful of products labelled ‘miraculous’ or ‘ancient remedy’. If you are thinking about treatments such as acupuncture or reflexology, check the qualifications of the practitioner before being treated. Ask about the training received, and research the treatment to determine if it has been scientifically tested and found to be effective.

 

It’s a good idea to ask your doctor about an alternative treatment you are considering. Trained medical professionals have the experience and education to help you make safe decisions about your health.

Alternative Treatments For Headaches

There are now many alternative and natural treatments to help people who suffer from headaches and migraines. In this article, I write about these type of remedies and also recommend the types of food people should avoid if they are always suffering from headaches and migraines.

 

There are many causes of headaches including:

 

• Excessive amounts of alcohol
• Over eating
• An incorrect posture
• Too much stress 
• Problems with teeth
• Problems with a person eyes

 

It is important that we learn to deal with stress and to become more care-free. A lot of people react to stressful situations by turning to alcohol. This can only add to their problems and can lead to even more headaches. 

 

If the person drinks to excess they may wake up with a hangover. If this happens to you I would advise you to drink plenty of water as you are likely to be dehydrated. Vitamin C is also useful to remove the alcohol quicker from your body.

 

If you are unable to live a stress-free life, it may be worth looking at alternative treatments. These are the types of natural therapy I would advise:

 

• Osteopathy
• Acupuncture
• Homeopathy
• Yoga
• Tai Chi
• The Alexander Technique

 

There are also certain foods and drinks which are a must to avoid for people who have regular headaches. These include:

 

• Citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit
• Chocolate
• Cheese
• Alcohol

 

Migraines

 

Headaches are annoying enough, however migraines can be severely painful. I have suffered with migraines for a number of years and have now studied the subject seeking a cure. I am determined to not have to live my life, having these migraines regularly throughout the year, as the pain is unbearable. Maybe I am a bit of a wimp, but they really do cause me a lot of grief.

 

There are a number of reasons or causes for migraines. These include bright lights, certain foods or loud noises. I have to say that I think my own migraines are caused by stress and anxiety. I have always been a worrier and have suffered with a low self-esteem for most of my life. There are many reasons for this lack of confidence, which I will not bore you with at this stage.

 

I decided that I needed to deal with my stress as well as learning about how to eradicate the migraines. 

 

I am now able to relax and have accepted that no one person is perfect. I realise that I will make mistakes and as long as I learn from them, then that is OK. Worrying does not help me in any case therefore I have to stop doing it.

 

I have also used alternative health therapies to help me to reduce my stress including:

 

• Herbal remedies
• Meditation
• Yoga
• Tai Chi

 

I still have headaches as I have to admit that I do like to have a few beers around once a week. I have not however had a migraine for around nine months now. I am a lot happier in life and have learnt how to manage my levels of stress. I regularly meditate and use other natural remedies as mentioned above. This is what has helped me and I hope it helps you too.

Alternative Medicines That Work For Me

There is a lot of hype about alternative medicines, and some of them are certainly without much value. Of course there is a lot of hype about regular medicines, many of which do as much harm as good. The fact that natural remedies and treatments rarely hurt people as much as prescription drugs is one reason to at least try them. Here are a few that I can vouch for from experience.

 

Tea Tree Oil

 

I had a lump on the side of my nose, growing slowly, bleeding at times. I had it for years, and the one time I asked a doctor about it, he wasn't sure if it was actually cancerous. I read somewhere that tee tree oil might work. I bought a bottle at a health-food store for $6. I applied a drop to the lump each day, and in less than six weeks, the lump was gone completely.

 

Coincidence? After having the growth for years? I don't think so. In fact I had another growth years later on my neck, and for several years, I couldn't remember what I had used the first time. When I found a clue in some old notes, I used tea tree oil on that growth, which was even larger than the first one. It was gone in about six weeks.

 

St. John's Wort

 

When hiking in Canada, I cut my foot. The gash was deep. I found St. John's Wort (Hypericum perfolatum), which has been proven to have anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. I mashed up a few leaves and bandaged them to the cut, replacing them occasionally. I have honestly never seen a cut heal faster.

 

St. John's Wort is one of the better known alternative medicines now. It is used as an anti-depressant, with numerous studies showing its effectiveness. It is also used by some as a temporary mood-elevator. This effect isn't proven yet, but whenever I've had tea made from the plant, it tasted awful and left me happy for two hours. Anecdotal and subjective evidence (I'm not even entirely convinced), but interesting.

