A whiff that elevates! Yes, that’s the power of essential oils. An age-old practice, aromatherapy is a popular holistic treatment approach using natural plant extracts to boost your overall well-being. Balancing your mind, body, and spirit, these aromatic essential oils uplift both - your physical and emotional functioning.

From pain management to mental conditions like anxiety and depression, numerous studies have shown high success rates in the participants after using this alternative form of medicine.

Going back to the basics of this fragrant favourite, let us understand a bit more about this holistic approach.

WHAT ARE PURE ESSENTIAL OILS?

Well, well! If you thought that the aromatic oils that you would be using via inhalation or topical applications are raw or “pure”, then think again! In simple terms, pure or natural essential oils are extracts of aromatic, volatile compounds that are present in the plant or botanicals, and are derived from their genuine source, devoid of any form of adulteration.

Standardized essential oils, on the other hand, are diluted or altered oils that we use while practicing aromatherapy so that they are not particularly nefarious in nature. They are generally mixed with carrier oils to balance out their potency levels.

Speaking of purity, it is closely associated with the composition of that essential oil. In broader terms, the purity of essential oil is very imperative, regardless of your motive to use it. The myriad marketing campaigns of today, often mislead consumers about the same, through claims such as “100% pure”, and “100% Natural”, but what really goes behind it?
Read on to know more as we debunk a few myths about the same!

TRUTH TIME: YOUR “ESSENTIAL” MYTHS VS. FACTS

With several notions surrounding the concept of essential oils, here are a few misconceptions that have crippled its way through the basic understanding of the same.

1. MYTH: There exists a universally accepted definition of pure essential oils.

FACT: In reality, there’s no singular way of defining the true purity of essential oil. Nevertheless, it is understood that when it is derived from genuine botanical and plant extracts, without the usage of adulterants, it is considered pure.

2. MYTH: The higher the purity, the higher the quality of essential oil.

FACT: False! Purity only indicates but does not define the quality of the essential oil.

3. MYTH: If you don’t like the scent of essential oils, then there is an issue with their purity.

FACT: This claim is not at all accurate. It takes years of experience to identify the same.

Moreover, presently, several criteria have been established to entail superior purity and quality of essential oils. But due to its potency, it is always recommended to dilute it, to avoid extraneous reactions while usage.

AN OASIS OF SERENITY: POPULAR ESSENTIAL OILS USED TODAY

Stimulating your senses, especially the smell receptors, the fragrances of the essential oils activate certain parts of your brain, mainly the limbic system. This part of the brain plays a role in regulating your emotions and releasing positive hormones.

From inducing sleep to alleviating stress and promoting relaxation, there are numerous essential oils that naturally help in treating different ailments. But our top three recommended scent-sational ingredients are lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree.

Read on to know more!

1. Lavender Essential Oil

A 2021 study reported that lavender essential oil significantly helped in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety while reducing the effects of stress.

An evergreen plant native to the Mediterranean, lavender or ‘Lavendula Angustifolia’ is a flower that emits a medicinal scent. Lavender essential oil possesses antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antimicrobial, antidepressant, and relaxing properties. A multipurpose oil, it is used to treat the following disorders:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Menstrual cramps
• Depression
• Allergies
• Fungal infections
• Skin irritations like rashes and eczema
• Digestive issues
• Headaches
• Boosts circulation

Applying it topically on your pulse points, immerse yourself in its calming aromas and transcend yourself into a state of relaxation as you bid adieu to your physical and emotional discomforts.

2. Eucalyptus Essential Oil

We all know what eucalyptus smells like. It’s that refreshingly strong aroma that we use at our homes or while enjoying a relaxing massage. While its potent fragrance overpowers our senses and instills a soothing demeanor within our being, it does boast several health benefits.

Individual studies conducted in 2020 have testified to their antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, providing substantial relief to participants who were battling a cold or some form of joint pain.

Originating from Australia, eucalyptus oil is extracted from different parts of the bark and trees of eucalyptus. This region itself is popular for housing more than 700 species of this eucalyptus plant.

Rich in antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties, eucalyptus oil helps combat several bacteria and viruses. It is known to:

• Treat coughs and cold
• Clear airways and open sinuses
• Reduce symptoms of flu and fever
• Relieve sore throat
• Boost immune health
• Ease sore muscles and joint pain
• Alleviate migraines
• Combats stress
• Enhances mental clarity and prevents brain fog
• Heals wounds and scars
• Prevents sunburns

A wellness wonder, eucalyptus oil is often known as your go-to companion for numerous ailments.

3. Tea Tree Oil
   

A recent study has proven that tea-tree essential oil efficaciously helps in reducing acne, pimples, dandruff, and athlete’s foot.
Also known as melaleuca oil, this ingredient originates from Australia.

Your go-to skincare companion, tea tree oil is used for many other ailments such as :

• Acne
• Dandruff
• Pimples
• Relieves respiratory tracts
• Reduces dryness and redness
• Athlete’s foot
• Vaginitis
• Improves blood circulation

A natural coolant, applying or inhaling tea tree oil soothes our senses and works efficaciously to cleanse our system.

Now, now! Finding answers to where it all started, nature truly has all the solutions to our problems. To avail of many more revitalizing essential blends, head on to our website: https://secretalchemist.com/and understand what it is to bring your wellness into focus, naturally through every drop.