Article Facts

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.

Relieving Feelings of Anxiousness with Essential Oils

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

Most if not all of us have experienced an upset stomach. Yet for those with dysbiosis, an imbalance of intestinal microflora, such a condition can be on-going with various levels of severity. It is now widely understood that disbiosis is a probable cause of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, food allergies, fatigue and possibly even colon cancer.

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.

Protecting Teeth from Decay

We all know that brushing and flossing is essential. Insufficient brushing and flossing opens the door for bacteria to aggregate and form a biofilm – a slime covering that allows bacteria to cooperate as one. This collective slime can form on your teeth causing plaque which is largely responsible for tooth decay and gum disease.

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

A Brief Recap

Although essential oils are relatively new on the scene in many western cultures, the medicinal and therapeutic values are being validated in medical research. With proper guidance, essential oils offer a safe and independent means of supporting your health and restoring wellness – 35634

The author is a regular contributor to natural ezines on (http://www.anandaapothecary.com) essential oils and aromatherapy . She may be contacted through (http://www.anandaapothecary.com/essential-oils.html) www.anandaapothecary.com/essential-oils.html.