 

Valerian Root

 

When my wife has cramps and pain, nothing works better than a cup of tea made from valerian root. You can get the tea in many stores now. I wouldn't try driving after having valerian root. This is a powerful relaxant.

 

In fact, valerian root is too strong for some people. A gentler herb that will relax you is chamomile. You can find this as tea too. It makes a great drink with honey, just before you are ready to go to bed.

 

There are so many alternatives out there. I have stopped a headache just by chewing on willow twigs. I have stopped diarrhoea with oak bark (careful - this can hard on the liver in large doses). I have watched a friend's poison ivy rash disappear overnight with the application of jewelweed juice. 

 

I am sure that I have tried just as many alternatives that didn't work, too, but you know what? Put all the ineffective ones together and the cost probably doesn't add up to the cost of one visit to a doctor. As for the effective ones, well, no doctor yet has introduced me to one of them. You have to do your own research on alternative medicines.

A Beginner's Guide To Using Aromatherapy With Children

Trust your instinct - a beginner’s guide to using aromatherapy with children:

 

Essential oils are pure aromatic plant essences - they are distilled from flowers, fruit, leaves, resins, roots, seeds, and wood. They are used for their healing properties the world over - in , for example, they are only available through licensed, qualified parishioners. In the United States, we have free access to essential oils - but with this comes with some important cautions: Only some of the essential oils available are suitable for children; others are not suitable for children and some are even dangerous to children (children with epilepsy should not come in contact with stimulating essential oils).

 

When used correctly however, essential oils can be of great benefit, and will not conflict with your child’s medically prescribed drugs. Always research the oil of choice thoroughly before using with your infant or child - ask advice from a qualified practitioner, or see the references at the end of this article.

 

That said, essential oils can be a wonderful way of supporting your child's health, happiness and well-being. Essential oils can be very therapeutic and nurturing to both your child and you, the caregiver. Essential oils are used externally (on the outside of the body) in your child’s bath, body lotions, oils, creams, gels, compresses, foot baths, or in an oil warmer. The effects of aromatherapy will generally fall into one of three main categories: 

 

1. Assisting in healing from minor illnesses and accidents,
2. Supporting your child’s overall sense of well-being, and 
3. Assisting your child in getting quality rest.

 

When using essential oils with your child, it is imperative that you find a reputable supplier of therapeutic-grade essential oils, using organic or wildcrafted varieties when possible. Synthetic copies of oils commonly used in perfumery are not appropriate, and may even be harmful to your child’s health. To maintain efficacy, essential oils should be kept in dark amber or cobalt glass containers, in a dark and cool location, away from the child’s access. Wooden storage boxes from craft or 'Pier One' type stores can make a nice container for the bottles.

 

Methods of Using Essential Oils

 

There are two methods of using essential oils with your child:

 

1. Inhalation - through a diffuser, nebulizer, or adding to a humidifier reservoir, and 
2. Topical Application - diluting the essential oil in a carrier oil and applying topically. Adding essential oils to a bath combines the two methods, though we will cover it under topical application.

 

For topical application, essential oils are diluted in varying strengths depending on the use and age of your child. The concentration can vary from one drop of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil, to a couple of drops per teaspoon of carrier added to a drawn bath, to an equal ratio of carrier and essential oil applied directly to your child’s feet (as in the case of gentle Lavender). In other words, there is a huge variation in dilution levels depending on the circumstances. Mamas, do your research and then trust your instinct. Only you and your child baby know exactly what is right for your situation.

 

Age of Child and amount of Essential Oil per One Ounce Carrier Oil for Topical/Massage Application

 

General dilution rate guidelines of essential oils in one ounce of carrier oil:

 

• New-born (Consult primary care physician before use): 1-3 drops essential oil / ounce
• 2-6 months: 1-3 drops essential oil / ounce
• 6-12 months: 1-4 drops essential oil / ounce
• 1-4 years (unless very small): 5-8 drops essential oil / ounce
• 6-7 years: 5-10 drops essential oil / ounce
• 9-12 years: 5-12 drops essential oil / ounce
• 12 years to young adult: 10-15 drops essential oil / ounce

 

DO NOT USE AN ESSENTIAL OIL NEAT (undiluted) on children’s skin, unless indicated to do so for a specific condition. If your child has very sensitive skin, it is important to test a small area before using a new single oil or blend. Keep essential oils away from the eyes. When using citrus oils - orange, bergamot, lemon, tangerine, mandarin, and lime - do not use where the skin will be exposed to sunlight for the next 12 hours. These oils are considered 'phototoxic', and can react from the sun's rays. They may be used in a bath, however, where they will be washed off the skin when the bath is done.

