While essential oils have been around for thousands of years, many Britons are only just now hearing about essential oils, what they can do and the various product forms that they come in, especially with people around the world becoming far more conscious about the impact they’re having on the environment and how products affect their bodies. The team at health & wellbeing brand www.theGO2brand.com have put together a variety of benefits of essential oils that can help students throughout their studies…
History of essential oils
The benefits of essential oils have been known for more than 6,000 years. In the time of Ancient Egypt, the organic compounds from essential oils were being used for aromatic and beauty purposes. China were the next country to use essential oils, and still do to this day within medicines. Since then, essential oils are used for a plethora of purposes and can benefit people in many different ways, from helping to relax and soothe, to promoting sleep – to name just a few.
How do essential oils work?
There are many ways to use essential oils, from topical (through your skin) and internal (through your digestive system), to aromatically (by inhaling). The latter is the quickest way to feel the benefits; the odour molecules, when inhaled, activate olfactory receptors in the nose which send electrical signals to the higher regions of the brain – the neocortex and limbic systems. From here, the limbic system sends messages to the hypothalamus, which then sends messages to other parts of the body via the pituitary gland.
GO2 natural, essential oil inhaler sticks – new to the UK market – are small and compact, so easy to carry around. There are four products on offer, aptly named: Sleep. B.Calm, Focus and Energy.
So how can students benefit from essential oils? Below are just a few of the ways…
Remain focused
Trying to stay focused is sometimes easier said than done, especially for students with so many distractions to hand. Whether it’s the peak of exam season or 2am in the library writing extended pieces, the only way you’re going to finish what you’re doing quicker is to stay focused and absorb yourself fully into what you’re working on. Essential oils, such as rosemary, peppermint and lime, support memory function, stimulate focus and uplift the body and mind.
“Essential oils… support memory function, stimulate focus and uplift the body and mind”
Keep you energised
Being a student can sometimes feel slightly draining, especially when you have so much going on at any given time. Apart from having a good diet that’s packed with the right foods, essential oils can be used to keep your energy levels up, perfect for when you feel yourself dipping. Essential oils that have eucalyptus, peppermint or lemongrass within them increase energy with no need for caffeine.
Promote sleep
Life can be non-stop at times, from attending early morning lectures to staying up late at night completing coursework or partying the night away. If you’re able to grab an evening to yourself, a night in with essential oil products can help to reset your body perfectly, allowing your body to feel at ease. Lavender relaxes and soothes your body, allowing that night sleep to be a perfect reset. Essential oils such as red mandarin, jasmine and frankincense are just a few great scents for this. Otherwise, grab an inhaler stick and keep it nearby.
Calms nerves
Most students will feel some form of anxiety during university, and that is totally OK. Whether it’s exam season or a deadline looming, nerves will be peaking and students will begin to stress. Cardamom, lavender, bergamot and sweet orange essential oils promote inner calmness and warmth, allowing the body to keep nerves to a minimum and ensures that they are under control when you need it the most.
“[essential oils] promote inner calmness and warmth, allowing the body to keep nerves to a minimum and ensures that they are under control when you need it the most”
Detox
It’s always good to find some time to detox, even if it is for a small amount of time. Juniper, ginger and orange essential oils support detoxification, and can make you feel refreshed and recharged, ready for another burst of learning.
Are they worth looking into?
Yes. Whether you are accessing essential oils through inhaler sticks, diffusers, food and drink supplements, creams or otherwise, essential oils are the most natural supplement you can put into your body. With so many ways to take them in and feel the benefits, you can take them at any time or any place.
It’s important to look after yourself when you’re a student and swapping other stimulants can be a great way to do this.
Marc Shipman
Featured image courtesy of Samantha Summers, PR Manager at 10 Yetis Public Relations. Image available via dropbox link.
For more science content, as well as uni news, reviews, entertainment articles, lifestyle, features and so much more, follow us on Twitter and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to get involved! If you would like to write Science articles for Impact Lifestyle drop us an email at lifestyle@impactnottingham.com.
