Essential oils are the secret to healthy mind, body, and soul. They can cure many problems related to respiratory tract infections, female related problems and any problems related to human body. It helps maintain the digestive system and treats stomach disorders. It also helps in calming the mind and body by healing mental disorders like anxiety, stress, depression, nervous breakdown, insomnia. Almost all the essential oils are very good for skin.They can treat many skin disorders like skin irritation, wounds, boils, rashes, acne, eczema. But some oils top the most popular essential oils and their uses are multiple.

Essential oils are used in aromatherapy to reduce mental tensions and give a soothing effect on your body. The massage of the essential oils helps in treating rheumatism, arthritis, gout and other muscular and joint pains. Some essential oils are also very good for kids. Chamomile essential oil for a toothache. Peppermint and Eucalyptus oils are very effective on allergies or respiratory tract infections. Sage, Yarrow, and many essential oils are very useful in female related problems like irregular menses, heavy or scanty periods, vaginal infections and also very effective in menopausal problems.

One can make use of these oils for the wellbeing of your body as well as the mind. With growing popularity, many people have already found their hair fall and skin remedies in these oils. Here we are introducing you to top 10 Essential oils which are very popular with the people today.

1. Tea Tree Essential Oil

How It Is Obtained:

Tea tree oil is obtained through steam distillation of twigs and leaves of the plant Melaleuca alternifolia. Also known as melasol or ti-tree. It has a camphoric smell.

Properties:

It has many properties like antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, expectorant, anti-inflammatory and hence it is known to terminate almost all the infections be it fungal or bacterial or viral. Because of these properties, people refer to it as a medicinal cabinet in a tiny bottle.

Benefits:

1. It’s very effective oil for boosting our immune system to make us healthy.
2. Tea tree oil also helps to treat respiratory tract infections like chest congestion, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, and pulmonary infections.
3. It also cures vaginal infections.
4. The tree tea oil also works as an insecticide or mosquito repellent.

How To Use:

Take few drops of Tea tree oil with a carrier oil and apply on affected areas to heal the infection. If you do not have sensitive skin you can apply a drop of Tea tree oil with moistening cotton swab on the affected area. This oil is for external use only.

2. Rosemary Essential Oil

How It Is Obtained:

Rosemary oil is obtained through steam distillation of fresh delicate flowering tops of the Rosmarinus officinalis plants. This is also called incensier.

Properties:

It has a very strong and refreshing smell like camphor. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antifungal and antiseptic properties.

Benefits:

1. Rosemary oil is used in aromatherapy to stimulate the brain function and helps in reducing various mental and psychological disorders like depression, anxiety, nervous breakdown, stress, mood swings, and fatigue.
2. This oil is very effective in reducing respiratory tract diseases like sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma, cough, cold, catarrh.
3. It clears the lungs and chest congestion.
4. This oil is very effective in reducing the headache and migraine due to nasal congestion.
5. Rosemary oil is very good for healthy hair.
6. Rosemary oil also works as a disinfectant.

How To Use:

Take 2-3 drops of Rosemary oil with a carrier oil and apply to your hair and scalp, massage gently, it stimulates the hair follicles and helps to grow long and bouncy hair.

Mix few drop of Rosemary oil in a glass of lukewarm water and use it as a mouthwash. It can cure oral problems like bad breath, plaque, and cavity.

Caution:

If a person is suffering from epilepsy, hypertension he should not use this oil.

This oil should not be used if a person is undergoing homeopathic treatment.

3. Peppermint Essential Oil:

How It Is Obtained:

Peppermint oil is obtained from steam distillation of partially dried or fresh plant of  Mentha piperita. It is also called balm mint.

Properties:

It has a very strong, fresh and menthol smell. Peppermint oil has antifungal, antiseptic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory properties.

Peppermint oil has a very strong penetrating aroma so it is mostly used in toothpaste, teas, chewing gums, ice creams. It is also used in deodorants. It is also widely used in vapor rub and pain relief ointments.

Benefits:

1. Peppermint oil is commonly used in aromatherapy to stimulates brain activities and increase concentration.
2. Its sharp smell makes the mind calm and reduces a headache and migraine problem. It helps in reducing tension, depression, mood swing, anxiety, anger.
3. This oil is very effective in maintaining digestive system and treating stomach disorders like vomiting, nausea, constipation.
4. Peppermint oil is very useful in curing allergic cough and cold.
5. It has an expectorant property so it very effectively cures respiratory tract infection like bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, and chest congestion.
6. This oil is also good and effective for skin related disorders like itching, irritation, boil, eczema.
7. It also acts as an insecticide.

How To Use:

Take 1 or 2 drops of peppermint oil in a bowl of lukewarm water, use it for inhalation. It provides a great relief from nasal congestion and allergies. You can also pour 2-3 drops on your handkerchief and inhale it.

4. Lavender Essential Oil

How It Is Obtained:

Lavender oil is obtained through the steam distillation of fresh flowering tops of Lavandula angustifolia plant. This is also called English Lavender.

