The many uses of essential oils are becoming more widely known in recent years. Many people are now aware that there is much more to these little bottles than just the smell.
It has been estimated that 43% of those who experience stress and anxiety use some sort of alternative therapy to help relieve their symptoms. In an age where stress seems to be the new normal, it’s not a bad idea to try and see how essential oils can help you. But what’s best for you?
Here are 10 of the best essential oils out there that can help with your health.
Essential Oils
- Peppermint
Peppermint is a well-known essential oil and a hybrid of watermint and spearmint. It helps to improve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. In addition, it can also be helpful to alleviate tension headaches. When inhaled, it can minimise upper respiratory infection symptoms.
- Lavender
Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils for beginners and a versatile oil used in aromatherapy. Distilled from the plant Lavandula angustifolia, it has been used for thousands of years by different cultures all around the world. This oil is well known to promote relaxation. Also, it is believed to treat anxiety and reduce physical and mental stress levels when inhaled.
- Tea Tree
Tea trees are originally native to Queensland and New South Wales in Australia. For centuries, the Aboriginal people used tea tree oil as a traditional medicine. Today, it is widely used as a neat or 100% undiluted oil. But there are also diluted forms available ranging from 5-50% strength designed for the skin. With its many applications, it can be used as a hand sanitiser, insect repellent, natural deodorant, wound healing, antiseptic, and more.
- Rosemary
Although rosemary is best known as a food seasoning, this aromatic, evergreen perennial shrub is a popular medicinal plant. Many scientists are now studying the potential benefits of its oil. Aside from using it in food, you can also use it as an essential oil for its cognitive and stress relieving benefits.
- Lemon
Extracted by cold-pressing its peel, lemon essential oil is a natural ingredient that serves as a home remedy. Using it has multiple benefits as it has a releasing and cleansing effect on our bodies. It has properties to relieve nausea, improve digestion, and cleanse toxins.
- Clove
Derived from the clove tree, this essential oil can bring a lot of health benefits. It has a pain relieving property when applied topically to sore joints and muscle. It can also be used treating oral thrush.
- Eucalyptus
Native to Australia, eucalyptus trees are now grown all over the world and used for their medicinal properties. Its leaves are crushed, dried, and distilled to release the essential oil that has beneficial effects from relieving cough to easing joint pains.
- Frankincense
Frankincense is commonly used in religious ceremonies and has a woody, spicy, balsamic aroma. It helps to calm the mind, especially when it is aerosolised. Additionally, it can also help relieve pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
- Chamomile
Commonly a popular ingredient in tea, chamomile is known to have its sedative effects. This essential oil has relaxation properties that can help with sleep. With much research on its benefits, it can be used for conditions from digestive issues to wound healing.
- Ginger
Extracted from its rhizome after a distillation process, ginger oil has been used in traditional medicine for its health benefits. It can be used in the skin and hair. Furthermore, it can help ease conditions from nausea, arthritis, upset stomach, colds, or migraines.
There are many different ways to use essential oils. Whether you’d like to use them for relaxation, pain relief, or cleaning purposes. There is always a way to find the right oil for you. Remember that it is an important tool for improving one’s health and well-being.
Learn more about our own essential oil for deep relaxation and sleep here.