Benefits Of Different Essential Oils

Essential oils are the highly concentrated, distilled essence of a plant. According to Phyllis Balch in "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," these oils can be used in many ways that may benefit overall health and well being. She explains that in aromatherapy, the sense of smell is utilized to bring about a positive mental or physiological change. Essential oils can be added to bathwater, massage oil and facial cleansers or used as room deodorizers or natural perfume, just to name a few uses.

Sandalwood and Patchouli

Useful in skincare blends, sandalwood essential oil has a spicy and woody fragrance. According to Balch, sandalwood oil is good for soothing nerves and relaxing the body. She also indicates it as being a good natural skin moisturizer and useful as an aphrodisiac. It has natural antidepressant properties and is also useful as an expectorant for bronchitis.
Patchouli essential oil has a distinguishable earthy aroma. It is commonly used in natural perfumes, hair care products and soap. Patchouli is good for moisturizing dry skin. According to "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," patchouli oil is a natural anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antidepressant and aphrodisiac.

Rosemary and Jasmine

Rosemary essential oil is particularly beneficial in hair care. Balch indicates rosemary oil as being helpful for hair loss and dandruff, as well as being a good hair conditioner and shine enhancer. Its stimulating fragrance increases circulation and may be useful for decreasing cellulite. Using rosemary oil in aromatherapy may help relieve a headache or combat fatigue.
Jasmine essential oil also benefits the skin as well as the scalp. Balch indicates it as being useful for calming anxiety and balancing the emotions. She also indicates it as being useful for helping frigidity and impotence.

Lemon and Lavender

A common ingredient in cleaning products, lemon essential oil has antiseptic and bacteria-fighting properties. According to Balch, lemon oil is good for getting rid of varicose veins and easing stomach ulcers, as well as for anxiety, depression and digestive disorders. She adds that lemon oil helps to increase the body's defense against infection.
The calming scent of lavender is perhaps the most recognizable among the essential oils. Lavender oil is good for easing stress and nervous tension. It may be most beneficial to those with sleep disorders as it is known to aid in sleep and relaxation. A few drops of lavender oil on the pillowcase or in a fragrance sachet may encourage restful sleep. Lavender oil's natural antiseptic and antibiotic properties help to heal the skin when dabbed on problem areas such as acne and mild burns.

Essential Oil Safety

Essential oils should not be used on babies, children or pets, and the oils should always remain away from flames and out of the reach of children. Essential oils should not be ingested and should be kept away from the openings of the eyes, ears, nose and mouth. It is best to perform a patch test on the inner arm before using them. Should a skin rash or irritation occur, discontinue use.