The popularity of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has increased over the past few decades, and essential oils are a part of that.
In fact, according to the Global Aromatherapy Market Analysis, Companies Profiles, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast to 2024, the global aromatherapy market is projected to grow by 8 percent between 2017 and 2024.
But what exactly are essential oils? For those new to this trend, these incredibly potent oils — some of which have been around for centuries — are extracted from plants to capture their flavors, scents, and overall beneficial properties.
They make for a great addition to your skin, hair, and healthcare collection, and can also be used for aromatherapy.
Before you begin
Before getting started, there are a few basics to remember when working with essential oils:
When applying oils topically, always use a carrier oil. These are oils used to dilute essential oils, like coconut or jojoba oil.
Always do a patch test before applying anything to larger areas of your skin.
Many essential oils are toxic and shouldn’t be taken by mouth unless under the specific care of a healthcare professional.
Buy “pure” essential oils. There are all kinds of knock-off versions and perfume oils that don’t contain the same benefits.
If you’re looking to get into essential oils, but aren’t quite sure where to start, we’ve compiled an extensive list on some of the most popular and beneficial ones. Keep reading to see which oils can best meet your needs.
Types of essential oils
Lavender
This incredibly popular oil has all kinds of benefits. This subtly floral scent can help people to relax and sleep. Moreover, breathing it in has been found to help with alleviating headaches, while the use of the oil topically may help reduce the itching and swelling from bug bites.
Safety: There are a few known side effects. These include nausea, headaches, chills, and vomiting. It can also irritate the skin if you have an intolerance
Roman chamomile
Featuring a combination of a light floral and herbal aroma, this oil has the potential to put your mind at ease when diffused and inhaled through steam. While this oil is great for calming the mind, it’s equally as useful on the skin, and has been found to treat conditions like inflammation and eczema.
Safety: Anyone allergic to daisies, marigolds, and ragweed should avoid using this oil altogether.
Rose
When the sweet, floral scent of rose oil is inhaled, it’s been shown to help reduce anxiety. Its antioxidant properties have also been found to help treat acne and improve complexion for an overall younger look.
Safety: Skin irritation can occur when used topically, so make sure to use more of the carrier oil if you want to reap the skin care benefits of rose oil.
Hyssop
This earthy, herbal, and sweet-scented essential oil can be used on the skin to help to minimize scarring, decrease inflammation, and act as an overall healing agent.
Safety: Don’t use hyssop if you’re pregnant or have a history of seizures.
Ylang ylang
This flowery oil emits a spicy but sweet aroma, and has been suggested as an aid in relaxation, a self-esteem builder, and it even may act as a repellant toward certain insects. It’s frequently found in cosmetics and promises a laundry list of beauty benefits, including the treatment of combination skin and promotion of hair growth.
Myrrh
This sappy-smelling essential oil is said to treat skin issues by relieving acne and cracked skin, and may even help treat athlete’s foot.
Safety: Myrrh should never be taken orally. If you’re using it topically, take note that it’s been found to cause dermatitis. More serious side effects include heart irregularities and lower blood pressure. It can also increase the risk of miscarriage if taken by people who are pregnant.
Vetiver
Thesmoky, sugary scent of vetiver is often used in tranquil aromatherapy to boost your overall mood and calm your nerves. As for its antioxidant benefits, it’s been found to help promote skin health and heal scars.
Safety: Since it’s nonirritating and non-sensitizing it’s a great topical alternative for those who can’t handle other essential oils.
Frankincense
The aroma of this one may smell like the holiday season to you, but it also has all kinds of astringent, digestive, antiseptic, and disinfectant properties.
It may prevent oral issues like bad breath, toothaches, cavities, and mouth sores, and one study even suggests it can help improve skin health.
Safety: Aside from potential skin sensitivity, users can rest easy knowing there aren’t any major side effects from using frankincense.
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Grapefruit
Even though this is also derived from a citrus fruit — the peel to be exact — it has more of a bitter and fresh scent, and is a popular oil to use in a diffuser. It’s been said to have antifungal properties that may help reduce any harmful bacteria within.
Safety: Again, similar to lemon, avoid UV rays from the sun when applying topically.
Cedarwood
Earthy and naturally woody-smelling, cedarwood is used for a number of topical beauty treatments. Studies have shown that these benefits include fighting acne, treating eczema, and reducing dandruff. On top of all this, it also allegedly helps to reduce arthritis and relieve coughing.
Safety: It’s important to note that none of these benefits comes from ingesting the oil. It’s not safe to consume cedarwood oil and if done so can result in vomiting, nausea, thirst, and damage to the digestive system.
Tip
Text “POISON” to 797979 to save the National Poison Help Hotline number and the American Association of Poison Control Centers’ online tool to your smartphone. If you can’t access a phone or computer, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Peppermint
When you inhale the minty herbal scent of this oil, some evidence has shown that it can relieve IBS symptoms. Likewise, a limited amount of evidence has found that this oil can help with headaches and indigestion.
When applied topically, you’ll immediately sense a cooling effect. This can help with things like muscle pain (and potentially help to increase exercise performance), sunburn relief, and itchy skin conditions like poison ivy or insect bites.
Safety: Peppermint essential oil shouldn’t be ingested as it can cause serious side effects like heartburn, headaches, an irritated esophagus, and mouth sores. So if you need to freshen your breath, just stick to actual mints.
Spearmint
This other minty option is quite similar to peppermint in both aroma and benefits, therefore it can be used as an alternative. You will find that spearmint oil has a bit of a sweeter kick to its aroma and has been found to have antifungal properties.
It also provides the same cooling effect as peppermint when applied topically, which makes it equally as useful for warding off unwanted insects and relieving bug bites.
Safety: If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, speak with your doctor before using spearmint oil.
Basil oil
The essential oil extracted from basil has many topical and internal benefits. It’s been shown to be both antiviral and anti-inflammatory, so it could work as a cold and flu remedy and muscle relaxer.
It’s also been found to treat acne, and one older study even found that it worked as a way to reduce stress. You can also add it to hair treatments to get rid of buildup and enhance shine.
Safety: If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, speak with your doctor before using basil oil.
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