The Sunshine Box includes a delightful essential oil blend of lavender, marjoram and geranium mixed with the coconut carrier. So what is essential oil all about, and what benefits can they offer?
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years in various cultures for medicinal and health purposes. Because of their calming, detoxifying antidepressant, stimulating, antibacterial and antiviral properties, essential oils are popular as a natural, safe and cost-effective therapy.
The particles in essential oils come from distilling or extracting the different parts of plants, including the flowers, leaves, bark, roots, resin and peels which separates the oil and water. By concentrating the oils of these plants, you are literally separating the most powerful healing compounds of a plant into a single oil.
Essential oils have been found to offer many health benefits such as:
Boosting Immunity & Fighting Infections - The chemical substances found in essential oils, such as terpenes, esters, phenolics, ethers and ketones, have the potential to fight infection. Studies have shown that essential oils effectively destroy several fungal, viral and bacterial pathogens. Some of the best oils for immunity include oregano, myrrh, ginger, lemon, eucalyptus, frankincense, peppermint and cinnamon.
Reducing Stress & Anxiety - Perhaps one of the most well-known benefits is the ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Some essential oils have sedative properties and induce a calm, peaceful, uplifting and relaxed feeling. The best essential oils for anxiety and stress include lavender, Roman chamomile, bergamot, ylang ylang, orange, rose & frankincense. Numerous recent studies have identified the efficacy of essentials oils in this area, including a 2014 study involving 82 participants evaluating the effectiveness of aromatherapy for elderly people with chronic pain and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Researchers found that after four weeks of treatment with essential oils, there was a significant reduction in negative emotions, including feelings of anxiety, stress and depression, among the intervention group.
Boosting Energy Levels - Some oils have stimulating effects and can actually increase oxygen to your brain, which will leave you feeling refreshed, focused and energized. A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that peppermint oil increased brain oxygen concentration, improved exercise performance and reduced exhaustion in healthy male athletes who consumed peppermint oil with water for 10 days. Some other great essential oils for energy include grapefruit, lemon, lemongrass, eucalyptus and rosemary.
Balancing Hormones - there are essential oils that can help to balance your oestrogen, progesterone, cortisol, thyroid and testosterone levels. Some oils, like clary sage, geranium and thyme, help to balance out oestrogen and progesterone levels in your body, which can improve conditions like infertility and PCOS, as well as PMS and menopause symptoms. A 2017 published in Neuro Endocrinology Letters shows that some essential oils like geranium and rose, have the ability to influence the concentration of oestrogen in women. This may be helpful for women who are experiencing menopausal symptoms that are caused by declining levels of oestrogen secretion.
Improving Brain Function - Essential oils have neuroprotective effects and can help to improve cognitive performance. This is one of the most impressive essential oil benefits and it has helped many people who are suffering from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. In a scientific review published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, researchers found that because essential oils possess powerful antioxidants that work to inhibit free radical scavenging, they help to naturally improve brain function and reduce inflammation.
Essential oils have also shown to improve learning, memory and ability to focus. Both stimulating and sedative essential oils can be useful, as oils like peppermint can improve sustained attention over a longer period of time, while oils like lavender can be useful for people going through tough exercises or situations.
Alleviating Aches and Pains – Pain Research and Treatment, shows a significant positive effect of aromatherapy, compared to placebos or control treatments, in reducing pain. Researchers evaluated 12 studies on this topic and found that essential oils were especially helpful in treating postoperative pain, obstetrical pain and gynaecological pain
There are many essential oils that can be applied topically or used aromatically to reduce body aches and pains. Such as lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, chamomile, rosemary, marjoram, thyme, frankincense, turmeric, ginger and myrrh
We have chosen lavender, marjoram and geranium as they are significant in so many situations.
Use it on your skin or clothing, on pulse or pain points, on a pillow for restful sleep or in a diffuser. Add to household cleaning products to feel the benefits all around your home.
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