In a world full of chaos due to lifestyle changes, overburdened with work, pollution, and other factors, not only our physical but mental and emotional health is also being affected. The overall damage is no more slow and invisible, as significant symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, and hormonal changes can be seen in every second person. The increase in lifestyle diseases has made it evident that we need to heal our overall being which includes body, mind, and soul to function well. But, who has the time? Because of our work commitments and other social obligations, we don’t have time to consider our well-being. So, what should we do? The answer lies in aromatherapy.
The practice of healing mind, body, and soul with the use of essential oils for aromatherapy has been significant in providing relief from various skin and hair conditions, stress, anxiety, and depression, and leaving us relaxed and calm. Essential oils are extracted from various parts of plants and, along with their distinct aroma, have various health benefits. These oils are used in aromatherapy in various forms, such as aromatherapy massage oils, diffusion oils, and aromatherapy candles.
So, here is the list of the 10 best essential oils for aromatherapy that you can add to your daily care routine in different forms:
With a soft, powdery, floral aroma, lavender oil is versatile in its applications and benefits. It is effective for reducing stress, depression, anxiety, skin and hair problems, and more, which makes it one of the most popular essential oils for aromatherapy. According to Ayurveda, it decreases the heat in the body and mind, leaving you calm and relaxed. The sleep-inducing properties of lavender make it the best essential oil to cure insomnia. You can use it as a massage oil mixed with carrier oils such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, and almond oil, or you can use it as a diffuser oil. You can even use aromatherapy candles and incense sticks infused with lavender essential oil in your bedroom for a peaceful sleep.
Peppermint Essential Oil :
Peppermint oil comes from the peppermint plant, which is a hybrid of spearmint and water mint. The primary constituent, menthol, offers frosty and refreshing relief upon inhalation or topical application to the body. Freshening the breath; relieving tension, headaches, and migraines; clogged sinuses; menstrual cramps; easing digestion; fighting bacterial infection; and improving sleep are just a few of the benefits of peppermint oil. So, you can use it as a diffuser oil or directly apply it to your skin by mixing it with any carrier oil of your choice.
Tea tree oil is one of the best essential oils for skin and hair care in aromatherapy. It possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Pure tee tree essential oil is widely used for treating skin problems like acne, blemishes, and pimples, as well as hair problems like dandruff, dry scalp, and itching. It can also be used as an insect repellent, a natural deodorant, and a diffuser oil in aromatherapy. Mix 1-2 drops of tea tree with 3-4 drops of carrier oil and apply with a cotton ball on the You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil to a warm bath.
Eucalyptus oil has been used to treat upper respiratory ailments like bronchitis, pharyngitis, and sinusitis, and is also effective in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 as Eucalyptus oil in vapor form, with its primary compounds citronellol and eugenol, has rapid-acting in vitro antiviral properties against influenza A, and can provide relief during chest congestion. Furthermore, inhalation of eucalyptus decreases pain and inflammation too.
You can add a few drops of eucalyptus oil into a carrier oil such as coconut oil and apply it to your chest, or use the mix in a steamer or diffuser to get relief from congestion.
Chamomile Essential Oil :
The oil is extracted from the flowers of chamomile, a medicinal plant beneficial during stomach upset; it alleviates skin conditions like eczema or rashes. Its anti-inflammatory properties help with back pain, neuralgia, or arthritis. Additionally, inhaling chamomile oil promotes sleep, so it can be used in different ways to induce sleep, such as diffuser oil, massage oil, bath oil, or you can mix it with a moisturizing lotion.
Ylang Ylang essential oil is popular in the perfume industry because it is rich and deep with notes of rubber and custard, and bright with hints of jasmine and neroli. The main aromatic components of ylang-ylang oil are benzyl acetate, linalool, p-cresyl methyl ether, and methyl benzoate, which are responsible for its characteristic odor. It is believed to relieve high blood pressure and normalize sebum secretion for skin problems and is considered to be an aphrodisiac. Additionally, the oil is effective for treating anxiety, colds, coughs, depression, fever, headaches, insomnia, muscle tension, and sinus infections, and also repels flies and kills bug larvae. Therefore, you can use it as a massage oil on the skin or as a diffuser oil or insect repellant.
The powerful citrus scent makes it a popular tool in aromatherapy to relieve stress, anxiety, depression, skin infections, pneumonia, and blood infections, reduce cholesterol and regulate blood sugar and lipids due to its antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. You can also use the oil to purify the air and repel insects and bugs.
Sandalwood Essential Oil :
Extracted from the bark of the sandalwood tree, it has a mild earthy aroma. The healing properties of sandalwood oil have a relaxing impact on us, and that is why sandalwood incense sticks and cones are widely used for spiritual, religious, and meditative purposes. Furthermore, it helps to cure many skin problems, including acne, sores, boils, and pimples, and also acts as a natural relaxant and cures muscle spasms and contractions.
The woody aroma of rosemary essential oil leaves us all relaxed and calm. Additionally, its main constituent, rosmarinic acid, improves blood circulation. The health benefits of rosemary oil range from antioxidant benefits and anti-inflammatory properties to memory enhancement. It is great for hair growth and prevents hair loss, premature greying, and dandruff as it promotes nerve growth and improves circulation. The oil also helps to improve brain function, relieves pain, eases stress, reduces joint inflammation, and repels harmful insects. Therefore, it is a wholesome essential oil for aromatherapy that you can add to your daily care routine and use as a diffuser oil or massage oil for skin and hair. Mix a few drops of rosemary oil into a carrier oil such as coconut, jojoba, almond, or olive oil and massage it onto your scalp. Leave it for a few hours or overnight and wash with shampoo.
Clary Sage Essential Oil:
The oil is extracted from the leaves and buds of the flowering herb, Sage. The refreshing scent of the oil provides relief from stress and anxiety and can be used as a natural antidepressant. It also alleviates menopausal symptoms and reduces period cramps. You can use sage oil used with a carrier oil as an aromatherapy massage oil, or you can use the mixture like perfume, as breathing in the oil induces calmness and relaxes the mind.
Thus, add these versatile essential oils for aromatherapy into your life, and they will help you stay relaxed and calm and heal your body, mind, and soul.
