How Are Essential Oils Healthy ?
Essential oils have seen an uptick in usage and popularity in the last few years. Brands like doTERRA, Young Living, Plant Therapy, NOW Foods, and more tout properties like anti-anxiety, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune boosting, sleep inducing, and stress reducing.
One of the most intriguing purported benefits of essential oils is their ability to assist with weight loss. They are said to enhance your diet and exercise regime, energize you for workouts, and possibly curb food cravings. Is all of this true?
Background
An essential oil is a natural substance extracted from a single plant species, usually through some form of distillation (using steam and/or water). Some companies use mechanical methods such as cold pressing to extract their oils.
The oils capture the aroma and flavor of the plant from which they are derived. Since they are (usually) left in the purest form possible, essential oils are regarded as a natural alternative to medications. They are most often used in aromatherapy and massage therapy.
Benefits
While they are still in plants, essential oils serve to attract pollinators, play a role in allelopathy (relating to an organism's production of biochemicals), defend against insects, and protect the plant from fungi and bacteria.
In humans, essential oils are said to have the following properties and benefits:
- antiviral
- antibacterial
- antimicrobial
- antioxidant
- stress-relief
- mood-boosting
- sedative
- relief from headaches, nausea, and skin conditions
- libido-enhancing
- calming effects
- increased focus
- energy boosting
- digestive health
- weight loss
- reducing muscle soreness and enhancing athletic performance
