For generations and generations, civilizations survived and even thrived using only what Mother Nature provided them, including what we now call essential oils. Essential oils are basically essences that are extracted from plants to be used for various medicinal, personal, beauty, and household purposes. Though essential oils have almost always been popular to some extent, the use of them has once again become more commonplace over the past several years.
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As more people have started to question the safety and efficacy of pharmaceuticals, some have turned to more natural remedies to cure what ails them, leading many to discover or even rediscover the benefits of essential oils.
Though there's not a ton of modern scientific data regarding the effects of essential oils for every ailment, anecdotally many are singing their praises. These days people use essential oils for everything from depression and anxiety to allergies and colds, and mostly extolling their effectiveness to anyone who will listen. Always check with a medical professional before using essential oils to treat problems. Click through our gallery to find out more about 10 essential oils that could have you feeling better in no time.
Cinnamon essential oil may improve circulation.
Cinnamon essential oil has been said to improve blood circulation. It's not only warming, but it may also benefit your heart. You can mix it into a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil, and use it as a massage oil to double down on the blood flow benefits.
It can also help with indigestion.
Cinnamon has been used as a digestive aid in Latin cultures forever, so it's no surprise that its essential oil could help your tummy. If you don't like the taste, try using the essential oil blended into a massage oil instead of drinking cinnamon tea.
Cinnamon could reduce fatigue.
Because of the positive effects cinnamon oil has on blood flow, it may also be effective in waking up your muscles to reduce fatigue.
Get the benefits of Vick's without the petroleum.
If you're Latino, you've probably sworn by Vick's to cure pretty much any ailment your entire life, but if you'd like to stay away from petroleum jelly in your health products, you can get similar benefits from eucalyptus essential oil, which may help breaking up congestion.
Eucalyptus may help asthma sufferers.
Because eucalyptus can help open up airways, diffusing it could be beneficial for asthma sufferers. Just be sure to check with your physician first.
It may even help sore muscles.
Eucalyptus oil can be blended with a carrier oil and any other essential oils you choose to create a massage oil that may help relieve sore muscles.
Frankincense has been known to heal since ancient times.
Yup, the frankincense you know from Bible stories is still used today. Frankincense essential oil may help ease anxiety when diffused or used as a part of a massage oil.
It has cold-fighting properties.
Frankincense has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, and may help you beat a cold that causes chest or nasal congestion.
It might get rid of your headache.
Some people have said that frankincense can cure a headache. Try it on a hot compress to see if it works for you.
Ginger essential oil may help to ease stomach issues.
Most people know ginger can help with nausea, but you might not know that you can get it as an essential oil. If you don't like the taste, try diffusing it for the same effect.
Ginger essential oil might get rid of gas.
Using ginger essential oil may also help relieve painful gas. Just use it in a cold-mist diffuser or vaporizer.
It's also said to be great for blood flow.
Similarly to cinnamon essential oil, ginger essential oil may help blood flow. It's very warming and can potentially increase blood flow to cold limbs. Combine it with a carrier oil and use for massage or add it to a hot bath.
Lavender is a go-to essential oil.
Lots of people start using essential oils with lavender essential oil, because it works for so many different things. It's most well-known for its ability to ease insomnia. Diffuse it or apply it to your skin when mixed into a carrier oil.
Lavender may help with sore muscles.
Because lavender has amazing relaxing properties, it may help your muscles relax enough to ease any soreness.
Lavender is also a decongestant.
Lavender may also work as a decongestant, especially when combined with eucalyptus and peppermint oils.
Lemon oil may help break a fever.
Lemon has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, and it may aid in lowering a fever. Use it with a carrier oil for massage or diffuse it.
Its strong citrus scent is energizing.
The strong, vibrant aroma of lemon essential oil can be incredibly energizing. Try diffusing it in your office for a pick-me-up when your energy is low.
Ease cold and flu symptoms.
Lemon's antibacterial and antioxidant properties make it potentially useful for relieving cold and flu symptoms like swollen glands and coughs.
Lemongrass essential oil may get rid of a headache.
Lemongrass is thought to help various aches and pains, including headaches and migraines. Try diffusing it or using it on a hot compress.
It might ease arthritis.
In ancient medicine, lemongrass was used to ease pain and discomfort caused by arthritis and rheumatism. It works as a massage oil when combined with a carrier oil.
Lemongrass might also be able to reduce a fever.
Diffusing lemongrass essential oil may also be effective at reducing a fever without the use of over-the-counter medicine.
Oregano essential oil may ease upper respiratory infections.
You know those pesky upper respiratory infections that often drag on and on? Oregano essential oil may help kick them for good. It's an excellent antiviral and antimicrobial oil.
It might help with pain from a sore throat.
Using oregano essential oil may also help ease a sore throat. If you can find food-grade oregano essential oil, you can actually use a drop under your tongue or add it to your tea. Otherwise, diffuse it.
It has antibiotic properties.
If you think you have an illness that might require antibiotics but you can't get to the doctor's or pharmacy right away, you could try your oregano essential oil.
Peppermint essential oil may help get rid of a headache.
Peppermint essential smells amazing and can be truly effective at getting rid of a stubborn headache. Diffusing it is best, but you can also just give it a few sniffs. Avoid applying it directly, as it may be irritating to the skin.
It's also really energizing.
Peppermint oil is well-known for its ability to boost energy. If you're feeling fatigued, diffuse it or use it on a hot compress.
Soothe an upset stomach.
Peppermint is potentially a digestive aid. You can dilute it in a carrier oil and massage onto your belly.
Get rid of fungus with tea tree oil.
Tea tree oil has antifungal properties and may get rid of toenail fungus, dandruff, and other minor infections. It can be diluted in a carrier oil and applied topically until the fungus is gone.
It can relieve a cough and sore throat.
This oil is also an antiseptic and antimicrobial, and may help in relieving a sore throat and cough when diffused or applied topically.
It might even break up your congestion.
While tea tree oil is great for relieving your symptoms, it might be able to clear up the cause. It's known to help break up congestion, which is often the cause behind coughs and sore throats.
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