Essential oils smell great, reduce stress, treat fungal infections, and help you sleep. They are concentrated extractions from plants. A process called distillation turns the “essence” of a plant into a liquefied form for many medicinal and recreational uses.
Essential oils are thought to have therapeutic effects by stimulating the olfactory system, which is connected to the limbic system in the brain—the part of the brain which controls functions such as breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, memory, stress levels and hormone balance.
Some of the best and most popular essential oils include:
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree is a powerful antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral essential oil with the added capability of also being a powerful immuno-stimulant. For those individuals who are immune compromised or are slow to recover from illnesses, this oil is a valuable addition to any regular regime. It is invaluable for colds, flu and infectious illnesses and, when used at the first sign of these illnesses will stimulate profuse sweating, which is a valuable response to infection. On many occasions this will be enough to stop the illness from developing and if not, may greatly reduce the severity and help to prevent secondary infections. It does this not by suppressing the infection but by actively battling it.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is a wonderful sedative which helps aid in sleep. When massaged into the temples, lavender essential oil may help to relieve headaches. For muscular pain, this oil is excellent, especially blended with Rosemary essential oil or Marjoram essential oil, as the properties of Lavender essential oil improve when mixed with another essential oil (it also improves the properties of the essential oil its mixed with).
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil is invigorating and freshens breath. It contains menthol for an invigorating aroma and a cooling sensation that soothes fatigued muscles. When taken internally, it promotes healthy bowel function, supports gastrointestinal system comfort, and adds a fresh, minty flavor to foods.
Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano Essential Oil is perfect for managing everyday conditions, such as colds, earaches and toothaches, foot fungus, gingivitis, heartburn, and warts. It can also help with bronchitis, pneumonia, urinary tract, and yeast infections. This potent oil is a natural antibiotic but must be used in cycles and is not safe for pregnant women. Oregano Essential Oil can be ingested for up to 10 days or applied to skin with a carrier oil.
Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon Essential Oil is benefit rich and can help with a wide variety of ailments. It is known for its calming properties, is an antifungal and astringent. Not only does it treat coughs, fatigue, infections, nausea, oral health, and respiratory issues, it may also be effective at fighting tumors.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus Essential Oil has tons of benefits:
- An effective antibacterial for wound care
- Improves mental clarity and respiratory conditions
- Reduces headaches, inflammation, infections, and pain
- Relieves congestion, cold and flu symptoms
Eucalyptus Essential Oil can be diffused or applied to skin with a carrier oil using a roller bottle.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Traditionally considered a “religious oil,” Frankincense is now used to improve health. As a great solution for stretch marks, acne, indigestion, dental hygiene and scars, Frankincense Essential Oil can be used to treat more serious ailments such as asthma, cancer, diabetes, and certain types of tumors. It is also perfect for memory retention.
Frankincense Essential Oil can be added to a hot bath, applied to skin with a carrier oil, or added to homemade toothpaste.
Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil
Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil is excellent for weight loss.
This oil can curb sugar cravings and appetite while boosting metabolism. It also reduces depression and soothes fatigue, muscle aches, and arthritis. What’s more is Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil can be used as a liver cleanse and is a great scent to add to perfumes.
Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil can be used aromatically in a diffuser, applied to skin with a carrier oil, or ingested. Just add a few drops to water.
Rosemary Essential Oil
This oil is used to combat hair loss; improves memory, liver and gallbladder function; lowers stress, and fights cancer. Overall, it’s great for the immune system.
Rosemary Essential Oil can be diffused or used as a body rub with a carrier oil.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba Oil is not an essential oil but a carrier oil. Jojoba Oil is known to heal dry, cracked skin, hydrate hair, and fight skin infections, such as eczema, psoriasis, and sunburn. It also reduces dry scalp and hair loss.
Carrier oils are necessary to dilute Essential Oils and minimize skin irritations. Jojoba Oil is safe to be applied directly to skin.
