Essential oils are used in aromatherapy and in therapeutic body creams for physical, emotional and mental health. Essential oils from herbs, flowers and other plants have different qualities and uses such as healing and relaxing. Essential oils are effective for varying uses including relaxing muscles, cleansing skin, fighting infections, decreasing stress and improving mood and concentration
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus essential oil contains the medicinal ingredient eucalyptol, which is commonly used in creams for muscle and joint pain. It is also a common ingredient in chest vapor rubs and steam inhalations for colds, flu and congested sinus symptoms. This powerful essential oil has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties and was used for sterilizing surgical equipment before the discovery of antibiotics. Eucalyptus oil infused steam is also beneficial for asthma, respiratory infections and earaches because it clears passageways for easier breathing and reduces infection.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of a tree that is native to Australia and has potent anti-bacteria and antifungal qualities. The most common use for this essential oil is to treat acne topically by helping to reducing acne-causing bacteria in the skin. It is also effective in cleansing and promoting the healing of minor cuts and burns, fungal infections on the feet and nails, and cold sores on the lip. As a steam inhalation, tea tree oil is used to soothe asthma inflammation and respiratory infections.
Lavender
Lavender essential oil comes from the lavender plant’s light blue and violet flowers. It is commonly added to perfumes, body lotions, soaps and shampoos because it is an effective aroma for relaxing and improving mood. This essential oil is also used as a remedy for treating insomnia, anxiety, nervousness and depression. Lavender essential oil has a calming and slightly sedating effect when inhaled from an aromatherapy diffuser.
Chamomile
Chamomile is commonly used as a herbal tea for relaxation and better sleep. However, chamomile essential oil is also used as a natural astringent toner to cleanse skin and soothe skin irritation due to allergies or sensitivity. It is a common ingredient in skin products and cosmetics. It also contains anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antifungal properties that make it an effective treatment for scalp dandruff, acne, eczema, dermatitis and foot funguses.
Rosemary
This essential oil comes from the leaves of the rosemary plant, a common kitchen herb. Rosemary essential oil is rich in antioxidants called flavonoids that help to slow skin aging and alleviate blood circulation problems, digestive problems and muscles and joint pain. It has anti-bacterial, antispasmodic and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, and is an effective cleansing and muscle-relaxing ingredient in herbal shampoos, bath oils and skin creams. Rosemary essential oil increases blood flow to the brain and improves memory and concentration when used in an aromatherapy scent diffuser.
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