Part 2: Essential Oils & Herbal Remedies
Welcome to the second installment of our four-part series on health and wellness: essential oils & herbal remedies. Earlier we took a deeper dive into the history and benefits of yoga. Here, we will peek behind the curtain of herbs and essential oils used as natural remedies.
Integrative medicine is touted by many as a beneficial combination of Western science and a natural, homeopathic approach to healthcare. For some, natural herbs and essential oils are an important part of this approach.
Most people are familiar with all-natural diets and “clean” eating programs, from veganism to organic meats and produce to Paleo. But what about other supplements we may decide to ingest or apply to our bodies? ? Are they beneficial? Can they be dangerous? Or are they neither? We may not be able to answer all of these often contested questions, but we can certainly peel back a few layers and cover some basics.
Many champions of Western medicine don’t consider homeopathy to be hard science. This is because, from an objective and oversimplified perspective, holistic approaches don’t always follow the basic tenets of the scientific method (hypothesize, observe, predict, evaluate, replicate, etc.) on the path to determining “proof.” Naysayers suggest that any healing processes that result in unregulated, pseudoscientific methods and treatments are a result of a placebo effect, or simply one’s body recovering as it normally would.
Proponents of homeopathic medicine, on the other hand, argue that homeopathic approaches date back far longer than what many consider orthodox medicine, and with good reason. Here we’ll take a closer look at two elements of the natural approach: essential oils and herbal remedies.
It’s difficult to deny the power of one of our five basic senses, that of smell. Smells can trigger memories, result in physiological reactions (has a scent ever made your mouth water?), and cause us to be attracted to certain things and offended by others.
While some claim essential oils can have healing properties, others recommend approaching them with care. “Use caution with essential oils,” cites Shiva Reinhardt of Ruidoso’s Blue Lotus Day Spa & Yoga Studio, which sells some essential oils. “Make sure they are diluted before applying them to the skin and never ingest essential oils in water. Essential oils will eat through Styrofoam or plastic, so imagine what they’ll do to the lining of your esophagus!”
When used correctly, however, believers say essential oils promote healing and can have positive effects on things such as skin blemishes and fungus (tea tree oil), relaxation (chamomile), and stress (lavender).
As with anything, consult your physician and do as much homework as possible before using any substances such as essential oils. Websites managed by organizations like the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy and AromaWeb can provide more insight and information.
Another form of holistic healing and treatments is use of herbal remedies, most commonly used as dietary supplements and sold as tablets, capsules, powders, and other forms. Can garlic really help minimize triglycerides? Does echinacea prevent cold symptoms? Can flaxseed lower my cholesterol? Does ginkgo actually improve your memory?
“Turmeric is one of my favorite herbal supplements,” says Reinhardt. “I drink the tea and take capsules on a regular basis to help with inflammation, muscle soreness and as preventative medicine.”
While many popular remedies are believed to have the power to heal, the most popular herbs can also have adverse effects if administered incorrectly or in large doses.
As with essential oils, herbal remedies are not without their skeptics or dangers. Certain herbal applications can react with over-the-counter medicine or those prescribed by licensed physicians. While some herbal remedies undergo the same rigorous testing as more commonly prescribed drugs, many do not.
It is always best to consult your healthcare provider before using herbal supplements. The Mayo Clinic provides a useful and important checklist for anyone considering use of herbal supplements.
Additional reputable online resources include the National Institute of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
Thanks for joining us as we continue to shed light on and attempt to develop a better understanding of some of the lesser known aspects of health and wellness that are available to us today. Stay tuned for Part 3 of the series, focusing on hiking and outdoor exercise options, particularly as they pertain to Ruidoso, coming out in March. Be well!
Check out essential oils & herbal remedies in Ruidoso at:
—Leroy Smith