Properties:

It has a very refreshing floral smell. It has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

Benefits:

1. Lavender essential oil is most commonly used in aromatherapy because of its wonderful refreshing floral aroma.
2. It is mostly used in physiological as well as psychological treatments.
3. The fresh and delightful aroma helps to treat various mental ailments like stress, anxiety, anger, depression, insomnia and provide relaxation to the mind.
4. This oil immediately terminates the growth of bacteria in open wounds and heals it very quickly.
5. This oil provides relief from chest congestion and other respiratory tract infections like asthma, sinusitis, bronchitis, excess mucus, common cough and cold.
6. Lavender oil effectively reduces female problems.
7. It is very good for a migraine.
8. Lavender oil is also very useful for rheumatism, arthritis, muscular, and joint pains.
9. Lavender oil provides relief from stings and insect bites.
10. It is a good skin toner and helps maintain the scalp health and boosts hair growth.
11. This oil effectively reduces earaches.

How To Use:

Take few drops of Lavender essential oil and mix with a carrier oil and apply on your whole body, this works as a mosquito repellent.

You can also use it in inhalation to get relief from chest congestion and common cold and cough.

5. Oregano Essential Oil

How It Is Obtained:

Oregano essential oil is obtained through steam distillation of dried flowering tops of Origanum vulgare plant.

Properties:

It has very strong and spicy smell very similar to camphor.  Oregano oil has antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant properties.

Benefits:

1. Because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties, it immediately stops the growth of bacteria in open wounds and also treats fungal infections.
2. It cures athlete foot, foot nail infections, warts.
3. Oregano oil is very good for skin disorders like skin allergies, irritations, eczema, rashes, boils, and acne because of its antifungal property.
4. Oregano oil has a carminative property which helps to treat digestive system problems like heartburn, gastroenteritis, vomiting, and nausea.
5. It is also a good expectorant which helps in treating respiratory tract infections like Bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, cold, cough, and catarrh.
6. This oil helps in reducing rheumatism, arthritis, muscular and other joint pains because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
7. Oregano oils are very effective in treating female menstrual disorders like irregular menstrual cycles, heavy menses, menopausal problems.
8. Oregano oil also has antioxidant properties so it boosts the energy level of the body and makes you feel refreshed.
9. It also stimulates brain activities and reduces many mental or psychological problems like anxiety, stress, nervous breakdown, and depression.
10. This oil calms down the mental stress and fatigue and relaxes body and mind.
11. It also acts as an insecticide.

How To Use:

Take few drops of oregano essential oil and mix it with water. Spray this mixture, it works as a mosquito, insects repellent. It also removes bad odor.

6. Eucalyptus Essential Oil

How It Is Obtained:

Eucalyptus essential oil is obtained from fresh or partially dried leaves and twigs of Eucalyptus globulus plant. It is also known as Tasmanian blue gum.

Properties:

It has a very refreshing, clear and mild pungent smell. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, analgesic, antispasmodic properties.

Benefits:

1. Eucalyptus essential oil is most commonly used in aromatherapy to reduce swelling in mucous membrane, chest congestion or removal of excess mucus.
2. Eucalyptus oil is also used in inhalers, vapor rubs, mouthwashes, rash creams.
3. Eucalyptus oil is very effective in treating respiratory tract congestion like bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, cold and cough.
4. It also treats hay fever very effectively.
5. Eucalyptus oil also boosts up the immune system of our body.
6. It has anti-inflammatory property so it is very useful for rheumatism, arthritis, gout, and other muscular pains.
7. This oil quickly heals open wounds, insect bites, burn, and cold sores. Mix of Eucalyptus oil with wax is very useful to heal burnt skin and also remove the scars.
8. It is a deodorizer, it makes the body fresh and cool.
9. Eucalyptus oil is also used to remove germs and bad odor from the kitchen, bathroom, and other areas by spraying mixture of few drops of eucalyptus oil with water.
10. It is also useful in adding flavor in baking products, meat, and beverages.

How To Use:

Take 2-3 drops in a bowl of warm water and inhale it. It relaxes you from sneezing, allergic cough and congestion.

Take a look at EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL BENEFITS FOR SKIN, HAIR AND HEALTH  in detail.

7. Lemon Essential Oil

How It Is Obtained:

Lemon Essential oil is obtained through cold compression of the peel of fresh fruit of Citrus limonum.

Properties:

It has a very sharp refreshing smell. Lemon essential oil has antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, antidepressant, antihistamine, and carminative properties.

Benefits:

1. Lemon essential oil is most commonly used in perfumes, deodorants, body lotions, soap, and detergents. It is also used in aroma candles.
2. Lemon essential oil is used in aromatherapy to boost up the mood and relax the mind thereby reducing the mental and psychological disorders like anxiety, depression, nervousness, stress, and fatigue.
3. It boosts the immune system and energizes the whole body.
4. This oil is very effective in treating digestive system problems like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, gastroenteritis and make the stomach healthy.
5. It also detoxifies the body and makes the liver and kidney healthy.
6. Lemon essential oil reduces water retention in the body that is very useful in curing obesity.
7. This oil also works as an astringent agent for skin.
8. It rejuvenates the skin and makes the skin shiny and moisturized.
9. Because of the citrus property of this oil, it is very beneficial for respiratory tract infections like chest congestion, bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, cold, and cough.
10. It also regularises the sleep and treats insomnia and acts as an insecticide.
11. Lemon Essential oil is very effective in treating viral and bacterial infections in the mouth.

