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Lifestyles

The Power of Crystals and Essential Oils

Stress, moodiness, anxiety, tiredness, lack of motivation; these are all things most people deal with on a day-to-day basis, and more often than not allow to get the best of them. Often, we pop an Advil or take a nap to deal with these troubles in hopes that they will go away, and never come back. Unfortunately, these troublesome and inconvenient treatments never seem to truly help…at least not on a long-term basis, or without adding undesired hassles in our busy days.

Now, what if someone told you that there was a quick and easy way to get rid of all of this (and more) …something relatively cheap, simple to do, and completely free of harsh side effects or byproduct?

Recently, the use of crystals and essential oils as natural remedies for numerous forms of pain and illness has become more and more prevalent. Interestingly enough, their use for the healing of the mind, body, and soul has been established for hundreds of years; dating back to the times of Native American tribes and Ancient Hindu and Buddhist rituals.

Essential oils, by definition, are natural oils made through the means of distillation, used to organically treat a variety of health complications, both physical and psychological. This distillation process involves the purification of a liquid through the heating and sometimes cooling, of various plants and herbs.

Likewise, healing crystals are said to promote one’s positive energy and allows for users to cleanse themselves of any damaging or self-destructive tendencies and inclinations. Michael Tarullo, an Adjunct Professor of Chemistry and Physics, explains the scientific definition of these substances. “A crystal, or more importantly crystal structure, is a property of a mineral.  It is the organized shape of the internal structure of a mineral and is determined by the elements comprising the mineral and their atomic radii and chemical bonding,” he said.

Although it might sound quite complicated, users of essential oils and crystals find the reasoning behind their advocation to be quite simple; they make you feel good.

It’s not unusual for people to be skeptical about the use of essential oils and crystals…to many, it seems like a bunch of hocus pocus. However, the science behind it says otherwise, for there are thousands of cases where the use of these natural practices has helped treat small issues, like anxiety and allergies, to greater issues, such as digestion, childbirth, and even cancer.

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Typically, the cost of essential oils or healing crystals are generally cheap, costing an average of $12 to $20. However, prices can climb depending on the rarity of the product and where they come from.  Conveniently, they can be found for purchase at stores in the mall, are sponsored on social media sites, and are even being taught about in academic settings.

Julia Carlucci, a sophomore nursing student at Monmouth University, took a class last year that taught all about the uses and benefits of essential oils and crystals. “Our professor had a guest speaker come in one day last year,” she said. “He gave us a peppermint oil to sample, and I remember it waking me up and helping me focus right away.”

Not only does Carlucci advocate for the use of essential oils, but she also has a healing crystal of her own. “It’s called a learning rock and I got it as a gift…sometimes when I feel unmotivated or stressed, I’ll just hold it for a minute, and it helps me to rekindle my thoughts.”

Among the hundreds of flavors, or ‘essences’, of essential oils, there are a few that are known to be superior. Perhaps the most popular essential oil is lavender, which is typically used to relieve stress. Additionally, many people like the flavors sandalwood, rose, and peppermint, which are used to boost energy, direct focus, and improve mood and relaxation.

The same goes for crystals, as they come in many different sizes, shapes, and forms, all with individual beneficial features. Some of the most popular healing crystals are made from amethyst, emerald, and what Tarullo identifies as “the most abundant mineral on earth,” quartz.

Jessica Henry, a junior public health student and founder of the vegan animal activist interest group Friends of Animals at Monmouth (FAM), is an avid user of essential oils. “They positively treat my mind, body, and spirit,” she said.

“A few drops or roll-on oils help to alter my mood, boost my metabolism, better a night’s sleep and help my immune system… I carry an energy booster roll-on essential oil in my backpack, so when I begin to daze off in class, I put it on, and the natural fragrance helps me to tune in and focus,” she continued.

PHOTO’S TAKEN by Chloe Barone