What is the best part about the spa? There’s the massage and the tranquil music and dripping water but there is also the heavenly citrus and floral scent. If you ever wondered how to recreate that smell in your own home then the secret is essential oils. Not only are they powerful aromatherapy tools, but they have a variety of health benefits as well. A far better alternative to chemical-laden sprays and candles, essential oils are the answer to a lot of life’s woes. Recently, with the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, more and more of us are looking to create a healthy, zen space at home. Here is a list of the top 10 healthy essential oils to add to your collection and get that spa smell in your home.
Tea Tree
Tea tree oil is an effective treatment for a wide variety of skin related ailments. Note that it is only to be used topically and never consumed. You can use tea tree essential oil to treat dermatitis, eczema, athlete’s foot, insect bites, cold sores, and psoriasis. A few drops added to shampoo will relieve dandruff, and it is an effective natural insect repellant.
Lavender
Lavender acts as a topical antiseptic for skin rashes, acne, repelling insects and treating insect bites. Lavender relieves stress and insomnia when used for aromatherapy. The use of lavender in aromatherapy slows nervous system activity and decreases restlessness to improve the quality of sleep.
Citrus oil, Lemon & Orange
Citrus oils like lemon and orange can be added to household detergents for a fresh scent, and can even be used to improve dental hygiene by adding a few drops of lemon oil to a glass of water and gargling it. Studies also suggest that ingesting lemon on a daily basis can reduce blood pressure.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil is often used during flu or cold as a cough suppressant, expectorant, and decongestant. It can improve alertness and is also used to relieve inflammation, muscle and joint pain. Eucalyptus oil is an antiseptic and was widely used in traditional medicine systems such as Chinese, Ayurvedic Indian, Greek, and European.
Frankincense
Frankincense is known for its unique and mellow scent. It can be used as a disinfectant, on acne, and to treat insect bites. Many studies have linked frankincense oil to having cancer-fighting properties.
Cedarwood
In a study done by the Department of Dermatology at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in Foresterhill, Scotland, cedarwood oil was found to be an effective treatment for alopecia areata when combined with a carrier oil and essential oils of thyme, rosemary, and lavender.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass oil is an effective antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory. It can be used to relieve nausea, digestion, and menstruation ailments like headaches and cramps. Lemongrass is good for cooling down the body during summer and has antispasmodic and anti-convulsive properties.
Rose
Rose oil is known to alleviate depression, grief, nervous stress, and tension. Rose oil can help thirst, skin health, and acts as an anticonvulsant, antidepressant, and antianxiety agent. It also has analgesic properties which relieve abdominal and chest pain.
Patchouli
Patchouli belongs to the mint family and has been used for centuries as incense, insect repellant, and to strengthen the immune system. Aside from its calming earthy and mossy aroma, a study done by Southwest University in Chongqing, China showed that patchouli has strong antimicrobial properties. In a study done by the Faculty of Medicine of Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand, patchouli essential oil was found to be an effective insect repellant along with citronella and clove oil.
Peppermint
Peppermint oil can help treat symptoms of IBS such as pain, bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. Applied topically, peppermint oil has a cooling effect on skin irritations such as hives, poison ivy, or poison oak.
*Avoid use on children under 30 months of age and avoid rubbing on the feet of children and infants under the age of 12 years old. Inhalation of large doses of menthol may lead to dizziness, confusion, muscle weakness, nausea, and double vision.
Great post! You absolutely did a wonderful job. Very informative. Thanks!