Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that smell wonderful and can be absorbed through the skin. They can also provide some health benefits.
Whether in their single-note form or skillfully blended, they offer many ways to relax, boost mood and tackle common health concerns. Some of the most popular ones include: Lavender, Tea Tree Oil and Peppermint.
Lemon
With its fresh citrus scent, lemon essential oil boosts mood and encourages positive thinking. It also clears airways and promotes mental clarity, making it ideal for the office or study space.
Add lemon oil to a nontoxic cleaning spray for the kitchen or bathroom and you’ll have an efficient, natural way to remove dirt and grime. The oil can also remove sticky residue on surfaces, such as tables, in a matter of seconds.
When diluted in water, lemon oil makes an effective nontoxic deodorant that won’t irritate sensitive skin. It can also help reduce fever and relieve throat infections, coughs and colds.
When purchasing essential oils, look for a label that clearly lists the Latin name of the plant and includes information on purity and other ingredients added to the oil. Pure essential oils should be stored in dark-colored glass bottles to protect their quality. The shelf life of most essential oils is 6 months to a year, per the Institute for Integrative Healthcare.
Orange
Orange essential oil is a versatile summer favorite, perfect for brightening your mood or creating a relaxing environment. It can also help to cleanse your system, naturally removing toxic build up. It’s especially effective for detoxifying the liver.
Inhalation of orange oil has been shown to lower pulse rate and diastolic blood pressure which can relieve anxiety. In fact, one study showed that women in labor receiving an aromatherapy massage using orange essential oil experienced a decrease in their anxiety levels.
If you decide to use orange essential oil for anxiety, always choose a pure and high quality oil. Some sellers will cut their oils with carrier oils and this can alter the quality of the product. Look for a certified organic or therapeutic grade oil to ensure it’s safe and potent. Be aware that some citrus oils can be phototoxic and may cause a painful reaction when exposed to sunlight, so always test a small amount on the back of your hand before using it on the skin.
Lavender
Lavender essential oil is one of the most well-known for its calming effects on the mind and body. It has been shown to help with anxiety, depression, and sleep issues.
When the scent is inhaled, it stimulates your olfactory gland to send a message to your limbic system, often referred to as the “emotional brain.” This helps reduce stress and induces relaxation.
It also promotes a healthy skin by encouraging new cell growth and fighting the look of wrinkles. Moreover, its cicatrizant properties heal wounds and soothe the look of scars.
Add a few drops to your favorite home diffuser during your evening routine and let the soothing aroma relax you for a restful night of sleep. You can also apply diluted lavender oil to your chest, temples, and the bottom of your feet before you go to bed for a deep sense of calm.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a top note with a fresh, minty, and herbal aroma. It blends well with citrus oils, pine, eucalyptus, and rosemary. It is steam distilled from the aerial parts of the plant Mentha piperita.
Peppermint oil relieves digestive symptoms and reduces food cravings. It is also useful for easing indigestion and heartburn. It can also be used to treat skin issues, boost energy levels and improve overall health.
It is recommended to dilute essential oils before using them for massages or on the skin. It is possible that they can irritate sensitive areas of the body, including the eyes and mucus membranes. It is also important to avoid ingesting essential oils. Johns Hopkins Medicine states that some oils can cause an adverse reaction in a person with certain medical conditions, such as fast heartbeat. They should not be ingested around young children and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
