Witch Hazel and Other Essential Oils
Humankind created medicine long before the injection of pills and other manufactured pharmaceuticals. Instead, they relied on the healing powers of plants and other elements in nature. In fact, some non-Western and indigenous cultures still utilise theses long tested-and-true methods. Sometimes, plants find their forms in essential oils such as witch hazel, lavender, and peppermint. In today’s blog, we deep dive into these oils: uncovering what they are, the different types, and their purposes and functions.
What is an Essential Oil?
An essential oil is a concentrated liquid containing chemical compounds from plants. This oil is “essential” in the sense that it contains the “essence of” the plant (such as lemon grass or witch hazel). Not because it is essential or usable by the human body. While there is not a lot of scientific research done around essential oils, users post the healing and calming affects of the oils.
Essential oils are either inhaled or applied to the skin with a lotion or aloe help. While it is not advised to use them to replace a medication regime, they can supplement it. Just be sure to check this won’t affect or null the effects of the medicine.
When using oils:
- Only ingest under the guidance of a doctor or a certified aromatherapist.
- Test the oils on a small patch of skin before applying to the rest of your body. Thus, checking if you may be allergic.
- Remember, some essential oils are not considered safe for children. Additionally, never apply oil directly to an animal as some cause fatal side effects.
Witch Hazel and Other Essential Oils
Interested in seeing if essential oils could benefit you? Check out these different distillations and their benefits!
- Witch Hazel. Long used in skin care routine, witch hazel is widely known for its abilities to ease inflammation and soothe sensitive skin. It’s great for fighting acne and alleviating scalp sensitivity. Additionally, when gargled, it provides relief for sore throats.
- Chamomile. Derived from daisy-like flowers, chamomile is the perfect extract for digestion upset. What’s more, like witch hazel, it also offers relief for skin irritation.
- Eucalyptus. Nasty cough? Need to clear your chest? Inhale this essential oil! Additionally, Australian aborigines used eucalyptus leaves to treat wounds and protect infection. Remember, this oil must be diluted before used as medicine.
- Lavender. Also a brilliant wound healer, lavender works wonders on burns! Simply apply to help prevent the chance of scaring. But that’s not all! Sniffing lavender is great for subsiding anxiety and insomnia.
- Tea Tree. Like witch hazel, tea tree also has anti-inflammatory benefits. Alongside this, it acts as a natural hand sanitiser, deodorant, and mouthwash.
- Peppermint. Are you suffering from nausea or a headache? Rub peppermint oil into the pressure points in your head to calm the tension in your sinuses.
- Clove. A staple Winter-time smell, cloves are excellent at killing bacteria. What’s more, they act as a pain reliever for toothache and muscle pain!
- Rosemary. This essential oil stimulates hair growth and repels bugs; the perfect summer 2-in-1!
- Ginger. Ginger is great when added to meals and has long been used in traditional medicine. As an oil, it possess anti-inflammatory properties like witch hazel. What’s more, inhaling helps to relieve nausea.
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