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Essential Oils

For my birthday recently, I got a gift certificate for a spa treatment, which I am really excited about. It is so relaxing and rejuvenating to both the body and the mind. I have also recently started using an oil diffuser in my room, and I absolutely love it!. It leaves my room smelling so fresh and natural, and feels so relaxing. It got me interested in aromatherapy and I found this cool book on using essential oils for different ailments called Introducing Essential Oils: Ancient Medicine by Dr. Josh Axe and others. 

As you might guess from the title, the book not only describes the uses for different natural oils but also details how such oils have been used for healing through the ages, including during ancient Egyptian, Chinese, Greek, and Biblical times. They are still popular in many parts of the world and are slowly but surely gaining popularity here in the U.S. 

Using aromatherapy for relaxation has been used for thousands of years, and its effectiveness is no myth- according to the book, essential oils like bergamot, lavender and Roman chamomile have been proven to elevate moods that in recent clinical trials, thus proving to be an effective weapon to fight depression. 

While natural oils are mostly used for relaxation therapy, the book claims they can be used to combat medical ailments as well. For example, using a combination of lavender, ylang ylang and frankincense can help lower high blood pressure; and diffusing cinnamon oil, grapefruit oil and ginger oil can help maintain blood sugar balance. These natural oils were in fact used in ancient medicine mainly for medical purposes. Dr. Axe's website also lists several other oils that are effective in combating various ailments.

I particularly liked the page on treating headaches, which I often get when I am very tired. There are four easy solutions that are definitely worth trying:

  • Peppermint: Improves circulation and reduces pain
  • Lavender: Reduces muscle tension and is an effective migraine remedy
  • Eucalyptus: Eliminates sinus pressure and opens nasal airways
  • Rosemary: Has stimulating, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties

I am going to give it a try the next time I get hit by a headache. In the meantime, if I could just find one that makes me less tired and sleepy during the long Zoom sessions for remote school, that would be so awesome!


Sources:

https://draxe.com/essential-oils-ancient-medicine-works-today/                                  https://draxe.com/essential-oils/


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