This article shares some of the little-known insights about the scientific benefits of essential oils in treating a number of chronic and terminal conditions. If you are looking for more information about herbal remedies to provide relief from cramping or periodic bloating, you might like this article about 10 Of the Best Herbs to Relieve Menstrual Pain.
Scientifically Proven Benefits of Essential Oils
There are plenty of skeptics claiming essential oils pseudoscience, but people have been using essential oils for centuries as a remedy for everything from medicinal and cleaning purposes. The oils are extracted or distilled from a wide variety of plants and their parts. Before you conclude that essential oils are a hoax, consider the following benefits.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Aromatherapy
Essential oils are particularly beneficial for their anti-inflammatory and pathogen-inhibiting properties. They can be consumed, diffused into the air, or applied topically. Essential oils are one of nature’s medicines without the harsh side effects of lab-created remedies, causing them to become more common in the average household.
The inhalation of essential oils–aromatherapy–has been used as a natural remedy for stress and anxiety, and even insomnia. This has sparked scientific studies that examine the psychological and physiological responses from aromatherapy. Here are some of the issues researched in recent years that aromatherapy can aid:
Scientific Benefits of Essential Oils for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
A recent study published in Experimental Biology 2017 discovered that inhalation of orange essential oil reduced the fear response of mice. Researchers also identified differences in the immune system cells between mice exposed to the orange essential oil versus mice that were not. These cells are associated with the biochemical pathways associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and could provide benefit to those who suffer from the disorder.
Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Health
A 2012 study published in the European Society of Cardiology exposed participants to one hour of aromatherapy with bergamot essential oil and identified significant reductions in blood pressure and heart rate. These effects were present between 15 and 60 minutes after exposure to the essential oils, but prolonged exposure after one hour yielded a rise in blood pressure and heart rate. The findings indicate that short-term exposure to essential oil aromatherapy can be beneficial for cardiovascular health.
Liver Cancer
A 2015 study published in the Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics identified that Terpenes, a major component of essential oil, inhibited the growth of cancer cells due to triggering pathway signals in the cancer cells. Further research revealed that the olfactory receptors in the liver cells responded by significantly increasing calcium concentration when exposed to citrus oils.
Lung and Liver Disorders
A 2016 study published in Environmental Chemistry Letters tested ingredients in essential oils as a treatment of lung and liver disorders caused by air pollutants. The essential oil compounds decreased cytokine levels, resulting in a counteraction of the inflammation caused by the immune response triggered by air pollutants.
The aforementioned recent examples are just a glimpse of the inspiring research that is being conducted illustrating the scientific benefits of essential oils in a quest to find safer, effective treatment measures for a variety of ailments. In the near future, it may be possible for a natural resource such as essential oils to achieve recognition and approval as a treatment for multiple health conditions.
