There are many types of aromatherapy oils and they all have medicinal, health and cosmetic uses. Aromatherapy is simply the use of fragrant and essential oils to alter mood and promote good health. The following are the top 10 aromatherapy oils currently in use.
1. Tea Tree Oil
In alternative medicine, tea tree oil is very popular. It has astringent properties that help to reduce oily secretions of the skin. It can benefit individuals who have oily skin. It also has a high terpinen content which is known to soothe minor wounds without causing any type of irritation.
2. Lemon Oil
Lemon oil has anti-fungal and anti-septic properties that can be used to heal wounds and cuts. Lemon oil is also known to be very helpful in dealing with athletes foot, oily skin, colds, flu and even warts.
3. Basil Oil
When it comes to alternative medicine and aromatherapy in particular, basil oil features prominently. This oil has an appealing aroma. The funny thing is that the smell repels insects, but it is very appealing to humans. The oil is believed to have anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, so it can help the user to fight colds and flu.
4. Myrrh Essential Oil
Since time immemorial, different parts of the Myrrh tree have been used for medicinal, cosmetic, spiritual and aromatic uses. It is mentioned in the bible as one of the gifts that Jesus was given as a birthday present. It is commonly used as room fragrance. In religion, myrrh is used as incense. Most toothpastes and mouth wash products contain myrrh. It is also used in natural or herbal oral care products.
5. Vanilla
In aromatherapy, vanilla is used as an enhancing fragrance. Most skin and hair care products also contain vanilla. This essential oil has compounds that are beneficial to the overall wellbeing of the human body.
6. Tangerine Oil
Tangerine essential oil is extracted from tangerine peels through a process commonly referred to as cold pressing. Tangerine oil has antispasmodic, antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. It is popular due to its medicinal properties.
7. Ginger Essential Oil
Topical application of ginger oil is known to boost circulation. It can be used in different formulations to deal with arthritis, as a massage oil or to soothe muscle pain.
8. Cumin Oil
It is extracted from cumin seeds through the process of steam distillation. It can be used to offer relief for osteoporosis and muscular pain. It can also be very helpful in suppressing headaches and migraines.
9. Neroli Oil
Due to its unique properties, neroli oil has a wide range of uses including making deodorants, antibacterials, aphrodisiacs, antiseptics and antidepressants.
10. Peppermint Oil
While it is commonly used as flavoring in food, peppermint extract is also used to treat heartburn, diarrhea, nausea and indigestion among other health problems.
What to Consider When Buying Aromatherapy Oils
Before you buy an essential oil, it is important that give a lot of thought to how it was extracted. Usually, these oils are obtained from nuts, leaves, stems, flowers, roots and fruits of certain plants. The method of extraction used has a profound effect on the quality of the extract. It is also crucial that you do a little bit of research to determine the purity of the oil. After all, you do not want to use a product that is contaminated. The ideal oil should be extracted in a laboratory that meets FDA requirements.