When you hear eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender or pine, thoughts of strolling through the outdoors come to mind. You’re not thinking of strolling to the bathroom to retrieve the first aide kit or search the medicine cabinet. Open the medicine cabinet in a typical household and you may find a variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications as essential remedies for issues of health from the common cold, headaches, stomach upset, pain relief and other health related issues.
Trends suggest more and more people are seeking natural alternatives to these common ailments.
According to research and trends, aromatherapy or the use of essential oils is on the rise. As more research is done on the medicinal properties of plants there is a greater understanding of the health benefits obtained from the use of ‘pure plant essences’ or commonly referred to as essential oils.
Kendra Coakley Pense of Bellville is a holistic/wellness coach and yoga instructor.
After years of suffering from headaches and old injuries Pense began looking for a natural alternative to alleviate her headaches and pain. While attending a yoga conference Pense was introduced to essential oils. Her first introduction was to peppermint oil, commonly used for headaches. Relief was instant and thus began her pursuit to research aromatherapy and to incorporate the use of essential oils into her life as well as educating others about the health benefits.
“Nature has an intelligence,” said Pense. Her advice to anyone looking for an alternative, natural remedy for ailments is to do the research. “Consumers need to educate themselves, there are a lot of good studies available,” she added.
“Purity and quality is everything with essential oils,” Pense stated.
When new clients come to Pense in search of natural methods for everything from common colds, stress to pain management Pense shared the importance of providing her clients with educational material and the support and coaching to help them be proactive in their health care.
“It’s a lifestyle,” said Pense, adding that aromatherapy can be incorporated into all areas of self-care such as, green cleaning products, body care and the mind/body connection enhances over all wellness.
“Aromatherapy encourages us to tune into ourselves, promoting self-awareness and self -exploration,” added Pense.
Some of the reported benefits of essential oils include fighting infection, pain relief, and nausea.
Examples of some widely used oils and the reported benefits are:
eucalyptus and pine- with strong antibacterial properties, often recommended by experts for help in treating respiratory infections.
Tea tree oil- used to treat common fungal infections like athletes foot
peppermint oil-helps relieve headache pain
clove bud- used for toothache pain
lavender- antibacterial properties allow it to fight germs, credited with aiding digestion and help fight headache pain. The soft scent is said to help calm nervous system, improve sleep quality, combat joint pain and fight urinary disorders.
Sesame oil- best known for moisturizing qualities, has SPF factor that contains fatty acids believed to lower stress and blood pressure.
“I believe every one can benefit from essential oils in one way or another,” said Pense.
Essential oils can be utilized in a range of applications, from topically to internally and also in some cases the use of a diffuser is recommended. Essential oils, natural plant essences, are highly concentrated and have little or no reported side effects. They are becoming a natural alternative many families are looking to as an essential part of their families health and over all quality of life.
For more information on the use of essential oils and aromatherapy you may visit www.everythingessential.me or kendra@essentiallykendra.com
