In recent years, people have turned to the power of plants for healing purpose and the essential oil is one of them! It became a trending topic on the social media world.

These plant-derived extract is engaging internet viewers for their ability to do just everything be it elevating your mood, lowering anxiety, easing heartburn, etc. Essential oils can play an important role to keep your body and mind fit. So, let’s see what exactly essential oils are?

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are the essence of the plant. It is extracted from various plants. They are made by pressing or steaming different parts of plants like roots, stem, leaves, fruits, etc. It contains a high amount of active ingredients of that plant with a stronger smell.

You may add it with cream and other oils to enhance their effects. Usually, you will not get this oil in its pure form but a mixture.

Popular Types of Essential Oils Are:

  There are more than 90 types of essential oils with its unique smell and use. Practitioners use them in natural and alternative health practices, such as aromatherapy and naturopathy.

Here is a list of some popular essential oils –

• Rose Oil – It is one of the most expensive oil for its soothing floral fragrance that may be useful for stress, anxiety. It is known to promote hair growth and is useful in treating joint pain and stiffness.
• Lavender oil – One of the widely used essential oil specifically relieve insomnia. It has pain-relieving properties and can be used in a variety of ways. Lavender oil is relaxing and rejuvenating.
• Sandalwood oil –  It is so much popular for fragrance and also helps to relieve anxiety and improve sleep.

• Jasmin oil –  A sweet-smelling oil is used as a stress-reliever with the potential to help to treat dry skin, inflammation and prevent signs of ageing.
• Peppermint oil – It is used for headaches and stomach issues like irritable bowel syndrome. Applying peppermint oil to the temples is known to help patients with Migraine. Peppermint oil also has mood-lifting properties.
• Roman Chamomilla oil – It is excellent for relaxation and to improve your mood. It is often used for treating mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression. Chamomile tea contains this essential oil, however, it should be consumed in limited quantities.
• Ylang-Ylang oil – It is mainly used to relieve pain, improve mood and lower blood pressure
• Basil oil – It is an essential herb to ease a cough, enhance mood, and soothe sore muscles.
• Lemon oil – It is used to aid digestion, mood, and more. The aroma of lemon oil helps with nausea and dizziness. It is also known to reduce depression and other associated illnesses. Lemon oil has antibacterial properties and can be applied topically. The most common way of lemon oil extraction is from the peels of citrus fruits like orange, grapefruit, lime and lemongrass.
• Tea tree oil – It is very effective to treat fungal infections and boosting immunity. It is an extremely potent elixir in the treatment of acne and blemishes as it reduces acne-causing bacteria present on the skin and dries out active acne. Tea tree oil is suitable for oily skin.

Health Benefits of Essential Oils Are:

• Stress & Anxiety

Studies have shown that using essential oils can help to reduce stress. By inhaling essential oils brain give a signal to certain emotions that make you feel optimistic and hopeful. Using certain essential oils for massage gives you tremendous relief from stress and anxiety.

Read More: 7 Different Types of Relaxation Techniques

• Sleep Problems

Smelling lavender oil can improve the quality of sleep, especially after childbirth.

Read More:  How Does Your Body & Mind Benefit From A Good Sleep?

• Headache  

Recent studies have observed reduced headache after applying peppermint oil with lavender oil.

• Healthy Hairs  

Essential oils are a great substitute for hair care. Peppermint oil is effective in treating both greasy and dry hair. It helps in improving blood flow to the areas of the scalp. Lavender essential oil helps in deeply conditioning the hair, keeps it shiny and works to control dandruff.

• Skin Nourishment

Essential oils heal damaged skin and provide deep nourishment. Lavender oil and tea tree oil have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the irritation and inflammation associated with skin conditions such as acne, eczema, burn, or insect bite. It alleviates wrinkles hence improves skin appearance.

Read More: 20 Foods That Are Good For Skin

• Reducing Inflammation

Some essential oils can help in reducing irritation and inflammation of the skin. Apply diluted essential oil directly to the affected area to reduce swelling and pain.

Over the years, I have discovered the amazing benefits of tea tree oil! It’s a fantastic essential oil that many people use for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. It might also be effective in managing common fungal infections like Athlete’s foot and ringworm. Just remember to dilute the oil properly before use and do a patch test to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Also Read: Unlocking the Benefits of Jojoba Oil for Hair: A Deep Dive

Allergic Reactions to Essential Oils  

Due to a lack of clinical data, some people may experience irritation or allergic reactions to specific essential oils. They may cause some side effects such as

• Skin rashes
• Asthmatic attacks
• Headache

I’m going to let you in on some fantastic news! Peppermint oil is a remarkable essential oil that might offer a range of fantastic benefits. It may help deal with fatigue, help with digestion, and even assist with memory.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Also Read: The Benefits of Tea Tree Oil for Hair: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Use Essential Oils?

There are 3 ways to use essential oils –

1. By inhalation
   This method helps you to smell the essential oil by diffusing an essential oil in a diffuser or by steam inhalation or by spray.
2. Through skin
   Some essential oils can absorb through your skin when applied topically. These oils cannot be applied directly to the skin without being diluted.
3. By orally  
   You can ingest essential oils for various purposes but make sure its safety purpose first.

I believe that during the cold season, having eucalyptus essential oil might be a great idea. It might soothe a stuffy nose by opening up your nasal passages, allowing you to breathe more easily. It may be a helpful remedy to have on hand when you’re feeling congested and in need of quick relief.

Dr. Smita barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

Also Read: Krill Oil vs Fish Oil: Unravelling the Truth

Here are some tips to use essential oils –

• Dilute & Use –  Never use essential oil in undiluted forms as it may cause allergic reactions. Always mix it with the recommended medium before use.
• Avoid Using More –   It doesn’t make sense that using extra essential oil will give you more benefits. It can be dangerous as essential oils are highly concentrated compounds. Hence, it may become problematic for your body.
• Check the quality –  Always look for trusted production before you purchase anything. Also, don’t buy oil with an ”absolute” label as it contains petroleum-based byproduct.
• Don’t use essential oils for everything – Don’t use it blindly unless and until you are sure about it. If you are feeling weak due to dehydration then essential oils won’t help you. You need to take plenty of liquids.
• Don’t Ingest Essential Oils without Guidance – Ingest essential oils can be harmful so always consult a recommended practitioner before use. Even a drop of pure essential oil can be dangerous.

From my own experience, I’ve noticed that using rosemary oil may offer some additional benefits. It seems to improve brain function, which might enhance focus and concentration. It’s also been known to promote hair growth, making it a popular choice for those looking to improve the health of their hair!

Dr. Anuja Bodhare, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Essential oils are used worldwide to treat a variety of physical and mental illnesses. Generally, these oils are used by inhaling them. You can also dilute them and apply them on the skin for good results. Though these oils are not approved by the FDA but have been successfully used in various disorders under proper guidance.