As per my previous article, which oil to use depends on the job. When it comes to aromatherapy and alternative medicine essential oils can alleviate stress, help to achieve clear skin, and be used as topical creams. Some ideas around essential oils, like they can prevent against all illnesses, are a little crazy but some are actually proven to be true, like they can reduce stress, and personally, are very helpful! I’ve listed most of them (alphabetically so I’m not playing favorites!) below with their pros and cons.
Cinnamon Oil - what smells better during Christmas time than a cinnamon scented candle?! Well, cinnamon oil is “sweet and spicy, musky, and warm” (Well+Good). Cinnamon essential oil can help with chest colds and if applied to the skin, can help muscles and pains due to its antispasmodic, analgesic, and antiseptic properties. Some studies have shown that it contains antioxidants that can fight neurological disorders and heart disease, a little hard to believe but better safe than sorry!
Clary Sage Oil - this one is known to be great for skin care due to the antibacterial, astringent and antiseptic qualities. It has a sweet herbal smell of clary sage which is a native plant to the northern Mediterranean region and North Africa. It’s scent can help regulate hormones, reduce cramping, and have antidepressant effects. This oil is definitely a good choice because of how versatile it is.
Eucalyptus Oil - this is very strong smelling! It is in Vicks VapoRub and some other alike products and can smell minty/plant like which can help clear congestion. It can also kill fungus, bacteria, insects, and weeds. Fun Fact: Eucalyptus trees were first planted in California in the 1850s and were an invasive species from Australia; the government was worried about the spread of malaria and the trees helped kill the spreading parasite that carries malaria. Eucalyptus oil is great to diffuse at home to freshen up a room, it is also great for bug repellent and to keep moths away.
Lavender Oil - this one is definitely one of my favorites because of the calming lavender and herbal smell and it’s also great for the skin!
Lemon Oil - this one is very common! It is used in household cleaners, soaps, sparkling water, etc. From Well+Good Editors, “the scent closely mimics that of the fruit from which it’s derived: bright, light, zesty, and clean”. Lemon oil is also great for skin care because it contains D-limonene which diminishes wrinkles and tones the skin. The scent of lemon oil can also help boost people’s mood, you can’t go wrong with this one!
Lemongrass Oil - this oil is very common in Thai cultures due to it originally growing in Sri Lanka and south India. The aroma from lemongrass oil is mild and sweet with some hints of lemon and can be antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and can be used as insect repellent!
Peppermint Oil - smells like, well, peppermint! Found in most toothpastes, mouthwash, and sometimes even shampoo or chewing gum. Peppermint oil is a stimulant, antiviral, antimicrobial, and antioxidant. It has been shown to reduce pain from tension headaches, soothe nausea, improve concentration, and can help with skin pain. Well+Good Editors recommend to use it in a lip product so you can smell it all day!
Rosemary Oil - this oil has a similar smell to the rosemary herb in food. It is extremely common in skin care products and has a long shelf life. Rosemary oil is also a stimulant and when inhaled, can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. It can also help your nervous system with organ function. Rosemary oil has been proven to decrease your level of a stress hormone, cortisol. Due to these ingestion benefits, rosemary oil is great to have diffused in your home.
Sweet Orange Oil - this oil is known for the sweet Florida smell and can reduce anxiety. Well+Good Editors have said that Sweet Orange oil helps them feel “happy and energized...it can sometimes satisfy [their] sweets cravings.” This oil doesn’t diffuse very well and isn’t great to apply to your skin. You can add it to shower products and rinse it off right after applying it. **But, make sure you buy sweet orange oil, not bitter orange oil, bitter orange oil induces skin irritation much like a severe sunburn.
Tea Tree (Melaleuca) Oil - tea trees only grow, and grow abundantly, in Australia. Native Australians used to use tea tree leaves to help with colds, heal wounds, aid sore throats, and for skin care. Tea tree oil can kill oral bacteria, kill the influenza virus, and help with dandruff. Tea tree oil could prevent cancer as it has slowed the growth of tumors in mice. Tea tree oil is great for skin care products and in mouthwash.
Check out my previous article on cooking oils!