By Max Joseph, Organic Lifestyle Magazine
Essential oils are routinely used in Aromatherapy for their pleasant, sweet scent. However, they have much more to offer. Essential oils are popular in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine to treat a number of conditions. Recently there has been an increased interest in antimicrobial properties of essential oils.
Many reputed labs have confirmed that essential oils have anti-infective properties. Research has also shown that essential oils are effective in many antibiotic-resistant infections. Essential oils have the potential to offer an alternative, natural, and side-effect free solution to tackling infectious diseases.
The active components of essential oils, have a small molecular weight and hence, they absorb easily into the body. Essential oils also have a high potency, meaning that only a small dosage is enough.
Another advantage of essential oils is their shelf life. Most of the essential oils are quite stable and can be stored for as long as 10 years (with the exception of citrus oils which can be stored for up to two years). These oils are a must in any natural medicine cabinet.
Many times, essential oils will need dilution with “a carrier oil” to dilute the potency of it. These carrier oils serve as a base for the essential oils. Some good examples of carrier oils are sweet almond oil and coconut oil. Due to their sensitive skin, if you plan to use essential oils on a baby, it is always a good idea to dilute them with a carrier oil.
