Essential oils have been associated with many health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety. They can also promote healthy hair, soothe skin and repel insects.
Before using any oil on the skin, make sure to dilute it with a carrier or base oil. It’s also important to choose a reliable producer and avoid anything that has added ingredients.
Lavender
Lavender is one of the most well-known essential oils for its calming and stress-relieving properties. Inhaling lavender has been clinically shown to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality, while topical application has antiseptic and analgesic properties. It has also been found to relieve pain and promote healing of burns, cuts, scrapes, and wounds.
When purchasing lavender, look for a product that is pure and contains no other additives or oils. Choose a company that uses gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to test its products. Ideally, choose a brand that grows and distills its own lavender plants to ensure purity. When used topically, lavender oil moisturizes chapped skin and helps treat dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. It also works as an insecticide and can help to eliminate lice, nits, and dandruff when rubbed into the scalp.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is one of the most familiar and widely used essential oils, particularly for its decongestant properties. It’s also known for reducing pain and stimulating the brain’s parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation.
Eucalyptus leaves and oil contain a compound called eucalyptol, which is thought to reduce inflammation and block sensory pathways that register pain in the brain. In fact, a 2014 study found that smelling eucalyptus could lower pre-surgery anxiety in patients.
If you’re using eucalyptus oil topically, make sure it’s diluted with a carrier oil and not applied directly to the skin. Higher doses can cause gastrointestinal issues, seizures, and other serious side effects. Be sure to check supplements for a third party seal, says D’Adamo, as this indicates that the product has been tested by an independent agency for purity and accuracy of ingredients.
Lemon
Lemon is one of the most versatile and popular essential oils. It has cleansing, astringent and toning properties that make it an ideal addition to skincare and hair care routines. It also helps boost circulation and reduce cellulite.
Its fresh scent helps cleanse and purify the air and surfaces in your home, making it an ideal choice for DIY cleaning sprays and surface sanitizers. Its uplifting aroma can help improve mood and reduce fatigue.
Topical use of lemon oil can cause skin irritation, so it’s important to dilute it with a carrier oil. It’s also phototoxic, meaning it can increase your sensitivity to sunlight and may react with some medications. Always perform a patch test before using new products on your skin. For best results, dilute in a carrier oil, such as jojoba or sweet almond oil.
Fir Needle
Fir needle oil benefits include boosting your immune system, treating respiratory issues and helping relieve muscle aches. It also has mood-enhancing properties and invigorates the body — which is why this essential oil can be found in perfumes, bath oils and air fresheners.
The oil is distilled from the cones, needles and twigs of fir trees (Abies sibirica or Abies balsamea). It’s filled with powerful therapeutic chemicals including bornyl acetate and alpha-pinene.
The natural compounds in this essential oil give it antiseptic and antibacterial activities, as shown by this study2. It also has the ability to soothe pain and relax muscle spasms – making it ideal for those sore muscles after a strenuous workout or sports game. This oil can also be used to clean your home naturally. Add it to homemade cleaning solutions for a disinfectant boost.
Ho Wood
Ho Wood is an unrivalled oil for emotional wellbeing. Derived from the Chinese laurel tree (Cinnamomum camphora), it has one of the highest levels of Linalool, which is known for its calming and balancing actions – especially for those dealing with menopause.
Its bactericidal, antiseptic, and aphrodisiac properties make it a powerful ingredient for all-natural wellness recipes, especially in blends designed to promote relaxation and stress relief. It also pairs beautifully with Lavender and Chamomile oil, resulting in synergistic blends that are ideal for use in diffusers and massage oils. Its pleasant scent can also be added to natural perfume and personal care formulations. Its low camphor content means it can be used safely by pregnant and breastfeeding women. It combines well with Basil, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood, Sweet Marjoram, and Ylang Ylang.
