Hi there! In this article I will be covering the basics of common essential oils and their benefits. I will touch on a few lesser-known oils as well and a tad of the history behind it all. When it comes to essential oils and the way they are made, there can be a lot of over whelming information. I’ll try to keep this as simple as possible, and I will put some references and books you should absolutely check out at the end.

What Are Essential Oils?

It’s best to know a little bit about essential oils before you start to use them. So, what are essential oils? Essential oils are natural oils that are distilled from plants. They have the fragrance and/or characteristics of the plant in which they were derived. They smell awesome, can reduce stress, can help treat skin conditions, help you sleep, and so much more. Aroma means scent and therapy means treatment. Aromatherapy, then, is the use of fragrances to improve your health and wellbeing.

Essential oils and other botanicals and herbs have been used for medicinal purposes going back 5,000 years or more. The purer the oils are, the more beneficial they will be. When purchasing essential oils, try to find 100% therapeutic grade. Anything less will have additives that will take away from their intended abilities.

Most Common Essential oils and Their benefits

Lavender

(Lavandula Angustifolia) – My personal favorite. Its botanical family is Labiatae (mint).

Lavender is a universal oil that has been known to balance the body and help wherever there is a need. When in doubt, use lavender!

Lavender is one of the safest and most widely used essential oils. It can relieve muscle pain, migraines, and other headaches. It is also one of the most antiseptic oils making it useful for treating many types of infections. Lavender is good for all skin types and is a cell regenerator. It can slow the development of wrinkles. It can prevent scarring and stretch marks. Lavender is most effective at relaxing brain waves and reducing stress.

Peppermint

(Mentha Piperita)

Peppermint may be used for indigestion, flatulence, colic, and nausea. Peppermint is an antispasmodic and can be used to calm muscles in the digestive tract, help reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, and colitis, kills viral infections, clears lung congestion and may reduce fever. Peppermint also smells amazing and can give you a ‘pick me up’ with one whiff!

I also put this in my diffuser around the holidays!

Eucalyptus

(Eucalyptus Globulus)

Eucalyptus is the most popular essential oils used for steaming to relieve sinus pressure and lung congestion. It can be very useful for people with asthma. Add a couple drops to a hot shower or bath to breath in the steam. Eucalyptus can also be helpful if you experience skin eruptions and an oily complexion. This oil is another good one to put in your diffuser during the cold and flu seasons.

Lemon

(Citrus Limonum)

Lemon is a very clean smelling essential oil. Studies have shown that lemon increases activity of the immune system and helps to fight off infections. If inhaled, lemon may reduce blood pressure. Lemon also reduces water retention and increases mineral absorption, so it may be helpful if you’re trying to lose weight. Lemon can be used on acne, blackheads, and other skin impurities.

Not So Common Beneficial Oils

Patchouli

(Pogostemon Cablin)

For some people patchouli is exotic and luxurious, but to others it’s too strong and smells like hippies. I personally love patchouli’s earthy scent. Patchouli does have some therapeutic properties. Patchouli can be used as an antidepressant. It is also an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antifungal. It may reduce fluid retention. Patchouli is a cell rejuvenator and can treat a number of skin issues including eczema. It’s good for athlete’s foot. And it helps relieve headaches.

Clove

(Syzygium Aromaticum)

Clove is an antiseptic and pain reliever. Clove can be used on toothaches. It can be helpful when you have a cold, the flu, or chest congestion. Clove can be essential for treating sore muscles and arthritis. It reduces drowsiness, irritability and headaches. Always dilute clove before putting it on your skin or in your mouth.

Frankincense

(Boswellia Carteri)

Frankincense can deepen breathing, aid in relaxation, and expand the lungs. Frankincense has skin healing properties. It works well to fight off bacterial and fungal infections and boils. Frankincense works well on mature skin, so it helps to reduce the signs of aging. It’s also good for acne. FYI: Frankincense can increase your menstrual flow, so beware.

Safe Guide for Beginners

• Not all essential oils are created equally.
• Store oils in a cool dry place.
• Keep out of reach of pets and children.
• Dilute oils with a carrier oil.
• Know about the essential oil before using it.
• Make sure the oils you are using are safe to be used around children and pets.
• You should always consult your doctor before beginning any new holistic or medical practice.
• Have fun and enjoy the many scents and qualities of essential oils.

Always research something new before jumping right into it. Some essential are perfectly safe, but others you need to use caution. I use ‘Essential Oils Natural Healing for Body and Soul’ and ‘Reference Guide for Essential Oils’. The reference guide is my favorite. I call it the essential oil bible. You can purchase a copy here, https://amzn.to/47XFh5Q if you are interested in learning everything there is to know about essential oils. They are both packed with very useful information about essential oils. The Reference Guide is exactly that. It tells you in depth the history of essential oils. How essential oils are made. It tells you just about every essential oil there is and all of their properties. How to blend oils properly and so much more. Natural Healing for Body and Soul also has a lot of information about many oils. This book also has a plethora of recipes in it for making your own soaps, cleaning agents, room sprays, etc.

My Top Essential Oil Brands

Aura Cacia https://amzn.to/3HD1n36

 

Thank you!

Thank you for stopping by The Bodywork Project today! I hope you find my information useful in some way. If you’d like to add anything or chat about other oils, I’d be happy to hear your feedback. Have a wonderful day!