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9 Best Essential Oils: What are Their Benefits, and How to Use Them?

on February 18, 2022

 

What are essential oils, and how do they work?

Essential oils are concentrated liquids that are extracted from plants that have potential benefits. The oil that gets extracted captures the scent and flavour of the plant, and in its concentrated form can be used for healing, aromatherapy, and fragrance purposes.

When applied to the skin, some chemicals from the plant extract can be absorbed, and certain methods of application might improve absorption such as applying it with heat, or on certain areas of the body. 

Inhaling the fumes of essential oils is another method of using essential oils, and can stimulate the certain parts of your brain that have to do with emotions and behaviour. For example, if you are feeling anxious or stressed, inhaling the Lavender aroma may cause a feeling of calmness washing over you.

 

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus Oil has been used for over 100 years in relieving the symptoms of respiratory disorders. It is especially beneficial when suffering from symptoms of cold and flu. Eucalyptus oil is used widely in many medicinal products such as rubs, inhalers, creams and mouthwashes.

 

Benefits

  • Clears Your Chest
  • Insect Repellent
  • Disinfect Wounds
  • Ease Joint Pain
  • Household Cleaning
  • Treatment for Head-lice
  • Alleviates Headaches

Uses

  • Combine Eucalyptus oil with Lemon and Peppermint oil in a spray bottle and use it to wipe down surfaces in your kitchen or bathroom.
  • Add one drop of Eucalyptus essential oil to moisturizer and apply to skin for revitalizing benefits.
  • While showering, place a few drops in the hands, place over nose, and inhale deeply to invigorate and promote vitality
  • Add a few drops to a bowl of boiled water, place a towel over your head and breathe in the steam for 10 minutes. Be careful not to burn yourself.

 

 

Lavender Oil

The name lavender comes from the Latin verb “lavare,” meaning “to wash” and in ancient Rome, lavender was used as a bath additive. It is promoted as a dietary supplement for anxiety, depression, digestive symptoms, and other conditions. It is also promoted for topical use (application to the skin) and use in aromatherapy.

 

Benefits

  • Improve Sleep
  • Relieves Anxiety
  • Stimulates Hair Growth
  • Nausea Relief
  • Nourishes Skin
  • Calms Insect Bites
  • Fragrance

Uses

  • Add a few drops of lavender to your pillows or bedding at bedtime for a more peaceful night's sleep.
  • Freshen your linen, your car or the air when combining lavender oil with water in a spray bottle.
  • Apply to insect bites and small cuts to calm inflammation.
  • Steam or diffuse to reduce anxiety.

 

 

Peppermint Oil

 

Peppermint Oil is derived from the peppermint plant - a cross between water mint and spearmint - that thrives in Europe and North America. It has been used for health purposes for several thousand years. Records from ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt mention that it was used for digestive disorders and other conditions.

 

Benefits

  • Treatment for IBS, Constipation, and Digestive Issues.
  • Topical Treatment for Relief From Itching and Muscle Pain
  • Oral Hygiene - Used as Mouthwash
  • Flavouring Agent - Used In Foods
  • Used As Scent - For Soaps and Cosmetics
  • Heartburn Relief
  • Improves Mental Clarity & Alertness 

Uses

  • Use a drop of Peppermint oil with Lemon oil in water for a healthy, refreshing mouth rinse.
  • Add a few drops to some water and drink for digestive relief.
  • Take one to two drops of Peppermint essential oil in a Veggie Capsule to alleviate occasional stomach upset.
  • Add a drop to your favourite smoothie recipe for a refreshing twist.

 

 

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil comes from steam distillation of the leaves of the tea tree. The tea tree grows on the swampy southeast coast of Australia. The aboriginal people of Australia have traditionally used tea tree oil as an antiseptic (germ killer) and an herbal medicine. Today, external use of tea tree oil is promoted for various conditions such as acne, athlete’s foot, lice, nail fungus, cuts, mite infection at the base of the eyelids, and insect bites.

 

Benefits

  • Control Dandruff
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Natural Deodorant
  • Anti-septic
  • Fights Acne
  • Gets Rid of Nail Fungus

Uses

  • For occasional skin irritations, apply 1–2 drops of Tea Tree essential oil to a carrier oil, and apply onto affected area.
  • Combine 1–2 drops with your facial cleanser for added cleansing properties, or add to a carrier oil and apply to skin after shaving.
  • Apply to fingernails and toenails after showering to purify and keep nails looking healthy.
  • Add a few drops to a spray bottle with water and use on surfaces as a cleansing and purifying agent.

