Common Essential Oils And Their Uses

Essential oils have for many years been used for many years to bring health and wellbeing when used for aromatherapy and massage. These are some of the most commonly utilised oils and their mainstream uses.

One of the most popular essential oils is eucalyptus oil, which can help with migraine and fevers, as well as problems with the respiratory system. The oil helps to ease throat infections, coughs and asthma and eases mucus discomfort and helps the head to feel clearer from problems associated with hay fever and colds. It can also be warmed and used to treat aches and pains of the muscles, arthritis and bad circulation, as well as to topically treat minor cuts and burns on the skin.

Eucalyptus oil is derived from the Australian Blue-gum, which is native to Australia as the name suggests, and one of the world's highest trees with narrow bluey green leaves and white flowers.

Ginger oil is popular for treating problems of the digestive system and feelings of nausea, including morning sickness suffered by pregnant women. As well as this, like Eucalyptus oil, Ginger oil can be used to relieve phlegm and catarrh problems associated with colds. The Chinese use this oil to help the heart, and it can also be used topically to help heal bruised skin.

Ginger is native to many areas of the world. It's said to originate from China, India and Java, but also grows in the West Indies and Africa.

One of the most well-known oils is lavender oil, which is known for its calming, relaxing properties. As well as smelling delightful, it eases stress and aids sleep.

Many people use lavender oil for its antiseptic properties which are said to help with colds and flu, amongst other ailments, and it helps to reduce scarring on the skin when applied topically.

Lavender grows in abundance in many gardens in Britain, but the main producer of lavender is France. The evergreen shrub produces lovely purple-blue flowers and a beautiful smell.

Like the previous oils mentioned, lavender can also be used to ease bronchial problems and discomfort from colds and flu.

Rose oil is wonderful for soothing and harmonizing the mind, helping with depression, grief, fear, anger and emotional problems, but is most commonly used for helping problems with the circulation and heart, including palpitations, and it also boosts the functions of the gall bladder and liver.

For the skin, rose otto oil is very hydrating especially for dry, irritated skin, including skin troubled by eczema and cold sores.