6 Best Essential Oils

6 Best Essential Oils And What They Can Do For You

The popularity of alternative medicine has increased through the years, and the use of essential oils has been a part of that. Statistics show that the market size of the global aromatherapy market is expected to reach USD $3.7 billion by the end of 2028.

Essential oils are plant-based extracts that have been steamed or pressed to capture compounds that create a fragrance. Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways. Depending on the part of the body you want to target, you can inhale essential oils, apply these topically to your skin, or add a few drops of the oil to a warm washcloth and use it when you bathe or shower.

If you're planning to use essential oils but you don't know where to start, consider the list below. It compiles some of the best essential oils today and how these can benefit you:

1. Lavender
Lavender is a very popular essential oil, and it's very easy to see why. Studies show that lavender may help promote sleep, improve sleep quality, and fight symptoms of insomnia.

Aside from making it easier for you to fall and stay asleep, lavender may also help improve your mental health because of its calming effect. Lavender essential oil could help improve your mood, making it easier to manage social anxiety and panic attacks.

Lavender may also help if you always see yourself covered in bug bites. Lavender has a naturally strong scent that repels bugs, fleas, flies, and mosquitos. Lavender may also reduce swelling and itching from bug bites. Apply the essential oil to your skin, and you're good to go.

2. Chamomile
Chamomile features a combination of herbal and light floral aroma that could help relieve common digestive problems, such as gas, indigestion, and nausea. Chamomile actually has carminative properties that may relieve or prevent flatulence or gas in the gastrointestinal tract.

You can also add chamomile to your skincare routine as this essential oil may aid in easing skin conditions, like eczema and rashes. Chamomile also has powerful antioxidants that may reduce the signs of skin aging. This essential oil protects the skin from free radical damage, giving the skin a more youthful glow while minimizing the appearance of wrinkles.

3. Rose
Because of their sweet scent, rose essential oils have become a favourite among many. One of the biggest benefits you can experience from using this essential oil is its ability to eliminate bacteria. Rose is considered a bactericide as it may treat cholera, diarrhea, and other diseases caused by bacteria.

Rose essential oils can be a godsend for women who regularly get cramps during 'that time of the month'. This essential oil may relieve stomach cramps associated with menstruation. Mix two to five drops of rose essential oil with castor oil and apply the solution to your stomach to experience relief.

4. Hyssop
Hyssop essential oil originated from Southern European and Middle Eastern regions, but they have slowly gained popularity worldwide. This essential oil may be used to alleviate the common cold and reduce cough and sore throat.

Hyssop also contains antimicrobial properties, which may fight certain infections. Through the years, hyssop essential oils have been used to treat and minimize symptoms of urinary tract infection, upper respiratory infection, and various skin infections.

5. Ylang-Ylang
Do you often suffer from hair loss? Worried that your hair is already too weak and has become very susceptible to damage? If you're looking for an essential oil to boost your hair health, use ylang-ylang. This essential oil may stimulate sebum production, which could help prevent dry scalp. Having normal levels of sebum in the scalp may eventually result in lesser hair breakage and better hair texture.

Ylang-ylang is also known as an aphrodisiac because it is said to increase sexual desire and minimize sexual anxiety. Studies suggest that ylang-ylang may improve mental health, and because mood is associated with sexual experience, it's possible that this essential oil is beneficial for sexual stimulation.

6. Myrrh
Your skin is one of the most important organs in the body, which is why you should exert time and effort to protect it. If you want to boost the efficacy of your sunscreen, add a few drops of myrrh essential oils. Studies show that combining myrrh with sunscreen is more effective at blocking harmful ultraviolet rays than using sunscreen alone.

Myrrh can also be used to combat pain and swelling. This essential oil could also help reduce headache, back pain, and joint pain because it contains compounds that interact with the opioid receptors found in your brain. As a result, your brain will send signals telling your body that you're not in pain.

Seek Advice From A Medical Professional First
Inhaling essential oils and applying these to the skin with a base oil, such as carrier or castor oil, is generally safe. However, if you're taking medication or have a serious health condition, it's best to talk to your healthcare practitioner before using essential oils.