How To Use:

Take few drops of lemon essential oil and mix it with water and then gargle, it will remove bad breath problem.  Citrus content is also very good for shiny and clean hair. Mix some drops of lemon oil with your regular shampoo it will help you to get rid of dandruff.

8. Chamomile Essential Oil (Roman)

How It Is Obtained:

There are mainly two types of chamomile essential oils Roman and German. Here we are going to discuss benefits of Roman camomile essential oil. This oil is obtained through steam distillation of delicate flowers of Anthemis nobilis plant which is also called English camomile.

Properties:

It has a fruity, warm and straw-like smell. The chamomile oils have calming, antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic properties.

Benefits:

1. This chamomile essential oil is mostly used in Homeopathic medicine.
2. It is very effective during the teething period for kids. It helps in reducing pains during teething and makes the infants calm.
3. This oil is used in aromatherapy for relaxing the brain by reducing irritation, stress, anxiety.
4. It also helps elders to reduce a toothache.
5. It is very helpful for treating skin disorders like eczema, skin itching, dermatitis, boils, cuts, minor burns, insect bites, stings and, bruises.
6. This oil is very good for brain relaxation and helps to cure insomnia, irritation, anxiety, and stress.
7. Its Aroma relaxes the mind and gives a soothing feeling.
8. This is also very good for skin.
9. It also works as a pain reliever because of its anti-inflammatory property.

How To Use:

• You can add some drops of chamomile oil in a cream and apply it to nappy rash, sunburn area or other minor burns.
• Add few drops of chamomile oil to any massage oil and massage it on the affected areas.
• Mix some drops of chamomile oil in a glass of lukewarm water, it works as a mouthwash and very effective for tonsillitis.

Caution:

But someone allergic to ragweed should not use this oil without an expert advice.

9. Clove Essential Oil

How It Is Obtained:

Clove essential oil is obtained through distillation of leaves, buds, and stem of the Eugenia caryophyllata plant. It is also called Eugenia aromatica.

Properties:

It has very spicy strong and pungent smell. This oil has antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Benefits:

1. Clove essential oil is best used in treating dental problems like a toothache, bad breath, Pyorrhea and gum diseases.
2. This oil is very effectively used in many toothpaste and mouthwashes for oral health care.
3. It relaxes and comforts the mind and also relaxes muscular and joint pains like rheumatism, arthritis, gout due to its anti-inflammatory property.
4. It is also very effective in athlete’s foot, burns or rashes, and earaches.
5. Clove essential oil treats respiratory tract infections like bronchitis, chest congestion, asthma, sinusitis, cough, cold, sore throat, and catarrh.
6. It also works as a mosquito repellent.

How To Use:

Take few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball and put it on the paining tooth, it gives you instant relief from the pain.

Caution:

Use of clove essential oil should be under great care. Someone allergic to eugenol, should not use it.

10. Frankincense Essential Oil

How It Is Obtained:

Frankincense essential oil is derived from steam distillation of oleo gum resin of Boswellia carteri plant. Also called as Olibanum, it has woody and spicy camphor-like smell but is very pleasant.

Properties:

This oil has carminative, antiseptic, sedative, disinfectant, expectorant, anti-inflammatory and antidepressant properties.

It is very commonly used in cosmetic products and incense burns, because of its mesmerizing and balsamic fragrance.

Benefits:

1. Frankincense essential oil is used in aromatherapy mainly for the nervous system.
2. Because of its antidepressant property and a balsamic aroma it very effective in reducing hypertension, stress, anxiety, fatigue, depression, nervous breakdown, and insomnia.
3. It stimulates the brain and keeps the mind healthy and calm.
4. It is very useful in reducing rheumatism, arthritis and other joint pains due to its anti-inflammatory property.
5. This oil also maintains the digestive system and cure stomach problems like nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, heartburn, and gastroenteritis because of its carminative properties.
6. The Frankincense essential oil also very useful in respiratory tract problems like sinusitis, cold, cough, congestion, asthma, breathing trouble, and bronchitis.

How To Use:

• Pour few drops of Frankincense essential oil on your handkerchief and inhale it, it will reduce a headache and migraine pain due to cold and sinusitis.
• You can add few drops of Frankincense essential oil in water and take bath with this, it will reduce body pain.

Safety Tips For Using Any Essential Oil:

• Always perform patch test on small area before using  any essential oil
• Use small amount 2-3 drops of essential oils with carrier oils.
• Avoid using undiluted form of the essential oils
• Do not use essential oil directly on open wounds and burns and damaged skin
• Avoid essential oils during pregnancy.
• Keep these oils away from Children
• Use of essential oil should be with great care and under strict supervision.

So, these were the most popular essential oils and their uses. Did you find these useful? Let us know in the comments below.

Related:

LIST OF ESSENTIAL OILS AND THEIR BENEFITS: ALL OF THEM IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER