Top 10 Essential Oils & Their Benefits
Essential oils have been used way back in the day, and have been historically used for
health and medicinal benefits.
These scented oils are typically extracted from the “essence” of plants, and are
growing increasingly popular in therapeutic uses.
While benefits vary depending on the type of oil in question, there are all sorts of
different oils for different treatments.
Some oils can help improve mood, memory, and sleep while others aim to treat sore muscles
and joints.
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Lavender Oil: In what is probably the most used essential oil today, lavender oil is
derived from the Lavandula Angustifolia plant, a type of lavender plant out of the 39 existing
species.
Most commonly used in aromatherapy, it’s a powerhouse essential oil that is often sedative.
Due to its powerful antioxidants and calming properties, lavender oil is great for helping
to reduce anxiety, improve brain function, and aid with sleep.
Believe it or not, lavender oil was used by the Egyptians for mummification and as a perfume,
and according to sources, there was even a faint smell of lavender when King Tut’s
tomb was opened back in 1923.
Tea Tree Oil: Derived from the leaves of the Australian plant Melaleuca alternifolia, tea
tree oil is inexpensive yet effective with its strong antimicrobial properties.
However, don’t confuse the tea tree with the plant that produces leaves used to make
black, green and oolong tea, as they’re totally different.
Typically undiluted, tea tree oil is often applied directly onto the skin to help treat
blemishes and infections.
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, it fights harmful organisms by
damaging cell membranes and treating bacterial fungal skin conditions, preventing infection
and promoting healing.
Australians have a long history with tea tree oil that goes way back, where they often inhaled
the aroma of crushed leaves to relieve cough and used poultices to help heal wounds.
Rose Oil: Aside from its pleasant floral scent, those in the beauty community are already
well aware of its benefits.
Created through a simple process of steam distillation, rose oil has been used in beauty
treatments for several years.
Extracted from Rosa damascene, rose oil helps to prevent acne, balance hormones provides
anti-aging properties, reduce rosacea, and even helps to naturally increase libido!
Like lavender oil, rose oil helps to fight depression by boosting self-esteem and increase
confidence.
Peppermint Oil: If you’ve ever felt nauseous or experienced an upset stomach, you’ve
probably been told by someone to drink peppermint tea as it helps the digestive system speed
up elimination.
This also applies to peppermint oil, as peppermint contains menthol which helps soothe symptoms
of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and prevent spasms.
Commonly used in cosmetics and soaps, peppermint oil can also be taken in capsules as dietary
supplements.
Chamomile Oil: While extracted from the chamomile plant, there are two types of chamomile oils.
The Roman chamomile, also known as the Anthemis nobilis, and the German chamomile is known
as Matricaria chamomilla.
Despite being extracted from similar plants, both oils differ a bit from each other as
well.
The Roman chamomile is typically more calming while the German chamomile is a very powerful
anti-inflammatory agent because of the compound it contains called azulene, which gives it
its deep blue colour.
In general, chamomile oil provides many health benefits.
It removes toxic agents and is great at killing lice if applied to your head.
Both oils help lower blood pressure and calm the nervous system, relieving it of any spasms
or convulsions.
Roman chamomile oil is also a natural allergy reliever, so if you’re ever suffering from
seasonal allergies, try applying some on to relieve the sensitivities.
Clary Sage Oil: Derived from the plant Salvia sclarea, the herb is believed to be a native
of Europe, particularly the northern Mediterranean Basin.
Widely used as a medicine and as a spice, clary sage oil is often used to improve circulation,
stress relief, and help regulate menstruation.
Clary sage is considered one of the top essential oils for hormones, especially for women.
As one of the most healthful oils, it helps alleviate heavy cramps and menstrual cycles,
hot flashes, and even battle leukaemia!
Lemon Oil: You’re probably already aware of the benefits of lemon (or scientifically,
“Citrus lemon”) itself, as the citrus acts as a great detoxifying agent for your
body.
Native to Asia, lemon plants were brought to Europe around 200 A.D.
In America, English sailors would clean themselves with the lemons to prevent scurvy with lemons
and bacterial infections.