 

Essential oils are not to be taken orally (by mouth). When your child is taking medications, reduce the amount of essential oil by half the amount recommended for their age group.

 

Carrier Oils for Children

 

Sweet Almond oil is generally regarded as the safest and best overall carrier oil for use with babies and children. Apricot kernel oil is also considered extremely safe with children over 6. Jojoba oil can be added at about 10% concentration for any blend - it has a soothing effect on the skin and is good for hair.

 

Topical Application - Nurturing Touch Massage Recipes

 

There is nothing better for any child than the loving, nurturing touch of a parent. A gentle hug, a smile, a kiss on the cheek all reassure the child and help the parent and child to bond. These everyday forms of connection are instinctual and children thrive from it.

 

Research shows that massage can help children’s growth both physically and emotionally. In hospitals, studies done with premature babies show that touch is an essential aspect of the children’s ability to thrive.

 

Using aromatherapeutic nurturing touch massage can be therapeutic to both the child and the parent. Using a light, conscientious tough you can massage your child’s feet, arms, hands, back, abdomen, and even legs. The massage should always be done with loving intention and the work is done in the direction that the blood flows-from ankles to leg; from wrist to shoulder, etc.

 

Here are a few suggested blends for this wonderful method - each is in one (1) ounce of Sweet Almond oil:

 

• Restful Sleep - 4 drops lavender, 2 drops Roman Chamomile
• Happy Child - 3 drops Rose, 1 drop Neroli
• Calm and Relaxed - 3 drops Petitgrain, 3 drops Neroli
• Emotional Nurturing - 1 drop Rose, 1 drop Vanilla, 2 drops Lavender

 

For a Baby oil blend, to be used as a moisturizer OR massage oil (note: the frequent washing of a baby's skin actually makes it difficult for them to retain vitamin C; application of a quality skin oil will help them keep adequate supplies of this important nutrient).

 

• 1 ounce of organic sweet almond oil or hazelnut oil
• 1 drop of pure Lavender essential oil
• 1 drop of Vanilla essential oil

 

OR

 

• 1 ounce of organic sweet almond oil
• 2 drops of pure Lavender essential oil
• 1 drop of pure Chamomile (German) essential oil

 

The above blends can also be added to the bath. One teaspoon with the following amount of essential oils added can be added AFTER the bath is filled, per the age of the child: 3-5 years, 2 drops; 6-8 years, 3 drops; 8-11 years, 5 drops. Perhaps the easiest way to do this would be to make a full strength blend (without carrier oil) of your choice, then dilute as needed for the application.

 

Inhalation of Essential Oils

 

For inhalation, one can apply one or two drops to a handkerchief and inhale, or add oils to a water misting bottle or humidifier. Calming essential oils that may be used are Lavender (recommended for sleep - one to four drops can be placed under the pillow), Mandarin, Roman Chamomile, Ho Wood (an ecologically friendly replacement for Rosewood), Tangerine, Petitgrain, Vanilla, and Neroli. Use these oils singly, create your own blend, or use one of the body oil blends above without the carrier oil. A few drops per quart of water in a mister sprayed throughout a room or added humidifier reservoir will do.

 

For an anti-anxiety blend: Try 5 drops bergamot, 1 drop lavender and 3 drops geranium - dilute to 10 drops per Ω pint of water for a room spray or use in a humidifier, or dilute to the appropriate level for your child's age if using topically. For alertness, try lemon, bergamot, grapefruit or pine, either singly or in a blend that pleases your senses (usually the best way to blend is to trust your nose!)

 

Essential oils can also be used in a candle lamp or warmer - with the oil gently evaporated from the surface of a small bowl of water by the heat of a candle. An electric nebulizing diffuser is generally not recommended for use with children, as the concentration of oils in the air can be too high.

 

Last but not least, essential oils are wonderful antiseptics.

 

Cuts and scrapes are simply a way of life for the little ones! A great blend for minor wounds is a 1:1 mix of Lavender and Tea Tree oil. The lavender is soothing, anti-inflammatory, and has regenerative 'ketones', while the tea tree is a strong antiseptic used for many generations by native Australians. Use this blend in the water used for cleaning wounds, and apply a few drops to the gauze of a bandage - do not apply directly to the skin as it will be unnecessarily irritating. On the bandage, however, it will be soothing and accelerate the healing process.

