Aromatherapy Basics For Better Health

Lavandula angustifolia provides an essential oil that is one of the most popular and commonly used versatile and potent essential oils used in aromatherapy. Lavender essential oil has a light, lovely, and pleasing scent that has a relaxing effect used to treat allergies, anxiety, depression, eczema, nausea, menstrual cramps, and fungal infections. This essential oil is believed to have antifungal, antibacterial, antidepressant, antiseptic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties as well as sedative, detoxifying and analgesic effects.

Derived from Mentha piperita peppermint essential oil is an aromatic herb used to treat various ailments such as nausea, hiccups, fever, headache, congestion, itching, bruising, heartburn, diarrhea, travel sickness, and inflammation.

Derived from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia tea tree oil is used to treat various skin problems such as psoriasis and acne due to its antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Lemon essential oil can be used to help improve moods, boost energy, assist in weight loss efforts, ease stress, stimulate the immune system, relieve pain, as well as to help address acne, athlete’s foot, depression, warts, and varicose veins.

Roses are more than just calming fragrant flowers, essential oils distilled from Rosa damascena petals can carry many healing effects attributed to various compounds. Rose essential oil has been used to help treat depression, relaxation, and libido, powerful antimicrobial effects may even help to refresh skin and treat acne.

Derived from the flowers of the Cananga odorata tree Ylang-ylang essential oil can offer some amazing health benefits such as helping to prevent infections, relieving stress and depression, boosting moods and energy, as well as promoting proper digestion.

Extracted from the bark of the cinnamon tree this essential oil has a warm and sweet scent that has various health benefits which are for the most part attributed to compounds such as cinnamaldehyde. Cinnamon essential oil can be used as a natural remedy for problems ranging from colds and coughs to constipation and digestive problems.

Black pepper essential oil many not be as common as others but it is beneficial, this full bodied and fiery aroma makes it a great energizing stimulator which may also help reduce the level of nicotine cravings.

Essential oils most often are used topically or through inhalation. For topical uses be sure to dilute it first and do a very small test patch first, if/when using once more be sure to dilute it, follow instructions, and don’t use too much to avoid a possible overdose or adverse effects. For inhalation a diffuser can be used or steam, spray, or a few drop onto a cotton ball.