If you have ever enjoyed the sweet scent of a rose, then you have experienced the aromatic qualities of essential oils. Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants. These natural oils are found in the barks, stems, flowers, roots, and other parts of plants. Essential oils are obtained by distillation using steam and or water or by cold pressing. Following extraction, the aromatic compounds are mixed with a carrier oil to produce a finished product that is ready for use. The preparation of essential oils is important, as essential oils produced through chemical processes are not considered original.
There are more than 200 essential oils that can be used to heal, ease or prevent diseases. They may be taken internally or applied externally in the form of baths, inhalations, massage oils, or vapourized in the atmosphere with the help of an aroma diffuser.
Here are ten favourite essential oils and their uses.
Lavender oil
This is one of the most common essential oils, known for its comforting aroma, which is good for both relaxation and soothing your skin. It promotes feelings of peace and combats nervousness and also reduces skin blemishes.
Peppermint essential oil
With its minty freshness, it soothes fatigued muscles after physical activity and helps with poor digestion. It is also helpful for migraines and motion sickness and bad breath.
Tea tree oil: Also known as melaleuca oil, tea tree oil is an essential oil that comes from the Australian tea tree. It has antibacterial properties and is widely used to treat acne, athlete’s foot, lice, dandruff, nail fungus, and insect bites. Tea tree oil is used in soaps and other skin products.
Rosemary essential oil
Rosemary oil is extracted from the rosemary plant(Rosmarinus officinalis), an evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves and a woody aroma. Although it is commonly used as a food spice, it is one of the world’s most common aromatic and medicinal plants. Rosemary oil helps improve brain function, stimulates hair growth, helps relieve pain, and eases stress.
Verbena essential oil
It may be one of the lesser-known essential oils, derived from the verbena plant. It is still called the essential oil of happiness; for worried, aggressive, and constantly stressed people. It is also helpful for treating venoms, heart problems, and digestive system ulcers.
Chamomile essential oil
It is obtained from the flowers of the chamomile plant. The varieties of the camomile plants are Roman camomile and German chamomile. It is good for sinus problems, headaches, facial neuralgia, and nerve-related menstrual problems.
Lemon essential oil
This oil is extracted from the skin of the lemon. The essential oil can either be diffused into the air and inhaled or applied directly to the skin after being diluted. It is frequently found in a variety of skincare and aromatherapy products. It is helpful for anemia, treats infections, and promotes healthy skin. It also helps prevent morning sickness in pregnant women and improves mental alertness.
Eucalyptus essential oil
This oil is derived from the dried, crushed, and distilled leaves of the eucalyptus plant. Its medicinal purposes include treatment for respiratory problems (bronchitis and asthma). It also calms cough and treats urinary tract infections.
Geranium essential oil
This oil is derived from the steamed and distilled leaves of the Pelargonium graveolens plant. Geranium oil can be used in a diffuser, inhaled, added to a warm bath, or applied directly to the skin. It helps prevents diabetes and is also good for cuts and skin disorders such as shingles and eczema. Geranium oil helps in blood circulation, and stress management.
Rosehip oil
Rosehip oil is extracted from rose hips on the rosebush. These oils contain Vitamin C and Vitamin A. The vitamin C in Rosehips has antioxidant properties which may help reduce ultraviolet light damage caused by free radicals and also supports collagen production, which helps reduce wrinkling. Finally, vitamin C may help wounds heal faster and prevent dry skin.
You’ve now discovered a few of the over 200 essential oils and their health benefits. You can use them according to your needs and enjoy their benefits.
By: Priscilla Fumadorh