For thousands of years, different
societies and cultures have been using various essential oils to soothe a wide
number of health issues. From arthritis, to joint pain, chest congestion, skin
conditions, digestive problems and stress, these essential oils have natural
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that work wonders
on all of them and more.
Essential oils are highly
concentrated oils that are extracted from flowers, plants, wood, seeds, bark
and roots. These oils have natural healing and purifying capabilities that can
only be defined as divine and holistic.
There are literally hundreds of
these oils and different cultures have made use of them in many varied ways.
You will find that the best essential oils have a variety of applications which
include aromatherapy, use as soap, perfume or various skincare products and
best of all, medicinal applications.
Although these oils have a
holistic soothing and healing effect, there really isn’t a ‘one size fits all’
application. It is thus important to identify the different types of oils, the
kind of application they are best suited for and most importantly, the
instructions on how to use them.
Peppermint
Oil
This natural oil is extracted
from the peppermint plant. This plant is a cross between spearmint and water
mint and is found in North America and Europe. The oil has a wide variety of
uses including applications as soap fragrance and flavoring in beverages and
foods. It can be taken topically as an ointment or skin care product. It can
also be taken orally as part of a dietary supplement, though we suggest you
should first refer to your doctor before ingesting any form of essential oils.
Peppermint oil has been known to
relieve the following conditions:
Indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, heartburn, cramps, sinus infections, menstrual problems, common colds and coughs.
Indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, heartburn, cramps, sinus infections, menstrual problems, common colds and coughs.
Lavender
Oil
Lavender is extracted from a
variety of flowers that belong to the mint family. Essential oil and holistic
circles say that lavender oil is the most widely used natural oil in the world
today. This is mostly due to the soothing effects of this beautifully scented
oil.
Lavender oil has been known to
soothe the following conditions:
Reduces emotional stress and anxiety, improve sleep, alleviate headaches, heals wounds and burn, slow the effects of aging on your skin due to it’s powerful antioxidant properties, improve psoriasis and eczema, reduce acne and restore skin complexion.
You can apply lavender oil
directly to your skin or inhale it’s scent and essence by adding some drops to
your diffuser and pillow. This has been known to greatly improve sleep.
Tea
Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is extracted from
the leaves of ‘Melaleuca alternifolia’, a plant native to Australia. That is
why sometimes it is referred to as Melaleuca Oil. This oil has gained worldwide
popularity due to it’s healing benefits. It has been known to help fight
infections as well as help boost ones immune system.
Tea Tree oil is mostly used to
combat the following conditions:
Dandruff, skin blemishes, sooth and heal cuts and burns, relieve rash itchiness, treat acne, prevent lice when used as part of your shampoo.
Dandruff, skin blemishes, sooth and heal cuts and burns, relieve rash itchiness, treat acne, prevent lice when used as part of your shampoo.
Rosemary
Oil
Extracted from the Rosemary
plant, this sweet smelling oil has gained extreme popularity due to the very
wide array of health benefits it possesses. This oil has the ability to
stimulate hair growth, reduce pain, improve mental activity and relieve
respiratory issues among many other benefits.
It is most commonly used to deal
with the following conditions:
Fatigue (inhalation through diffuser), slow down hair loss (add it to your shampoo or massage it onto your scalp), inflammation, low blood pressure, menstrual problems, learning and memory improvement (inhale or rub against temples)
Sandalwood
Oil
Extracted from the heartwood of the tree by the same name,
Sandalwood, this exotic oil is used in cosmetics, perfumes and various beauty
treatments. In some religions, Sandalwood oil is considered sacred and an
integral part of all life changing events such as the birth and death of a
loved one. Besides the strong aroma, Sandalwood is an anti-inflammatory,
antiseptic, and antispasmodic agent.
Sandalwood oil can be used for the following:
Treat acne, sooth anxiety, relieve back pain, relieve bronchitis, repair cartilage, achieve emotional balance, improve dry hair. This oil is generally for topical use and may be applied directly to the area of concern in the case of relieving pain or to be inhaled.
Ylang
Ylang Oil
Best known for it’s calming
effects, Ylang-Ylang Oil is extracted from the flowers of the Ylang-Ylang tree
which is native to Indonesia. The sweet, soothing flowery fragrance is believed
to induce romantic feelings in anyone who comes in contact with the aroma. That
is why these flower petals are often strewn across marital beds in Indonesia.
This oil is unrivaled when it comes to bringing about a ‘relaxed’ feeling.
Ylang-Ylang oil is also used for
the following purposes:
Anti-depressant, aphrodisiac, anti-septic for cuts and burns, insomnia, fatigue and stress, keeping a moisturized, hydrated and smooth skin. This essential oil also makes wonderful blends when mixed with sandalwood, lavender or bergamot.
Bergamot
Oil
This oil is extracted from the
rind of the Bergamot orange fruit. It has a predominant citrus scent and is to
be used with precaution because concentrated potions of this oil have been
known to cause some skin irritation and burns. You therefore may have to dilute
it properly and follow instructions when using it.
The oil is widely used in
colognes and perfumes as well as for the following purposes:
Anti-depressant stimulant, antibiotic and disinfectant, sedative – it has relaxing properties which make it a suitable choice, reduce constipation and encourage bowel movements.
Anti-depressant stimulant, antibiotic and disinfectant, sedative – it has relaxing properties which make it a suitable choice, reduce constipation and encourage bowel movements.
Chamomile
Oil
Chamomile oil has very effective
calming properties. This sweet scented essential oil is extracted from a
variety of daisy-like plants. It is then infused in several herbs to achieve
quite a wide array of medicinal ends.
These include:
Treating hay fever, menstrual
disorders, ulcers, haemorrhoids, gastrointestinal disorders, insomnia, muscle
spasms.
Thank you for reading this
article. I hope it helpful. Please always visit this blog for more health tips.