Essential Oils – Types, Indications, Side Effects

Essential oils offer a wide range of benefits and can support various health challenges ranging from stress, anxiety, and sleep to headaches and immune function. Essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile (easily evaporated at normal temperatures) chemical compounds from plants. Essential oils are also known as volatile oils, ethereal oils, petroleum, or simply as the oil of the plant from which they were extracted, such as oil of clove. Essential oil is “essential” in the sense that it contains the “essence of” the plant’s fragrance—the characteristic fragrance of the plant from which it is derived.[rx] The term “essential” used here does not mean indispensable or usable by the human body, as with the terms essential amino acid or essential fatty acid, which are so-called because they are nutritionally required by a given living organism.[rx]

Essential oils are volatile and liquid aroma compounds from natural sources, usually plants. They are not oils in a strict sense but often share with oils a poor solubility in water. Essential oils often have an odor and are therefore used in food flavoring and perfumery. They are usually prepared by fragrance extraction techniques (such as distillation, cold pressing, or Solvent extraction). Essential oils are distinguished from aroma oils (essential oils and aroma compounds in an oily solvent), infusions in vegetable oil, absolutes, and concretes. Typically, essential oils are highly complex mixtures of often hundreds of individual aroma compounds.

Types of Essential Oil

The spice star anise is distilled to make star anise oil

Effects of Essential Oil

Essential oils embody the plants from which they are extracted in a number of ways: Chemically, physically, aromatically, and spiritually. Let’s break down each of those concepts briefly:

  • Chemically: Essential oils are a complex make-up of volatile chemical components. These include, but are not limited to, phenols, alcohols, aldehydes, and esters. Each chemical component contributes to the overall therapeutic effect of the essential oil. An essential oil’s chemical make-up may vary from the plant from which it was extracted due to its method of extraction; for example, distillation vs. carbon dioxide extraction vs. expression.
  • Physically: Factors such as environment, the altitude at which the plant was grown at, geographical location, time, and method of harvesting of the plant can alter the chemical components of the final essential oil.
  • Aromatically: The aroma of essential oil may not resemble the aroma of the plant as closely as you think because of the influences mentioned above.  However, a true essential oil should be subtle in aroma (unlike its synthetic counterpart) and remind you of some part of the plant from which it was extracted. Descriptors for aromas of essential oils are vast but include minty, citrus, floral, balsamic, green, earthy, and woody.
  • Spiritually: Ancient people, and through to Medieval times, believed in the spiritual power of plants, rather than just the chemical breakdown of its healing components. Each plant had a spiritual healing element. For example, the plant rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) was used in Medieval times to drive out evil spirits.[rx] A sprig of rosemary, and other such plants, were often hung or planted near the door of the home to protect its inhabitants.

Although the Western world has for the most part now separated itself from these beliefs, aromatherapy practitioners often incorporate the spiritual aspects of the plant into their work with essential oils, depending upon which plant the essential oil was extracted from.

Essential oils are powerful tools for the aromatherapy practitioner.

Indications of Essential Oil

  • Acupressure
  • Acupuncture
  • Alkaline diet
  • Anthroposophic medicine
  • Apitherapy
  • Applied kinesiology
  • Aromatherapy
  • Association for Research and Enlightenment
  • Auriculotherapy
  • Bates method
  • Black salve
  • Bodywork
  • Bonesetter
  • Bowen technique
  • Breathwork
  • Camel urine
  • Fake COVID-19 treatments
  • Cancer treatments
  • Charcoal cleanse
  • Chiropractic
    • Chiropractic treatment techniques
    • Vertebral subluxation
  • Christian Science
  • Chromotherapy
  • Colon cleansing
    • Coffee enema
  • Colorpuncture
  • Colloidal silver
  • Craniosacral therapy
  • Crystal healing
  • Cupping therapy
  • Dental amalgam controversy
  • Detoxification
    • Foot detox
  • Dry needling
  • Ear candling
  • Energy medicine
    • Correactology
    • Esoteric energy
    • Therapeutic touch
  • Fabunan Antiviral Injection
  • Facilitated communication
  • Feldenkrais Method
  • Functional medicine
  • Hair analysis
  • Herbal medicine
  • Holistic dentistry
  • Hologram bracelet
  • Homeopathy
    • Bach flower remedies
  • Biological terrain assessment
  • Hypnotherapy
  • Iridology
  • Ionized jewelry
  • Jilly Juice
  • Lightning Process
  • Hypnotherapy
  • Medical intuitive
  • Mesmerism
  • Magnet therapy
  • Manual therapy
  • Megavitamin therapy
  • Mind-body interventions
  • MMS
  • Myofascial release
  • NATE
  • Naturopathy
  • Oil pulling
  • Orgone
  • Orthomolecular medicine
  • Orthopathy
  • Osteomyology
  • Osteopathy
  • Ozone therapy
  • Parapsychology
  • Phrenology
  • Psychic surgery
  • Psychodermatology
  • Quantum healing
  • Radionics
  • Rapid prompting method
  • RBOP
  • Reiki
  • Reflexology
  • Rolfing
  • Scientific racism
  • ThetaHealing
  • Thought Field Therapy
  • Urophagia
  • Vaginal steaming
  • Vision therapy
  • Vitalism
  • Youngblood transfusion
  • Zero balancing

The Ways You Can Use Essential Oils

Essential oil use can be simple with a few fundamental guidelines. Aromatic, topical, and internal are the three basic application methods for applying essential oils.

