Top 7 Essential Oils for Healing Benefits

Ever wondered why essential oils are considered to be an "essential" product? They're very simply an important commodity for certain people; a requirement they need for daily purposes. Thousands of people use essential oils as an alternative form of medicine. And if you are inclined to more natural approaches to treat illnesses and relieve other symptoms, then essential oils are an excellent option for you.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are natural oils derived from plants. The oil is extracted by steam or cold-pressing distillation. When the plant's aromatic properties are collected, they are mixed with a carrier oil to form an essential oil. It is important to note how the oil is produced as those produced by chemical processes are not technically true essential oils. The aim is to catch the fragrance or essence of the plant, and then use those properties for certain healing abilities. Every plant possesses its own unique aromatic characteristics that can be used for various purposes.

Popular Essential Oils

Lavender

Lavender essential oil is the most common and versatile. The lavender plant has been used for its soothing properties for many centuries, but lavender oil has numerous other healing benefits! Lavender oil is the Queen of all essential oils. Healing properties include alleviating stress and anxiety, relieving pain/discomfort, encouraging relaxation, increasing circulation in the blood, improving sleep quality, repelling unwanted pests/insects (and soothing bug bites!), disinfecting wounds, and much more.

Peppermint

Peppermint oil is very useful when it comes to digestive issues. If you have a stomach ache or worse (IBS), simply massage a few drops of oil onto your stomach and let the rest be handled by the peppermint. Peppermint oil also works well for headaches and muscle aches. You can easily inhale or rub peppermint oil into your temples and other sore muscles, and allow the pain to fade away.

Lemon

Lemon oil is the most widely used citrus essential oil because of its significant antioxidant properties. In general, lemon is known for cleansing body toxins, rejuvenating energy, purifying skin and fighting bacteria. Lemon essential oil has all of these same benefits, plus the refreshing citrus scent of the beloved yellow fruit! Lemon oil is proven to minimize inflammation, relieve nausea, raise energy levels, kill bacteria and soothe digestion.

Sage

Sage is one of the most powerful holistic healing tools. Similar to burning sage in your home, sage essential oil is known to purify energies and relieve stress and tension. Sage has an incredibly pleasant and soothing aroma.  This essential oil is also known to help clear acne, reduce skin inflammation, and provide relief from muscle pain. For women, one of the most beneficial uses of sage essential oil is for feminine discomfort. Sage can help alleviate menstrual cramps and regulate the menstrual flow. When Mother Nature comes knocking on your door, rub some oil into your lower abdomen and breath through it while the pain wanes.

Tea Tree

As you may have guessed, tea tree essential oil is produced from the leaves of the tea tree. It has been used for centuries as a traditional form of medicine. It can be inhaled or rubbed directly onto the skin, just like other essential oils. Tea tree oil is exceptionally versatile. This incredible oil can be used as a natural hand sanitizer, antiseptic, and even deodorant. It can also be used to clear acne, soothe inflammation of the skin, help get rid of dandruff, and eliminate nail fungus from athlete’s foot.

Eucalyptus

You’ve surely heard of eucalyptus essential oil; it is one of the most popular and commonly used. And that’s not just because of its amazing scent. Eucalyptus essential oil has outstanding medicinal properties. It can be used to help treat the common cold and cough, plus congestion and fevers. Massage some oil into your chest or simply inhale the scent, and you’ll almost immediately feel your airways expand. Similar to tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil can also be used to treat dandruff and itchy scalps. Plus, it helps kill lice! Eucalyptus oil can also help alleviate arthritis and joint/muscle pain.

Sweet Orange

Another cherished citrus oil is sweet orange. Orange essential oil encourages feelings of happiness and radiance, making it an excellent choice for aromatherapy. Not only is this oil great for aromatherapy purposes, it can also be used to improve bodily functions. Sweet orange essential oil helps with digestion, and can also be used to treat acne and dry, cracked skin.

How to Use Essential Oils 

Essential oils have many different uses. Generally, several drops of a selected oil are mixed in a diffuser with some water. The fragrance permeates the entire room, producing a soothing effect that is complemented by the selected scent. Essential oil diffusers are one of the easiest ways to get the full effect of your oils, but there are also other ways. Here are some of our favorite ways to get creative when using essential oils:

• Add a few drops of your favorite oil to a nice bath-- or buy one of our bath bombs infused with your favorite oil!
• Give your partner a massage-- sexy or just relaxing, you choose 😉
• Make an all-natural air freshener by combining oils and water in a spray bottle
• Say goodbye to stinky feet by placing a few drops of oil in each shoe
• Witchcraft, anyone? Create your own magical potion for your specific needs

Navigating the world of essential oils is a journey in its own way. There are SO many oils out there with SO many different healing properties; don’t feel limited to the seven we briefly mentioned. Get out there and experiment—search for different scents and find what matches your needs. Ultimately, the goal is to find your zen. Figure out what works best for you, breathe in the therapeutic scent, and let all your worries fade away.

Essential Oils San Diego

Unsure which essential oil is right for you? Check out our collection of bath bombs and bath salts to discover your favorite self-care solution!