10 essential oils to heal your ailments

You may have used essential oils in the past, but are you aware of the full extent of their benefits? Essential oils are not only great for calming your nerves, but they are also ideal for relieving an entire host of ailments from upset stomachs to skin conditions. Essential oils have been used for hundreds of years and are naturally derived from plants, so there are few, if any, side effects.

Try incorporating these ten essential oils into your health care routine to keep your ailments at bay:

• Lavender: Lavender oil is derived from lavender flowers and is known to improve sleep, promote better focus and concentration, enhance blood circulation and can even stimulate hair growth.
• Eucalyptus: This oil comes from a smaller variety of eucalyptus tree and contains powerful anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also be used as an expectorant and loosen mucus in the lungs and nasal passages.
• Peppermint: Peppermint oil does wonders for nausea, upset stomach, indigestion and anxiety. It also has a calming effect on the body and can help soothe sore muscles.
• Tea tree: Commonly used as an antiseptic, tea tree oil can be applied topically to cuts to prevent infection and is also great for treating certain skin conditions due to its anti-microbial properties.
• Rose: This pleasantly-scented oil is derived from rose petals and can help calm the nervous system. Rose oil also acts as an anti-depressant, balances hormones and improves acne and rosacea.
• Lemon: Lemon oil is great for helping relieve symptoms of menopause and is known to improve clarity, increase concentration and boost the immune system. Lemon oil is also useful for soothing a sore throat when added to hot water.
• Clary sage: In the past, clary sage was used to treat vision problems. Today, you can use it to improve circulation, regulate hormones, lower stress levels and relieve symptoms of menopause.
• Myrrh: A powerful antioxidant, myrrh is often added to beauty products to help maintain healthy skin. It’s also useful for preventing infections and is recognized for its anti-parasitic, antifungal and even anti-cancer benefits.
• Rosemary: Rosemary oil is a stimulant and has been shown to increase heart rate, blood pressure and brain activity when inhaled. However, it also decreases cortisol levels in the body, which can diminish stress.
• Cinnamon: While cinnamon oil smells invigorating, the scent can help clear up chest colds and topical application can relieve muscle aches and pain. It can also be used to increase circulation, decrease inflammation and fend off free radicals.

If your busy lifestyle doesn’t allow you time to apply or integrate essential oils into your routine, try a diffuser. A diffuser is much like a humidifier in that it adds moisture back into the air but with the additional benefits of essential oil. While at home, you can simply add your oil of choice to the diffuser and switch it on to reap its positive effects.

If your ailments cannot be soothed by essential oils and they start to interfere with your daily life, explore our Express Care options.