Aromatic

Aromatic use is powerful and can be as simple as adding a drop to the hands, rubbing them together, and breathing in, or inhaling from the bottle. Diffusing essential oils is another way to use them aromatically. Diffusers disperse the essential oils into the air, often with water, for inhalation and health benefits. [rx] [rx]

Topical

The topical use of essential oils refers to applying them to the skin. A small amount of oil goes a long way, especially with pure essential oils. Diluting essential oils with a carrier oil is recommended to establish a barrier for the skin and increase absorption. It may seem counterintuitive but diluting essential oils prior to a topical application does not make them less effective. [rx]

A beautiful woman holding 3 containers of thieves essential oil

Since essential oils evaporate quickly, using a carrier oil allows them to stay on the skin longer, thus being able to use them less often. Diluting essential oils prior to the topical application also decreases the risk of sensitivity to the skin and adverse reactions. Popular carrier oils are often vegetable-based and include coconut oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, almond oil or olive oil. It is good to note that there are some essential oils that may cause a warming effect on the skin and should always be diluted. Cassia, cinnamon, oregano, thyme, clove, and lemongrass are a few examples.

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For those with sensitive skin, a patch test can be performed on a small area of the skin. If sensitivity occurs within 24 hours, discontinue the use of that oil.

Internal

Internal use by means of ingesting an essential oil can be another powerful way to utilize them. Research is strongly encouraged as essential oils are not consistently regulated, therefore, not all brands are created equally. It’s also important to note that not all essential oils are safe for internal use. The oil should also be approved for dietary use. Follow up with your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns.

Ingestion

Essential oils can be used as a powerful form of medicine, but remember, essential oils are powerful. Most essential oils are safe for internal use, but a little bit goes a long way. Usually, one to three drops are plenty mixed with water.

Oils like lemon and frankincense have great internal benefits and can be taken with water. Other essential oils like clove and oregano need to be diluted and shouldn’t be taken internally for more than a week.

Personal Care

Today, essential oils are used often to make homemade DIY personal care products. This is an excellent away to take advantage of essential oils to improve your beauty, home and long-term health.

Some of the best DIY recipes to use essential oils with include:

  • shampoo
  • lotions
  • toothpaste
  • bug spray
  • lip balm
  • household cleaner


The Purpose of Essential Oils and Aromas in Plants

Essential oils are not just used for healing by people. Plants use essential oils stored within themselves too! Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a great means of communication between plants and are used in a number of ways:

  1. To attract pollinators: Plants cannot move around as people do. So, they need to attract potential pollinators in order to pass on their “genes” to the next generation and ensure that the species continues. If essential oils are located in the flower or fruit of a plant, it is generally used for attraction purposes. Pollinators of plants include bees, moths, birds, beetles, and bats. Different mammal species are attracted to different aromas. Each plant species puts out varying aromas. And once a plant is pollinated, its aroma changes so that the pollinator is guided towards another plant that is in need of pollination.3
  2. To defend the plant against predators: Again, plants are literally rooted to the spot in which they grow so they have to come up with some form of defense against predators. Essential oils stored in the root, leaf, or bark of a plant are usually used for defense purposes by the plant. Predators hoping for a tasty meal might munch on a plant’s leaf and experience nausea or even death. Certain plants emit toxic aromas designed to defend that plant. The chemical component of terpene is often the first line of defense in these situations. In one study, it was shown that maple tree saplings released chemical compounds into the air to warn others of danger when they were exposed to maple trees damaged by herbivores.4
  3. To warn other plants: Plants may also have a “dispute” with their neighbors over territorial rights! Some plants emit chemical components, such as terpenes, to warn other plants that they are encroaching on another plant’s growing area. Plants are particular who they choose as neighbors in some situations! On the other hand, plants can also warn each other of impending danger. Communication methods may vary between ultrasonic sound, thread-like fungi networks, and airborne chemical compounds. Either way, plants have each other’s back through neighborhood community and scientists are only just touching the surface of what be happening in the plant world via communication methods.
  4. For healing: Even plants use aromatic compounds to heal themselves. Resins, such as those emitted by conifer trees, help to “heal” the tree’s wounds. Wounds include the burrowing of insects into the tree’s bark and fungal infections. Resins possess anti-fungal and antiseptic healing properties, allowing the tree to literally heal itself.[rx]

Use in food

In relation to their food applications, although these oils have been used throughout history as food preservatives, it was in the 20th century when EOs were considered as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).[rx]

GRAS substances according to the FDA[rx]

