LIFE

Have you been hearing the hype about essential oils lately but aren't really sure what they are? Wonder no longer as we break down all the ins and outs of what these oils are really all about. 

Essential oils are used in a holistic healing treatment called Aromatherapy, a practice that has been around for centuries. Parts of plants are steamed or pressed to produce a fragrance that can be either inhaled or absorbed through the skin. When inhaled, the scent molecules travel directly to your brain to the amygdala, a fancy word for the emotional center of your brain. When applied to the skin there can be a variety of effects. Certain types of oils can relax your muscles, while others can help you clear up pesty breakouts. They can be potent, so make sure you dilute the oils with a carrier oil, like olive oil, before applying directly to your skin to avoid any potential irritations. 

While there is not enough medical research to confirm the effectiveness of essential oils on human health, there are plenty of studies that support the holistic benefits of using them. In an article published by Johns Hopkins Medicine, Harpreet Gujral, DNP, FNP-BC, said "Even if [essential oils] just boost your mood, it can make a big impact on your health and well-being."

Check out these five essential oils to learn more about what they can do for you. 

Rosemary 

Have you ever sat at your desk for hours but felt like you're really not getting anything done? Try adding rosemary oil to a diffuser. It promotes focus and helps with long-term memory, making it the perfect secret study weapon!

Lemon 

Ditch the coffee and switch to lemon essential oil to feel refreshed in the a.m. Lemon squashes drowsiness, promotes motivation and boosts happiness—basically, you'll feel like a walking smiley face. 

Tea Tree 

Fight breakouts the natural way! Tea tree oil cleans out your pores and can prevent future breakouts. Bonus, it even can prevent body odor! Add a few drops to your body wash or moisturizer and your skin will be glowing in no time. 

Chamomile Roman 

Whether you have a super-hard math test or your team has made it to the state finals, chamomile roman oil is a great solution to calm your nerves. It levels out your digestive and nervous systems while promoting feelings of relaxation and ease.

Ylang Ylang 

Besides having a super-fun name to say out loud, ylang ylang smells amazing. This tropical smelling oil promotes restful sleep so you can fall asleep faster and have a deeper, sounder, sleep. 

Which essential oil sounds essential to you? Let us know in the comments!

by Olivia Celiberti | 3/15/2020