**TL;DR: Essential oils can be beneficial if used correctly** In recent years, essential oils and aromatherapy have become more mainstream in the media, amidst the growing popularity of a more natural and holistic lifestyle. I grew up in a relatively holistic household. When I was younger and had problems sleeping, my mum would always rub lavender oil on my wrists to help me sleep. Although many people doubt their benefits, I have found that essential oils are beneficial if used correctly. Unlike conventional medicine, holistic medicine is not a miraculous cure for ailments and health problems. Instead, they are used to ease symptoms in a natural way. In my experience, I have found aromatherapy to be very beneficial with anxiety. A study from [John Hopkins Medicine] (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work) found that essential oils can help alleviate the symptoms if anxiety, depression, nausea and insomnia. Alongside this, I have found that a more holistic approach to skincare has helped with my acne more than over the counter products. Of course, I don’t think that essential oils are the cure-all solution to severe medical problems and should only be used to help alleviate symptoms alongside treatment prescribed from a medical professional. However, I don’t think trying a holistic approach to healthcare is an entire waste of time!

Western medicine is excellent at dealign with acute medical problems - broken legs, cancer, etc... It's much less good at dealing with chronic issues. Essential Oils might find their place for treating those.

**TL;DR - There is a place for essential oils, but their benefits shouldn’t be oversold** Essential oils definitely have a place in both medicine and lifestyle. Oils such as lavender and tea tree have great benefits. Tea tree is something that is used regularly in the dermatology industry as a treatment for spots and types of acne. But this is where I think a distinction needs to be made. Essential oils can help and improve ailments and mood, however they are not a complete treatment. As said, I think a balance of both ‘Eastern’ and ‘Western’ medicine is a great way to treat or approach any issues. Lavender for example is a great way to help anxiety or insomnia but can be coupled with sleeping tablets or anti-depressants if people wish. Just because you use essential oils does not mean you are entirely treated and I think this is where the wellness industry benefits off of lies. Oils like the ones mentioned, are great but the wellness industry often portray them as miracle workers when they are not as [impactful] (https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-are-essential-oils#how-they-work). More work is being done to mean companies can not portray falsehood such as ‘essential oils can cure cancer’ however the wellness industry still extend the truth about their impact, in my opinion. Essential oils are great if they work for you. It is subjective. However just because you use them does not mean you are treated, nor does it mean you have to believe the ‘wellness’ hype.