Common name Botanical name of plant source
Alfalfa Medicago sativa L.
Allspice Pimenta officinalis Lindl.
Almond, bitter (pure from prussic acid) Prunnus amygdalus Batsch, Prussun armeniaca L., or Prunnus persica (L.) Batsch.
Ambrette (seed) Hibiscus moschatus Moench.
Angelica root Angelica archangelica L.
Angelica seed Angelica archangelica L.
Angelica stem Angelica archangelica L.
Angostura (cusparia bark) Galipea officinalis Hancock, Angostura trifoliata
Anise Pimpinella anisum L.
Asafetida Ferula assa-foetida L. and related spp. of Ferula.
Balm (lemon balm) Melissa officinalis L.
Balsam of Peru Myroxylon pereirae Klotzsch.
Basil Ocimum basilicum L.
Bay leaves Laurus nobilis L.
Bay (myrcia oil) Pimenta racemosa (Mill.) J. W. Moore.
Bergamot (bergamot orange) Citrus aurantium L. subsp. bergamia Wright et Arn.
Bitter almond (free from prussic acid) Prunus amygdalus Batsch, Prunus armeniaca L., or Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.
Bois de rose Aniba rosaeodora Ducke.
Cacao Theobroma cacao L.
Camomile (chamomile) flowers, German or Hungarian Matricaria chamomilla L.
Camomile (chamomile) flowers, Roman or English Anthemis nobilis L.
Cananga Cananga odorata Hook. f. and Thoms.
Capsicum Capsicum frutescens L. and Capsicum annuum L.
Caraway Carum carvi L.
Cardamom seed (cardamon) Elettaria cardamomum Maton.
Carob bean Ceratonia siliqua L.
Carrot Daucus carota L.
Cascarilla bark Croton eluteria Benn.
Cassia bark, Chinese Cinnamomum cassia Blume.
Cassia bark, Padang or Batavia Cinnamomum burmanni Blume.
Cassia bark, Saigon Cinnamomum loureirii Nees.
Celery seed Apium graveolens L.
Cherry, wild, bark Prunus serotina Ehrh.
Chervil Anthriscus cerefolium (L.) Hoffm.
Chicory Cichorium intybus L.
Cinnamon bark, Ceylon Cinnamomum zeylanicum Nees.
Cinnamon bark, Chinese Cinnamomum cassia Blume.
Cinnamon bark, Saigon Cinnamomum loureirii Nees.
Cinnamon leaf, Ceylon Cinnamomum zeylanicum Nees.
Cinnamon leaf, Chinese Cinnamomum cassia Blume.
Cinnamon leaf, Saigon Cinnamomum loureirii Nees.
Citronella Cymbopogon nardus Rendle.
Citrus peels Citrus spp.
Clary (clary sage) Salvia sclarea L.
Clover Trifolium spp.
Coca (decocainized) Erythroxylum coca Lam. and other spp. of Erythroxylum.
Coffee Coffea spp.
Cola nut Cola acuminata Schott and Endl., and other spp. of Cola.
Coriander Coriandrum sativum L.
Cumin (cummin) Cuminum cyminum L.
Curacao orange peel (orange, bitter peel) Citrus aurantium L.
Cusparia bark Galipea officinalis Hancock.
Dandelion Taraxacum officinale Weber and T. laevigatum DC.
Dandelion root Taraxacum officinale Weber and T. laevigatum DC.
Dog grass (quackgrass, triticum) Agropyron repens (L.) Beauv.
Elder flowers Sambucus canadensis L. and S. nigra I.
Estragole (esdragol, esdragon, tarragon) Artemisia dracunculus L.
Estragon (tarragon) Artemisia dracunculus L.
Fennel, sweet Foeniculum vulgare Mill.
Fenugreek Trigonella foenum-graecum L.
Galanga (galangal) Alpinia officinarum Hance.
Geranium Pelargonium spp.
Geranium, East Indian Cymbopogon martini Stapf.
Geranium, rose Pelargonium graveolens L’Her.
Ginger Zingiber officinale Rosc.
Grapefruit Citrus paradisi Macf.
Guava Psidium spp.
Hickory bark Carya spp.
Horehound (hoarhound) Marrubium vulgare L.
Hops Humulus lupulus L.
Horsemint Monarda punctata L.
Hyssop Hyssopus officinalis L.
Immortelle Helichrysum augustifolium DC.
Jasmine Jasminum officinale L. and other spp. of Jasminum.
Juniper (berries) Juniperus communis L.
Kola nut Cola acuminata Schott and Endl., and other spp. of Cola.
Laurel berries Laurus nobilis L.
Laurel leaves Laurus spp.
Lavender Lavandula officinalis Chaix.
Lavender, spike Lavandula latifolia Vill.
Lavandin Hybrids between Lavandula officinalis Chaix and Lavandula latifolin Vill.
Lemon Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f.
Lemon balm (see balm) Melissa officinalis L.
Lemongrass Cymbopogon citratus DC. and Cymbopogon lexuosus Stapf.
Lemon peel Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f.
Lime Citrus aurantifolia Swingle.
Linden flowers Tilia spp.
Locust bean Ceratonia siliqua L,
Lupulin Humulus lupulus L.
Mace Myristica fragrans Houtt.
Mandarin Citrus reticulata Blanco.
Marjoram, sweet Majorana hortensis Moench.
Yerba Mate Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.
Melissa (see balm)
Menthol Mentha spp.
Menthyl acetate Do.
Molasses (extract) Saccarum officinarum L.
Mustard Brassica spp.
Naringin Citrus paradisi Macf.
Neroli, bigarade Citrus aurantium L.
Nutmeg Myristica fragrans Houtt.
Onion Allium cepa L.
Orange, bitter, flowers Citrus aurantium L.
Orange, bitter, peel Do.
Orange leaf Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck.
Orange, sweet Do.
Orange, sweet, flowers Do.
Orange, sweet, peel Do.
Origanum Origanum spp.
Palmarosa Cymbopogon martini Stapf.
Paprika Capsicum annuum L.
Parsley Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Mansf.
Pepper, black Piper nigrum L.
Pepper, white Do.
Peppermint Mentha piperita L.
Peruvian balsam Myroxylon pereirae Klotzsch.
Petitgrain Citrus aurantium L.
Petitgrain lemon Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f.
Petitgrain mandarin or tangerine Citrus reticulata Blanco.
Pimenta Pimenta officinalis Lindl.
Pimenta leaf Pimenta officinalis Lindl.
Pipsissewa leaves Chimaphila umbellata Nutt.
Pomegranate Punica granatum L.
Prickly ash bark Xanthoxylum (or Zanthoxylum) Americanum Mill. or Xanthoxylum clava-herculis L.
Rose absolute Rosa alba L., Rosa centifolia L., Rosa damascena Mill., Rosa gallica L., and vars. of these spp.
Rose (otto of roses, attar of roses) Do.
Rosebuds Do.
Rose flowers Do.
Rose fruit (hips) Do.
Rose geranium Pelargonium graveolens L’Her.
Rose leaves Rosa spp.
Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis L.
Saffron Crocus sativus L.
Sage Salvia officinalis L.
Sage, Greek Salvia triloba L.
Sage, Spanish Salvia lavandulaefolia Vahl.
St. John’s bread Ceratonia siliqua L.
Savory, summer Satureia hortensis L.
Savory, winter Satureia montana L.
Schinus molle Schinus molle L.
Sloe berries (blackthorn berries) Prunus spinosa L.
Spearmint Mentha spicata L.
Spike lavender Lavandula latifolia Vill.
Tamarind Tamarindus indica L.
Tangerine Citrus reticulata Blanco.
Tarragon Artemisia dracunculus L.
Tea Thea sinensis L.
Thyme Thymus vulgaris L. and Thymus zygis var. gracilis Boiss.
Thyme, white Do.
Thyme, wild or creeping Thymus serpyllum L.
Triticum (see dog grass) Elymus repens
Tuberose Polianthes tuberosa L.
Turmeric Curcuma longa L.
Vanilla Vanilla planifolia Andr. or Vanilla tahitensis J. W. Moore.
Violet flowers Viola odorata L.
Violet leaves Viola odorata L.
Violet leaves absolute Viola odorata L.
Wild cherry bark Prunus serotina Ehrh.
Ylang-ylang Cananga odorata Hook. f. and Thoms.
Zedoary bark Curcuma zedoaria Rosc.


