The best essential oils of all times

As with every natural product, essential oils have variety of medical and health benefits for humans. From skin care to sleep induction, essential oils have been widely and abundantly used since ages. Obtained through distillation or cold pressing, essential oils capture the essence of the plant from which it is extracted,  the extract being full of all the goodness the plant offers.

Given below is a list of 7 best essential oils and their important uses;

Lemon oil

Extracted through cold pressing from the peels of fresh lemon, lemon oil is a natural and home health remedy for a variety of conditions such a skin problems, fungal and bacterial infections, and inflammation. It also reduces sleep deprivation, exhaustion and depression. 

Given below are important uses of lemon oil;

It is used as a relaxant and antidepressants. Usually lemon oil is an important ingredient of room fresheners, cleaning products and deodorants. The refreshing odor of lemon relieves stress and produces a calming sensation. It is beneficial in improving mood and reducing anxiety.

The nausea and vomiting symptoms experienced in first trimester of pregnancy can be decreased by using lemon oil. Aromatherapy with lemon oil significantly decreases emesis.

Lemon oil is an important antibacterial agent. It kills the bacteria growing on the skin and cleans small wounds and infection. The antioxidant property of lemon oil brightens and preserves the natural tone of skin. It also helps in treatment and prevention of acne.

The anti fungal properties of lemon oil are effective in athlete’s foot and yeast infections.

Aromatherapy with lemon oil changes the way brain responds to pain stimulus and decreases the sensation of pain.

Vitamin C present in lemon oil boosts immunity and helps fight minor to major ailments.

(Not safe to ingest)

Cinnamon oil

Obtained from Cinnamon verum, cinnamon oil contains ingredients having a number of health benefits.

The primary constituent that is, cinnamaldehyde, has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

It is a home remedy for health conditions such as cough, cold and constipation.

It improves blood circulation, thus reducing stress and depression.

Cinnamon oil significantly improves immunity and helps fight infections.

It also improves the digestion.

Studies have shown that cinnamon oil widens the narrow arteries and helps in treatment of high blood pressure.

It also helps in maintaining blood sugar level and thus controls diabetes.

Lavender oil

Extracted from Lavandula angustifolia, lavender essential oil is on of the most abundantly used essential oil due to its unique and versatile properties. Its use is mainly popular in aromatherapy.

It is used to induce sleep and treats insomnia. It is a powerful relaxant and anxiolytic.

It is used in the treatment of fungal infections.

It has multiple important functions which include anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, relaxant, and analgesic, hypotensive, sedative, hypnotic, antispasmodic and antimicrobial.

It can used as in a diffuser or vaporizer in aromatherapy or can be applied topically on the skin.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is a safe and inexpensive solution to a number of health conditions. It is obtained from the leaves of a small tree, Melaleuca alternifolia.  This plant should not be confused with the one that is used in the production of green or black tea.

It has a number of health benefits.

The tea tree oil is used to make natural hand sanitizer which can kill bacteria and viruses which cause common illnesses. It is also a good skin moisturizer.

It can be used as an insect repellent. It is sometimes more effective than traditionally used insecticide or repellents.

It is a natural deodorant and helps reduce bad odor caused by sweating.

The antibacterial activity of tea tree oil prevents bacteria from entering into the broken skin and thus helps faster healing of wounds.

When topically applied on skin, it decreases the outbreak and severity of acne. It makes the skin brighter and preserves its natural tone.

Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil is widely used in Medicine to treat nasal congestion, asthma and as a tick repellent.

It is applied topically on skin as a remedy for conditions such as skin ulcers and arthritis.

It is used as a treatment of a number of respiratory conditions.

It is also an important ingredient of mouthwashes and toothpastes.

It is added in diffusers and vaporizers to be used in aromatherapy.

Chamomile oil

Chamomile oil is extracted from the flowers of chamomile plant. Chamomile oil has been used since the times of ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. It has been used in medicine for a variety of purposes.

These include restoration of normal digestive tone by preventing indigestion, nausea, vomiting and flatulence.

It increases wound healing and prevents ulcers.

It is a well established anxiolytic.

It prevents and treats skin conditions like inflammation, eczema and rashes.

It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Chamomile oil is effective for relieving pain specially from neuralgia or arthritis.

It promotes sedation and is used for sleep induction in patients with severe insomnia.

(Chamomile oil can be used in diffusers, sprays, vaporizers and it can also be applied topically on skin)

Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil is extracted from the seeds of jojoba plant. it is widely used in skin care products and it is convenient enough to be used as a carrier for other essential oils. It is extremely beneficial for skin. Some of its most important properties are as follows.

It acts as a moisturizer by forming a protective layer on the skin. This barrier prevents loss of moisture. It also prevents entry or bacteria and acne and dandruff breakout.

Jojoba oil has antimicrobial properties. It  selectively kills certain types of bacteria and prevents infection.

The vitamin E present in Jojoba oil has antioxidant property. It helps in reducing oxidative stress and prevents aging.

The similarity of jojoba oil with sebum makes it non comedogenic, preventing clogging and  build up on the skin cells.

It is hypoallergenic and non irritating on skin. It produces soothing effect once applied. It heals eczema, psoriasis and sunburns.

Jojoba oil helps in healing of wounds and scars.

(Jojoba oil is safe to use directly on skin without dilution)

*if you are suffering from any critical medical condition, do  not use (topically or internally) without the prescription of a registered medical practitioner.