The term essential oil refers to an oil that is found in a plant’s leaves, stems, flowers, or roots. It can be extracted through steam distillation or cold pressing of the plant material. Essential oils are typically used for aromatherapy and in other holistic healing techniques.
They have also been used traditionally in cooking and perfume-making because of their distinct aromas. There are many essential oils to choose from. Here are ten of them with a brief description of what they do…
1) Lavender
If you’ve ever felt stressed or anxious about an upcoming day, a massage with lavender essential oil may be just what you need to turn your mood around. A 2013 study found that women who received massages with lavender essential oil had lowered levels of anxiety and depression compared to women who received massages with no added scents.
This can be especially helpful for people coping with stress-related disorders like PTSD. The calming effects of lavender essential oils are believed to be due to their high content of sesquiterpenes, which have been shown to help block out external noises by stimulating receptors in our olfactory system.
2) Eucalyptus
Used in aromatherapy, eucalyptus has a strong, fresh scent. In addition to being an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and decongestant, eucalyptus is also a deodorizer. It works wonders for respiratory issues such as allergies, asthma, colds, and flu.
Eucalyptus oil is most commonly used in vaporizers or diffusers when symptoms appear. Used in aromatherapy, eucalyptus has a strong, fresh scent. In addition to being an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and decongestant, eucalyptus is also a deodorizer.
3) Peppermint
Peppermint oil has a long history as a remedy for digestion problems. It can help alleviate nausea, especially in pregnant women. Peppermint is also useful for relieving stress, anxiety, headaches, and migraines. Inhaling peppermint essential oil by itself or with any of its carrier oils can open up your airways to let you breathe more easily.
Its refreshing aroma will also uplift your mood and leave you feeling alert. If you are looking for natural solutions to common ailments, peppermint essential oil should be part of your medicine cabinet. Note that peppermint may not be safe to use in pregnancy because it may induce menstruation.
4) Chamomile
Chamomile can have a calming effect on your body, reducing anxiety and depression symptoms. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful for treating minor cuts, scrapes, burns, and bug bites. Additionally, chamomile can help with digestive issues like stomach cramps, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
To reap these health benefits from chamomile essential oil, mix one drop with two tablespoons of carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil. This can be used as aromatherapy or taken internally as a tincture.
5) Tea Tree
Tea tree oil is obtained by steam distilling young Melaleuca alternifolia leaves. In Australia, about 20,000 kilograms are harvested each year to make around 4.5 million bottles of essential oil. Tea tree oil has a sharp, fresh aroma that smells like eucalyptus and peppermint. It’s great for cleaning since it naturally kills bacteria when used topically on minor cuts or burns.
On top of its antibacterial properties, tea tree oil also helps speed up healing time for cuts, rashes, and burns due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Tea trees can also relieve muscle pain from soreness or overuse when applied topically as a liniment or added to an Epsom salt soak in a tub with warm water.
6) Lemon
Lemon essential oil is a natural disinfectant. It can be applied topically as a treatment for acne, eczema, poison ivy rashes, or fungal infections. It also has antibacterial properties. When inhaled, it boosts energy levels by stimulating your body’s lymphatic system.
Lemon oil may also help treat symptoms associated with nervous disorders like depression, anxiety, stress, and ADHD. Just a few drops of lemon oil in your diffuser will create an energizing atmosphere to keep you focused throughout your day. To use topically on rashes or infections, dilute the lemon essential oil with a carrier oil before applying it to clean skin twice daily until desired results are achieved.
7) Bergamot
It’s also great for cleansing your skin of acne-causing bacteria. Simply add a few drops to water or mix into a cold-pressed oil like coconut, olive, or grape seed to make an aromatherapy massage oil.
Want more? Bergamot’s antifungal properties are believed to help prevent athlete’s foot and even yeast infections, while its digestive system benefits are said to relieve indigestion. The citrusy scent is reminiscent of orange blossom flowers in full bloom, making it perfect for lifting your mood when you feel blue. What better way to start your morning than with a refreshing shower?
8) Rosemary
One of the most versatile herbs on earth, rosemary oil is often used for its antibacterial properties in health and beauty recipes. For instance, if you’re planning to make a hair mask from fresh basil or mint leaves, you can use some rosemary oil to help ward off dandruff.
It also makes a great insect repellent when mixed with other oils such as lemon or cedarwood. You can even rub it into your hands as an aftershave! Rosemary oil doesn’t contain thymol, which is thought to be responsible for its medicinal effects.
9) Wintergreen
Wintergreen essential oil acts as an astringent, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiseptic. Wintergreen oil is especially effective in fighting infections that result from fungi or bacteria. It can also help relieve muscle aches, including those associated with arthritis.
More specifically, wintergreen oil alleviates joint inflammation because of its antirheumatic properties. Wintergreen can be used topically for massaging or for applying to aching muscles. It’s also a good idea to include wintergreen essential oil in a body lotion to use after working out or exercising your arms or legs.
10) Kunzea
Also known as Kurundu, Kunzea is extremely effective for muscle pain, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Unlike most essential oils, which can irritate sensitive tissues, Kunzea should not cause any side effects. It is also safe to use while pregnant or nursing, as long as you follow dosage recommendations.
This oil may be used topically or aromatically, either on its own or mixed with a carrier oil like sweet almond. A recommended dose is five drops of Kunzea diluted with two teaspoons of a carrier oil; apply topically three times per day until symptoms subside.
Conclusion
Using essential oils is a great way to naturally boost your mood and keep stress at bay. They can be used as part of a skincare regimen to nourish, hydrate, moisturize, revitalize and make your skin appear younger. Because each oil has different properties that can benefit you in so many ways, it’s best to consult a medical professional before using them on yourself or your loved ones. But adding essential oils to your beauty routine is an easy way to feel more like yourself again.
