Essential oils have been generating a lot of buzz the last few years.
Kalau tak percaya, cuba buka social media. A quick check will reveal that essential oils – off varying brands and claims – are widely promoted and used. From issues such as headaches to insomnia to sore throat, essential oils have been touted as an alternative remedy to treat such ailments.
While essential oils are used in aromatherapy, which kita semua tahu is a form of plant-based alternative medicine to support wellness and health, some claims have been controversial, such as curing cancer and COVID-19. Aiyoo, hebat betul.
Eh, tunggu dulu jangan kecam kita orang lagi.
We do believe that essential oils have its benefits when it’s used properly. So, let’s make sense of the scent that is behind essential oils.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils, or more commonly known as EO, are concentrated plant extracts that are extracted either through distillation or cold pressing. Now, it’s important that essential oils are extracted without any chemical processes to retain its original essence or smell and to ensure they remain true to its source, such as lavender, tea tree or eucalyptus. The extracted aromatic chemicals are then combined with a carrier oil that’s ready to be used.
How Are Essential Oils Used?
If you’re familiar with aromatherapy, then you’d know that essential oils are the main component. Essential oils are inhaled, diluted, or applied to the skin through various methods. These methods include:
- Diffusers
- Aromatic spritzers
- Inhaler
- Bathing salts
- Body oil, cream and lotion
- Facial steamers
- Clay masks
- Hot and cold compress
So, cerita dia macam ni, inhaling essential oils can stimulate parts of our limbic system. Interestingly, the limbic system plays a role in our behaviour, emotions, sense of smell and even long-term memory. Mungkin sebab tu kot certain smells can trigger our memories or emotions.
What Are The Benefits It Offers?
Despite its widespread use, very few studies have been conducted to understand and support the benefits and effectiveness of certain essential oils in treating certain health conditions.
But here are some possible benefits that you may gain from using essential oils:
- Help in relieving stress and anxiety
- Help in relieving headaches and migraines
- Help in relieving insomnia
- Help in reducing inflammation
- Help with stomach issues
- Help giving you an energy boost
Outside of aromatherapy, essential oils have also been used for other purposes, such as home perfume, laundry freshener, garbage freshener, mosquito repellent and many more.
What Are The Popular Oils?
With over 90 types of essential oils available in the market – each with its own (possible) health benefits – we totally faham that it can be rambang mata nak pilih mana satu.
Don’t worry because here’s a list of the top essential oils and its associated health claims:
- Bergamot: To reduce stress and improve skin condition like eczema
- Chamomile: To improve mood and relaxation
- Jasmine: To help with depression, childbirth and libido
- Lavender: To relieve stress
- Lemon: To aid digestion, mood, headaches and more
- Peppermint: To boost energy and aid digestion
- Rose: To improve mood and reduce anxiety
- Sandalwood: To calm nerves and improve focus
- Tea Tree: To fight infections and boost immunity
- Ylang-Ylang: To treat headaches, nausea and skin conditions
Are There Any Risks Or Concerns?
Now, just because something is promoted as natural or plant-based, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s 100% safe. Kita kena faham that plant (and herbal products) are loaded with bioactive compounds that may pose a risk to our health. Because these compounds can react differently to the chemicals in our body, we might experience side effects, such as, but not limited to:
- Allergic reactions
- Asthma attacks
- Headaches
- Rashes
- Skin irritation
Regardless, most essential oils are considered safe to use when inhaled or combined with skincare products. Tapi, jangan lah tiba tiba nak cuba telan pula essential oils tu. Also, just be mindful of other people who are breathing the same air as you such as pregnant women and children, just to ensure that they won’t experience any adverse side effects.
The Bottom Line
Kita faham essential oils boleh tahan mahal, but it’s important that we purchase legitimate and pure products to prevent experiencing any unwanted side effects. Some of the ways for you to identify quality oils are by looking at:
- The labels: it should include information such as ingredients, what plant is its source, information on purity and more
- The company: ensure that you’re purchasing essential oils from legitimate and registered businesses with sparking reputation
- The container: essential oils are highly concentrated, so it needs to be packed in glass containers always
- “Fragrance oils”: no, buddy, these are not essential oils. They’re essential oils combined with chemicals or are entirely chemically made
While essential oils are regarded as safe, it’s important that we stress that it is never a replacement for medications.
So, if you’re experiencing major signs and symptoms of any illness or disease, then we strongly encourage you to receive the proper diagnosis, treatment and medication from a licensed medical practitioner.
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Disclaimer: Our content is strictly for educational and informational purposes only. Healthlah.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
