Before modern and conventional medicine was practiced, people relied on the healing powers of massage and touch therapy. Today, this is under the category of homeopathic treatments, alternative medicine or natural healthcare.
To add value to the healing properties of natural therapies, the use of essential oil is incorporated. Known as aromatherapy, essential oils are used for medicinal purposes and help alleviate certain health concerns.
Essential or aromatherapy oils are natural oils extracted from various parts of a plant. One of the process to extract these oils is through steam distillation. Plants are exposed to steam to breakdown cells that contain the essential oil. The steam and oil are separated in a cooling chamber to collect the oil.
There are various kinds of natural oil available today. But here are the five aromatherapy oils that you should keep at home.
1. Tea tree oil.
This essential oil is extracted from the tea plant. It is widely used medicinal oil because of its antiseptic properties. If you have problems with oily skin, dry and itchy scalp, applying tea tree oil to the affected area can provide healing benefits. Terpinen, a content of the oil, is used for minor wounds. It can clean the wound without the usual sting associated with antiseptics.
2. Eucalyptus oil.
Eucalyptus oil has a clean and light aroma that will help clear your airways. If you are suffering from a bad cold, mix eucalyptus oil in a hot water. It is an instant, natural inhaler that will surely provide you with relief. It is a natural antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. Try adding a bit of this oil when you take a bath and feel extra refreshed and relaxed.
3. Lavender oil.
With its fresh floral scent, lavender oil is definitely a calming one. If you are feeling stressed, a drop of lavender oil can be rubbed in your temples, forehead and neck area. It can alleviate the tight muscles and provide a calming effect. If you are doing yoga at home, the smell of lavender oil can make your practice more relaxing.
4. Lemon oil.
The fresh scent of lemon oil will provide you the needed rejuvenation. If you feel tired, the smell of fresh lemons can perk you up.
5. Peppermint oil.
Menthol, the main component of peppermint oil, is essential in in arousing your mental sharpness but it can be used to relieve congestion, headaches, migraines, digestive problems, and soothe achy muscles.
