Ever since the ancient of times, essential oils have been used to heal the body, mind and soul. Enchanting us with their amazing scent, they bring relief from pain caused by chronic conditions. They lift our spirit when we are feeling down and energize us when we need an additional performance boost. Essential oils can be used for a relaxing massage, they can be inhaled or even used to improve the air quality in a room. Keep on reading and discover the most popular essential oils, along with their health benefits.
#1 Bergamot essential oil
Extracted from the fruits of the bitter orange tree, more specifically from their peel, this essential oil is well-known for its citric flavor. It also has herbal and floral aromas, being often used in teas and sweets. As an essential oil, it can improve a person’s mood, heal the skin in case of minor wounds and bring relief from pain. You can use it in case of respiratory congestion, to reduce fever and even to improve digestive health.
#2 Peppermint essential oil
Extracted from the leaves and flowers of the peppermint plant, this essential oil has a very distinct aroma. Applied topically, it has a cooling effect on the skin, representing the perfect choice for a relaxing massage or in case of sore muscles. With regard to digestive health, peppermint oil can help with nausea, having a soothing effect on the GI tract. It can be used to get rid of bad breath, to relieve a discomforting headache and even to improve concentration.
#3 Clove essential oil
Extracted from the flower buds of an evergreen tree, the clove essential oil is well-known for its specific, spicy flavor. It also has hints of fruitiness and a woody note, being more than appreciated for its pain-relieving properties. The essential oil can be used to reduce inflammation, including in the dental area; it is one of the best remedies against nausea and digestive complaints. One can also rely on clove essential oil to improve breath and, in topical applications, to forget about acne.
#4 Lavender essential oil
Extracted from the flowering tops of the plant with the same name, lavender essential oil is often appreciated for its ability to induce relaxation. With fresh and floral notes, this essential oil is recommended to those who suffer from chronic stress, anxiety and mood swings. Apart from promoting a state of relaxation, it is worth mentioning that lavender essential oil can heal minor wounds, minimize skin blemishes and protect the skin against the aging process.
#5 Ginger essential oil
Extracted from the ginger root, this essential oil represents one of the best natural remedies for inflammatory conditions, arthritis included. Topical applications with ginger essential oil guarantee effective arthritis relief, especially when used on a daily basis. This essential oil has powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties; it can bring pain relief in arthritis joint pain, reducing the overall stiffness.
#6 Eucalyptus essential oil
Extracted from the eucalyptus tree, this essential oil has a unique fragrance and plenty of health benefits to offer. With its fresh aroma, almost resembling the one of peppermint, it can be used for chest decongestion and as a topical pain reliever. It has potent antimicrobial properties, stimulating a healthy immune system and helping one protect himself against the common cold. You can use it to think more clearly, to boost energy levels and even to protect yourself against insect bites.
#7 Lemon essential oil
Extracted from the peel of the popular citrus fruit, this essential oil entices from the start with its distinct aroma. It is indeed the perfect choice for those who are going through a stressful time, lifting the spirit and improving the mood. You can use it to increase your focus and motivation, enjoying increased mental performance. The lemon essential oil can relieve nausea, improve digestion and protect the skin against the damage done by free radicals, reducing the risk of premature aging.
#8 Tea tree oil
Extracted from the young stems and fresh leaves of the narrow-leaved paperbark, the tea tree oil is, without a doubt, one of the most popular choices in the world. It has a fresh, herbal aroma, being often appreciated for its potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It can be used to cleanse a wound and stimulate the faster healing of the skin, to get rid of dandruff and improve the health of the scalp. In case of insect bites, it is quite useful to bring down the inflammation and bring relief from the itchiness.
#9 Frankincense essential oil
Extracted from the resin of African trees, it is one of the oldest and still commonly used essential oils out there. It has a woody aroma, with balsamic and citrusy notes, being the perfect weapon against mood swings, chronic stress, and anxiety. It also has potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, working wonders for the digestive health. In topical applications, it works to make scars less visible and to stimulate the faster healing of the skin. It is a great remedy against insect bites, minor wounds, and other skin conditions.
#10 Oregano essential oil
Extracted from the leaves of the popular kitchen herb, the oregano essential oil is quite appreciated for its multitude of health benefits. With an earthy flavor, it can lift your spirit and make you feel better in an instant. In topical applications, it is a great natural remedy for minor skin wounds, as well as for chronic conditions, such as rosacea, psoriasis or eczema. You can use it as a pain reliever in case of menstrual cramps, to settle an upset stomach or even to keep the flu at a safe distance.
In conclusion, these are some of the most popular essential oils out there, along with their health benefits. As you have seen, many of them have a beneficial effect on mental health, improving memory, helping you fight the signs of depression, anxiety, and chronic stress. Each essential oil has different benefits to offer, so make sure to give all of them a try.
