Essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile liquids. They contain tens to hundreds of low molecular weight chemicals, called terpenoids. They are extracted from plant materials through steam distillation, cold pressing or solvent extraction.
Many people use essential oil to help with sleep, stress relief, and other psychological effects. They are typically diluted with a carrier oil and can be inhaled or applied to the skin.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is made from the leaves and branches of a small Australian plant called Melaleuca alternifolia. It is often used as an ingredient in natural cosmetics and household products. It has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be found in many types of skin care products, such as soaps, mouthwashes, and ointments. It is also used as an alternative to conventional medicine for conditions such as acne, toenail fungus, dandruff, lice, and bad breath.
Studies suggest that tea tree oil may be effective in treating some bacterial and fungal skin conditions, such as athlete’s foot (tinea pedis). However, more research is needed. Also, some people might react to it when applied to the skin. Acute exposure to the oil might cause dermatitis. Ingestion of tea tree oil might be poisonous. A 4-year-old boy who swallowed a few drops of the oil went into a coma but later recovered.
Peppermint oil
Applied directly to the skin, peppermint oil can soothe itching from irritants like poison ivy or insect bites. It also cools the skin and can be used in a spray to repel bugs such as ants and spiders. Inhaling peppermint oil can help with sinus issues like bronchitis, and the oil can even help relieve headaches.
Peppermint oil contains the compound menthol, which has antiseptic qualities that can kill bacteria and loosen mucus. It can also reduce nausea and promote healing from surgeries such as endoscopies or barium enema. Peppermint oil can also be ingested in capsules or taken as a dietary supplement to treat indigestion, IBS symptoms, and stomach pain.
The FDA doesn’t regulate essential oils, so it’s important to talk with your health care provider before you start using them. Some essential oils can interact with medications, so it’s best to avoid them if you’re taking prescription drugs. Additionally, peppermint oil aromatherapy may inhibit an enzyme that breaks down some types of medication.
Lavender oil
Lavender oil is a versatile essential oil that can be applied to the skin or inhaled through aromatherapy. It is also a natural calming agent that relieves stress and anxiety. It also improves mood and promotes a restful sleep. It also reduces the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone. It can even be used to treat eczema by reducing inflammation.
Lavender is also a great anti-inflammatory for the skin, which helps to reduce acne breakouts and unclog pores. It also contains anti-bacterial properties that kill bacteria that lead to infections and prevent blemishes from forming. It can be used to treat skin conditions like dermatitis and psoriasis, as well as aid in wound healing.
Lavender should be avoided by pregnant women and people who have undergone surgery, as it might slow down the central nervous system. It should also not be combined with certain medications, such as sedatives, because it might cause excessive sleepiness and slowed breathing.
Lemon oil
We are all used to squeezing lemon wedges into our water, but this essential oil is also packed with powerful phytonutrients that can help relieve nausea, boost energy, purify and more. It’s made by cold pressing the peel of the fruit instead of the inner part of the lemon, which helps it keep its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
It shares a lot of its chemical compounds with other doTERRA essential oils, including monoterpenes like Limonene and beta-pinene that are known to have uplifting qualities. It also contains aldehydes, alcohols, and sesquiterpenes including citral and geranial.
A 2014 study found that inhaling lemon oil reduced nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. Other studies have shown that lemon oil has antifungal properties to treat skin overgrowths like thrush, athlete’s foot and yeast infections. A 2016 animal study also found that lemon oil reduced oxidative stress to the liver and kidney in mice. This makes it a great addition to any natural detox plan.
