Are Essential Oils Just A Fad?
I remember sitting for the SATs with an orange on my desk because the fragrance made me feel more focused and energized. And for years I've used fresh lavender products to feel calmer and more relaxed. Eucalyptus for a stuffy nose? Yes, please! Also, lemon has been a cleaning staple in my home, something passed down from my grandmother's kitchen. Without even knowing it or thinking about it, I've been experiencing the curative power of essential oils for as long as I can remember.
Essential oils are made up of tiny, fragrant, and highly concentrated molecules that are distilled from the leaves, fruits, woods, roots, flowers, and other parts of various plants. They are incredibly fragrant, have so many uses, and have properties that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. After doing research about how to cut back on the chemicals I put into my body and use in my home, I've come to understand that there are over 300 essential oils whose uses have been documented for over 3000 years. I've also learned that there about 10 oils that can meet most the average family's basic needs. In the US, the "validity" of using essential oils is contested because they are not typically regulated by the FDA. That said, each of the major EO companies adheres to its own code of ethics which is made public (here is an example from the Young Living Website). We also now have a strong body of scientific research confirming the centuries of practical uses for essential oils, regardless of whether their uses are officially regulated by the US government. Some holistic healing properties include:
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People Magazine Feature Business Insider Article January 2015 |