Essential oils are concentrated, highly fragrant plant oils that can be used in many ways for a variety of health benefits. They can be inhaled, applied to the skin and even added to food.
The use of essential oils may irritate the respiratory tract and cause coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath, especially in individuals with chronic lung conditions such as asthma or COPD. Individuals should use them with care and under guidance of a healthcare professional.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is a versatile essential oil with many uses. Its cooling scent provides a refreshing pick-me-up, and its menthol properties can relieve aches and pains. It can also be added to a carrier oil and used topically to ease tension.
Manufacturers extract essential oils from plants using several methods, including steam distillation and cold pressing. These processes separate the volatile chemical components of the plant into a highly concentrated oil.
The oil’s chemical make-up varies depending on the environment, climate and method of harvest. This is one of the reasons why there’s limited research supporting essential oil claims about health conditions. Additionally, there’s little published research on how the chemicals in essential oils interact with the bodies of different people. Therefore, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for advice based on your individual health needs and situation.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is a natural antidepressant, so it’s not surprising that research has found that inhaling lavender oil can help you sleep better. It’s also been shown to help reduce the stress and anxiety that causes headaches.
It can be used to soothe irritated skin, relieves pain and swelling from bug bites, promotes wound healing, calms cough, treats indigestion, and relaxes muscle spasms. It can even help treat certain types of cancer.
It can be combined with tea tree oil to make a blemish-friendly face wash or added to coconut oil to make a natural acne cream. It’s best to apply lavender oil topically in a diluted form (with jojoba or coconut oils) to avoid irritation and to keep it safe for use on sensitive skin. The FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate essential oils, so talk to your doctor before using them and always do a patch test. It’s also important to choose quality oils.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, also called melaleuca oil, comes from the leaves of the Australian tea tree (not to be confused with the common eucalyptus or “smoke” trees used to make black or green tea). It has been used as a natural antiseptic and herbal medicine by Australia’s aboriginal people for centuries.
Its antifungal properties are thought to help treat nail fungus, jock itch, and dandruff. Its mild antiviral action may be useful in preventing or reducing herpes simplex virus, genital warts, cold sores, and influenza.
Because it is a strong essential oil, it is best to mix it with a carrier oil like jojoba or olive oil before applying directly to the skin. If undiluted, it can cause contact dermatitis in some individuals. Swallowing tea tree oil can be poisonous and may lead to confusion, loss of coordination, breathing problems or coma.
Lemon Oil
Lemon oil is a refreshing, brightly scented oil that can be used in many different ways. Its uplifting, citrusy scent can be diffused or applied topically to promote a positive mood and energy. It also blends well with other doTERRA essential oils that have uplifting properties, such as Bergamot, Douglas Fir, Grapefruit, Lime and Wild Orange.
Lemon essential oil is a natural cleanser that can be added to cleaning products or inhaled for an instant burst of freshness. It has antibacterial, deodorizing and purifying properties that make it popular for use in household cleaners.
Its antimicrobial properties have been shown to help kill bacteria that cause acne, such as P.acnes, according to a 2018 in-vitro and in-vivo study. The limonene in lemon oil also acts as an astringent and can help shrink pores and tighten skin, leaving it looking smoother and younger. It can also be used to freshen up your laundry by adding a few drops to the rinse cycle.
