Aromatic plants have distinct properties and have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine to treat various illnesses. These plants are available as a concentrate in the form of essential oils. You only need a few drops to enjoy their many benefits in aromatherapy. There are more than a hundred essential oils from all over the world, and it can be quite a challenge to get to know them all. So, we present here five oils that are easy-to-use and can be applied in everyday situations.
Lavandula officinalis or true lavender
Lavender essential oil is primarily known for its relaxing and soothing properties. It can be used in a diffuser to reduce anxiety and aid sleep, or you can even simply sprinkle a few drops on your pillow before going to bed. Lavender also has certain healing and repairing properties for the skin and is a must-have in your bathroom cabinet. It can be applied sparingly directly onto the skin to help heal small cuts, minor burns, and insect bites. It can also be diluted in vegetable oil and applied in this way to larger areas of the skin. What’s more, it’s an excellent oil to add to a moisturizer, for example!
Eucalyptus radiata
Eucalyptus essential oil is beneficial for the respiratory system, which is why it is frequently a vital ingredient in saunas! Eucalyptus aromas are not just refreshing, they also aid breathing. Indeed, eucalyptus oil is used for colds to help relieve nasal congestion and blocked sinuses. It can be used as a massage oil, added to bath water together with Epsom salts, or used in its pure form in a diffuser.
Peppermint
For migraine sufferers, peppermint essential oil can be very beneficial. Personally, I always keep a small bottle close at hand. Its refreshing, stimulating, and invigorating properties offer real relief for headaches. Apply a few drops of pure oil directly to the temples and above the eyebrows and feel the effects immediately. To avoid irritation, avoid applying it close to the eyes.
Tea tree, melaleuca, or ti tree
Tea tree essential oil, also known as melaleuca, is very useful for several everyday applications. Due to its antibacterial properties, it is highly effective in treating skin irritations, such as acne and eczema. It can be applied pure to soothe localized skin rashes or diluted with vegetable oil for application on larger areas of skin. Tea tree is also an ingredient in hand disinfectants, in several household products, and, of course, in first aid kits! The blend of lavender and tea tree is also very effective in disinfecting and treating cuts and other minor injuries. Tea tree oil is also widely used in treating not only fungal infections, such as mycosis or athlete’s foot, but also lice. A true multifunctional remedy!
Lemon
When used in a diffuser, lemon essential oil purifies the air and removes bad odours. It can be combined with other citrus essential oils such as sweet orange or mandarin to create a fruity, invigorating fragrance, which is just perfect in winter! With its antibacterial and antiseptic properties, this oil is also used in several household products.
Precautions: As some people may have an allergic reaction to some essential oils, it is advisable to test a few drops on a small surface of skin before applying them generally. Due to possible contraindications during pregnancy or in the presence of young children or animals, always consult a health professional when using essential oils.
