Essential oils are the concentrated ‘essence’ of a plant. They might come from their flowers, bark, roots or leaves. Since they’re extremely concentrated, they smell very strongly of the plant’s scent. It’s thought that certain essential oils might promote relaxation through aromatherapy. For example, zingy scents like lemon balm could help you feel more refreshed, while you might find lavender nostalgic and soothing. Essential oils serve diverse purposes, primarily for aromatherapy to reduce stress, improve mood, and aid sleep, but als for topial skin/hair care, natural cleanng, flavoring, and antimicrobial agents, leveraging their concentrated plant compounds for calming (lavender), energizing (peppermint), or antiseptic (tea tree) effects, often diluted with carrier oils or diffused.
What are carrier oils?
Lavender oil
Lavender can help with stress, pain and sleep.
Tea tree oil
Most people use tea tree oil as an antiseptic, antimicrobial, or antifungal. Dilute it with a carrier oil (a base or vegetable oil like coconut or jojoba oil (my prefered) that helps dilute essential oils) and put the blend on the affected skin.
- Acne -Take a cotton swab and dip it into tea tree essential oil. Then, apply it directly on the acne — this is one exception where you don’t have to dilute it, It can help resolve acne faster.
- Athlete’s foot and ringworms. Dilute it with a carrier oil (a base or vegetable oil like coconut or jojoba that helps dilute essential oils) and put the blend on the affected skin.
Frankincense oil
Known as the “king of oils,” frankincense can help with inflammation, mood and sleep. Studies have shown that it can also improve asthma and might prevent gum disease.
Frankincense oil has a woody, spicy scent and can be used as aromatherapy and can be found in skin creams. Makes sure you dilute frankincense oil before applying it to your skin.
Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is known to:
- Anti-inflammatory, anti-funal and antimicrobial
- Ease headaches
- Fight fatigue
- Lift mood
- Reduces gut spasms
- Support digestion
- Support memory
Peppermint tea can settle your stomach, too, if you have Irritable Bowel syndrom (IBS) or gastric irritation.
When using the oil topically, make sure you dilute it.
Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus is a great essential oil to have on hand during cold season. It soothes a stuffed-up nose by opening your nasal passages so you can breathe easier. (Peppermint oil can also help with this.)
It can also pain relief and fight against herpes simplex virus due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Take precautions when using eucalyptus oil, making sure to dilute it before applying topically. It should not be ingested and can have dangerous side effects on children and pets.
Lemon oil
Extracted from the peel of lemons, lemon oil can be diffused into the air or applied topically to your skin with a carrier oil.
Lemon oil is known to:
- Reduce anxiety and depression
- Reduce Pain
- Ease nausea
- Kill Bacteria
A study also states that aromatherapy of essential oils like lemon oil might improve the cognitive function of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Lemon oil is safe for aromatherapy and topical use. But there have been some reports that lemon oil can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and increase your risk of sunburn. Avoid direct sunlight exposure after use. This includes lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, lemongrass and bergamot oils.
Lemongrass oil
Lemongrass oil has a strong citrus scent and is known to help relievestress, anxiety and depression.
Its antibacterial properties make it a good natural remedy to heal wounds andkill bacteria . It has been shown to prevent the growth of fungus found in athlete’s foot, ringworm and jock itch.
A study found that using lemongrass oil can help reduce blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes.
Be sure to use a carrier oil before applying to your skin.
Orange oil
Orange oil is made from the rinds of the citrus fruit. It can be diffused into the air, topically on the skin (with a carrier oil) or even used as a natural cleaner in your home.
Orange oil is known to kill Bacteria, reduce anxiety and reduce pain
Orange oil has the potential to make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so be careful about using it on your skin and then going outside.
Rosemary oil
You’ve probably reached for rosemary to add flavor to some of your recipes. But using rosemary oil also has some additional benefits like improving brain function,, promoting hair growth,, reducing pain and stress, lifting your mood and reducing joint inflammaton.
Rosemary oil is safe to use in aromatherapy and topically on the skin with a carrier oil. If you’re pregnant or have epilepsy or high blood pressure, it’s advised to avoid using rosemary oil.
Bergamot oil
What is bergamot? If you’re a fan of Earl Grey tea, then you have had bergamot. The oil, which has a fruity and floral aroma, can be diffused or applied topically with a carrier oil (but it can make your skin sensitive to the sun).
Bergamot oil is known to:
- Reduce anxiety
- Lift mood
- Lower blood pressure
Cedarwood oil
Cedarwood oil, which has antioxidant and antibacterial properties, is a popular ingredient in insect repellent, shampoo and deodorant with its woodsy scent. But you can also use cedarwood oil to help with sleep and anxiety.
You can use cedarwood oil as aromatherapy, as well as a topical treatment mixed with a carrier oil.
Other Oils and Health benefits of aromatherapy
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Chamomile: Reduce stress
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Clary sage: Promote relaxation
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Eucalyptus: Clear sinuses
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Ginger: Reduce nausea
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Ylang-ylang: Decrease stress
Popular essential oil blends
You can create your own blend of essential oils or look for a premade blend. Here are some popular blends to try:
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Clary sage + chamomile
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Clary sage + lavender + peppermint
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Eucalyptus + lemon + rosemary + peppermint
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Lavender + chamomile
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Lavender + rosemary + lemon
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Lemon + lavender + peppermint
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Peppermint + orange
How to use essential oils
There are several ways to enjoy essential oils:
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Add a few drops to a spray bottle filled with water and spritz on your pillow and sheets
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Apply a few drops to a cotton ball, then put the cotton ball in your car's air vents
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Put a few drops in your bath tub
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Rub oil on your pulse points
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Take a quick whiff from the bottle whenever needed
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Use an oil diffuser or vaporizer
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Wear jewelry specifically designed to diffuse essential oils
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