As seen on Global Healing Center, essential oils, also known as volatile oils, are scented oils which are made from plants. For a long period of time, they have been part of cosmetics, food, medicine, perfumes, and more recently, aromatherapy. They are called essential because they contain the plant’s essence, that is, its taste or odor. Nowadays, they are very popular and frequently used for their therapeutic uses, a lot of which are scientifically backed up.
Some essential oils possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial characteristics whereas others are good for the cognition, memory, and mood. What’s more, there are essential oils that have the power to reduce stiffness and soreness in the muscles and joints.
In regards to their usage, it is worth pointing out that they can be topically applied or orally ingested. Hence, if you are not 100 percent certain that a specific essential oil can be orally consumed or applied onto the skin, never use it in that way. If you want to learn more about the best essential oils out there and what they are beneficial for, continue reading this article.
15 Best Essential Oils & their Uses
- Lavender oil
This oil is made from fresh lavender flowers and it has the power to slow down the activity of the central nervous system, better the sleep quality, enhance the concentration, and boost hair growth. According to a study, it may also help with generalized anxiety disorder.
- Eucalyptus oil
This oil is a potent biocide and has herbicidal, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and nematicidal properties, among others. It can be of great aid for the respiratory health and its inhalation may reduce the severity of congestion and coughing. Its aroma will dissolve the clogged phlegm in the nasal passages and lungs.
- Peppermint oil
This oil is believed to treat nausea, headaches, gases, indigestion, anxiety, and upset stomach. It relaxes the involuntary smooth stomach muscle and betters the bile flow and can decrease IBS symptoms up to 80 percent. Besides improving the digestion, peppermint oil may be effective in decreasing Herpes simplex outbreaks by affecting the virus directly.
- Tea tree oil
This oil has long been used for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, as well as for its antifungal and antiviral power. It can destroy harmful organisms by damaging the cell membranes. It can also cease yeast and fungus growth and can be topically applied to treat infections.
- Jojoba oil
This oil is produced from the seeds of the wild jojoba shrub, a plant originating from Arizona, California, and northwestern Mexico. It possesses one-of-a-kind fatty acids and fatty alcohol esters superior to the ones present in sperm whales. Though it is not a volatile oil like other essential oils, it has amazing healing capacity, especially for the skin. You can use it to lower acne and enhance the appearance of the skin.
- Blue chamomile oil
Derived from German chamomile, this oil has a vibrant blue color which can help lower the severity of eczema, wounds, burns, bruises, mastitis, canker sores and other skin problems. It is also commonly used for its anti-inflammatory potency and may be effective in destroying H. pylori. If you are struggling with insomnia, inhalation of this oil is known to have a mild sedative impact on the brain and thus, it will make you sleepy.
- Rose oil
This oil has a floral scent and it is made from the petals of rose species. It can help calm you down and fight off bad organisms and it is often part of numerous skin care products with the goal to increase the skin’s permeability.
- Oregano oil
This oil is abundant in carvacrol, a potent compound that has numerous advantageous characteristics, including the capacity to face harmful organisms and destroy them. It is also good for the health of the liver.
- Jasmine oil
Derived from jasmine flowers, this oil has a stimulating effect and when applied onto the skin, it will elevate your alertness, vigor, and breathing rate for a better mood and a feeling of well-being.
- Copaiba oil
This oil is is rich in copalic acid that may avert the development of bad dental bacteria and it also possesses strong anti-inflammatory characteristics and it can be ingested orally.
- Bergamot oil
The calming properties of this oil are what people mostly use it for, but it is also known to help with the weight and maintain the health of the heart.
- Neroli oil
This oil is made from the bitter orange tree and it is frequently incorporated into diet pills due to its power to suppress the appetite. It can be also beneficial in reducing menopause symptoms and stress. Moreover, people use it as a natural cure to alleviate irritation, fight off dangerous organisms, and improve the functioning of the endocrine system.
- Lemon balm oil
Also known as valerian, this is yet another essential oil that can relieve menopause symptoms and it is also exceptional in enhancing the memory and elevating the problem-solving capacity.
- Pomegranate oil
This oil is made from pomegranate seeds and it contains linolenic acid which is an essential fatty acids. According to some research, it may stop the growth of colon and skin cancer. It may also be effective in strengthening the immunity.
- Frankincense oil
Did you know that this oil is highly beneficial in bettering the growth of cells?
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