It is essential to note that essential oils have been in use for many years and have acted as remedies that address the physical and emotional health of an individual. Coming from the flowers, leaves, barks, roots and resins, or even the peel of fruits and other parts of plants, essential oils are recognized as having the taste, scent and nature of the plant. Inhaling or applying essential oils has various therapeutic benefits which are due to anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and calming or stimulating actions among other uses.
Being an adjunctive form of wellness treatment, essential oils are being used and valued in Singapore and globally. Here is an overview of 10 of the most versatile, safe and effective essential oils for better health:Here is an overview of 10 of the most versatile, safe and effective essential oils for better health:
1. Lavender Oil
Popular because of its flower fresh and slightly sweet smell, lavender ESSENTIAL OIL has many therapeutic benefits. It has a nervine action which makes it useful in treating nervousness and helping those people who are stressed, anxious or suffering from sleeplessness. Lavender is equally antibacterial and antiseptic in nature – it will help to soothe and heal skin injuries. Massage lavender oil on the skin to reduce stress and anxiety, put a few drops on a pillow to help one sleep or dilute it and apply on skin that is problematic.
2. Lemon Oil
Lemon oil has a refreshing, light and cheerful citrus scent which has mood enhancing and awakening properties. The oil also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help build up the immune system against coughs, colds and most respiratory illnesses with normal inhalation, or regular external application. It is very effective in cleaning surfaces such as tables and countertops using lemon oil, also one drop of lemon oil in water helps in liver cleansing or you can apply dilution of lemon oil on your nails to improve their health.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects which makes it suitable in the management of skin and nail fungal conditions such as athletes foot, acne among others. It also acts as first aid for most injuries such as cuts, bites, stings, ulcers, and inflammation. Use in conjunction with shampoos and face wash and baths and creams. That being said, this product must be diluted before use on the skin.
4. Peppermint Oil
A cross between the water mint and the spearmint that has a tiny, thin leaves, the peppermint produces an invigorating, sharp, minty aroma. A stimulating oil, peppermint is useful as a remedy for headaches, nausea and gastrointestinal discomforts due to its antispasmodic effects. Moreover, it can help reduce hot flushes, ease muscle pain if applied on the skin and slightly decrease appetite. For a few moments of enjoyment, feel the extra kick that peppermint brings when added to teas, water or shakes.
5. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus essential oil has a very intense and fresh scent with subtle woody and sweet undertones. This is because eucalyptus provides antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties together with decongestant capabilities making the plant to be very effective for colds, flu, sinus and allergy problems. Ideally applied as a bath additive, used as a chest rub or added to a diffuser. So it can be combined with other oils like peppermint among others to enhance the results gotten.
6. Bergamot
Obtained from the rinds of bergamot oranges, through cold pressing, this oil has a citrus flowery scent. This product includes antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances to treat cuts, prevent skin keloids and reduce inflammation in sensitive skin regions. The oil has also been known to have a sedative effect and is used to help in treating anxiety, depression, stress and sleep disorders through the use of the essential oils. Use in diffusers, in baths, or blend with moisturizers.
7. Frankincense
Frankincense, one of the rarest of essential oils, is grounding with a rich, slightly sweet, balsamic scent reminiscent of earth, wood, and slightly sweet citrus undertones with a slight hint of pine. Frankincense oil has been used from the earliest times for stress, anxiety and depression- it helps to slow racing thoughts, whilst also helping to raise the mood with its earthy, calming aroma. It also has antioxidants that reduce inflammation, which enhances immunity against coughs and colds as well as skin cell division.
8. Rosemary
Wood, rosemary oil from the evergreen parts of the plant has a menthol like smell and is used to enhance concentration when its aroma is gently introduced into the working or studying environment. It also fights physical fatigue and boosts blood circulation and digestion, which comes in handy from the stimulating essential oil. Combine with shampoos to avoid hair loss or incorporate its antioxidant and anti- inflammatory compounds into oils and lotions to treat skin aliments such as eczema, dermatitis and acne.
9. Clove Bud
Clove bud essential oil has a rich, sweet and spicy scent, somewhat reminiscent of warmth. Being a potent antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory agent, clove oil can effectively treat different skin problems due to yeast and fungi like athlete’s foot, acne, and dandruff. It is also used in treatments of toothaches and is included in anesthetics used by dentists.
10. Ginger
Ginger oil has a hot and spicy scent which has the effects of soothing nausea and stimulating appetite, digestion and circulation. These then facilitate the reduction of inflammation and pain on joints and muscles, which is suitable for senior citizens. They can be blended with the carrier oils for massages or can be inhaled using aromatics. It can fight against motion sickness as well if inhaled excessively. Because of the strength of the formula, avoid using very often, as it may potentially cause sensitive skin to breakout.
Tips for Usage
Although essential oils are very beneficial for the human organism, it is recommended to seek advice from a health practitioner if you have any medical condition or are pregnant and you want to use oils. It is crucial to consult a doctor before using this product on the skin by conducting a skin patch test to identify allergic reactions. It will be wise to purchase a basic starter variety aromatherapy kit of about 5-10 oils that one can then expand on. It is crucial to use oils that are 100 percent pure, therapeutic oils and try to go for well-known essential oil supplier in Singapore that include the Latin name of the plant used and the method by which the oil was extracted. Ensure your oils are packed in dark violet or amber color to avoid contact with light which might damage the oils. In most occasions, make sure to mix the essential oils with a carrier oil before applying on the skin, and these carrier oils include jojoba oil, coconut oil or almond oil. For children, elders and pregnant women, certain dilution rules to be followed are by diluting to 0. 5 – 1 percent of the essential oil in carrier oil. Since the toxic effects of arsenic are mainly on the skin and mucous membrane, one should avoid contact with them. Many of them are hazardous and should not be consumed internally in any form, or at most, only some of them should be consumed internally in very small amounts. Last but not least, it is important not to use essential oil as the sole means of curing severe illnesses with the help of qualified medical assistance at the same time.