Health Benefits

1. Balance Hormones

There are essential oils for hormones that may help balance your estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, thyroid, and testosterone levels.

Some oils, such as clary sage, geranium, and thyme, help balance out estrogen and progesterone levels, which can improve conditions like infertility and PCOS, as well as PMS and menopause symptoms.

2017 published in Neuroendocrinology Letters indicates that geranium and rose have the ability to influence the salivary concentration of estrogen in women. This may be helpful for women who experience menopausal symptoms that are caused by declining levels of estrogen secretion.

Certain oils have been shown to lower cortisol levels, which can help to improve your mood and reduce symptoms of depression and increase testosterone levels, which can improve a man’s libido.

2. Boost Immunity and Fight Infections

Many essential oils have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal properties that help boost your immune system and fight infections. The chemical substances found in the oils, such as terpenes, esters, phenolics, ethers, and ketones, have the potential to fight foreign pathogens that can threaten your health.

Some of the best essential oils for your immunity include:

  • oregano
  • myrrh
  • ginger
  • lemon
  • eucalyptus
  • frankincense
  • peppermint (mentha piperita)
  • cinnamon

Studies have shown that essential oils effectively destroy several fungal, viral, and bacterial pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Helicobacter pylori, and Candida albicans infections. Because antibiotic resistance is becoming such a major threat in modern health care, using these oils as a form of independent or combination therapy can help fight bacterial infections in a safer and more natural way.

Choose oregano oil for powerful immune-boosting properties. It’s displayed both antiviral and antibacterial properties in lab research. Oregano oil contains carvacrol and thymol, two compounds that have antimicrobial effects and can inhibit the synthesis and growth of several types of bacteria.

Frankincense oil’s immune-enhancing abilities may include helping destroy dangerous bacteria, viruses, and even cancers. For example, a lab study found that frankincense oil shows strong immunostimulant activity.

Frankincense also demonstrates anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects when tested in lab studies and on animals — specifically, helping fight the cells of specific types of cancer. A 2012 study showed that a chemical compound found in frankincense called AKBA may kill cancer cells that have become resistant to chemotherapy.

3. Support Digestion

Another researched essential oils benefit is their role in aiding and improving digestion. Some oils help relieve upset stomach, indigestion, diarrhea, stomach spasms, and even conditions of the gastrointestinal system, such as IBS.

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Oils can also aid your digestion by helping to stimulate digestive enzymes that make it easier to break down and absorb the nutrients, fats, and protein that you need.

Ginger essential oil, for example, is known to promote your digestive health by easing indigestion, constipation, and ulcers. A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that ginger oil stimulated gastric emptying in people with indigestion. Ginger oil is also used to relieve gas, reduce nausea and ease abdominal pain.

Another useful essential oil for digestion is peppermint. Research shows that it works to provide rapid relief of IBS symptoms.

In a four-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 72 patients with IBS received either peppermint or placebo. The treatment group experienced a 40 percent reduction in total IBS symptoms after four weeks, which was superior to the 24 percent decrease of symptoms reported by the patients in the placebo group.

After just 24 hours of using the oil, the treatment group experienced a decrease in symptoms of 19.6 percent.

Some other essential oils that may be helpful for digestion include fennel, lemongrass, marjoram, black pepper, and juniper berry.

4. Boost Energy Levels

Did you know that essential oils can help boost your energy levels and even improve your athletic performance? Some oils have stimulating effects and can actually increase oxygen to your brain. This leaves you feeling refreshed, focused, and energized.

A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that peppermint oil increased brain oxygen concentration, improved exercise performance, and reduced exhaustion in healthy male athletes who consumed peppermint oil with water for 10 days.

Some other great essential oils for energy include grapefruit, lemon, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and rosemary.

5. Improve Brain Function

With neuroprotective effects and cognitive performance-boosting abilities, essential oil benefits have helped many people who suffer from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. In a scientific review published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, researchers found that because essential oils possess powerful antioxidants that work to inhibit free radical scavenging, they help naturally improve brain function and reduce inflammation.

