The Warming Effects From Essential Oils

Essential oils are usually produced through distillation, expression or solvent extraction.

Essential oils are produced through distillation, expression and solvent extraction and are used in both pharmacology and aromatherapy. A branch of medicine and biology, pharmacology is the study of drugs and the interaction between chemicals and living things. Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine whereby essential oils and other aromatic compounds alter a person's state of mind, mood, cognitive function and overall health. Most essential oils are heated to provide specific effects on the body.

Mood Alteration

A vital component in aromatherapy, essential oils are traditionally used through inhalation, topical application or ingestion. While some oils don't need heating for aromatherapy uses, some do require heat to improve a person's mood and overall sense of being. Essential oils can boost the production of natural endorphins to promote well-being and relieve stress and pain. They can also provide relaxing and calming effects.

Improve Respiration and Blood Circulation

Heated essential oils are widely used in spas. Ginger, juniper, thyme and cinnamon oils are typically used to improve respiratory function and blood circulation. These oils can be used with infrared technology in saunas, or added to heated bathwater to promote better body circulation and reduce skin inflammation. In a liniment, they can soothe skin and relieve body pain. Patients who have respiratory difficulty can breathe the steam from eucalyptus oil and warm water.

Antiseptic Effects

Essential oils ylang-ylang, oregano, grapefruit, thyme, lemon, sandalwood and pine wood have antibacterial and antiseptic properties. A few drops of any one of them, or a combination of them, placed into warm water produces an all-purpose mild antibacterial or antiseptic solution. This solution can also help reduce pain and itching and relieve sunburn.

Treatment for Fungal Infection

Footbath therapy combined with essential oils and salt provide results similar to antifungal drugs. Essential oils like cinnamon bark, clove, lavender, lemongrass, oregano, germanium, peppermint, tea tree and thyme kill fungal cells, including those that cause athlete's foot. To treat fungal infection, soak feet in warm bathwater for about 10 to 20 minutes.

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