Essential oils can soothe headaches, calm anxiety, reduce nausea, ease achy joints and more. They can even help you smell better.
But despite their natural origins, it’s important to prioritize safety and proper dilution when using them. It’s also a good idea to consult with your healthcare professional before trying out new oils.
Oregano
Oregano is a herb that is usually harvested for its leaves, but it also produces an essential oil. Both the leaves and the oil can be used medicinally. Oregano is beneficial for treating a number of microbial infections. This is because it contains antibacterial properties. The thymol and carvacrol found in oregano have been shown to inhibit bacterial growth.
It has been found that these plant compounds can help reduce the risk of diabetes by reducing inflammation and improving blood sugar regulation. It has also been found that they can be effective against parasites such as Cryptosporidium, which causes diarrhea.
Another benefit of oregano is its expectorant properties, which can help relieve coughing. Oregano can also be used as a natural mosquito repellent. Oregano oil can be used topically, or inhaled as a vapor, to treat herpes, yeast infections, gastrointestinal issues, muscle pain and other conditions. It is not recommended that you take oregano oil orally unless directed by your doctor.
Peppermint
Peppermint is one of the most versatile essential oils. It can be used to freshen breath, soothe nausea and stomach problems, boost energy and alertness, ease itchy skin and clear congestion.
Peppermint oil contains over 40 compounds including menthol, which gives it its refreshing smell. Menthol has antispasmodic properties and is believed to help relieve irritable bowel syndrome symptoms by preventing smooth muscle contractions. It is also an effective natural insect repellent and can be diluted and added to household cleaners for its deodorizing properties.
When buying essential oils, it is important to choose ones that have been properly harvested and stored to ensure quality and safety. Look for bottles that contain the Latin name of the plant, information on purity and other ingredients added to the oil, and are made by a company with a good track record. Avoid using plastic bottles as they may dissolve over time, tainting the oil inside. Also, it is best to use essential oils on the skin only when they have been diluted with a carrier oil or other substance such as jojoba or coconut oil.
Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most widely used essential oil in the world. The herb’s many uses span the gamut from easing headaches to reducing stress, soothing skin, aiding sleep, and supporting digestion.
Inhaling lavender’s fragrance may promote restful sleep, according to a 2018 study that found that people who inhaled lavender aromatherapy experienced improved sleep quality and less frequent waking during the night. Its scent also helps relieve feelings of anxiety and emotional stress, while its antiseptic volatile oils help shift congestion.
For the gardener, lavender’s essential oils act like a bouncer for the plant, keeping away pests while welcoming bees and other pollinators. The herb’s scent is so potent that it’s been known to repel mosquitoes, too.
Rosemary
The evergreen herb, Rosmarinus officinalis (commonly known as rosemary), is an aromatic perennial shrub in the mint family. Its leaves are used fresh or dried as a seasoning, and its oil is extracted from the plant to make perfume. It also has many health benefits, and is sometimes referred to as an “elixir for the brain.”
Rosemary has antispasmodic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain, especially in joints and muscles. The phenolic compounds in the oil, such as rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid, also have antimicrobial effects that can protect against infection.
One study found that when 22 people smelled rosemary essential oil, their salivary cortisol levels decreased, indicating that the aroma may be able to lower stress hormones. Its circulation-boosting properties may also be useful for treating conditions such as Raynaud’s disease, in which the blood vessels in the fingers and toes become constricted, leading to coldness. Massage of the hands with a rosemary oil blend reduced pain in patients suffering from this condition.