 

 

Clove Oil

Known for its ability to cleanse teeth and gums, Clove essential oil is also a stimulating and energising oil that produces a warm, woody aroma. Clove oil can be effective at stopping the growth of some types of bacteria and fungi, may help prevent cavities and relieve oral pain, and when applied to the skin, clove oil may be effective at relieving itching and promoting healing.

 

Benefits

  • Dental Pain Relief
  • Stops Bacterial Growth
  • Improves Blood Flow
  • Cures Ear Aches
  • Maintains Insulin Levels
  • Aromatherapy

Uses

  • Add one drop to toothpaste to clean teeth and gums.
  • Place one drop in 60ml of water and gargle for a soothing effect.
  • Take in veggie capsules to support cardiovascular health.

 

 

Lemon Oil

Lemon essential oil is a completely natural ingredient that also serves as a home health remedy. It's extracted from the peel of fresh lemons using a cold-pressing process that pricks and rotates the peel as oil is released. Lemon essential oil can be diluted and applied topically to your skin, as well as diffused into the air and inhaled. Some people swear by lemon essential oil as an ingredient that fights exhaustion, helps with depression, clears your skin, kills harmful viruses and bacteria, and reduces inflammation.

 

Benefits

  • Reduces Anxiety and Depression Symptoms
  • Can ease morning sickness symptoms
  • Can Make Your Skin Healthier
  • Can Act As a Pain Reliever
  • Soothes a Sore Throat
  • Has Antifungal Properties

Uses

  • Diffuse in a well-ventilated area, and limit your aromatherapy sessions to 30 minutes.
  • Use lemon essential oil topically, mix it well with a carrier oil of your choice.

 

 

Lemongrass Oil

A tall, perennial plant, Lemongrass has a subtle citrus flavour and is used in Asian cuisine in soups, teas, and curries as well as with fish, poultry, beef, and seafood. In addition to its unique flavour, Lemongrass essential oil promotes healthy digestion and acts as an overall tonic to the body’s systems when ingested. It’s also purifying and toning to the skin, and is frequently used in skin care products for these benefits.

 

Benefits

  • Anti-bacterial Properties
  • Anti-fungal Properties
  • Anti-inflammatory Properties
  • Anti-oxidant Properties
  • Helps Prevent Gastric Ulcers or Nausea
  • Helps Ease Diarrhoea
  • Helps Lower Cholesterol
  • May Relieve Headaches

Uses

  • Combine equal parts of a carrier oil and Lemongrass oil for a massage after a hard workout.
  • Use to flavour entrées and meat dishes while promoting healthy digestion. Blends well with Basil, Cardamom, or Spearmint.
  • Dilute oil, then rub or spritz on skin before going outside. Lemongrass essential oil naturally repels insects.
  • Dilute with a carrier oil and apply to skin.

 

 

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which are thought to help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation. Rosemary is considered a cognitive stimulant and can help improve memory performance and quality. It is also known to boost alertness, intelligence, and focus.

 

Benefits

  • Improves Brain Function
  • Stimulates Hair Growth
  • Relieves Pain
  • Repels Certain Bugs
  • Increases Circulation
  • Reduces Joint Inflammation 

Uses

  • Diffuse to create an atmosphere conducive for studying.
  • Take internally to help reduce nervous tension and occasional fatigue.
  • Add 1 or 2 drops of Rosemary essential oil to meats for flavouring and to support healthy digestion.

 

 

Menthol Crystals

Menthol crystals are peppermint oil in solid form. They are a small, clear, brittle, crystalline substance that is a common ingredient in muscle rubs, toothpastes, lozenges, soaps, and more.

 

Benefits

  • Soothe sore throats
  • May alleviate fever symptoms
  • Support immunity
  • Stimulates circulation
  • Antibacterial & antimicrobial
  • Stimulates hair follicles for hair growth
  • May relieve nausea
  • May treat skin irritations
  • The aroma can give you an emotional boost

Uses

  • CHEST STEAM – Drop a crystal or two into a bowl of steaming water and inhale the vapours.
  • SKIN AND MUSCLE TREATMENT – Melt ¼ teaspoon crystals into 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil and apply to sore muscles, sprains, sunburns, razor burn, and bug bites.
  • HAIRCARE – Melt as much as needed, and add to your haircare products to increase hair strength and faster growth.
  • HOME – Menthol Crystals act as a natural and organic insect repellent and room freshener. Just place in select locations around your house.

 

 

General Uses & Cautions

Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.

Topical use: Dilute 1 drop essential oil to 10 drops carrier oil. Using essential oils undiluted may cause some skin irritation.

Storage: Keep in a cool dry place, with no direct sunlight.

With all essential oils, there may be possible skin sensitivity. First do a patch test to see if you have a reaction. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician.

Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.

 

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