Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways: aromatherapy, on the skin or in food.
Inhaling the scent of an oil can help relieve respiratory issues like coughing, sniffling and shortness of breath.
It’s important to use a high-quality oil and dilute it with a fatty oil before applying it to the skin, she says.
Peppermint
Peppermint oil is a go-to for many reasons—it freshens breath (thanks to its natural menthol content), soothes nausea and stomach issues, perks you up before a meeting and helps alleviate symptoms of PMS. It also clears congestion, quiets headaches and encourages easy breathing.
Its analgesic, anti-phlogistic, carminative, cholagogue, cephalic, decongestant, emmenagogue, febrifuge, hepatic and nervine properties make it one of the most versatile oils in existence. It has even been shown to have antimicrobial activity against certain strains of Candida yeast.
Be sure to only use high-quality essential oils, as lower quality ones can irritate the skin or cause other adverse reactions, including allergic reactions and respiratory irritation. If you’re not sure if a specific oil is safe for your health needs, consult with your healthcare professional.
Oregano
Oregano oil is extracted from the leaves of the Origanum vulgare plant, also called wild marjoram. It is often sold in the form of a tincture, softgel capsule, or essential oil for use in aromatherapy or topical applications.
Oreganos oil contains the essential oils carvacrol and thymol, which are known to have antiviral properties. According to a study published in Global Advances in Health and Medicine, these compounds inhibit the replication of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and help treat symptoms associated with herpes.
Other studies show that oregano oil has strong antifungal properties and can be used to treat infections such as yeast overgrowth (Candida). It is recommended to take the oil internally only under the supervision of a qualified physician.
When purchasing oregano oil, look for a high-quality brand that is organically grown and distilled using ethical methods. Choose one that lists the name of the plant and Latin name from which it was derived and provides web pages, booklets and other information about its purity.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties and contains a number of beneficial compounds, including cineole (which accounts for 70-90 percent of the oil’s content). It is commonly used as an inhalant to relieve congestion.
It’s no wonder that eucalyptus is often added to OTC cough drops, throat sprays and sinus drops. The essential oil stimulates macrophages in the blood, which help improve immunity and speed up healing.
A natural fever reducer, eucalyptus oil can also be used to relieve muscle and joint aches by applying the oil topically. It’s perfect for a sore back, neck or knee and can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the affected area.
Lavender
Lavender essential oil has a gentle, relaxing scent that can calm the mind. It is often used for skin conditions including eczema and acne, but it also has anti-fungal properties.
The Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate the production of essential oils, so it is important to find a high-quality lavender oil that is free of synthetic fragrances and additives. Look for one that has the Latin name, Lavandula angustifolia, on the label and is in a dark glass bottle.
At Pranarom, our organic lavender comes from farms in the French Alps where the bushes are cultivated in long rows against a mountain backdrop. This allows us to harvest at the perfect time, when the flowers are in full bloom and have the highest quality aroma. It is also possible to purchase lavender essential oil online, but make sure you use a reputable company that has a high standard of purity and safety. Also, it is best to apply any essential oil to your skin with a carrier oil to prevent irritation.
