Natural oils, also called essential oils, are herbal extracts, often from plants. In order to get the oil-like substance, the fragrances are extracted typically from plants by distillation, extraction or cold pressing. Sometimes these essential or natural oils are infused with other oils and used for massage, while others are used for aromatherapy or even eaten because they have alleged healing qualities.
Lavender Oil (Lavandula angustifolia or Lavandula officinalis)
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, lavender oil has a variety of clinically proven medicinal benefits. It can help people with sleep disorders, anxiety or nervous tension, hair loss and respiratory problems, and it has been shown to relieve pain. Lavender is also used in soaps and lotions, and it is used for aromatherapy, which is an alternative medicinal practice of using oils to improve physical and psychological well-being. Steam distillation is used to extract the oil from the plant's blue-violet, spiky flowers.
Clary Sage Oil (Salivia sclarea)
According to a 2007 study done by researchers at the Department of Ecology and Systematic, Research Institute of Applied Science in Tehran, Iran, clary sage oil has antimicrobial properties. Other sources cite its antidepressant, anticonvulsive, astringent, deodorant, digestive and stomachic properties, among others. According to HerbalPedia, the oil stimulates, regenerates and revitalizes people, and it's used to help people get through hard times. Steam distillation is used to extract the oil from the flowers and leaves. This oil should not be ingested but rather used topically or aromatically, though in other forms it can be ingested.
Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
According to researchers at the School of Biomedical, Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences at the University of Western Australia, tea tree oil has antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. This means it can be used effectively as a first aid remedy for cuts, scrapes, bites or infections to the skin, as well as for fungal infections in the fingernails and feet, for acne and against infestations of lice. It also has some anti-inflammatory qualities and can soothe respiratory ailments and head colds. Steam distillation is used to extract the oil from the tea tree leaves.
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