Benefits of Natural Essential Oils - By: Rebecca Frith

Every one has their own ideas of what essential oil they like the best or use the most. If you have some kind of ailment, or a specific condition, it may be a good idea to obtain a list of available essential oils. Many times you will find a table of oils that will give detailed information on each one, which may include uses, ingredients, and even sometimes what oils combine the best with others for more specialized natural health applications.

One of the most popularly known and widely used essential oil is Lavender. It is often used as a base for combination oils and is known as a universal oil. It can be used undiluted and has a wide range of natural health uses.

For physical uses lavender is used for a variety of direct skin applications. You can use it for dry skin and acne. Its cooling, mildly antiseptic qualities make it ideal for a wide range of mild burns or skin irritants, including sun burns and bug bites. The aroma smells bad to biting insects and can be used as a natural repellant. A couple of drops on the temples have been known to alleviate some migraine headaches. Lavender also enhances your body's own healing processes, so it is widely used for colds and congestion. These are just of the few of the many uses of Lavender in topical and internal consumption.

It also has many calming and soothing effects so it is used to effect mood and mental conditions. Because the scent is mild and relaxing, it is often sprinkled on pillows to help one fall asleep more easily, and wake up more refreshed. Because of this it is also used to calm mood swings, balance hormone levels, and help with depression. It is often used by people who meditate, and do yoga, to help with relaxation.

Another popular and widely used essential oil is peppermint. This pleasantly fragrant oil can be inhaled for congestion, relieving motion sickness, and can even improve taste and sense of smell. Rubbing the diluted oil on various places on your body can improve things like stomach aches, sore and tender feet, and massaging it into your neck, shoulders and the back of your head can ease and relieve headaches. Putting a few drops of the oil, or crushing up the dried leaves into a bath and breathing it in relieves stress, and menstrual cramps.

While you can put a few drops on your tongue to help freshen breath, peppermint oil should never be taken internally. This is also a good rule of thumb when dealing with essential oils in general, and you should never consider taking anything internally until consulting a professional. When using essential oils topographically, make sure you dilute it will some base oil to avoid skin irritations or other problems.

One good idea when buying oils is to buy them without the dropper top, since oils can break down rubber and contaminate your bottles. Droppers are available separately, and should be cleaned thoroughly after each use.

Copyright (c) 2009 Rebecca Frith

About the Author

Rebecca Frith is a keen supporter of natural health products.For natural health products such as eco friendly cleaning products, essential oils, Ganoderma mushroom and natural beauty products.Go to=> http://www.naturespharmacy.com.au/health-shop/

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