Essential oils have also been shown to improve learning, memory, and ability to focus. Both stimulating and sedative oils can be useful, as oils like eucalyptus can improve sustained attention over a longer period of time, while oils like bergamot can be useful for people going through tough exercises or situations.

Furthermore, they can be useful in relieving agitation in individuals with dementia. This is due to their calming and sedative effects.

6. Reduce Emotional Stress and Anxiety

Perhaps one of the most well-known essential oils benefits is their ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Some have sedative properties and induce a calm, peaceful, uplifting, and relaxed feeling.

The best essential oils for anxiety and stress include:

  • Roman chamomile
  • bergamot
  • ylang ylang
  • orange
  • rose
  • frankincense
  • vetiver

2016 randomized, controlled clinical trial notes that inhaling rose water for four weeks significantly decreased the state and traits of anxiety in patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment.

A pilot study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that the use of aromatherapy as a complementary therapy helped to reduce anxiety and depression in postpartum women. Women between zero and 18 months postpartum were divided into either a treatment group that inhaled a blend of rose and lavender oils or a control group that didn’t receive any type of aromatherapy.

After four weeks, data indicated that the women using aromatherapy had significant improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms compared to those in the control group.

A 2014 study involving 82 participants evaluated the effectiveness of aromatherapy for elderly people with chronic pain and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Researchers found that after four weeks of treatment with essential oils, there was a significant reduction in negative emotions, including feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression, among the intervention group.

These are just some of the studies that have displayed anti-anxiety and stress-relieving capabilities.

7. Alleviate Aches and Pains

According to a systemic review and meta-analysis published in Pain Research and Treatment, there is a significant positive effect of aromatherapy compared to placebos or control treatments in reducing pain. Researchers evaluated 12 studies on this topic and found that essential oils were especially helpful in treating postoperative pain, obstetrical pain, and gynecological pain.

There are many oils that may be applied topically or used aromatically to reduce aches and pains. One study that displays this essential oil benefit evaluated the efficacy of these oils on neck pain.

For the study, the experimental group received a cream that was composed of marjoram, black pepper, lavender, and peppermint oils, and the control group used an unscented cream. The creams were applied for four weeks directly to the painful area after bathing.

Researchers found that the experimental group had improved pain tolerance in the neck and showed significant improvement in the 10 motion areas that were measured.

The best essential oils for alleviating aches and pains include:

  • peppermint
  • eucalyptus
  • chamomile
  • rosemary
  • majoram
  • thyme
  • frankincense
  • turmeric
  • ginger
  • myrrh

8. Boost Skin and Hair Health

Using essential oils on your skin and in hair and beauty products is a natural and effective way to keep up your personal care regimes without having to use products that are made with chemicals and hydrogenated oils. Essential oils may calm irritated skin, reduce signs of aging, improve acne, protect your skin from sun damage and thicken your hair.

A review published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that “at least 90 essential oils can be identified as being recommended for dermatological use, with at least 1,500 combinations.” What gives these oils their skin benefits is their ability to fight against pathogens that are responsible for dermatological infections.

Oils can also help improve inflammatory skin conditions — like dermatitis, eczema, and lupus — improve the general appearance of your skin, and even aid wound healing.

There are also quite a few studies that have found essential oils to be helpful for hair growth. One such study, conducted in 2015, evaluated the efficacy of rosemary oil on patients with androgenetic alopecia, or male or female pattern baldness.

Patients were randomly assigned rosemary oil or minoxidil (a medication commonly used for hair loss) for a six-month treatment period. Researchers found that both groups experienced a significant increase in hair count at the six-month endpoint. They also indicated that scalp itching was more frequent in the minoxidil group.

The best essential oils for skin and hair include:

  • lavender
  • Roman chamomile
  • frankincense
  • tea tree
  • geranium
  • myrrh
  • helichrysum
  • rosemary
  • clary sage

9. Reduce Toxicity

Essential oils may help reduce toxicity by promoting the detoxification of your home and body. These days, we all inhale and ingest a number of chemicals and environmental toxins that can be dangerous for the heart, brain, and overall health.

Some oils work as mild diuretics, thereby increasing urine production and improving detoxification. Research suggests that some oils aid digestion and promote the detoxification of toxins that build up within.

Oils that help to promote internal detoxification include lemon, grapefruit, fennel, lemongrass, and ginger.

Using detoxifying oils can help flush out these toxins and clean the air of your home, too. In fact, unlike most home cleaning products that are loaded with chemicals, essential oils can naturally clean your home by destroying harmful pathogens and pollutants.

The best oils for reducing toxicity in your home or place of work include grapefruit, orange, lemon, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and cinnamon.

10. Relieve Headaches and Migraines

Essential oils may work as natural headache and migraine relievers because they effectively treat the trigger, addressing the root of the problem instead of masking it. Essential oils for headaches provide pain relief, improve circulation and reduce stress, which can be a major cause of both headaches and migraines.

A placebo-controlled, clinical trial conducted in 2012 evaluated the efficacy of inhaling lavender oil for the treatment of migraine headaches. Forty-seven patients with migraines were divided into two groups — one that inhaled lavender for 15 minutes and one that used color and odorless liquid.

After asking the patients to record their headache severity and associated symptoms every 30 minutes for a total of two hours, researchers found that the difference between the controls and treated patients was statistically significant. From 129 headache attacks in the treatment group, 92 responded entirely or partially to lavender. In the control group, 32 out of 68 headache attacks responded to the placebo.

