Okay, unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past year, you’ve probably heard of essential oils. Haven’t? Well here’s a super-quick explanation: they’re basically all-natural aromatic compounds (oils) found from different plants, flowers, etc. They smell great and have amazing health benefits. For example, they can be used for relaxation, as sleep aids, and much more.
Personally, I’m about them. I’ve purchased a set. I’ve used them in my gift-giving (made homemade soap with them!) and have reaped the benefits of relaxation and calm with some of the more soothing scents. I think they’re cool; I think they’re effective. But do I think they’re the next cures for anything health-wise we face? I’m still on the fence.
Living in Ocean Beach, San Diego, a very laid back (read: hippie-chill) beach community, I’ve grown accustomed to the all-natural, the home remedies, the organic, the gluten-free, the free-range and earth-friendly ingredients. So I stand behind essential oils simply because I know that they actually do work. But to be honest, I haven’t really researched how effective they are.
But I did stumble across this video which has made me wonder. Watch it. What do you think?
This freshman’s science project compares Amoxicillin to Oregano essential oil…and the results found that it killed all the bacteria every time. Wayyy more than the Amoxicillin did, in each trial. How crazy is that?
Now I know this is just one video (though backed by research) and it doesn’t represent all essential oils or experiences in using them. Am I advocating for throwing medicine aside in place of oils? No. Am I saying that the oils work, 1000%? No.
But what I am saying is that there is some truth to all-natural ingredients. What we’re putting into our bodies is important, and when we see the effects (positive effects!) of something natural, it’s hard to deny the truth.
So what do you think? Are you behind essential oils? Totally opposed? Still learning? Would love to hear your thoughts.
Featured Image Credit: Katherine Hanlon