The 8 Benefits of the Most Common Essential Oils
Most people reach inside their medicine cabinets when they have aches and pains, but many people are also turning to more natural solutions such as essential oils. That’s because when used correctly, essential oils can provide long-lasting and therapeutic effects without all the harmful side effects of pills and drugs.
If you’re looking for a more holistic and natural way to treat common ailments such as headaches, fatigue, or stress, try these 8 common essential oils first to see if they can help you. You might just be pleasantly surprised by their calming effects and long-lasting relief.
Keep on reading to learn more!
Top 8 Common Essential Oils
There are hundreds of types of essential oils made from a variety of plants, herbs, and fruits. Some can be applied directly to the skin; some can be used in a diffuser as aromatherapy oils. If you’re new to essential oils, you might find all of this a bit confusing.
To help you out, below are 8 of the most common essential oils that people use and how they can help you:
1. Lavender Essential Oil
Of all the essential oils, lavender oil might be the one you’re most familiar with. They are used in lotions, creams, soaps and just about every topical product we can think of. Why? Because lavender oil is known to have calming and therapeutic properties.
Try applying a bit of lavender oil on your wrists and pulse points before bed every night to help promote sleepiness and reduce insomnia. Or try adding a drop or two into your favorite shampoo or vaporizer. The heat and the vapor combined with the oil will instantly create a calming and relaxing atmosphere.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Next to lavender oil, the oil that is most commonly used in products is tea tree oil. Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the plant, Melaleuca, and it is easily recognizable by its strong astringent smell.
People love tea tree oil because it’s antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. It can be used to treat zits, cold sores, insect bites, foot fungus, head lice, and more. When using tea tree oil, make sure you dilute it with water or carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil before use. Otherwise, it can irritate your skin.
3. Rosemary Oil
If you suffer from headaches, mental fogs, or stomaches often, you might want to keep rosemary oil around. Smelling this essential oil can bring mental clarity and boost memory. It is truly a mood booster.
Also, you can also mix rosemary oil to your favorite lotions and carrier oils and rub it all over your aching muscles and joints to relieve pain and digestive issues. Rosemary oil can also help stimulate hair growth if you mix it into your shampoos.
4. Lemon Essential Oil
Need a boost of energy? A few drops of lemon oil in the diffuser can help. Its citrusy and crisp notes will instantly perk up your energy and mood. This oil is perfect to use when you have trouble focusing or concentrating.
In addition, lemon essential oil can also boost your immunity. Try adding a few drops into your bath water when you are feeling under the weather. The oil and the steam will help open up your sinuses and give your immune system a kicker.
5. Chamomile
A slightly less known essential oil but powerful. Chamomile essential oil comes from the flowers of two varieties of the Chamomile plant. One comes from the Roman Chamomile, and the other comes from the German Chamomile.
Both oils are considered to be antibiotic, antiseptic, and an antidepressant, however, the Roman Chamomile version is better known as an analgesic for pain relief, while the German Chamomile is better for inflammation. Keep this oil around to treat minor scrapes, burns, and cuts.
6. Peppermint Essential Oil
For those of you who like the menthol scent, you’ll enjoy peppermint essential oil. It’s antibacterial properties, and minty smell naturally makes it an excellent choice for respiratory issues as well as fatigue and stress.
Whether you have a stuffy nose or need some mental clarity, add a few drops of this to a vaporizer to help you breath better and clear mental fog. If you suffer from upset stomachs, nausea, or car sickness, dapping some peppermint oil on your wrist can help soothe your stomach. Do not use peppermint oil around the eyes.
7. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus oil is a must-have for those of you who suffer from allergies, respiratory issues, or muscle pains. Its antiseptic properties are excellent for clearing the air, and its antispasmodic properties are great for soothing tensed and overworked muscles. This company uses it to enhance relaxation for their clients when they come in for massages.
At home, you can draw a bath with a few drops of eucalyptus oil to relax your whole body or mix it in with massage oil to target specific areas. Do no use eucalyptus oil if you’re pregnant and never ingest eucalyptus oil.
8. Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil
Ylang-ylang, pronounced ‘lang-lang,’ is an oil that comes from the flowers of the Cananga tree. The tree is native to Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Its fragrance is strong but sweet and can be used as an aphrodisiac or to reduce stress.
Ylang-ylang oil is often mixed with lotions and used in massage oils for couples. But it can also be added to a vaporizer to create a calming atmosphere for anyone. Before you meditate next time or get ready to relax, try adding a few drops of ylang-ylang to promote help clear mental clutter and promote feelings of self-love.
A Natural Solution
The medical properties and benefits of common essential oils are still being studied and discovered every day. With hundreds of varieties, there is bound to be one that works for you. Once you are familiar with which ones you like, you can also mix different oils to create a whole new scent that is just right for you.
Everyone’s bodies and senses are different, so we highly recommend you to try different ones to see how your body reacts to each one. If you would like more information on holistic health, mindfulness, or self-improvement, don’t forget to visit our website to learn more!