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What You Need to Know About Essential Oils

Bottle of lavender essential oil

What are essential oils, and why are they so popular?

First, essential oils are fragrant liquids extracted from flowers, herbs and trees, and can be inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin. Many cosmetics and household cleaning products include them. Aromatherapists have used them for centuries.

But do essential oils also have medicinal value? They have become a hit with consumers, and it’s worth understanding their merits.

Reasons for the Trend

Many cultures have historically used plant extracts and essential oils for medicinal purposes, including the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. They’re popular in Asian communities as well, but until recently, most Americans knew very little about them.

Now, thousands of blogs and social media groups are dedicated to this topic, while dozens of new companies produce and distribute essential oils both online and through independent consultants.

This trend also comes from people’s increasing interest in natural medicine. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, one third of U.S. adults used some method of alternative health just three years ago, mostly to complement (not replace) traditional medicine.

Even skeptical consumers have been influenced by scientific studies that demonstrate real health benefits. For example:

Although a few studies suggest certain essential oils kill cancer cells, the NIH only recognizes the use of aromatherapy to improve quality of life for cancer patients, not necessarily to treat them.

A Word of Warning

Not all essential oils, or their manufacturers, are created equal. Many oils on the market today are diluted with alcohol and other chemicals that make these products less effective or even hazardous to people with certain conditions.

Even quality items may be harmful when not used as directed. Keep in mind, warns the Mayo Clinic, you can irritate your skin or cause ultraviolet (UV) sensitivity when applying oils directly. We may also need further research to verify their safety for those who are pregnant, nursing or taking other medications along with it.

Advice or recommendations are for informational or educational purposes only, not a substitute for a visit or consultation with your doctor.

Get more information about specific health terms, topics and conditions to better manage your health on bcbst.com. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members can access wellness-related discounts on fitness products, gym memberships, healthy eating and more through Blue365®. BCBST members can also find tools and resources to help improve health and well-being by logging into BlueAccess and going to the Managing Your Health tab.

WellTuned provides inspiration and practical advice for healthy living.
WellTuned does not offer medical advice. Any personal health questions should be addressed to your doctor.

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