Essential oils come from plants' stems, bark, leaves and flowers---though not all plants contain these oils. Essentials oils' properties include killing viruses and bacteria, stimulating the immune system and reducing stress and tension. Each essential oil has a unique set of properties that can be used to provide different positive physical, emotional and mental benefits to their users.
Tea Tree Oil
Researched extensively, tea tree is distinct because its properties include fighting three separate infection causes. In her book "Aromatherapy A-Z," Patricia Davis writes tea tree oil is anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. Tea tree also stimulates the body's immune system, a useful property for fighting sickness and infection. Undiluted tea tree oil can be safely applied directly to the skin because it does not irritate the skin.
Lavender Oil
As an antibacterial, essential lavender oil properties include promoting cell regeneration and reducing stress. "The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy," by Valerie Worwood, highlights lavender's positive affect on cuts. Lavender works as an antiseptic while also stimulating the cells to heal quickly. Jeanne Rose, author of "375 Essential Oils & Hydrosols" recommends utilizing lavender's stress-reducing properties by using a diffuser to vaporize and spread the lavender through the air.
Lemon Oil
Essential lemon oil's properties include promoting physical and emotional health. Lemon oil powerfully affects mental states. Joni Keim and Ruah Bull write in their book "Daily Aromatherapy" that essential lemon oil promotes mental clarity, objectivity and greater focus---all positive properties. Its physical properties include aiding in stopping bleeding, killing bacteria and stimulating the body's natural immune response to help more effectively fight infections.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil's most noticeable property is its stimulating affect. As peppermint oil is powerful enough to disrupt sleep, Marge Clark, author of "Essential Oils and Aromatics," warns against using this oil late in the day or in the evening. Users can, however, use this property to their advantage. Use peppermint to increase alertness or to reduce fatigue when needed. Potentially irritating to the skin, peppermint oil needs to be diluted if being used for any topical applications.
Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil also acts as a stimulant on both the brain and the rest of the central nervous system---making it an effective treatment for damaged motor nerves. Other rosemary oil properties include memory improvement and reduction in muscular pain from overuse.
References
- "Aromatherapy A-Z"; Patricia Davis; 2000
- "Essential Oils and Aromatics"; Marge Clark; 2008
- "375 Essential Oils & Hydrosols"; Jeanne Rose; 1999
- "The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy"; Valerie Worwood; 1999
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