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Natural herbal approach, urban moms’ latest trend in maintaining family health
The pursuit of a suitable way to maintain one’s health on the days when the weather can change in a split second has been an ever-changing trend
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span>The pursuit of a suitable way to maintain one’s health on the days when the weather can change in a split second has been an ever-changing trend. Among the latest is the natural and herbal approach.
Instead of relying on doctors and chemical medication, many urban moms have opted for essential oils as their weapon of choice to keep their families healthy; and when money is not an issue it does not bother them that following the trend can cost them millions of rupiah.
Essential oils, which are compounds extracted from plants and herbs mostly through distillation, are claimed to have health benefits that prevent various illnesses.
After reading a bunch of reviews and learning about the usage and effects of such oils, mother-of-one, Nufuszahra “Zahra”, finally decided to buy an essential oil starter kit made by a famous American brand.
“The decision was made when I was pregnant with my son and I was coughing and had a cold. The doctor didn’t allow me to consume regular medicine, hence essential oils were the alternative,” Zahra reminisced.
The kit which costs more than Rp 2 million (US$140), she added, includes 12 types of oil, a diffuser tool and several guidance cards. The oils are packed in 5 milliliter bottles, with the most popular and basic types being lemon, peppermint and lavender.
Each type of oil is believed to have its own healing properties. It can be used singly or combined with other oils to achieve a certain desired effect.
Using the diffuser, Zahra usually dilutes four drops of oil with a glass of water. The diffuser will release smoke that stays in the room for up to nine hours. As a person inhales the air in the room, the oils’ content enters the body. Certain oils can also be applied directly to the skin.
“I even have used one type of oil as a mouthwash to ease toothache,” said the mother of 9-month-old Mandala.
“I‘m using it regularly to strengthen my family’s immune systems. I no longer need to quickly seek the services of a doctor every time Mandala coughs or catches a cold. My husband sleeps better and rarely gets migraines,” the Pamulang, South Tangerang, resident explained.
Before essential oils, there were several previous health trends like kangen water and propolis honey. Both are mostly sold through multilevel marketing businesses and are popular among urban mothers.
Another essential oil user, who is also a reseller of a brand, Fathira Lubis, said the oils have gained popularity especially among young mothers. There is a certain blend that is effective to calm down cranky children.
“Parents will do everything to comfort their children,” she added.
Besides becoming users, Fathira added, many people have also joined membership clubs and formed communities. Every community manages meetings in which members gather and share their experience with the others, learn new recipes or methods in using the oils, and many other activities.
Fathira added that the trend was more or less affected by public figures who were also essential oils users. Many of them are young mothers, hence the urban moms can relate to them.
Popular presenter Tropica frequently shares her experiences on her personal Instagram account.
Another one is blogger Rahne Putri. She has become a reseller for a brand and, just like Fitri, also sometimes shares her experiments with her followers as she researches and tries to find new recipes to blend the oils.
