Are you aware of the fact that essential oils have been part of folk medicine for millennia?
They were used to help people suffering from different health problems long before the invention of conventional pharmaceutical drugs.
These oils are extracted from completely natural source like seeds, plants, flowers and bark.
Every single essential oil comes with specific healing properties. People should feel free to make combination with them in order to create custom made remedies that will help them solve many health issues.
On top of that, these essential oils don’t come with any side effects which are typical for pharmaceutical drugs.
The following is a list of 10 essential oils that have proven to be very helpful for the overall emotional and physical well-being of people.
1. Peppermint
This oil is so strong that even a small amount of it can instantly re energize the body and mind. As a matter of fact, a scientific study conducted by the scientists from the University of Cincinnati has shown that the inhalation of this essential oil can significantly improve mental precision by up to 30%.
Peppermint oil inhalation can help people dealing with nausea too and that’s why many motion sickness and morning sickness sufferers use it.
Finally, peppermint oil is one of the rare essential oils that can be taken orally. Adding a couple of drops in your tea or water is an excellent way to soothe indigestion.
2. Lavender
The popularity of this essential oil is well-known among naturopaths and some of the main reasons for its popularity is the pleasant aroma and versatility. This essential oil has strong antiviral and antiseptic properties which mean that lavender essential oil is perfect for massaging onto cuts, bites, bruises, stings and even skin irritations and rashes. The good thing about this essential oil is that it doesn’t have to be diluted before use.
In addition to these healing properties, lavender essential oil is famous for its relaxing and calming properties. It is a good idea to pour some of this oil in a diffuser placed in your bedroom. You can also put a couple of drops on the pillow before bedtime. Many people use a few drops of lavender oil in bath water too.
3. Tea tree
Tea tree essential oil has beneficial effects to the overall health. Tea tree oil is produced from the Melaleuca alternifolia – a plant that grows naturally in Australia. It has the ability to treat many different skin conditions including fungal infections, bug bites and athlete’s foot. If it’s used in a combination with coconut oil or Aloe Vera gel, tea tree essential oil can be massaged in areas with blemishes and eliminate them.
Experts advise the use of a couple of drops of this pleasant-smelling essential oil in your shampoo to eliminate dandruff and hair loss.
4. Chamomile
Now here’s another incredible essential oil that can help you with both your mood and physical health. Chamomile essential oil can remove skin inflammation and blemishes. Many people mix chamomile oil with coconut oil to ease eczema or eliminate diaper redness.
Chamomile is known for its calming properties too. Of course, you should not take this oil orally. Just add a small quantity (few drops) on the pillowcase before bedtime to improve the quality of sleep. Chamomile essential oil is also used as part of vapor therapy for relieving stress and improving mood. Avoid harmful antidepressants and rely on nature.
5. Frankincense
When someone mentions frankincense, people usually think about Christmas carols. What is interesting is that people in the past considered frankincense a suitable gift because they knew that this resin is very valuable. Frankincense essential oil supports our health in many different ways and acts as an immunity booster and eliminates inflammation too. You will find it very useful in cases of small cuts or insect bites because it accelerates healing.
In addition, frankincense oil can improve the mood and improve relaxation, so don’t forget to use it in your next bath.
6. Lemon
The color and flavor of lemons is usually linked to joy and happiness. Scientific studies have confirmed that this observation and symbolism is correct. Lemon essential oil is praised for its ability to improve cognitive functions and overall mood. The inhalation of small quantities of this oil in a combination with carrier oil can help people concentrate and be alert. If the oil is diluted, you can use to to treat acne too. Finally, pet owners can use lemons to protect their pets from fleas.
7. Oregano
This essential oil is often used as a replacement for conventional treatments of flu and common cold. In order to use oregano essential oil for this purpose, just add a couple of drops in a diffuser and inhale the vapor. There are people who use a few drops of this oil in their natural juice or water to soothe sore throat.
Oregano essential oil is known for its anti-fungal and strong antiviral properties. There are cases when this oil has helped individuals dealing with candida infections and digestive problems. If it is diluted with oil obtained from sweet almond or other similar carrier oil, this combination is excellent for cold sores, nail fungus and even dandruff.
Oregano essential oil is packed with carvacrol, a substance that acts as natural bug repellent, so it is a good idea to use it on garden furniture. You can also use it on your skin to protect yourself from bugs, but only after you dilute it.
8. Eucalyptus
This essential oil is perfect when the flu and cold season starts knocking on our doors. In order to keep your lungs and nasal passages clean, pour a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil into boiling water or sprinkle a small amount of this oil on the clothes you wear in your home. This oil has also helped many people suffering from different types of allergies.
Even though this essential oil is an excellent way to deal with cold, you should never ingest it. In case you want to use eucalyptus essential oil on the skin, remember to dilute it before use.
9. Bergamot
When you first smell bergamot essential oil you will notice that this scent reminds you of something and you are right – the scent if frequently used in fragrances. Besides the pleasant smell, bergamot is known for its healing properties. You can use it as incense or in any type of vaporizer to feel the benefits.
Bergamot essential oil helps people relieve stress and anxiety upon inhalation. Finally, this oil can be used topically on the skin to heal eczema. In order to protect yourself from irritations, use this oil after you dilute it.
10. Rosemary
Are you experiencing frequent headaches? Or maybe you are under pressure or stress? Rosemary essential oil is here to solve your problems. In addition, rosemary essential oil can help you with your cognitive functions too. Rosemary essential oil can also be used in a shampoo (by adding few drops). In this way, you will be able to improve circulation in this area and improve the appearance and health of your hair.
There is no doubt that essential oils are an excellent way to boost your health in a completely natural way. Although all of these oils are completely safe and don’t bring any side effects, you should always use them by following the instructions. Be very careful if you are pregnant or if you are suffering from some serious disease.
Sources: Fox News | Huffington Post | Wellness Today | Huffington Post