7 Essential Oils with Medical Benefits

Essential oils extracted from plants offers us a wide variety of benefits. Historical documents have shown that these oils were used for their fragrance, relaxing and healing effects since the beginning of early civilization. Now, research has shown that these oils have more than the common health benefits that we know of.  Essential oils of Thyme and Rosemary, for example,  can fight cancer cells!

Essential oils must have

Essential oils: #1 Eucalyptus

A natural germicidal and disinfectant.    Excellent for respiratory diseases like cough as it relieves the air passages when inhaled, thins out mucous and is an expectorant.   Also good for urinary tract infection and joint and muscle pains.

• 2.  Lavender – with its soothing and relaxing aroma, Lavender is ideal to ease headaches and nervous tension. Massages, baths and diffusers are commonly infused with this oil. Skin problems like acne and allergy as well as hair and scalp irritations like dandruff can be eased by this oil. Medically, it can be used as a decongestant for respiratory ailments. Its relieving scent and mild fragrance will truly take your cares away.
• 3. Tea Tree Oil – perfect for wounds, burns, insect bites and allergies like eczema, athlete’s foot, psoriasis. With its anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties, skin diseases or irritations will be a thing of the past. Added to that, the oil can be made into natural vaginal suppositories. Just mix 3 drops of Tea tree oil to a teaspoon of coconut oil and cool in a ref. Tea tree oil can also be used as a diffuser for toxic mold.
• 4.  Lemon – anti bacterial and a very strong diffuser. Studies have shown that it can kill meningococcus bacteria in 15 minutes, typhoid bacilli in 1 hour, staphylococcus aureus in 2 hours and pneumococcus bacteria in 3 hours.  With its high dose of Vitamin C and antioxidants, Lemon takes out our body’s parasites and supports our sympathetic nervous system. As an astringent, it can lighten liver spots and reduce facial pigmentation.
• 5.  Rose – can brighten skin by reducing stretch marks and wrinkles and scars.  Rose is also good reproductive system issues like irregular menstrual cycle and impotence.  Rose has a rejuvenating scent that helps you get through heartbreak, emotional trauma, grief and depression.  Added to that, it can also boost self confidence and is a natural aphrodisiac.
• 6.  Rosemary –  known to be effective against ovarian and liver cancer.  Good for the adrenal gland (the gland that releases hormones in response to stress).  Respiratory diseases like asthma and bronchitis, hair and scalp health can also benefit from this oil.  Rosemary can also stimulate mental alertness and prevent memory loss.
• 7.  Peppermint – with its anti-bacterial properties, good for tooth, gum and mouth infections.  Effective for food poisoning and digestive ailments.  Also, peppermint can be an alternative for coffee as it is a natural stimulant.

Essential Oils are an interesting, natural and organic alternative to your typical remedies for health problems.  Essential oils can be used topically on the skin or taken orally, most often diluted.  Always consult an aroma therapist to be sure of the dosage and what essential oils to use.  Some essential oils can be applied directly while other essential oils need to be mixed with organic virgin coco, olive, almond or jojoba oil to avoid irritation.

Rose, Jeanne: The Aromatherapy Book: Applications & Inhalations, Berkeley: North Atlantic Books, 1992.

The Fragrant Pharmacy, Ann Worwood, 1991