 

So this is a very brief overview of using essential oils with children. There are many, many diverse applications for essential oils for almost every conceivable minor ailment seen in childhood. The key is knowledge - finding a good practitioner, or reputable resource for your needs. For further reading, books by Valerie Ann Woorwood are excellent: "Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child" and "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy"; for safety data, see "Essential Oil Safety" by Robert Tisserand and Tony Balacs. The essential oils mentioned within this article are recognized as safe for most individuals - if you or your child are recognized as having a specific illness, and/or are under a doctor's regular care, please consult an appropriate practitioner before proceeding.

 

That said, aromatherapy can be a very fun and rewarding endeavour for both you and your child. Essential oils have benefited the lives of many the world over, and have a little bit of plant magic available to everyone.

Holistic Approaches To Anti Aging

Holistic approaches to anti-aging are not new. For thousands of years people in Eastern cultures have viewed lifestyle and self-care to be essential in facilitating a healthy aging process.

 

Today, it is very much worth your while to consider holistic approaches for various reasons. Unlike conventional anti-aging approaches, which involve the use of anti-aging creams, serums, or even drastic measures such as cosmetic surgery, holistic approaches aim to target and heal the problem that is at the root of the aging process. This contrasts with traditional anti-aging approaches, in which it is usually just the symptoms of the aging process that are treated. 

 

This is consistent with the approach holistic medicine takes towards treating any illness, and that is to evaluate the entire and treat the entire person, including body, mind, and spirit.

 

Basically, holistic approaches to anti-aging involve slowing down the repercussions of aging in the human body by addressing key elements believed to play a significant role in unhealthy aging and ensuring the patient is returned to or kept at an optimal state of health and wellness.

 

Holistic approaches to anti-aging are based on various facts. According to holism, it is not possible to remove the evidence of aging by focusing on just one of the areas of your body on which aging has evidently taken its toll. To eliminate the effects of aging you must analyze your entire body's condition, and consider the health of mind, body, and spirit.

 

Factors That Cause You To Age

 

Stress, diet and sleep all affect your appearance and the rate at which you age. These factors may cause your skin to look unhealthy. 

 

Free Radicals

 

Free radicals are an indirect cause of aging. This is because they cause inflammation in the human body, which, in turn, may lead to accelerated and unhealthy aging.

 

In order to prevent free radicals from damaging the body, you must consume foods that contain large amounts of antioxidants, which are nutrients that fight the effects of free radicals. 

 

Whole Foods Highest In Antioxidants:

 

Most Antioxidants

 

• Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries and Strawberries        
• Kidney, pinto and black beans 
• Cranberries   
• Artichokes 
• Prunes           
• Apples: Red delicious, Granny Smith and Gala 
• Pecans           
• Sweet cherries         
• Black plums 
• Potatoes 
• Plums             

 

You could also combat the damage caused by free radicals by supplementing your diet with vitamins B, C, zinc, and magnesium. 

 

To maintain a youthful appearance it is highly recommended to drink large quantities of water. By drinking water, you are not only re-hydrating your body. Water also improves skin elasticity, and reinforces healing collagen, which will slow the manifestation of wrinkles, and sagging. 

 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

In order to function correctly, your body needs essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These are fats that are healthy for you, and they aid the cells to function correctly and support heart health. Heart disease is the #1 killer of American men and women, and it is a leading cause of death in other countries around the world. 

 

Prevention is key to remain healthy and keep heart disease at bay through our older years. Furthermore, fatty acids support skin health. 

 

Foods Highest In Fatty Acids:

 

Grains and Nuts

 

• Bread
• Cereal
• Flaxseed
• Peanut butter
• Oatmeal
• Pumpkin seeds
• Walnuts

 

Fresh Produce 

 

• Parsley
• Kale
• Spinach
• Brussels sprouts
• Mint
• Watercress

 

Fatty Fish 

 

• Halibut
• Herring
• Trout
• Fresh Tuna 
• Mackerel
• Oysters
• Salmon
• Sardines

 

Foods Fortified With Omega-3s

 

• Eggs
• Milk
• Juice
• Soy milk
• Yogurt

 

Oils

 

• Flaxseed oil
• Soybean oil
• Walnut oil
• Canola oil
• Cod liver oil

 

Poor Blood Circulation

 

Poor blood circulation is another factor that causes you to age. Practitioners of holistic medicine often employ cayenne pepper to boost circulation. Cayenne pepper enables blood to circulate more freely by dilating the blood vessels, thus carrying necessary oxygen and nutrients through the body. 

