Relax, relate, release and smell the aroma of essential oils! For years, essential oils have been used during aromatherapy sessions for rest, relaxation, and pain relief. Essential oil is a compound that is extracted from a plant through a mechanical or chemical process.
The oils have the same scent and taste as the plant from which it was extracted. Therefore, it is said that the oils carry the essence of the plant and this is where the term “essential oil” was derived. There are several health benefits that have been claimed to be associated with the use of essential oils.
Essential oils for health
Check out these 5 essential oils that can improve your health!
You May Also Like
1. Lemon Oil
Ever wonder why the fresh scent of lemons reminds you of sparkly, clean countertops? It’s because lemon oil has antibacterial and antiseptic properties and it’s used in a variety of household cleaners. These same properties make lemon oil an option for acne, athlete’s foot, and warts.
Not only can lemon oil make your home a healthier place to live, but it can also affect your mood by helping ease depression, anxiety, fatigue, and stress. It is also believed that lemon oil can trigger the body to break down fat cells leading to increased weight loss and improving the appearance of varicose veins.
You May Also Like
How To Use It
Pure lemon oil should not be used on the skin. If you are using it on the skin, it should first be combined with a carrier oil like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil to dilute the concentration. Although the scent may remind you of a tall glass of lemonade, it should not be ingested. A drop or two may be added to your bath water or used in an aromatherapy diffuser.
2. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil comes from the lavender plant that is grown in Northern Africa and the Mediterranean mountains. Lavender plants have a beautiful pastel purple color and a fragrant scent that is often associated with relaxation. There are about 40 different species of lavender and they all have many properties that make them very beneficial to your health.
Like lemon oil, lavender oil can be used for anxiety, depression, and insomnia. If you have minor cuts, burns, or bug bites lavender oil can help reduce inflammation and has antiseptic properties. Lavender oil can be used as a pain reliever for sprains, headaches, and even toothaches! When used as an anti-fungal, lavender oil may be effective for athlete’s foot and other fungal infections. Hair loss, due to alopecia, has been improved with the use of lavender oil.
READ: Benefits of Oil Pulling
How to Use It
Pure lavender oil is a very powerful, natural chemical. Therefore, it should not be applied to the skin or the scalp. It must be diluted with a carrier oil before it is applied to the skin or scalp. You can add lavender directly to your hair products or shampoo to stimulate hair growth.
Pure lavender oil should not be ingested. However, lavender tea, made from the lavender plant, can be ingested to help with digestion or for relaxation. A drop or two can be added to a warm bath or diffuser to alleviate stress and tension. If you like the taste of lavender, a few drops can be added to baked goods.
3. Cinnamon Oil
The sweet smell of cinnamon rolls or oatmeal for breakfast comes to mind when you think of cinnamon. However, cinnamon oil is a powerful essential oil that can be used for a variety of health benefits. Cinnamon oil is extracted from the bark of the cinnamon tree or its leaves.
Cinnamon oil is analgesic, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory. It is an option for sore and achy muscles, headaches, and joint stiffness. Cinnamon oil has moisturizing and anti-aging properties that can be used to enhance the appearance of your skin.
It improves symptoms associated with colds like sneezing and chest congestion. Like some of the other essential oils, it is an option to improve depression and fatigue. The properties of cinnamon oil can strengthen your immune system and improve your libido.
READ: 6 Oils To Help Heal Scars Naturally
How To Use It
Cinnamon oil should not be applied directly to the skin. It may be added to cosmetics, skincare, or hair products. You can make your own products using cinnamon oil, a carrier oil, and other essential oils. Cinnamon oil may be used as a massage oil or in an aromatherapy diffuser for relaxation.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil comes from tea trees that exclusively grow in Australia. Tea tree oil is antiviral, antimicrobial, and antiseptic, and demonstrates some anti-cancer properties. Tea tree oil doesn’t have a sweet smell like lavender, but it can be used to improve acne, colds and coughs, dandruff, athlete's foot, rashes, and tension headaches.
How To Use It
Pure tea tree oil is very potent and should be used with a carrier oil. Tea tree oil can be combined with your current cosmetic and hair products to improve dandruff or scalp conditions. Add some tea tree oil to your next load of laundry to get rid of strong odors or dilute it with water to use as a kitchen cleaner.
5. Eucalyptus Oil
When I read the word “eucalyptus”, I can smell the Vicks VapoRub in the air. Eucalyptus oil is extracted from eucalyptus trees in Australia. Eucalyptus oil is antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and is an excellent bug repellent.
Eucalyptus oil has decongesting, deodorant, and tension-relieving properties. It can boost circulation and improve mental clarity. You can find eucalyptus oil in muscle rubs, topical decongestants, cleaning agents, and anti-fungal creams.
READ: Try These Three Essential Oils For Seasonal Allergy Relief
How To Use It
Eucalyptus oil can be combined with a carrier oil and other essential oils for fungal infections or used as a decongestant. It can also be added to a bath to help soothe sore muscles, heighten your mood, and improve the symptoms of a cold.
Although essential oils are natural, they are still very potent chemicals that should be used responsibly. Before using essential oils for health-related issues, be sure to carefully read the instructions on proper application. You may consult with an aromatherapist or a holistic physician who specializes in clinical aromatherapy to get information on which essential oils are most beneficial for you.
Dr. Candace McMillon-Dantley is the health-empowering creator of The Doc Knows and she’s on a mission to motivate you to a life of health. She has a Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences. When she’s not health writing, she is health motivating and educating during her interactive presentations on healthy nutrition, self-care and conditions of the body. Her experiences as a business owner, chiropractor, wife and mom of two resonate and relate with her audiences. Connect with Dr. Candace on Instagram @drcandace.
