Essential Oils have been used in many cultures world over. In recent times, therapy using these oils has steadily gained popularity, due to its effectiveness. The glorious scents of these individual oils or oil blends also encourage people to incorporate them into their daily routines. Commonly, they are used in massage therapy, as a body rub or moisturiser, nasal inhalation and many other methods.
It can be quite baffling to differentiate between the types and benefits of all the different essential oils around! This post aims to shed some light upon the commonly known and used oils.
What are Essential Oils and How are They Made?
Essential oils are oils that are extracted from plants using steam distillation or cold pressing. Steam distillation uses steam to extract and isolate oils from plants, by vaporising the plant's volatile compounds. Thus, the quality of the essential oil depends largely on the method of extraction.
Different Essential Oils and their Benefits
Lavender
One of the most loved and commonly used oil, Lavender has a calming and soothing scent and is distilled from the plant, Lavandula angustifolia. It is believed to be able to treat anxiety, depression, allergies, fungal infections, eczema, nausea and insomnia.
Eucalyptus
With it's cooling and herbaceous scent, Eucalyptus is famously used to provide relief from respiratory ailments. It is known to be able to help clear nasal passages and airways, allow ease of breathing, disinfect wounds, bug repellant and soothes cold sores.
Peppermint
This cooling and tingly oil is known for it's use not only for external application but for food as well! Topically, it is used to treat headaches, muscle pains and insect bites. It can also provide relief in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), digestive issues as well as colds and flus.
Cedarwood
Calming and grounding, Cedarwood is a woodsy oil believed to be antifungal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. It is used topically as well as inhaled to provide grounding and peace. Some say it serves well as a deep sleep aid too!
Chamomile, Roman
Chamomile is a floral oil said to promote sleep, provide anxiety relief, heal wounds and sores as well as to calm an upset digestive system. This old rounder is commonly used by many around the world!
Rose
Ahhhh, nothing smells as heavenly as a Rose. Its essential oil is a concentrated version of the flower itself. Apart from its wondrous scent, this oil can also be used to ease stress, anxiety and depression.
Spearmint
Reminding us of chewing gum, Spearmint oil is not only used in natural therapy but also to flavour food and candy! Use this to soothe an upset digestive system, boost focus and concentration, beat stress and anxiety as well as in bacterial infections.
Geranium
Sometimes used in pain management, this oil is believed to treat anxiety and depression as well. The sweet floral scent engulfs us to provide an all rounded sensory experience!
Sandalwood
The wood and roots of the Santalum album is the source of this woodsy oil. Used in Indian culture for ages, Sandalwood is believed to help increase alertness, beat anxiety and fight bacteria.
Sweet Orange
The first thing you will notice is the burst of citrusy zing! This oil is known to be used to aid in sports performance, increase alertness and provide pain relief. Some people even use this to topically as part of their skincare regime.
Tangerine
Uplifting and Joyful are the best words to choose when we think of tangerines! This sweet and tangy oil boosts our mood, stimulates our metabolism and generally makes us feel happy!
Ginger
We commonly only think of ginger as an important cooking ingredient but it has long been part of aromatherapy. Derived from the root of the Zingiber officinale, this oil is stimulating and warming, enhancing concentration and alertness. It is said alleviate fatigue and lethargy too.
Clove
Suffering from digestive issues? Clove oil, along with ginger and spearmint oils, are perfect to ease our discomfort. Clove is also known to relieve pain and it commonly even applied to teeth to relieve toothaches!
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is extracted from the bark of the plant and is known to help stimulate circulation, reduce stress, relieve pain, fight off infections, improve digestion, and protect against insects. Wow! That's a whole list of fantastic benefits.
Balsam Fir
This warming oil is mainly used to treat muscle aches that arise from strains. This coniferous, herbaceous oil is also believed to aid in soothing body and mind with its comforting aroma.
Patchouli
People suffering from eczema, dermatitis, itchy skin or dry, cracked skin will love this oil! It's powerful and attractive scent can also be a mood booster!
Palmarosa
Since it has 'rose' in its name, palmarosa does indeed impart a fresh rose-like aroma, along with herbaceous bottom notes of lemony herbs. An all rounded oil, palmarosa helps to balance your emotions and promote general wellbeing.
Ylang Ylang
A mild dose of this intoxicating oil is sufficient enough to aid in anxiety and depression. Ylang Ylang is also believed to help lower blood pressure and reduce heart rate, repel insects and promote wound healing.
Essential Oils that are Kid Safe (Kids Above 3 years old)
Cedarwood
Lavender
Chamomile
Eucalyptus
Peppermint
Spearmint
Geranium
Orange
Tangerine
Tea Tree
Sandalwood
Rose
Cinnamon
Rosemary
Essential Oils to Avoid for Kids (Below 10 years old)
Cassia
Clove Bud, Clove Leaf, Clove Stem
Garlic
Honey Myrtle
Hyssop
Lemon Leaf
Lemon Myrtle
Lemongrass
Sweet Verbena
Oakmoss
Oregano
Saffron
Sage
Tuberose
Verbena
Ylang Ylang