Essential oils have great medicinal benefits as they contain the essence of herbs and flowers in concentrated form. Some essential oils are inhaled, while some are applied to skin whereas some of them are even safe to be consumed for health benefits. So, which are the most popular essential oils and how should they be used? We have listed below the best essential oils with great medicinal properties along with their uses:
1. Lavender Oil
Lavender is a gentle essential oil that can be used without being diluted. It has soothing aroma that can calm high strung nerves. The antibacterial property of lavender will help fight germs and heal bacterial infections, wounds and acnes. When consumed in required quantities, it aids digestion, cures headaches, reduces high blood pressure and heals respiratory problems.
2. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint is used in mouth fresheners for the lingering pleasant scent in leaves behind on breath. Peppermint essential oil is great healer of stomach ailments, itching, muscular stress and congestion. It is great remedy for PMS symptoms and also great for students as it is known to increase concentration and memorizing.
3. Eucalyptus Oil
The colorless Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil has been used for medicinal purposes for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antispasmodic properties. It is also a great decongestant which heals respiratory problems. The distinct odor of the oil has made it popular among aroma therapists who use it to soothe aching muscles, relieve headaches, cold, coughs and other benefits.
4. Sandalwood Oil
The exotic aroma of sandalwood has given it a sacred status among many religions especially in India and Japan where it is a part of prayer and worship. It is also widely used in production of cosmetics and perfumes. It is used to treat mental disorders, skin ailments, acnes, digestive disorders, coughs and nervousness.
5. Tea Tree Oil
The camphor like scent and various benefits of tea tree oil has seen an increase in its production in past 6 decades. Though it is not consumed orally, the application of tea tree essential oil is known to heal bacterial, fungal and viral infections more effectively than many over the counter medicines. In addition it is a great stimulator of immune system. It is widely used in cleaning products.
6. Lemon Oil
Packed with strong citrus flavor, the lemon essential oil is also an antioxidant that can build immunity of the body against diseases. The lemon is sought for its health benefits as much for its invigorating and enriching flavor. It is excellent for skin, clearing it of scars and blemishes.
7. Basil Oil
Basil essential oil has been used since ancient times for treating digestive disorders, respiratory problems, fever, cold, cough and even snake bites. The basil aroma was also known to attract perfect mate for a person. It has antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties which can be used to relax aching muscles.
8. Rosemary Oil
For those having problem with central nervous system, Rosemary essential oil is a blessing as it has ability to clear the mind, creating alertness and stimulating it’s functioning to a great extent. It can enhance memory, cure headaches, intestinal infection, varicose veins and diarrhea. In addition it helps to stop hair fall.
9. Chamomile Oil
One of the most sought after properties of chamomile essential oil has been its ability to relax body and mind, providing a soothing and calming effect. It is extensively used in aroma therapy to cure insomnia, headaches, chest congestion, anxiety, and menstrual problems.
10. Ylang Ylang Oil
Ylang Ylang essential oil is great remedy for depression, anxiety, grief and extreme uncontrollable anger. Herbalists claim that just sniffing the aroma of Ylang Ylang essential oil can calm a violent person. It is also used as aphrodisiac.