Aside from lavender, some other oils that can help relieve headache pain include peppermint, which has a cooling effect and stimulates blood flow; eucalyptus, which relieves sinus pressure by opening the nasal airways; and rosemary, which reduces inflammation, promotes circulation, and has a calming effect.

11. Promote Restful Sleep

Some essential oils have sedative properties, which can be helpful for people who have trouble falling asleep or getting through the night. Lavender oil, in particular, is known to be an effective sleep aid because of its ability to leave you feeling relaxed and calm.

Some other oils that can be used to promote a restful slumber include Roman chamomile, ylang-ylang, bergamot, and vetiver.

A 2014 systematic review conducted at the University of Minnesota evaluated 15 quantitative studies, including 11 randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of essential oils on sleep. Researchers found that a majority of the study findings suggest a positive effect of oils on sleep deprivation and disturbances.

Lavender oil was the most frequently studied oil, and of all evaluated studies, no adverse events were reported.

Another study, this one published in Nursing in Critical Care, investigated the effects of lavender oil on sleep quality among patients in the coronary intensive care unit. Sixty patients participated in the study, and they were divided into the intervention group or the control group.

The intervention group inhaled lavender oil for 15 days, and researchers found that those participants showed significantly significant differences in their sleep quality compared to the control group that received no form of therapy. Researchers pointed out that lavender oil is a non-invasive, inexpensive, and easily applicable intervention for hospital patients who are having trouble sleeping and experiencing anxiety.

101 Essential Oil Uses

What are essential oils good for? Well, here are the many uses for your body (including oral, hair, and skincare), general health (such as for allergies, digestion, and sleep), the home (DIY all-purpose cleaner, mold killer, etc.), and recipes (including with healthy foods, drinks, and sweets).

See my handy essential oils uses a chart to tell you exactly how much of each oil to utilize.

For Body, Oral, Hair and Skin Care

  • Acne face wash: To get rid of acne, make a homemade face wash by mixing tea tree oil (melaleuca) with raw honey and rubbing it on your face. Then rinse off with water.
  • Age spot reducer: Put on frankincense essential oil three times daily directly on the skin to improve sun spots and age spots.
  • Blistered skin healer: Mixing two drops of melaleuca with two drops of unscented oil makes for a skin-healing ointment. Apply to the blistered area up to five times per day.
  • Body butter: Mix coconut oil, shea butter, magnesium oil, and essential oils for moisturizing body lotion.
  • Body spray: Add 5–10 drops to four ounces of water for a fragrant body spray.
  • Breath freshener: Use a drop of peppermint for a natural way to freshen breath.
  • Bruise healer: Use essential oils as a hot compress to treat bruises or other wounds. Add five drops of lavender and five drops of frankincense oil to four ounces of hot water and soak. Apply to the affected area.
  • Bug bite soother: Use lavender oil for bug bites and stings.
  • Burn healer: Mix lavender essential oil with aloe vera to treat burns.
  • Cellulite reducer: Mix five drops of grapefruit seed essential oil with 2 teaspoons of coconut oil and massage into dimpled areas.
  • Dandruff remover: Mix five drops of rosemary and lavender oils with three tablespoons of unscented carrier oil such as jojoba oil. Massage into your scalp and leave on for 10 minutes. Shampoo mixture out.
  • Deodorant for women: Combining coconut oil, beeswax, and your favorite oils such as lavender and tea tree oil makes for a perfect female deodorant.
  • Deodorant for men: Combine coconut oil, beeswax, and your favorite oils like cedarwood and clove oil for men.
  • Detox bath: Mix lavender oil, Epsom salts, and sea salt into a warm bath to cleanse and rejuvenate the body.
  • Dry, cracked feet soother: Add three drops of lavender oil to two tablespoons of coconut oil. Apply to the feet at night and put on some socks.
  • Eczema/psoriasis cream: To treat eczema, psoriasis, or red dry skin, apply a mixture of lavender essential oil with shea butter.
  • Facial scrub: Mix one-fourth cup yogurt, one-fourth cup cornmeal, and five drops of lavender, grapefruit, and patchouli oils. Apply to face and wash off.
  • Facial sugar scrub: Mix a few drops of essential oil with almond oil and rock salt or sugar to make your own salt or sugar scrub.
  • Footbath: Add a few drops of lemon or eucalyptus oils to a large bowl of warm water to help soothe the feet.
  • Hair conditioner: Mix 15 drops of rosewood oil with five drops of sandalwood and lavender oils into a carrier oil. Place mixture in a small plastic bag and dunk into warm water to heat up. Apply to hair and wrap for 20 minutes. Shampoo as usual.
  • Hair thickener: Add rosemary oil to shampoo to naturally thicken hair and increase volume.
  • Itchy scalp helper: Adding lavender, cedarwood, or basil essential oil makes for a shampoo that reduces itching.
  • Lip balm: Combine coconut oil, beeswax, and lavender oil for an amazing healing balm for chapped lips.
  • Nail strengthener: Mix 10 drops of frankincense, myrrh, and lemon oils into two tablespoons of vitamin E oil, then rub on cuticles.
  • Oily hair reducer: Mix 10 drops each of ylang-ylang, lime, and rosemary oils with two ounces of carrier oil. Massage it scalp 2–3 times per week. Wash out as usual.
  • Perfume: Use 1–2 drops of jasmine essential oil on your wrist as a fresh natural fragrance. Rose and vanilla oils also agree with most women, while cypress and clove oils work well for men’s cologne.
  • Sauna therapy: Add two drops of your favorite essential oil into two cups of water in a sauna.
  • Shampoo: To make homemade shampoo, mix lavender oil, rosemary oil, aloe vera gel, and coconut milk. It lasts 2–4 weeks.
  • Skin toner: Mix eight ounces of water with two drops of lavender, geranium, and frankincense oils.
  • Sore feet reliever: Adding 10 drops of peppermint oil with a tablespoon of Epsom salt makes for a warm-water foot bath.
  • Stretch mark reducer: Mix five drops of frankincense, myrrh, and grapefruit seed oils with coconut oil and apply to stretch marks.
  • Sunburn soother: Combine chamomile oil with one tablespoon of coconut oil and apply to the skin with a cotton ball to reduce swelling and pain.
  • Sunscreen: Mix coconut oil, zinc oxide, shea butter, helichrysum, and lavender, then store in a squeeze bottle to make homemade toxic-free sunscreen.
  • Teeth whitener: Combine lemon and coconut oils, and fresh strawberries, then rub on your teeth. Rinse after two minutes.
  • Toothpaste: Combine sea salt, baking soda, coconut oil, and xylitol with peppermint essential oil to make homemade remineralizing toothpaste. Then brush.
  • Wrinkle reducer: Mixing 3–5 drops of sandalwood, geranium, lavender, and frankincense with an unscented lotion makes for a great wrinkle reducer. Apply to face (avoid contact with the eyes).

