Choosing a preferred oil is one of the first steps anyone takes as they begin their aromatherapy journey. The type of essential oil used in aromatherapy significantly influences the outcomes.
Since there is a wide variety of essential oils available, proper information on the benefits and uses of the different essential oils is necessary. This article highlights some of the top essential oils you should consider as you make your choice. We highlight their benefits and uses.
Eucalyptus
This essential oil is extracted by distillation from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree, which were first grown in California in the 1850s. It has a particularly strong smell which is a distinguishing feature. A major application of eucalyptus is in clearing the airways and keeping the air clean. Another distinguishing feature of eucalyptus is its ability to repel insects. According to reports, eucalyptus can kill a drug-resistant pathogen of malaria.
Eucalyptus is also used in relieving headaches, improving the immune system, reducing fever as well as muscle pain. Applications of lavender include dropping on sore muscles, inhaling from a diffuser and adding to hot water then massaging the head with it.
Peppermint
The minty scent of peppermint is one of the numerous reasons why it is a beloved essential oil. Peppermint contains essential components such as menthol and menthone. These components are responsible for its antiviral, stimulant, antispasmodic and antioxidant activities.
Peppermint is majorly applied in relieving pain. Other applications include soothing of nausea, improving moods, cleaning the air and improving concentration and memory. When applied on the skin, peppermint acts as an analgesic. In winter, peppermint essential oil is used for combating cold. Peppermint is Mentha piperita.
Lemon
Apart from its clean and refreshing smell, lemon has notable features such as its antidepressant, antiseptic and antibacterial activities. The properties of lemon are attributed to the large quantities of D-limonene it contains.
D-limonene also has anti-inflammatory and skin repair activities. Lemon essential oil is mostly applied on the skin for reducing wrinkling, toning and enhancing circulation. Studies have shown the ability of lemon to enhance the secretion of epinephrine, in improving moods and managing depression. Because of its antiseptic properties, lemon can also be applied in eliminating germs from kitchens and bathrooms. In aromatherapy, lemin can be applied as a pain relief agent.
Lemon is Citrus limonum.
Lavender
The plant from from which lavender is made is Lavandula angustifolia, which is just one of the numerous lavender species. All of the lavender species have several active components such as linalool, camphor and eucalyptol. These components are behind the immense benefits and application of lavender, especially in aromatherapy. The scent of lavender is another of its appealing features.
Lavender has antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial and antioxidant, amongst other properties. Thus, it is applied in managing skin issues, improving the immune system, enhancing digestion and speeding up healing.
This essential oil can be applied on the skin. However, it is noteworthy that, because of its high quantity of linalool, there are persons that have an allergic reaction to its use.
Clove
Clive oil has applications that range from the reducing inflammation and alleviating pain to reducing stress and relieving mouth pain and sore throat. It has a characteristic strong and spicy odor. It is also applied in managing cuts and scrapes.
Tea Tree
Although tea tress only grow in Australia, the essential oil has received massive attention in aromatherapy. Traditionally, the leaves of tea tree are applied in managing skin conditions, cold and infections. The leaves were also used in alleviating sore throats and upper respiratory tract infections.
The oil is known for its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. According to research, tea oil also has anticancer activities as it reduced tumour growth in mice.
In aromatherapy, it is applied in eliminating infleunza virus, treating gingivitis, curing it in about 2 weeks, and treating acnes. There are a few side effects of the use of tea oil in managing acne. It can be applied directly on skin and foot. Users can also gargle a drop of the oil In a glass of water for oral healing.
Tea is Melaleuca alternifolia, tea oil is otherwise known as melaleuca oil. Tea oil has a strong camphorious odor.
Rosemary
This oil has a unique scent which is herbal, with an undertone or camphor. Rosemary oil is found in a lot of topical ointments. Generally, rosemary oil is a stimulant. Its action cuts across the nervous cardiovascular and respiratory systems. It can cause an increase in respiratory rate, blood pressure and heart rate.
Other functions of rosemary oil include improving brain activity and enhancing the immune system. It also heals skin problems hence the application in a lot of skin ointments. When applied to aching muscles, rosemary oil helps with pain. According to preference, users can mix rosemary oil with other oils to alter the scent. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are advised not to use rosemary oil because of the possible adverse effects. Outside aromatherapy, rosemary oil can be applied in extending the shelf life of products.
Clary sage
With its sweet herbal smell, clary sage oil is especially known for its numerous applications on the skin. It has antibacterial, antiseptic and astringent activities. It also improves blood circulation.
The clary sage plant is found in North Africa as well as the Mediterranean regions. The oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and flowering tops of the plant. It is known for its ability to regulate hormones. Studies have shown the ability of clary sage oil to alleviate depression and menstrual pain.
Antioxidant activities of clary sage essential oil have also been reported. After dilution in a carrier oil, clary sage oil can be applied on the feet and abdomen.
You should not be able to choose the essential oil that is most suitable for your needs. The outcome of aromatherapy is always dependent on the right choice of product and important information. Platforms such as Aromaterapio provide the knowledge you would need to apply aromatherapy for maximum benefits.