Like the fruit itself, lemon oil helps protect your body from toxins, boost energy levels,
and fight anaemia.
Believe it or not, the oil comes from cold-pressing the lemon peel, not the fruit.
Thanks to its antioxidants, lemon oil nourishes and purifies the skin, and acts as a natural
disinfectant, as it can also be used as a teeth whitener, household cleaner and laundry
freshener aside from its health benefits.
Cedarwood Oil: Extracted from the wood pieces of a cedar tree, also known as the Juniperus
virginiana.
Cedarwood is a plant native to colder climates and often found in higher altitudes.
With its natural earthy and wood smell, studies have shown that cedarwood oil has benefits
that can treat eczema, prevent hair loss, and even provide arthritis relief!
It’s no wonder cedarwood is mentioned so often in the Bible, as it truly does symbolize
some sort of a source of protection, wisdom and abundance.
Eucalyptus Oil: If you’ve ever wondered why the smell of Vicks VapoRub has such a
strong smell, it’s all because of the eucalyptus plant.
Belonging to the Australian-native tree family eucalyptus oil is typically made from leaves
of the Eucalyptus salicifolia and Eucalyptus globulus species.
Traditionally, eucalyptus was used to treat pain and improve respiratory conditions.
Today, eucalyptus oil is used everywhere, from healing ointments to cleaning products.
Eucalyptus is mainly known for treating respiratory problems, which is why it’s a key ingredient
in Vicks VapoRub.
A natural sore throat remedy, eucalyptus aids preventing coughs and in helping you sleep
better when you’re feeling congested and unable to breathe.
Sandalwood Oil: The Benefits of Sandalwood essential oil are often said to calm your
nerves and can help with focus.
Sandalwood is extracted from sandalwood trees that are usually between 40-80 years old.
The older the tree, the better the oil and stronger scent.
Sandalwood oils and pastes are used in beauty treatments, perfumes, soaps, creams and in
some medicines because of its medicinal properties.
Sandalwood has been said to have anti inflammatory agents.
THE JOURNAL OF HERBMED PHARMACOLOGY says that sandalwood’s cooling effect can relieve
many different types of inflammation that can affect the brain, digestive and nervous
systems and circulatory system.
Sandalwood has been used for centuries and can often be found in religious and social
ceremonies.
It’s especially respected and used within Hinduism and is offered to various gods and
goddesses mixed with flowers and other ceremonial offerings.
Jasmine Oil: This particular oil is made from the white flowers of the jasmine plant which
is usually found in more tropical climates.
This particular oil has also been used for centuries and has a very popular, sweet smell
that people have truly fallen in love with.
So much so it’s actually one of the ingredients in the world’s more popular perfumes, Chanel
No. 5.
Jasmine does have some great health benefits but is also commonly found in fancy cocktails,
sweets, and desserts.
According to HEALTHLINE jasmine and other aromatherapy oils can have a positive effect
of those suffering with symptoms of depression.
The aroma is very pleasing and can help lift the mind into a happy feeling and is also
said to awaken romantic or poetic feelings in those who use it.
Jasmine oil can stimulate serotonin in the brain, which will give you energy and make
you feel good.
Ylang Ylang Oil: This essential oil comes from the Cananga tree, which is typically
found in places like Australia, India, Indonesia and The Philippines.
While more research is needed, a few studies have shown that ylang ylang oil can have stress-reducing
properties.
The Journal Of Neuroscience did a study in 2008 that showed inhaling ylang ylang oil
helped people feel more calm as well.
You can also apply this oil to the skin which could help small wounds to heal, and can even
help decrease the look of scars.
Not to mention this oil is said to be quite effective as a natural bug repellant!
Perfect for any summer nights around the bonfire.
Essential oils provide a wide range of health benefits that are often underlooked.
Each with their own special healing properties, if you’re looking for natural remedies,
essential oils will probably be your best friend.
Which one will you pick?
That’s the video!
What did you think about all of these essential oils?
Have you ever tried using them to decrease stress or help you in your daily life?
Which one is your favourite to use?
Did any of these health benefits surprise?
Why not share your favourite essential oil with your fellow Bestie viewers in the comments
section below.