For General Health

  • Achy muscle rub: Mix eucalyptus, wintergreen and cypress oils with an unscented lotion or coconut oil and apply to muscles.
  • Allergy fighter: Rub frankincense and lavender oils on your palms and inhale deeply to relieve itchy eyes and throat.
  • Anxiety reducer: Diffuse lavender essential oil around your home to reduce feelings of stress and tension.
  • Arthritis reliever: Mix two drops of wintergreen, cypress, and lemongrass oils into an unscented lotion. Massage into affected areas.
  • Asthma remedy: Make a homemade vapor rub by combining eucalyptus, peppermint, and coconut oil. Rub on your chest and neck.
  • Back/neck pain reducer: Combine peppermint, cypress, and ginger oils with cayenne pepper and coconut oil for a homemade muscle rub.
  • Broken bones helper: To support the healing of broken bones, apply helichrysum, fir, and cypress oils.
  • Circulation improver: Add 8–10 drops of grapefruit essential oil to warm bathwater.
  • Cold reliever: Take three drops of oil of oregano and frankincense oil three times daily for one week.
  • Concentration helper: Inhale bergamot or grapefruit seed oils to increase concentration during the day.
  • Cough reducer: Eucalyptus essential oil is known for its powerful ability to fight coughs and open airways. Add a few drops into steaming hot water or diffuser. Inhale to help clear nasal passage.
  • Depression reliever: To boost mood and relieve depression, add rose essential oil to baths, inhalations, and diffusers to improve mood.
  • Digestion helper: Take ginger and fennel oils to support digestion and healing leaky gut.
  • Fever reducer: Add 1–3 drops of eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender oils to a cool cloth and sponge the body.
  • Food craving suppresser: Inhale peppermint and cinnamon oils to reduce your appetite and balance blood sugar.
  • Hangover reliever: Add six drops each of juniper berry, cedarwood, grapefruit, rosemary, and lemon oil into a warm bath.
  • Head lice remedy: Mix three drops of thyme, lavender, and eucalyptus oils with a carrier oil and apply to the scalp. Cover head with a shower cap and leave on for 30 minutes. Shampoo out.
  • Immune system booster: Mix one drop of oregano oil with four drops of carrier oil and rub it on the bottom of your feet before flying on a plane.
  • Love potion: For a cute bridal shower gift or for you and your partner, create a “love potion” with essential oils. Add 20 drops of sandalwood essential oil and four drops of cocoa, vanilla, and rose oil to unscented lotion.
  • Massage therapy: Use a few drops of cedarwood or lavender, mixed with an unscented lotion during a relaxation massage.
  • Migraine/headache reliever: Try combining a few drops of lavender oil and peppermint oil and apply them to temples to help with headaches and migraines.
  • Morning sickness reducer: Add a few drops of wild orange, lemon, or ginger oil to a handkerchief and inhale.
  • Motion sickness reliever: Peppermint and ginger oils can help reduce motion sickness.
  • Nausea reliever: Breathe in peppermint through your nose to get rid of nausea, plus apply to your neck and upper chest. Ginger and lavender may help, too.
  • PMS reliever: Mix two drops of sage, basil, and rosemary oils, then apply to a warm, moist hand towel and apply to the abdomen.
  • Poison ivy/poison oak remedy: Mix three drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil and apply to the affected area.
  • Relaxation mixture: Apply 2–4 drops of chamomile, lavender, and peppermint essential oil to your temples for a cooling effect and immediate relaxation.
  • Ringworm remedy: Combine three drops of tea tree oil with coconut oil and massage over the affected area twice a day.
  • Sleep aid: Lavender oil can alleviate insomnia. Sprinkle a few drops on your pillow to help you fall asleep.
  • Spiritual enlightenment: Diffuse frankincense essential oil while praying, meditating, or reading to increase spiritual awareness.
  • Teeth grinding stopper: Massage 1–3 drops of lavender on the bottom of the feet and behind ears before bed.
  • Tension reliever: Help to relieve anxiety by using a single drop of lavender oil on your hands, rubbing together, and cup your hands to your nose, and letting the smell flood your senses.
  • Upset child smoother: Help soothe and calm children by adding lavender or chamomile oils to their stuffed animals.
  • Weight loss: Combine grapefruit, ginger, and cinnamon oil and take as a supplement three times daily to support metabolism.
  • Workout energizer: Inhale peppermint oil before a workout to reduce fatigue.
  • Yoga and Pilates: To relax during yoga or meditation, inhale lavender or sandalwood before class. In addition, mix clove and citrus essential oil to clean yoga mats.

