10 Essential Oils and Their Benefits 

Written by Sundus Muhammad 

Essential oils are the extracted components of plants that tend to retain the aroma and properties of the source plant. They are claimed to offer a wide variety of benefits to health and are utilized all over the world. They are included in makeup products for their potential cosmetic benefits. They are available in concentrated or diluted forms for usage in aromatherapies and for topical applications. Though there are different kinds of essential oils depending on their sources, few are well-known and are conventionally used for the benefits they offer. Following are some of the most commonly known and abundantly available essential oils. 

Peppermint Oil – Peppermint is a common flavoring agent in a multiple of commercial products like chewing gums, lozenges, chest rubs, teas, and many more. The flavor is cool and refreshing. If you’ve had one of the peppermint products, you must’ve that feeling of decongestion after using one. That’s exactly what the oil does only with some extra added perks. Researches have shown that diluted peppermint oil can provide relief from headaches and migraines when applied to the forehead and temples. The aroma is uplifting and also resolves nausea and other digestive issues. 

Eucalyptus Oil – Although the Eucalyptus trees are native to Australia, the oil extracted from its leaves is used for medicinal purposes all over the world. It is used in over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and chest rubs that help soothe the symptoms of common colds. It is known to decongest the chest and resolve coughs. The difficult breathing that comes with asthma or sinusitis can also be comforted with its use. It is also used as a disinfectant. It is a good remedy for oral hygiene and keeps bad breath and cavities at bay. For the diabetics, it can help to lower the blood sugar level. 

Lavender Oil – This essential oil is the all-rounder in our list. It has numerous purposes. From comforting the internal psychological health issues to treating external skin conditions, it’s a jack of all trades, although master of a few. It helps to cope with anxiety and depression and treats nausea and insomnia. It fights eczema and fungal infections. It has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties and ability to lighten skin and scram wrinkles. Lavender oil is rich in antioxidants and thus protects the body from free radicals that cause fine lines and wrinkles.  

Chamomile Oil – The use of Chamomile essential oil dates back to the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece, and Rome, and is backed by their medical transcripts. It has been used to treat anxiety, digestive issues such as indigestion, gas, nausea, or ulcers. It relieves pain in medical conditions like arthritis, back pain, and neuralgia. Research has shown a significant reduction over a course of eight weeks, in the symptoms of depression which were achieved by chamomile therapy. Topical application of the oil by first diluting it, shows numbing effects in joint pains and inflammations. Studies have also proved its anticancer properties.  

Sandalwood Oil – The scent of sandalwood is found in many perfumes and room fresheners. It has substantial uses in Indian Ayurvedic medicine and the traditional Chinese medicine. It is known to increase pulse rate, blood pressure and perspiration to a healthy rate thus increasing alertness and mindfulness. Aromatherapy and sandalwood oil massage have shown promising results in reducing anxiety. Scientists believe that the sandalwood oil has antibacterial properties and can prove to be effective in fighting certain strains of bacteria.  

Frankincense Oil – It has been used in Ayurvedic medicines for hundreds of years. It proves to have numerous health benefits, anti-inflammatory effects that may reduce joint inflammation caused by arthritis, helps in proper gut functioning which may treat diseases associated with gut. It has also been used for centuries to improve asthma and its symptoms. Mouth sores, toothaches, cavities and bad breath could be prevented by this magical oil. Recent studies and researches show that it may help to fight certain cancers as well. 

Lemon Essential Oil – Lemon essential oil is an absolutely natural oil which is extracted from the peels of fresh lemons. It can be diluted and applied directly to skin or can be inhaled by diffusing into the air. The people who have been using this oil for years claim that it fights exhaustion, clears skin, helps with depression and serves as anti-inflammatory oil, that kills several bacteria and viruses. As the scent of lemon naturally lightens up our mood and we feel relaxed, hence it fights with depression and anxiety, making the mind undisturbed. Recent study shows its effectiveness against certain bacteria, which can help fight skin infections or wounds. The anti-stress and antidepressant feature of this oil may somehow help in relieving pain. 

Sweet Orange Essential Oil – This essential oil has numerous medicinal uses. Some of them are described here. It works as a digestion booster by promoting better digestion, relieving cramps and stomach related aches. It minimizes the anxiety and stress by reducing the levels of cortisol secretion and helps to calm the heart rate. Since it has the calming and soothing property, it is beneficial to treat insomnia as well. This oil has proved to be one of the most effective essential oils in treating chronic inflammation, pain and infection. On the other hand, it can be used as a natural household cleaner. It has a pleasurable scent which can be added to perfumes. 

Rosemary Essential Oil – Let’s talk about the benefits of this exceptional oil which is now being focused by the scientists for its potential health benefits other than use in folk medicine. Recent researches concluded that inhaling this oil may help prevent the breakdown of a brain chemical required for thinking, concentration and memory. In fact, it was used for enhancing memory in ancient Greece and Rome. Androgenetic alopecia commonly known as male pattern baldness, which may sometimes affect females, can also be treated with this essential oil. It also works as a mild pain reliever. If your garden is infested with pests then don’t need to worry! You just need to grab a rosemary-oil-based pesticide, which works without harming the plants. Inhaling rosemary for different types of anxiety, proves beneficial. Apply this oil, if you experience cold fingers and toes even in relatively warm temperatures since it improves blood circulation. 

Tea Tree Oil – Do you have a cosmetic product that says ‘with tea tree oil’? Well, that’s because tea tree oil is considered an effective remedy in maintaining skin health and resolving multiple skin issues like acne and inflammation. It keeps your nails nice and shiny, and is also used as a treatment of itchy scalp dandruff. Apart from cosmetic benefits tea tree oil also acts as antiseptic for minor cuts and scrapes and accelerates wound healing. It can be used as a natural deodorant to fight body odour. It is considered a good insect repellent so you might want to take it with you to your next outdoor trip.