The power of essential oils and the benefits of aromatherapy have garnered a lot of attention from naturopaths and skeptics alike over the past decade or so, and that interest has prompted numerous studies to be done on which oils have the most beneficial properties and for what conditions do certain oils seem to have the most desired effect.
Following is a list of the ten most used essential oils and of what conditions these special oils have healing properties against.
Bear in mind, however, that this list is a compilation of merely a few of the essential oils that are available, and that there are many, many more plants whose oils are beneficial to your health and wellness.
1) LAVENDER:
The scientific name for this pretty purple plant is Lavandula, and it grows easily in most parts of the world. It is used generously in the perfume industry because of its pleasant fragrance, but its therapeutic properties are that of calming, de-stressing, relieving anxiety, and combating insomnia.
2) CLARY SAGE:
Also known as Salvia Sclarea, the oil from this flower is reputed to have analgesic properties, specifically in terms of female pain such as menstrual cramps or labor pains.
3) PEPPERMINT:
Although the oil from the plant Mentha x Piperita can be somewhat caustic in its super concentrated form, this oil will work wonders as an anti-emetic when saturated into cotton ball that then can be inhaled. A few drops of this oil in a hot bath will also soothe sore muscles. Peppermint is also a powerful insect repellent, and if lined around kitchen surfaces will create a boundary over which no ant dares cross.
4) TEA TREE:
The oil from the plant Melaleuca Alternifolia is renowned for its antiseptic properties as it has been found to effective as an antifungal, antiviral, and antimicrobial agent. It can also be added to any shampoo to relieve dry scalp and dandruff.
5) ROSEMARY:
Not only is the plant Rosmarinus Officinalis wonderfully versatile in culinary applications, but it also yields an essential oil that is fantastic for dry, itchy scalp and dandruff, but also has been used effectively as a bronchodilator and an expectorant for congested lungs.
6) LEMONGRASS:
Like Rosemary, the plant Cymbopogon Citratus also has many uses in the culinary arts; however, its essential oil is highly effective as a sanitary agent and can be used as an antiseptic. It also is a powerful insect repellant.
7) LEMON:
The oil from the fruit Citrus x Lemon is generally considered to be “uplifting” in that it has rejuvenating, energy inducing, and immune supporting properties. It is also highly effective as a non-toxic alternative in household cleansers.
8) ROSE:
While obviously famed for its aesthetic beauty, the plant Rosa Damascena is considered by many to be the “Queen of Essential Oils” and is widely used for its anxiolytic, rejuvenating, stress relieving and even pain relief properties. The essential oil derived from roses also has been proven as an effective anti-inflammatory agent and can be helpful for joint pain and other arthritic conditions.
9) YLANG YLANG:
The plant Cananga Odorata primarily grows in Asian countries and is popular as an aphrodisiac and for its uplifting and anti-depressant properties.
10) ROMAN CHAMOMILE:
We’ve all heard that drinking chamomile tea in the evening can help alleviate insomnia and restlessness, and the oil from the plant Chamamelum Nobile can be utilized for its sedative properties, as well it has been found to be enormously effective in alleviating PMS symptoms and other discomforts associated with menstruation. Chamomile, in any of its forms is incredibly soothing and calming.
