Guide for choosing the right essential oil's for me

Guide for choosing the right essential oil's for me

Ian Jonson

                           Which essential oil is best for me?

     This article is dedicated to helping you (the reader) become more familiar with which essential oils do what exactly, and how they can help you on a personal level. Aromatherapy is known as "alternative healing", but has been used for centuries by countries all over the world promoting "self-healing" which is finding out ways to naturally and efficiently help yourself be healthy and happy within your mental and physical health, as no one knows you better than yourself. One of the most important steps in self-healing is understanding your conditions and what is the root of the problem that is causing your symptoms, if its stress based or a physical ailment or whatever the case, it does take optimism and open-mindedness with a desire to grow, heal and to acknowledge your problem. The different categories are as follows...

  • Stress/anxiety
  • Focus/concentration
  • Sleep aid
  • Positivity/happiness 
  • Inflammation 

                                       Stress and anxiety

     According to the APA (American Psychological Association) 77% of Americans experience symptoms of physical stress. While 73% of Americans experience symptoms of mental/psychological stress. 80% of U.S workers report experiencing stress on the job. The current stress levels of Americans is reportedly 20% higher than the global average. As Those born in Gen Z reportedly have higher stress levels than Millennials or baby boomers. Beyond the United States in 2019 it was reported that around 1/3 of the world's population experiences anxiety and chronic stress.

Physical stress symptoms include: headaches, acne, fatigue, hair loss, muscle tightness and stiffness, chronic pain, frequent illness, higher blood levels, lower sex drive, digestive issues and more.

Mental stress symptoms include: panic attacks, random sadness, lack of motivation and willpower, difficulty concentrating, constant worrying, mood changes, irritability and more.

Here are some essential oils that can help with all of that!

  1.      Lavender - Belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae. Known for its calming and soothing effects. Lavender helps to relax the nervous system and relieve stress and anxiety. It also helps the muscular system and can calm throbbing muscles, arthritis pain and help ease muscle sprains and strains including back pain and aches. Lavender oil contains analgesic (pain relief such as aspirin) compounds that ease mental stress and physical pain.
  2.      Holy basil (Tulsi) - Also belongs to the mint family. Tulsi is loaded with many different healing benefits, vitamins and antioxidants, often used in India to treat disease and prevent it through its immune system benefits. One antioxidant called Eugenol is known to reduce blood cholesterol levels, reduce the oxidative stress in the body, sooth the nerves and reduce inflammation. Also has pain relieving properties that work well for headaches, migraines, sinuses and kidney stones. But above all Tulsi is known for its natural anti-depressant/anxiety effects helping the user feel less anxious and more relaxed in social situations as well as stress relief from physical, mental and emotional sources.
  3.      Ashwagandha - Belongs to the Nightshade family. An adaptogenic herb that is known for its ability to strengthen the immune system, balance hormone levels, reduce cortisol levels (stress hormone), anti-anxiety, anti-depression and anti inflammatory. The roots and leaves are where the medicinal benefits stem from. Besides essential oils other ways of using Ashwagandha is tea mixed with honey, ashwagandha soap, root extracts in powdered form can be taken in capsules and leaf extracts are often used for tinctures. Often Ashwagandha takes 2 weeks or so for you to begin to notice the effects and your body to build up to it. Perhaps the strongest herb for depression and anxiety I highly recommend ashwagandha as research also suggests it protects the brain from the harmful effects of emotional, physical and chemical stress, strengthening the mind to help you overcome any difficulties in life! I believe in you :)
  4.      Lemon Verbena - A lovely herb! in the Verbenaceae family. Lemon Verbena tea is used to treat bronchial and nasal congestion. Often loosens phlegm and helps to remove excess mucus. Calms the respiratory and nervous system and has a mild sedative effect. Joint pain be gone as lemon verbena helps significantly reduce joint pain as well as arthritis. Must be noted it takes time for the effects to fully build and start working, if you drink verbena tea daily for 2 months or so you will gradually reduce the pain day by day. A similar herb is Lemon Thyme which is known for being used in aromatherapy to help respiratory problems and especially those with asthma I highly recommend it.

10 essential oils which can reduce stress

1. Cedarwood
2. Lavender
3. Bergamot
4. Orange
5. Chamomile
6. Eucalyptus
7. Jasmine
8. Sandalwood
9. Neroli
10. Geranium

                                       Focus/concentration

     Maintaining focus now-a-days is difficult in this fast paced stimulating world. More than ever before do people struggle with ADHD and ADD. Of course you can just be looking to sharpen your mind and increase your levels of concentration, who wouldn't want to be more efficient and effective with daily tasks.

