Last spring, I took a class called Herbalism at UMass Amherst. Before doing so, I didn’t really have any experience with medicinal herb use, and though there is a world of critics who will tell you that herbalism is bogus, I discovered that there is also a robust community of people who swear by herbs for hundreds of health benefits. I won’t say that this class completely converted me from someone who uses antibiotics and goes to the doctor to someone who relies daily on homemade tinctures and remedies to keep me healthy, but it did open my eyes to a whole new side of health.
At the same time I was taking herbalism, my mom was struggling to find sufficient treatment for her Lyme disease. Antibiotics were not doing their job, or they only worked for a bit of time before her symptoms resurfaced, often stronger than before. She was beginning to lose hope of getting better, until she visited a holistic doctor. The doctor lined up a personalized regime for my mom. It consisted of a number of liquid mixtures and vitamins to be taken every day, and to my mom’s surprise, it was the first thing that really seemed to improve her health.
Now, even if you are not fighting off a disease, you too can create a daily regime of herbs and oils that are custom to your regular health needs! The following is a list of three of my favorite essential oils, their health benefits, and how I use them. More herb information is to come in future blogs, but these are a few of my favorites that I think can help improve everyone’s life.
- Chamomile. Chamomile has a slew of physiological and psychological benefits. Most notably, it acts as an antidepressant/antistressor and mood booster. If you find yourself returning from a long day at work stressed, anxious, or mentally drained, try brewing yourself a warm cup of chamomile-infused tea. It’s a popular flavor, so you can find it at the grocery store. Better yet, if you are a person who gets home and has an alcoholic drink each day, a cup of chamomile tea is a great swap, even if you only make the trade a few times a week. Both alcohol and chamomile have physiologically calming properties, but unlike alcohol, chamomile has a slew of other health benefits, such as improving digestion, fighting cancer, and reducing inflammation all over the body. As an alternative to chamomile tea consumption, you can dab a few drops of chamomile essential oil on each of your temples. Essential oil diffusers are also a great investment. For between $20-$30, you can diffuse an unlimited amount of essential oils and essential oil combinations into the air in your home.
- Rose. Rose has a long and ancient history being used for beauty and health in both Indian and Egyptian cultures. My favorite way to use Rose is to make it into a spray. Many beauty companies are beginning to capitalize on the benefits of rosewater, selling expensive products that contain other nonnatural chemicals, but you don’t need those! simply mix 8-10oz of water with about ten drops of rose essential oil, and you can use that as a mist. I apply the mist to my face right after I get out of the shower or wash my face in the morning. The rosewater itself will act as a moisturizing and anti-aging agent on your skin, and if you apply your daily moisturizer while your skin is still wet, it helps to absorb the moisturizer and boost the moisturizer’s benefits, as well. Because rosewater helps to maintain your skin’s natural pH balance, it has benefits for people across the spectrum of skin types, from super dry to super oily. It’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help to heal acne, repair scars, and restore skin tissue. Plus, it smells really good. Sometimes I use a few drops of the essential oil as a perfume!
- Lavendar. Finally, lavender has always been one of my favorite essential oils. It primarily functions to calm the body and mind to relax you and induce sleep. This is another great oil that can be made into a mist because you can spray it on your pillowcase and sheets before bed. Dabbing a few drops of lavender on your temples or turning on your diffuser before bed are two other great ways to experience the effects of lavender and help get that restful night’s sleep you have been dreaming of!
Do you use essential oils in your life? Comment below!
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