Essential oils can lift your mood, calm a busy mind during meditation or give your day the boost it needs. But they aren’t regulated by the FDA and quality can vary widely.
Be sure to buy reputable brands and dilute the oil when applying it to the skin (one drop in a teaspoon of carrier oil). Store them in a dark glass bottle, as heat causes them to oxidize faster.
Peppermint
Peppermint oil is one of the most popular essential oils used worldwide. It has been shown to have numerous health benefits and can be used aromatically and topically. It can help soothe the respiratory tract, ease seasonal allergies, boost energy levels, and improve skin and hair health.
The oil contains many beneficial compounds, including menthol. Menthol has been shown to have several biological activities, including inhibition of esophageal motility; modulation of visceral sensation; and downregulation of inflammation and oxidative stress.
When using the oil topically, it is best to dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba. It can also be ingested in tea or added to food recipes. It is important to talk with a health care professional before using it and do a patch test before use.
Rosemary
Rosemary, also called Rosmarinus officinalis, is a common household herb with a variety of uses. Its fragrant leaves are popular in cooking and its essential oil has a wide range of health benefits.
Inhaling rosemary essential oil can boost the immune system and stimulate antioxidants to fight free radical damage. It may also reduce symptoms of a cold or flu by relieving congestion and helping to clear sinuses.
Research suggests that when massaged into the skin, rosemary essential oil may act as a muscle relaxant, decreasing feelings of tension and stiffness. However, it’s important to prioritize safety and proper dilution when using any essential oils, especially for respiratory purposes. Talk to your healthcare professional about the appropriate usage and dilution rates for you.
Lavender
The fresh floral aroma of lavender essential oil is a relaxing treat for the senses. It is believed to ease pain, reduce anxiety and promote sleep when inhaled.
Lavender is also known to soothe eczema and other skin irritations. It is also a natural insect repellent and can be used to clean cuts, scrapes and burns.
Many anecdotal claims regarding the benefits of lavender oil have not yet been substantiated by scientific research. The efficacy of lavender oil will vary depending on a number of factors including plant species, growing conditions and extraction process. Lavender essential oil is safe to use in small amounts, but should be diluted before applying directly to the skin.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a natural pain reliever when applied topically in a diffuser or blended into a lotion. It can soothe minor burns, sores and cuts by decreasing pain, inhibiting bleeding, eliminating bacteria, and promoting wound closure. It’s also a great natural insect repellent. It also works as an antifungal treatment for skin issues like dermatitis and eczema.
Its antiseptic properties make it a great addition to natural cleaning products, especially when mixed with lemon or tea tree oils. Use it in homemade soap, hand-washing liquid and household sprays to clean counters, floors and windows. It can even be used in the laundry as a fabric freshener. Its mentholating qualities are great for soothing sore throats and earaches – one of the main reasons it’s in the ingredient list for Vicks VapoRub!
Geranium
Geranium oil is extracted through steam distillation of the geranium plant’s leaves and flowers. There are two main variations in geranium oil: Egyptian and Bourbon, each of which offer unique therapeutic properties and scents.
A great natural anti-inflammatory, geranium oil may be useful for easing pain from headaches, arthritis or other muscle aches. It also helps relieve stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of balance and wellbeing.
If you have a hormonal imbalance that causes oily skin, geranium oil may help regulate hormones and reduce sebum production. It is also helpful for easing dry itchy skin and eczema.
Like all essential oils, geranium oil should always be diluted with a carrier oil before use. Please consult an essential oil book or other reference source for suggested dilution ratios.
