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THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF ESSENTIAL OILS


Each essential oil is different, with its own has its own characteristic properties, both therapeutic and psychological. Here are some of the most popular ones with suggestions of how they may be used to treat ailments or simply to improve overall health and well-being.

BASIL: Ocimum Basilicum
Whilst being a very useful oil, basil must only be used for short periods of time as there is concern about its possible toxicity. The main action of basil oil is on the nervous system. It is an excellent nerve tonic and has a relaxing and uplifting effect with an overall restorative result. As a massage oil it can be used to relieve anxiety, depression, tension headaches and nervous insomnia. In a steam inhalation it will treat coughs and is useful for lingering colds and catarrh. For muscular aches and pains it may be used as a rubbing oil. It also acts as an effective insect repellent.

BERGAMOT: Citrus Bergamia
Bergamot is cooling and refreshing acting on the nervous system as a tonic and is invigorating without being over-stimulating. It may be used in the bath or as a douche to treat cystitis. Its antiseptic, deodorizing and healing properties are widely used in the treatment of acne, psoriasis, seborrhoea of the scalp and herpes. It can also make a refreshing room spray.

GINGER: Zingiber Officinale
Ginger is a hot, moving and tonifying oil and it is excellent as a warming rubbing or massage oil. It may irritate sensitive mucous membranes so is best avoided in general bath oils but works well in a foot bath. One of the main areas ginger acts on is the lungs. It encourages the body to produce heat and sweat and throw off fevers also acting as an expectorant. The moving effects of ginger help relieve headaches caused by congestion and blocked sinuses. It can be used as an inhalation or in a foot bath to strengthen the immune system at the beginning of the winter to encourage immunity against colds and flu. It may be used to treat arthritis and rheumatism and works well when combined with peppermint and juniper in a base oil and massaged into the joints.

LAVENDER: Lavandula Angustifolia
Lavender is a balancing or regulating oil. It does tend towards sedating or calming but initially has a reviving effect. As it can calm cerebro-spinal activity it can be used to treat depression, insomnia, shock nervous tension, hysteria and irritability. Its mild analgesic properties make it an important oil in the treatment of migraine and is good for shingles, neuralgia, muscular pains and rheumatism. Its restorative and calming effect on the heart means that is helpful for palpitations and high blood pressure when used in massage and also bath preparations. Combined with lemon and used as a compress it will treat boils.

ROSEMARY: Rosmarinus Officinalls
The primary action of rosemary is on the circulatory system, it stimulates a weak heart and is useful for treating cold extremities and low blood pressure. Used in a burner, it increases the circulation of blood to the brain and nervous system and may help to improve memory, mental alertness and concentration. It is a classic ingredient in sports blends as it will bring relief to sprains and strains. It can be used to help stimulate the circulation, reduce injury and improve performance. Traditionally rosemary has been used as a treatment for hair and scalp problems. It can be found as an ingredient in some shampoos and by stimulating the scalp it can be used to treat dandruff and alopecia.

These are just a few, popular essential oils and there are many more to choose from and learn about. It truly is a fascinating subject.

Learn more about this author, Rowland Jones.
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