Essential Oils & Science – 5 Research-Backed Uses For Essential Oils | Essential oils have gained momentum over the last few years, with more and more people using them for cooking, cleaning, as a medicine, or in aromatherapy diffuser devices. We can all agree that they smell lovely, but today we are delving into the scientific, researched-backed uses for essential oils. As consumer demand for natural remedies rises, we want to know whether they improve your health and wellbeing or whether they merely add a pleasant aroma to the air around us.
Relaxation and Improved Sleep Patterns
Whether they are used to add an extra dimension to massages, as a light spray for fresh bed sheets, or dabbed on pressure points before you lie down, essential oils have long been associated with rest and relaxation, and with good reason.
Studies have proven the link between lavender and quality of sleep for both men and women. Specifically, people who used lavender oil had a higher level of slow-wave or deep sleep (SWS) and consequently had more energy when they woke up in the morning. So, you are wise to spritz away with lavender oil for a fantastic night’s rest.
Antibacterial Properties
We are all washing and sanitizing more than ever before since the outbreak of the pandemic. You might be wondering whether any of your essential oils can help clean and remove bacteria.
The good news is that peppermint and lemongrass essential oils have both been shown to be effective antibacterial agents, with no bacterial cell counts detected when researchers tested the surfaces 20 minutes and 40 minutes after treatment. So, if you’re looking for a safe and effective alternative to frequent handwashing and sanitizing, it might be worthwhile giving peppermint and lemongrass essential oils a try.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Scientists have confirmed another use for peppermint oil within the health space. A study showed that it effectively relieves the symptoms and discomfort associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Participants in the study took peppermint essential oil capsules and found they had reduced symptoms and lower levels of abdominal pain. There were minor side effects such as heartburn for some people; however, these were transient. With no cure for IBS, finding a natural remedy that can help sufferers control their symptoms and discomfort is an excellent step in the right direction.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a tick-borne disease that antibiotics can treat, but if undiagnosed, can develop into a debilitating long-term illness. People with the disease suffer from rashes, fever, fatigue, dizziness, cognitive decline, night sweats, and an array of other symptoms.
Fascinatingly, research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has shown that essential oils may work more effectively than current antibiotics to kill dormant and slower growing forms of the disease bacterium. They identified myrrh, garlic cloves, cinnamon bark, allspice, thyme leaves, and cumin seeds as being potentially helpful.
Natural Treatment of Headaches
While paracetamol and ibuprofen can be effective in treating pain relief for a headache, they also have a list of potential side effects. Some people prefer to use essential oils on pressure points to relieve their symptoms and get on with their day.
Given the frequency of use in this area, a range of studies have been conducted, and there is evidence from several different sources to show that essential oils are effective for headache relief. Try chamomile oil, peppermint oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil, or eucalyptus oil.
So there you go – five natural, sweet-smelling, and scientifically backed essential oil uses. What is your go-to essential oil?
