How To Use Essential Oils For Relief

By Kenneth Schmidt


When it comes to relieving anxiety, depression, pain and other conditions, there are a number of options. While different treatments exist for various conditions and illnesses, using essential oils for relief is one of the best. While these oils come from natural flora and fauna, prescription and over the counter medications often contain heavy chemicals. As such, the side effects of using these natural products are often less severe than other medications.

These natural offerings are also known as aetherolea, ethereal, volatile and those named for the plant which the oil was derived. The term essential refers to the inner-essence of the plant as related to fragrance. Although, while similar, essential in this sense does not apply to essential amino or fatty acids. Unlike dietary supplements which can often have an interaction with pharmaceuticals and over the counter products, oils come from flora and fauna, so while there is a risk of allergy, drug interaction is often non-existent.

Most of these essences are extracted by distillation which uses steam. As this is the case, unlike supplements sold at health stores, there is a far less likely chance of experiencing a drug interaction. While some individuals have seen improvement to allergies by using different blends, it is always best to check with a primary health care provider before doing so.

Essences have also been used in the holistic medical community for some time. In most cases, essences can be sold as remedies under a prescribed set of conditions as imposed by federal and state regulation. Although, as many have shown promise when it comes to treating cancer and other terminal illness, it may not be long before these products are accepted as a valid form of medication.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the United States went through a period of somewhat anti-nature before the trend became more popular in the 1990s. As such, there is now a revival of sorts when it comes to using the essence of flora and fauna as a valid form of mediation. Aromatherapy and success play important roles in the reality of this popularity. For, studies have shown that when aromatherapy is used in treatment, it can have a drastic effect on how the body acts and reacts over time.

In most cases, these essences are used to scent the air during various healing sessions. For example, massage therapists often either spray a scent or burn incense to create calm during treatment. Whereas, some individuals carry a nebulizer filled with a scent so that one can take a whiff when needing to feel calm or ease pain.

The four most common of all essences are eucalyptus, tea tree oil, peppermint and lavender. In addition, rose oil can provide a calming effect in both animals and humans. As such, while research in regard to essences and pets has only just begun, it appears that animals can also experience benefits when it comes to using these products.

When it comes to humans, the earliest recorded history of anyone using methods and techniques to distract and produce essences is believed to have been done by Ibn a-Baitar, an Andalusian chemist, pharmacist and physician. Like in the days of Ibn, most are distilled using a single process. The only exception to this rule is when it comes to the ylang-ylang process in which it can take up to twenty two hours for fractional distillation to occur.




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