Whether you are someone curious about essential oils, or an individual that would rather try to cure your conditions the natural way, there are plenty of medicinal essential oils that you can use to help in keeping your body healthy. Each oil offers unique healing abilities that can be very helpful for many health problems that occur. Here are 8 versatile and highly functional medicinal essential oils that are good to know about.
1. Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil is one of the strongest oils that is available. It is a scent that is often enjoyed around the holidays and it holds a wide variety of helpful medicinal benefits too. Asthma, colic, headaches, nausea, vertigo, sinusitis and the flu can all be alleviated through the use of peppermint oil. It has shown to potentially contain antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties. When using this oil, it is recommended that you avoid doing so before bedtime as it can stimulate mental activity. Some of the other health benefits related to peppermint use include an increase in blood circulation, healthy hair growth, pain relief, eliminating bad breath, and treating infections. Often the oil is applied to a tissue in order to inhale it, added to drinking water and ingested, or diluted and applied to the skin.
2. Tea Tree
This oil can be directly applied externally, but should never be ingested. It holds antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. There are plenty of purposes for tea tree oil including aiding in wart removal, alleviating whopping cough, reducing acne, eradicating athlete’s foot, removing candida, healing chicken pox, removing corns, and helping to heal colds, cuts, the flu, insect bites, itching, migraines, ringworm, and much more. The strength is medium and it can be compared to woody, fresh, earth scents.
3. Oregano
Oregano has a medium perfumery scent that is described as herbaceous. The main medicinal use for oregano is fighting infections. Oregano essential oils contain properties that are anti-fungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. Some of the health benefits include protection against infections of viral, fungal, and bacterial types of course. If you are suffering from intestinal worms, oregano is also said to help eliminate them. It is very strong so should be diluted before use and can be applied externally or ingested internally. One warning is that while oregano can kill bad bacteria, it can also remove the good bacteria, so it is not recommended to take it for more than 2 weeks internally.
4. Sandalwood
Sandalwood is a scent that has been used since the ancient times. Long ago, the main purpose of sandalwood was spiritual. It is known to provide a sense of relaxation and inner peace to those that use it. Many people find it helpful in the treatment of depression and low self-esteem. The medicinal purposes of the rich woody oil include fighting bacteria, insects, fungi and viruses. It is also known for helping with reducing the appearance of stretch marks, balancing oily skin, reducing scars, and healing sensitive skin, chapped skin, bronchitis, dry skin, leucorrhea, and laryngitis. It can be applied directly to the skin or inhaled.
5. Thyme
Thyme is most well-known for its potential to aid in the elimination of MRSA. There are other medicinal purposes for this essential oil including treatment of arthritis, colds, dermatitis, flu, cuts, insect bites, lice, muscle pain, scabies, acne, sore throat, poor circulation, oily skin, and laryngitis. It is also sometimes taken in capsules to increase immunity. Thyme oil can also be added to food, ingested, or applied directly to the skin. The perfume scent is a medium fresh, herbaceous, medicinal one.
6. Ylang-Ylang
Ylang-Ylang produces many health benefits including aid with anxiety, depression, stress, palpitations, hypertension, frigidity, and more. The scent is a strong one and it is best described as containing fruity, sweet, floral, fresh, and fragrant components. Some people have experienced headaches after their first time using this essential oil so it is recommended that you start with a very small amount and work your way towards a fuller scent. With this one oil, you can lower your blood pressure, stop infections, speed up the healing process of your wounds, maintain healthier skin, get relief from stress and anger, and strengthen your immune system. It is recommended to massage this oil into the skin or add it to a bath.
7. Frankincense
Many enjoy the mild to medium scent of frankincense in their homes all year long. The smell can be described as balsamic, spicy, and fruity with fresh and woody aromas blended in as well. The medicinal purposes of frankincense include promoting oral health and hygiene, working as an astringent, reducing PMS and menopause, and offering digestive assistance. It is known to be calming, relaxing, and grounding without making you tired. Frankincense can also help in the treatment of anxiety, asthma, bronchitis, scars, stress, stretch marks, and chronic coughing. You can lower your blood pressure or help and boost your immune system just by having this essential oil running through your diffuser.
8. Ginger
Lastly, ginger oil is commonly used for arthritis, nausea, poor circulation, and muscle pain. The warm, spicy, earthy, woody aroma is medium to strong. Used regularly, ginger can promote proper digestion and overall digestive health. This can be inhaled or added to water and ingested.
It’s is pretty amazing what abilities essential oils have been found to have. Along with helping you feel better, these simple ingredients contain a wide assortment of other uses that can be helpful to your overall well-being. Try one today and see what a difference they can make in your everyday life.
