Aromatherapy is one way to take the essence of nature and apply it to your life for physical and mental health and well-being. Aromatherapy is the application of essential oils which are derived from plant parts. This practice has been in use for thousands of years, and is still used today for a myriad of health benefits. The following 6 oils are frequently seen on Top 10 essential oil lists because of their versatile and important healing properties.
Eucalyptus
There are several trees in the genus Eucalyptus, and eucalyptus essential oil may be derived from any of those different species. You should understand that depending on what species of tree is used to produce eucalyptus oil, you are going to get different health benefits. Eucalyptus essential oil has been used since ancient times for boosting the immune system, preventing colds and the flu, providing mental clarity and cranking up energy levels.
Frankincense
Frankincense is one of the oldest and most versatile essential oils on the planet. Frankincense oil comes from the resin of 4 different types of trees which grow in northeastern Africa and along the Arabian Peninsula. The resin used to produce frankincense oil is very aromatic, and is used in incense and perfumes. It is widely used in religious and cultural ceremonies, frankincense reduces stress, fights inflammation, improves the digestive process and can help physical wounds and scars heal quickly.
Lavender
The essence of the lavender plant has been used for perfumes and cosmetics and is found in soaps, body washes and household cleaners. The smell is refreshing and calming, which is one reason why lavender is used to soothe emotions, combat stress and heal anxiety. The anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties of lavender relieve pain and swelling in muscles and joints, contribute to skin and hair health, and lavender oil makes a natural insect repellent.
Lemon
Lemon essential oil delivers the tangy, sharp, citrusy smell you probably are already very familiar with. It can be used in recipes and applied topically, or diffused into the air. Lemon oil is perhaps the most widely used essential oil around the world, and makes an excellent mood-stimulator, invigorator, mental focus-booster and household cleaner.
Peppermint
Mentha Piperita is the scientific name of for the peppermint plant. Peppermint can be used for any number of recipes where you want to deliver a spicy boost, and the aromatic and vitalizing peppermint essential oil rivals almost all other oils as the most versatile and useful for health, beauty, gardening and household cleaning applications. It is excellent for treating inflammation and muscle pain, makes an effective headache remedy, and relieves a number of stomach and digestion-related problems.
Rosemary
Rosemary oil is derived from the needles of the Rosemarinus Officianalis tree. The fragrant aroma this oil delivers is refreshing, clean and earthy. This natural healer works as an excellent cleanser both inside and outside your body, it improves scalp and skin health, effectively battles bad breath, and boosts your immune system while soothing muscles and joints that have been stressed or injured.