My 3 favorite Essential Oils

Essential oils can be distilled from the leaves, flowers, and seeds of plants. There are so many kinds of essential oils available in the market.

We all have favorites, but when it comes to essential oils, I have some favorites. The 3 I always recommend to my clients are listed below with their health benefits.

• Peppermint essential oil

The most energizing, fresh and cooling essential oil that is out there is the peppermint essential oil. It is not just the delightful scent that makes Peppermint essential oil the favorite of the winter season, but also its topical use (applied to the skin) for problems like headache, muscle aches, joint pain, and itching. A study in 2016 suggested vapors from essential oils, such as peppermint oil, have antibacterial properties that may help alleviate some types of upper respiratory infection. Inhaling steam and vapors can be helpful for easing nasal congestion from colds and other upper respiratory infections.

With all the viruses and flu season around I always use 2 drops of Peppermint essential oil in the humidifier.

Other ways you can use peppermint essential oil is by using a drop of Peppermint oil with Lemon oil in water for a healthy, refreshing mouth rinse or by adding a drop of peppermint essential oil to your favorite smoothie recipe for a refreshing twist.

• Lavender essential oil

The soothing and relaxing scent of Lavender essential oil is known to relieve stress and also provide a positive effect on sleep. Ways to use Lavender essential oil is by adding to bath water to soak away stress or apply on the temples and the back of the neck after a stressful work day. Also, Add a few drops of Lavender oil to pillows, bedding, or bottoms of feet to relax and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.

• Sandalwood essential oil

Sandalwood essential oil gives a soft and woody aroma and is one of the best known essential oils for skincare routines. Sandalwood album oil (SAO) has been utilized topically for centuries in both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. Using aromatherapy with sandalwood oil can promote calmness, lower stress, and improve sleep quality. Sandalwood essential oil has excellent hydrating, moisturizing, and nourishing properties. Dilute sandalwood essential oil with sweet almond oil and apply it regularly on your skin for great results.

Article by Dr Arya Krishna, BAMS