Essential oils are beneficial to the body, the mind and spirit.

They are used to treat conditions ranging from anxiety to shingles as well as to increase overall well-being.

• All essential oils are adaptogens. An adaptogen is a natural substance that promotes a balancing reaction in the body, improving its ability to overcome stress and fatigue that contribute to disease. Some adaptogens improve cura, some suppress infections, and some accelerate recovery from illness or hasten healing after an injury. Numerous studies have proven that adaptogens have a normalizing effect on all of the body’s functions without causing disruptions or side effects. 

• Most essential oils are cost-effective. Essential oils are a less costly alternative to drugs produced by pharmaceutical companies. Lavender essential oil, for example, is a popular natural sleep aid and costs less per dose than most commercial sleep aids. It is also a phenomenal substitute for petroleum-based first aid ointments. Peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils are excellent decongestants despite costing just a few pennies per dose. When you choose to use natural botanical compounds to combat common health complaints, you save money instead of contributing to drug company profits. 

• Many essential oils are analgesics. An analgesic is a substance that acts directly on the nervous system to subdue pain. Clove, peppermint, birch, and thyme essential oils are a few examples of natural, effective analgesics.

• Many essential oils are anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is an important part of the body’s natural defense system, promoting healing after exposure to toxins or following an injury. Typical signs of inflammation include swelling, redness, and pain at the affected site. Bergamot, clove, eucalyptus, and thyme essential oils are renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties. In many cases, you will find it’s not necessary to take OTC drugs, since these oils are capable of providing effective relief from inflammation—without the addition of toxic chemicals. 

• Some essential oils are antiseptics. An antiseptic is an antimicrobial substance that, when applied to living tissue, reduces the risk of infection. Clove, lavender, and tea tree essential oils are among the most powerful of all-natural antiseptics. Not only are these wonderful for use in treating minor injuries, they are also useful for creating natural cleaning products. 

• Some essential oils promote relaxation and relieve stress. For many, stress is a part of daily life. If you’ve ever been overly stressed, you know how negativity can take over, creating chaos and tension while leading to physical symptoms such as headaches, indigestion, and even itchy, red rashes. Peppermint, rosemary, and ylang-ylang essential oils are excellent choices for stress relief. Others are excellent for promoting relaxation, enhancing meditation, and hastening sleep.

Whether you are suffering from a throbbing headache, sore muscles, dermatitis, fatigue, or another irritating or painful condition, it is likely that an effective essential oil remedy exists. Because essential oils work by targeting the cause of a problem rather than simply addressing symptoms, you are likely to experience rapid relief and steady improvement.