Essential oils are the great ancestors of modern medicine. The use of some of these oils can be traced back to over two millennia ago. They are called essential because they contain characteristics beneficial to our body and mind.
Today we have countless essential oils. Every herb, fruit, and flower can have its oil extracted. Not all of them have the same benefits, though. If you want to find out which ones to get, here are the 10 best essential oils and why are they widely used.
The 10 Best Essential Oils
These are the oils that have the best characteristics even though the uses may be different:
1. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is a well-known oil that can with various conditions. People have been using lavender for thousands of years. It can be an antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, antibacterial, antioxidant, sedative, immunity enhancer, and more. You may use it on your skin. It may help you with burns, insect bites, cuts, acne, and other conditions.
Rubbing it on your forehead area may ease a headache. Adding a couple of drops of lavender in your bath water can soothe you and your irritated nerves. If you add a couple of drops to hot water it could help your sinus problems. Inhaling the steam with lavender eases the symptoms of respiratory problems.
Lavender oil can be an effective antiperspirant too. Mix it with baking soda and hot water to make an antiperspirant deodorant. When you wash your clothes, you may add a few drops of this oil to freshen up. In the end, dry lavender mixed with some lavender oil can repel moths and other insects! An essential oil indeed!
2. Lemon Oil
One of the most popular oils in everyday use, you may find it as an aromatic in various commercial products. Soaps, shampoos, air refreshers, but also food like sparkling water or candy can have a touch of lemon oil in them. When you think of lemon oil, you probably think of something fresh and clean!
It has antibacterial and antiseptic traits. Experts say that its scent might have antidepressive effects. Lemon oil vapor can spur the production of the anti-stress hormone norepinephrine. It contains a high amount of D-limonene. This substance can help with circulation, skin tone, and wrinkle removal.
If you gargle a few drops of lemon oil with hot water you may get rid of bad breath. If you add some to shampoo it can help with dandruff treatment. And, adding it to the bath water may alleviate your anxiety or bad mood. So, just like lavender, it may be good to have some of this oil around.
3. Eucalyptus Oil
This oil is known for its strong aroma and fresh scent. People sometimes add it to air fresheners and humidifiers to clear the air. It is also an effective pesticide. You may find it in products that deal with fungus, weeds, mites, bacteria, insects, and others. You may use it as a spray to get rid of germs and bad smell in the kitchen or bathroom.
A popular use of this oil is for the treatment of breathing problems. It may lower the intensity of asthma attacks and soothe chest congestion. Rubbing it on your chest and throat area can help you breathe better.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree is native to Australia. Australians have used tea tree leaves throughout the country’s history. They used it to treat inflammations and wounds and skin conditions. It has antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
It may prove effective for eczema, acne, cold, fungus, wounds, insect bites, etc. Many people use it as a supplement for dandruff treatment. This multifunctional oil can really come in handy.
5. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint is a fine aromatic addition to various medical products. Because of its distinctive smell, you will have no trouble recognizing it. Similar to peppermint tea, the oil has antiviral and antibacterial characteristics. You may mix some peppermint with water to soothe cold symptoms.
Peppermint oil is best used as a treatment for headaches or mental health. It may boost your focus and memory. Inhaling peppermint oil or placing some under your nostrils can make you feel refreshed for a while.
6. Clove Oil
Clove oil may be effective when you have problems in your oral cavity area or a sore throat. It can treat gum disease, canker and cold sores, toothache and other conditions. If you have recurring dental problems, keeping some clove oil nearby may prove to be a huge relief.
7. Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon has a lot of admirers in the cosmetic industry. It’s fresh, captivating scent makes your skin irresistible. All the antioxidant and antibacterial traits make it a great skin preserver. If you apply it to painful areas, it can take the pain away.
8. Clary Sage Oil
Clary sage is a plant that grows in tropical regions. Experts consider it one of the best at treating stress and anxiety. It has known hormone regulation characteristics. This may ease menstrual troubles and menopause symptoms. Because of the same characteristic, experts consider it an anti-stressor. This essential oil may ease depression symptoms.
9. Chamomile Oil
Chamomile has various uses. In oil form, you can apply it to the skin to treat certain conditions. It treats:
- Dryness
- Eczema
- Dermatitis
- Insect bites
- Acne
- Cuts
- Burns
- Bruises
10. Rosemary Oil
This oil also finds its place high up the ladder of essential oils. Inhaling rosemary oil may stimulate your heart rate and blood pressure. It can also make you energetic and treat congested respiratory systems.
Studies show that consuming this oil decreases cortisol, the stress-inducing hormone. So, while it may make you function better, it can also make you less stressed. A win-win situation!
Are Some Oils Better Than Others?
To be more accurate, all essential oils have their own set of benefits. Depending on factors such as your skin type or organism, some may prove to be more effective.
You never know if you don’t try. So you should not hesitate, seeing as they can do little to no harm. There is a reason why we call them essential. The best answer is to try enough of them and decide for yourself.
References:
https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-essential-oils-always-have-home.html
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/essential-oils/index.cfm
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