Healing Mind and Body the Natural Way
Natural extracts linked to treating ailments hit the mainstream. Mist them, soak in them, take them by mouth or apply them to the skin. Essential oils are more than your grandmother's secret remedy.
March 1, 2018
Lavender for sleeping, coconut for moisturizing, peppermint for fevers, and tea tree oils to heal cuts. Many people trust organic ingredients passed down from generation to generation as all-natural remedies for common ailments.
Called “essential oils,” these organic and natural oils can be used for medicinal and health purposes. They are extracted from plant materials and have been used for thousands of years in various cultures as a natural medicine.
Used for aromatherapy, in household cleaning products, for personal beauty care, and for natural medicine treatments, essential oils all hold different purposes. Some relieve headaches, reduce coughs, soothe bug bites, strengthen nails, whiten teeth and even fight acne.
“There’s not a lot of science behind essential oils, but if a person feels relief using them, and it doesn’t hurt them, then, ‘Why not?’” said School Nurse Mrs. Lori Liles. She said, “Some, such as peppermint and lavender, are ancient remedies and do have science behind them.”
One of the most popular oils used is Bergamot, a citrus-scented oil extracted from a Citrus Bergamia tree, a native of Southeast Asia. It is used in perfumes and colognes, and can be used to reduce stress, depression, anxiety, anorexia and many skin infections.
Eucalyptus is another popular essential oil that comes from the tree of Eucalyptus plant, which is native to Australia. It fights against respiratory diseases, as well as treats migraines, muscle aches and fevers.
Sophomore Riley Wiest said, “I got a Sleep Mist as a gift from Bath and Body Works that I sometimes use. It has eucalyptus oil that is supposed to help you sleep better.”
Lemon is a widely appreciated oil for its clean smell and help with improving concentration, aiding digestion, and easing symptoms of acne. It has many different qualities that help to improve a person internally and externally.
Tea Tree Oil is a common essential oil used for aromatherapy. It is known to fight infection and boost the immune system. It can be found in shampoos, lotions and mouthwash because of its healing properties.
Lush: Fresh Handmade Cosmetics is well-known for its use of essential oils in organic bath bombs, shower gel and face masks. They mainly use rose oil, tea tree oil and lavender oil. All of Lush’s cosmetics are fresh, 100 percent vegetarian and handmade. For example, their Razzle Dazzle bath oil is a blend of Persian lime oil, bergamot oil and violet leaf absolute, as well as organic shea butter, cocoa butter and jojoba oil.
Sophomore Noelle Piatas said “I love to use bath bombs from Lush. The essential oils make it awesome.”
Some may have sensitivities to essential oils. According to livestrong.com, side effects may include: allergic reaction, sensitivity to light causing sunburn, headaches, lightheadedness and nausea. These are typically resolved by discontinuing use.