 

Cayenne pepper has additional benefits as well: it strengthens your immune system and thins blood, reinforces the heart and regulates blood pressure and palpitations. 

Stress Reduction

 

One of the most important elements in holistic medicine is reducing stress. Stress effects the whole body and causes imbalance that leads to disease and overall ill health, and may greatly accelerate the aging process.  

 

In holism, stress reduction is seen as central to healthy aging, and is considered a proactive effort. 

 

Meditation, relaxation exercises, yoga, and aromatherapy are often recommended to get stress under control. All of these tactics help to provide healing to the mind, body, and spirit and offer a balanced state for those who seek to improve their overall mental and physical wellness through younger and aging years.

 

Exercise

Working out also helps to preserve general health, thus ensuring that you age slower and healthier. Peak physical fitness means the body is in its best shape and able to keep you strong and healthy.

 

Physical exercise boosts the rate of your metabolism, which ensures healthy weight management through the aging years, something of utmost importance since metabolism naturally slows as we age and weight gain becomes more probable. Consequently, your body will not be strained by overweight and obesity, and the aging process will be slowed down. 

 

Bottom Line

 

In conclusion, there are numerous holistic approaches to reducing the rate at which you age and to remain in optimal health through the aging years. 

 

Holistic approaches never just address symptoms of specific health problems, but instead aim to return or keep the patient in a state of balanced health between mind, body, and spirit. Holism targets overall wellness, and when we are well, we only get better with age.

 

Top 10 Anti-Stress Foods

 

You can achieve a zen life through your stomach as well. To prove this, we've prepared a list of 10 best anti-stress foods to put on your daily menu!

 

1.    Chocolate

 

Chocolate is the anti-stress food par excellence. Thanks to its richness in magnesium, it helps fight against your decreases in energy and to better deal with stressful situations.

 

It is preferable to consume dark chocolate, because its richness in magnesium is superior by far: on average, 112mg per 100g. For comparison, milk chocolate contains 60 mg.

 

In addition to that, its sweet flavor makes it a cuddly food par excellence and activates the production of endorphins, the hormone of pleasure.

 

 

2.    Almonds

 

Almonds are rich in phytosterols, monounsaturated fatty acids, vegetable proteins, soluble fiber, vitamins and minerals.

 

Consuming a handful of almonds on a daily basis has no impact on your shape and heightens your serenity, thanks to a high content of magnesium, just like chocolate.

In general, all nuts (macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, etc.) and oilseeds are excellent for your health and morale.

 

3.    Bananas

 

The banana is rich in magnesium and potassium. It also contains tryptophan, an amino acid known for its relaxing properties that directly affects serotonin levels. Serotonin is a chemical messenger of the central nervous system involved in many physiological functions: sleep, mood, eating behaviors, etc. It is deficient in people suffering from depression or chronic anxiety.

 

A daily banana makes it possible to recharge the batteries and better face the vagaries of existence.

 

4.    Blackcurrants

 

Blackcurrants, like all foods rich in vitamin C, are a natural anti-stress food. Rich in antioxidants, they affect the cortisol level, which is the stress hormone. In addition to that, they reduce joint pain, which can be related to a tension in the body.

 

It can be consumed as is, in an infusion, or in the form of capsules or drinkable suspensions as part of a seasonal solution.

 

5.    Dried figs

 

Figs are rich in antioxidants and vitamin B3. Antioxidants provide energy and help fight diseases, while vitamin B3 plays an important role for neurotransmitters by facilitating the synthesis of serotonin.

 

Rich in water and sugars, they can be consumed daily in a moderate amount and as part of a balanced diet. However, they are not recommended for people with diabetes.

 

6.    Mushrooms

 

Mushrooms provide essential vitamins and minerals.

 

Their richness in selenium favors exchanges between neurotransmitters and makes it possible to combat anxiety and depression, which result physiologically from the disturbed exchanges between neurotransmitters, in particular serotonin.

 

Low in calories, they can be put on the menu every day.

 

7.    Fatty fish

 

Fatty fish, such as tuna or salmon, are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, including omega 3.

 

Omega 3 has favorable effects on the composition of cell membranes, as well as on many biochemical processes in the body: blood pressure regulation, vessel elasticity, immune reactions, etc. Promoting the transmission of nerve impulses, they thus improve emotional balance.