  1.      American Ginseng - In the ginseng/ivy family. Ginseng has a well known reputation of being a strong adaptogen (an adaptogen is anything that helps the body adapt and find balance) it contains a chemical compound called ginsenosides, which posses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Ginseng is known to help those with diabetes and helps regulate blood sugar levels as well as promote the secretion of insulin which is crucial for regulating blood sugar. Ginseng is very versatile, helps with cognitive performance, increases duration of concentration and enhances your memory. It reduces fatigue caused from stress and often boosts energy and stamina. Note it can also be used as an aphrodisiac, helping males with erectile dysfunction by opening up blood vessels and improving the blood flow. For best results again it must be taken daily over a longer period of time. Consistency is key my friends all good things take time and effort :)
  2.      Rosemary - Apart of the Lamiaceae mint family. Rosemary is full of antioxidants and can be a mild stimulant. Known as a brain tonic which improves concentration and memory. Known to stimulate the circulatory system which is the system of oxygen and blood flow, bringing more oxygen to the brain to help it function better cognitively. Also great for removing headaches and migraines. Helps the cardiovascular system by improving circulation and low blood pressure through the body. Has analgesic properties to help reduce the swelling of inflamed joints and muscles.
  3.      Lemon balm - Again in the mint family! Lemon balm acts to calm the mind and promote clear thinking as it increases mental alertness and promotes a positive attitude. known to help those with ADHD by stopping the constant thoughts of worrying and anxiousness. Lemon balm is believed to help Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Regular use can increase cognitive function over time and reduce mental agitation. Often slows the progression of Alzheimers and helps protect the brain from neurodegeneration. (progressive loss of structure and functioning neurons in the brain) Improves memory, critical thinking and problem solving abilities for all ages. A truly wonderful herb, use in herbal tea or a tincture for best results.

10 essential oils to improve concentration

1. Basil

2. Cardamom

3. Frankincense

4. Grapefruit

5. Lemon/Lime

6. Peppermint

7. Lemongrass

8. Patchouli

9. Rosemary

10. Vetiver

 

                                                  Sleep Aid

     Today in the modern world, struggling to turn off that noggin at night is very common as reported by the American Sleep Association (ASA) around 70 million Americans report having difficulties sleeping. Whether it be insomnia, stress or other sleep disorders it is a very problem for many people. Here is what can help!

  1.      St. Johns Wort - Most commonly used for treating insomnia, restlessness, anxiety and depression. Calms the nervous system and reduces the symptoms of hormonal imbalances. Helps those with digestive problems by removing bacteria within the gut and reducing inflammation. Also great for woman with cramping and going through Menopause. 
  2.      Wild Lettuce - The sap of wild lettuce is known for pain relief. Known as opium lettuce for its sedative and calming effects. (does not contain opium in any way just a nickname) The milky sap it produces has the compound sesquiterpene lactone which calms restlessness, insomnia and anxiety without being addictive. gets its nickname opium lettuce from its sedative and pain-relieving properties, very strong herb for those who can't sleep at night, use with caution as less is more the potency of the sap determines how strong the sedative effects are. Also helps with a state of shock, menstrual pain, muscular and joint pain.
  3.      Parrots Beak - A unique plant as the petals are shaped like a parrot's beak! The flower petals are active and potent as they produce a feeling of well-being, peace and contentment making it a wonderful herb for those with insomnia, emotional stress and restlessness. Helping you to relax, massage therapists often use this to release muscle tension. Acts as a sedative, mild pain relief and increasing overall sense of calmness. A great sleep aid! I recommend making herbal tea from the flower petals or leaves before bed or whenever you want to relax. (Hard to find an essential oil of Parrots beak)
  4.      Mugwort - Helps to regulate sleeping patterns and treat fatigue. A great herb for those with insomnia as the sedative effects help the body relax. Mugwort is also known for promoting dreaming. Helps open the pathways in the lungs to increase oxygen flow throughout the body. Balances hormones and is useful for treating menstrual issues. 

                                   Positivity and happiness

        We could all use some good vibes in our life, yeah. Lucky for us there are several herbs that have uplifting effects and can turn that frown upside down.

  1.      Lions Mane Mushroom - A very adaptable medicinal mushroom that's jam packed with all different types of benefits. Regenerates brain cells and helps memory, heals the nervous system, lowers stress levels and anxiety, supports heart health, reduces inflammation, enhances the immune system, helps with blood cots and strokes, increases oxygen and blood flow. A very useful herb. (Most liquid extract of Lions mane is often consumed in water instead of being an aromatherapy oil)
  2.      Peppermint - Often used to clear the mind and refresh the senses with a calming uplifting effect. Peppermint oil is very potent when used in aromatherapy and can liven up your entire home. Helps the brain to hit the refresh button and reduce all cognitive stress. Helps the digestive system, as well as cramping and headaches.
  3.      Eucalyptus - A fan favorite! Eucalyptus oil is known to help those with asthma and respiratory issues. It is an uplifting and calming herb at the same time. Promoting positivity and happiness while calming the mind from anxiety and nervousness.

                                             Inflammation

  1. Juniper - A wonderful herb that is very high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-aging properties. Helps to keep healthy skin cells, helps to clear mucous in the throat, flushes out toxins in the urinary tract this is a helpful and potent herb for aromatherapy.
  2. Turmeric - Turmeric is a spice that is culinarily used more than as a supplement, but has vast healing effects for the respiratory system. It is a strong anti-inflammatory about as strong as most over the counter medicine but without the side effects.

           

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