I am new to the E.O. world, and came into not really having no opinion about them either way. I do use oils, but I do not believe that modern medicine should be tossed out the window. I just took a trip to the doctor a couple of weeks ago, in fact, for a nasty cough I had going on. However, the more I learn, the more I realize there is a lot of opinions that tend to either fall under full out belief in using them to support your body OR total skeptics believing them to be just another craze. I am curious about what others think about taking a more holistic approach to their health.
What do you think? Are they just another craze, or do believe their is real science behind them and why? Are they something you have ever incorporated into your life, or do you have no use for them?
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That said, occasionally when I visit the massage therapist she uses a mint oil on the scalp which is very soothing. But I don't believe that it's actually doing anything other than what it's meant for, which is to just be a refreshing scrub. I don't get into magical thinking myself.
i have panaway for sore joints too.
Can you expand on the magical thinking part? From my understanding, E.O.'s are volatile compounds found within a plant. It has been proven that plants when we eat them are good for us. Is it a stretch to believe that the oils found within these plants could be good for our bodies as well? For example, currently, there is a lot of research being done on Frankincense and it's effects on cancer. I wouldn't go out and slather myself in the oil, nor would I use that as my sole treatment if I had cancer, but if you were told you had cancer and told that this in conjunction with your ongoing medical treatment, could help you, would your skepticism hold you back from trying it?
Do you think it's the Eucalyptus alone or the other ingredients working with it in the products you mentioned that help soothe?
If I recall correctly, you were rubbing the oil on your stomach with the hopes that it would improve digestion.
I still don't understand the biological mechanism to which it would affect digestion whatsoever.
I've not heard of peppermint to help with digestion, but I have heard of star anise helping. I have heard peppermint may help with an upset stomach though. My mom used to always rub my stomach in a counter clockwise motion when I was a child and my stomach was upset, and I do recall her telling me to eat a peppermint if I felt nauseated, but I don't like peppermint taste so that didn't happen!
:huh:
What part of the gut do you think you are affecting by rubbing oil on your belly?
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2007/0401/p1027.html
That article says:
Rubbing it on your belly isn't the same as shooting it up your rectum.