 

8.    Eggs

 

Eggs often get bad press because they increase bad cholesterol.

 

Yet, if consumed in reasonable quantities, 2 to 3 times a week, they are good for your health and contribute to a steel morale, thanks to its richness in vitamin B9. This vitamin plays an important role on the nervous system.

 

Other foods rich in vitamin B9 are spinach, broccoli, salads, wheat germ and liver.

 

9.    Herbal teas

 

Herbal teas are our grandmother's remedies to soothe the little ailments of everyday life. Chamomile-based herbal teas are recommended for their calming properties. Those made from linden tree are recommended in case of nervous disorders, while passiflora is a very good natural anxiolytic.

 

Consumed at bedtime, these teas can offer a relaxing moment conducive to sleep.

 

10. Green teas

 

At a rate of 5 cups a day, green tea can reduce the effects of stress. A recent study has highlighted this fact. The Japanese who claimed to drink more than 5 cups of green tea a day were less stressed than those who did not drink 5 cups at least. It remains to be seen whether drinking green tea is an inconsequential part of a lifestyle where there is no source of stress or if it actually reduces the stress...

 

In any case, the richness in antioxidants of green tea can only have beneficial effects on the body and, therefore, on morale.

 

Top 10 Uses for Essential Oils

There are many uses for essential oils that can greatly benefit your health. We’ve narrowed it down to the top 10 uses for essential oils. 

 

If you’re new to using essential oils, you might want to do some research before you dive in. There are many different ways to get the health benefits out of essential oils and some methods work better than others.

 

1)    Ease Anxiety

 

There are many essential oils that can help to treat anxiety disorders and even soothe anxiety as it crops up. The two most useful methods for these benefits are infusing a bubble bath with a few drops of an essential oil like lavender or diffusing them into a small room, breathing deeply.

 

2)    Treat Migraines 

 

Essential oils can be used to treat migraines, relieving the harsh pain that plagues migraine sufferers frequently. Peppermint oil, lavender oil, and a few others can all help to relieve stubborn migraine pain.

 

3)    Treat Inflammation

 

Some essential oils work great to ease and minimize inflammation. Typically, it works best when applied via a topical ointment or lotion to the inflamed area. This can help to minimize and ease inflammation, which might also result in less pain.

 

4)    Treat Insomnia

 

Like a soothing glass of warm milk, certain essential oils can help to induce or encourage sleep, helping those struggling with insomnia. The best method to reap these benefits is by diffusing the oils and breathing in deeply, allowing the aromatherapy to do its thing.

 

5)    Lessen Stress

 

Essential oils can help to lessen the effects of stress. By breathing the oils in deeply through the practice of aromatherapy, you’re absorbing them quickly, letting the relaxing effect soothe away your stress.

 

6)    Ease Joint Pain

 

Many essential oils can provide relief from pain when applied topically to the join with an infused ointment or lotion. This is a good natural alternative to the harsh pain medications those with chronic joint pain typically rely on.

 

7)    Treat Arthritis Pain

 

Arthritis is a huge problem for many people and treating the pain without narcotics is rare. Essential oils applied topically to the affected area can provide relief from arthritis pain naturally, without the need for narcotics. This will help to ease the pain and decrease the inflammation.

 

8)    Improve Focus

 

Some essential oils help to improve your focus. The best way to get the most benefit out of these essential oils is to breathe deeply while diffusing them. For the best results, do this while doing the task you’re trying to focus better on.

 

9)    Treat Skin Irritation

 

Many essential oils will treat a range of skin conditions, from acne to irritation and dryness. By applying them topically to the affected areas, you can reduce irritation and inflammation, decrease acne, and even stop itching on dry or irritated skin.

 

10) Improved Immune Health

 

You can use many essential oils to promote your immune system health. Applied topically, absorbed through aromatherapy practices, or consumed in a beverage or food, essential oils can help ensure your immune system is functioning at its best. 

 

There are many uses for essential oils to help improve your life, mood, health, sleep, etc. Essential oils are a natural, affordable, and effective alternative to many harsh drugs that most people rely on as the sole treatments for these conditions. 

 

If you’re new to essential oils, we recommend you research them fully before getting started. There are proper ways to go about getting the most out of your essential oils. Certain benefits will be more pronounced and effective when accessed a specific way such as diffusing, ingesting, or topically.