For Home

  • Air cleaner: Diffuse cinnamon essential oil in the air and enjoy its antimicrobial properties.
  • Air detoxifier when painting: Add the eucalyptus to a gallon of paint to dispel fumes.
  • All-purpose cleaner: Add three drops each of lemon oil and melaleuca to a few ounces of warm water, then spray countertops to naturally disinfect.
  • Bathroom freshener: Put a cotton ball soaked in lime or lemon oil behind the toilet for a bathroom refresher.
  • Bathtub scrub: Mix one-half cup of baking soda, one-half cup of vinegar and five drops of bergamot or lime oil. Use as a scrub for a sink or bathtub.
  • Burnt pans cleaner: A few drops of lemon oil and some boiling water can help remove burnt food from pots and pans.
  • Carpet cleaner: Mix 20 drops of melaleuca with borax for homemade carpet powder.
  • Christmas scent: Add a drop of pine, sandalwood, or cedarwood oil on a fire log about 30 minutes before burning.
  • Dishwasher fluid: Add a few drops of lemon oil to the dishwasher before washing for a spot-free rinse.
  • House fragrance: Diffuse clove, rosemary, and orange oils when guests come over, and they will talk about how amazing your house smells.
  • Kitchen odor eliminator: Add a few drops of clove, cinnamon, or citrus essential oil to a simmering pan of water to get rid of cooking odors.
  • Medicine cabinet: Makeover your medicine cabinet and create a family physician kit with essential oils of lavender, lemon, peppermint, oregano, and frankincense.
  • Mold killer: Add tea tree oil to your diffuser to kill mold and other pathogens in the air.
  • Mosquito repellent: Combine one drop each of lemongrass oil, citronella oil, and eucalyptus oil with one teaspoon of coconut oil to make a natural bug spray and rub on exposed skin. Reapply as needed.
  • Pest killer: Combine orange and clove oils and then spray to kill pests on contact.
  • Produce washer: To clean fruit and vegetables, add two drops of lemon oil to a large bowl of water, then wash.
  • Refrigerator cleaner: To freshen up the fridge or freezer when cleaning, add a few drops of lime, grapefruit or bergamot oil to the rinsing water.
  • Shoe smell eliminator: To remove the smell from shoes, add a few drops of tea tree oil and lemon oil to freshen them up.
  • Shower scum remover: Using a 16-ounce spray bottle, use four drops of eucalyptus essential oil and four drops of tea tree oil with warm water. Spray onto your shower for natural mold killing action.
  • Smoke eliminator: To remove cigarette smoke, put four drops of rosemary, tea tree, and eucalyptus oil in a spray bottle and spray around the house.
  • Sports gear freshener: If your kids play sports, add two drops each of tea tree oil and lemon essential oil to one quart of warm water. Next, add four tablespoons of baking soda and mix. Use to clean ripe jerseys, cleats, and sports gear.
  • Trash can freshener: Put a cotton ball with two drops each of lemon oil and tea tree oil at the bottom of the trash can to help decrease the odor and detoxify.
  • Vacuum cleaner freshener: Add 5–10 drops of your favorite oil in your vacuum bag or dust container.
  • Washing machine freshener: Add 10–20 drops of your favorite scent per load.

Why Quality Is Important

The purity of essential oil is crucial. Where a plant grows and is harvested is an important factor when it comes to purity as it affects the chemical composition of the essential oil. An essential oil that has been grown in its optimal growing habitat will produce an oil with optimal health benefits for support. When choosing an essential oil brand, it is wise to select a brand that has been tested both in-house and by a 3rd party, laboratory to ensure its purity. [rx]

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According to the Aromatic Plant Research Center (APRC), “experts estimate that 80% of commercially available “pure” essential oils are adulterated in some way”. Synthetic ingredients, fillers, and contaminants not only reduce the health benefits of the oil, but they can also increase the risk of adverse effects and skin irritations. [rx]

Dos and Don’ts of Essential Oil Use

Let us take a look at the dos and don’ts for the use of essential oil.

Dos

  • Consistency is important when using essential oils for a specific need. The body begins metabolizing essential oils as soon as they are applied so it is recommended to use them every few hours as needed. A typical dose of essential oil is 1-2 drops.
  • Use caution when applying citrus oils to exposed skin. Avoid direct sunlight for 12-36 hours after application, depending on the essential oil.
  • Everyone responds to essential oils differently. The oil that works for someone else may not work for you as your body chemistry is different. Try a different oil if one does not bring the intended result.
  • Educate yourself. The information found online can be overwhelming. Find a brand that you trust and check out the resources and education they offer.
  • Store essential oils out of reach from children. Essential oils should also be stored in an area away from high heat and direct sunlight.
  • Use your essential oils consistently and proactively. The body responds to essential oils much better when used regularly versus only when the body is in crisis.

Don’ts

  • Avoid putting essential oils directly in the eyes, ears or nose. If this happens, flush with a carrier oil and not water. It is also wise to avoid putting essential oils on broken or damaged skin.
  • Refrain from adding water if you experience any sensitivity when using essential oils topically. This will drive the oils deeper into the skin. Instead, apply carrier oil to reduce any discomfort. A warm, moist compress may be used if the desire is to drive the oil deeper into the skin.

References