Are you a “Naysayer” and not totally convinced? It was just a seven years ago that I too was a skeptic when it came to using essential oils. Let’s just say it felt “woo wooie” to me and I had a difficult time believing that an oil that came directly from plant material could work to support the body systems. I am just grateful that I didn’t let my thoughts stop me from trying essential oils. So, no judgement from me…I am just glad you are here for the answer to the burning question, “Do essential oils really work?”
Here are the facts: Essential oils are composed of naturally occurring chemical compounds. These are in the form of molecules that are created and manufactured by the plant to sustain their life.
It is the unique molecules that scientists, in the lab, have been able to isolate from the essential oil of the plant. Then observed, studied and tested them in order to understand how and why they work.
An example, is Lavender essential oil, which makes many of us feel sleepy. It is because research has shown that there is a molecule in Lavender essential oil called, Linalol, that causes a sedating effect on the nervous system.
I like to refer to essential oils when used in a medicinal way as plant medicine. Before we get to deep in the science let’s take a look at what plant medicine is.
We know that eating more plant based foods is good for us because they are loaded with the minerals, nutrients and vitamins that our body needs. The plants that we consume are composed of molecules that get broken down to be processed and used by the body systems according to the bodies needs. It is pretty amazing what our bodies are capable of doing!
So, we know that eating a plant rich diet is good for our bodies. Plant medicine acknowledges that the components of the plant that exist naturally can be extracted in order to get a more concentrated form of the molecules and their therapeutic properties. Distillation is one of the methods used to extract the molecules. It starts with the harvesting of the plant material which is often done at specific time of the day and season of the year in order to get the best yield and quality. Once cultivated depending on the plant either one or all components (leaves, flowers, roots) are chopped or grinded up to can be used to make tea, infused in oil, glycerin or alcohol for a period of time, or distilled to extract the essential oils. The end product is “herbal medicine”, which can be applied topically or even ingested.
Aromatherapy is the extraction of the liquid, also known as essential oils, from specific plant parts. The essential oil is loaded with chemical compounds and molecules with are responsible for the therapeutic properties of that oil.
If you are using essential oils than you are practicing aromatherapy and herbal medicine.
Perhaps you have tried essential oils and they did not work for you there are three possible reasons that you did not get the results that you expected.
- Not using high quality essential oils.
Quality matters. There are a lot of brands of essential oils on the market especially in most recent years as essential oils have gained popularity. I chose Young Living and you can read more about my why or more about the seed to seal from Young Living at the links below. - Not using essential oil(s) consistently.
Essential oils are not a “silver bullet” like exercise, traditional medicines and other lifestyle changes you will not see results with one application, one workout or one day of a diet change. It is consistent use over a period of time that produces results. - Not using the right essential oil for you.
Each of us has a unique body chemistry and scent memory, which is why an essential oil that works for one person may not work another. There are many people that lavender essential oil provides excellent sleep support, but there are some individuals that lavender “reves” up the mind making the ability to sleep not possible. This is why it is important to use an essential oil consistently for at least a week and if you’re not experiencing results to research other options.
Essential oils are not a one size fits all and I hope this post has helped you to understand that essential oils do work. Have questions just contact me.
