Returning to Nature

Large companies are now realizing that people prefer natural home and body care products to artificial (and often dangerous) chemically manufactured items. Slogans on commercial and TV ads tout “Now, with essential oils.” Yet, the use of essential oils as a form of medicinal therapy is still a relatively new concept in this modern era.

Perhaps you may have read in health magazines about what scientists are finding out about essential oils – how they are excellent antimicrobials, or a valid form of stress reduction, or even a possible treatment for Alzheimer’s or cancer. Yet, practically speaking, what can one do with this information? To take some of the mystery out of these findings, we sifted through over a hundred research articles on essential oils and provided a few practical applications that many people experience.

Relief from Anxiety with Aromatherapy

An increasing number of people now experience high levels of sustained anxiety and often turn to pharmaceuticals. Conventional medicine is still widely skeptical of the use of essential oils for anxiolytic (antianxiety) purpose. However, a study published in March of 2010 gave actual scientific support to the anxiolytic activity of essential oils, specifically sweet orange oil (Citrus sinensis). Researchers found significant changes in the behavior of tested Wistar male rats that were exposed to the oil’s aroma.

Supporting Healthy Microflora

Living in an intensely changing world, a growing percentage of the population is experiencing high levels of sustained anxiety and worry. Medical treatments for this disorder are commonly psychotropic drugs; however, long term use of pharmaceuticals is now being discouraged due to their side-effects. An alternative treatment may be warranted from the citrus family – Citrus sinensis or sweet orange. A 2010 study conducted in Brazil looked at the potential of sweet orange essential oil to reduce anxiety behaviors in lab animals. They found that this oil had significant anxiety reducing effects on tested rats.

Researchers from Australia published findings in 2009 on the value of using essential oils to treat disbiosis. Their study found that lavender, caraway and neroil were highly effective against the major disbiosis-causing intestinal microorganisms. What was impressive in this study was that these essential oils not only had significant impact on the pathogenic bacteria but also left the health-supporting microflora untouched.

Supporting Oral Health

We all know that brushing and flossing promote healthy teeth and gums by removing harmful bacteria. If such bacteria are not removed from such measures, they may form a biofilm – a slime covering. Working together, biofilm bacteria are known to cause plaque which leads to decay as well as gum disease.

A 2009 study out of Thailand found that American basil (Ocimum americanum L.) was effective at reducing oral microbes that form biofilms.

Conclusion

Latest research on essential oils supports the use in areas of oral, mental and intestinal support. A bridge between what has been found in science research and practical application is a growing aspect of aromatherapy. With each of our reviews, a practical application has been provided.

The author is a frequent user of helichcrysum essential oil and other natural botanicals for healing.

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