What are essential oils? Essential oils are natural extracts of plants and plant material that are infused in oil. They can be used topically, orally, and as aroma therapy. Each essential oil has its own distinct properties that may provide us with a wide range of benefits. When shopping for essential oils, it’s important to check the label to ensure the oil is pure and made from real plants; avoid words like “fragrance” and “essence”. Keep reading to learn more about the potential benefits and uses of some popular essential oils!
Lavender
The most popular essential oil, Lavender is widely used in aromatherapy for relaxation and stress relief. Lavender may help alleviate anxiety, depression, insomnia, eczema, nausea, and menstrual cramps. Consuming lavender (i.e. tea) may also have a calming effect.
Tea Tree
It’s good for your skin! Tea Tree oil may be used to treat acne and fungal infections due to its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Therefore, tea tree oil is often used in natural shampoos and body washes. Adding a few drops of this oil to your shampoo may help relieve itchy scalp.
Lemon
Lemon oil may help to provide pain relief, ease anxiety and depression, and may even improve cognitive function. It is also antibacterial and can be used for cleaning and acts as a natural bleach as well – try adding one cup of lemon juice to the wash water next time you do a load of whites!
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil may assist with breathing, pain relief, and it may even fight against the herpes virus due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. Stubborn cold sore? Try applying the area with a little eucalyptus oil. Also, adding eucalyptus oil to a bath may help ease aches and pains.
Orange
Using orange oil as aromatherapy is said to be energizing. It also has antibacterial properties and can be used for cleaning. Steep orange rinds in vinegar for two weeks to create a natural, household cleaner.
Peppermint
Peppermint oil may help support digestion if taken orally. When used as aromatherapy, this oil may have energizing effects and may even relieve headaches. Next time you have a headache, try dabbing some peppermint oil on a tissue, lay it over your face, and breathe in the benefits.
Bergamot
If used as aromatherapy, Bergamot oil may help give you a positive mood boost and may also lower blood pressure! This is due to its antioxidant properties, which inhibits free radicals from creating arterial plaque.
Rosemary
Rosemary oil as aromatherapy may help improve cognitive function and memory and may even reduce levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. If applied topically, it also may promote hair growth and reduce pain and inflammation.
Clove
Cloves are dried flower buds derived from the clove tree. When inhaled, clove oil may be used to ease breathing upset, such as coughing or asthma, and may help aid digestion if taken orally. Try soothing your stomach with a nice clove tea!
Frankincense
Frankincense is a resin derived from trees of the Boswellia genus. If inhaled, it may help to ease breathing and may even relieve asthma symptoms. This oil may also improve mood and sleep. It also possesses antibacterial properties, which is why frankincense was traditionally burned in churches – to ward of illness and disease.
When ingesting or topically applying essential oils, it’s important to do some research first. Some oils must be diluted and/or used in small amounts. Also, some individuals may be allergic to certain oils, so it’s important to test a small amount first. When practicing aromatherapy, some oils may cause trouble breathing.
