Discover the Top Eight Essential Oils for Wellness and Aromatherapy

In a world that often moves at a frenetic pace, finding natural remedies to enhance our well-being has become increasingly important. Essential oils are extracts derived from plants through methods like steam distillation or pressing various plant parts like flowers, barks, and leaves. From promoting relaxation to boosting immunity, these oils offer a holistic approach to health.

The enthusiasm surrounding these oils is supported by initial research indicating their potential as effective remedies, as stated by Dr. Brent Bauer, Director of the Complementary and Integrative Medicine program at the Mayo Clinic.

The advantages of essential oils are diverse, encompassing antimicrobial and antibiotic properties. According to a 2020 review in the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, they also have the potential to alleviate stress and even contribute to the treatment of depression.

Here are eight essential oils that have captured the hearts of aromatherapy enthusiasts worldwide.

Clary Sage Essential Oil
Salvia sclarea (Top to Middle Note)
Parasympathetic Oil
Botanical Family: Lamiaceae

HERB: leaves & flowers

EXTRACTION: steam

ORIGIN: China

CULTIVATION: Conventional Farming

Properties: Anticonvulsive, Antidepressant, Antiphlogistic, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Antisudorific, Aphrodisiac, Astringent, Balsamic, Carminative, Deodorant, Digestive, Emmenagogue, Hypotensive, Nervine, Parturient, Sedative, Stomachic, Tonic, Uterine.

Amenorrhea, Anxiety, Asthma, Boils, Calms the mind, Colic, Convulsions, Dandruff, Depression, Digestive problems, Dysmenorrhoea, Dyspepsia, Eases post natal depression, Encourages hair growth by regenerating cells, Encourages labour, Flatulence, Gastric spasms, Greasy hair, Headaches, Helpful when coming off of drugs (eases panic and brings hopefulness), Hypertension, Hysteria, Impotence, Inflamed and puffy skin, Kidney disorders, Kidney tonic, Lessens excessive perspiration generally associated with tuberculosis, Leucorrhoea, Low back pain, Migraines, Muscle relaxant, Nervous tension, Painful periods, PMS, Reduces excessive production of sebum, Regulates scanty periods, Sexual problems (male and female fertility), Sore throats and throat infections, Strengthens the body’s defense system, Tonic to the entire body, (puts all systems in balance), Tonic to the womb, Ulcers, Uterine conditions, Whooping cough.

Precautions: Large doses may cause headaches, do not use if you are drinking or before driving, as it is a strong sedative.

BLENDS WITH: Bergamot, Cedarwood, Citronella, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Lime, Marjoram, Neroli, Petitgrain, Sandalwood, Vetiver.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus radiata (Top Note)
Sympathetic Oil
Botanical Family: Myrtaceae
This family is generally stimulating and good for the Respiratory System

TREE: wood & leaves

EXTRACTION: steam

ORIGIN: South Africac

CULTIVATION: Certified Organic

Properties: Analgesic, Antineuralgic, Antirheumatic, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Antiviral, Bactericide, Balsamic, Cicatrisant, Decongestant, Deodorant, Depurative, Diuretic, Expectorant, Febrifuge, Hypoglycemiant, Immune Stimulant, Insecticide, Mucolytic, Paracidicide, Prophylactic, Rubifacient, Stimulant, Vermifuge, Vulnerary.

Aids the construction of new skin tissue, Antidotes bites from venomous creatures, Anti-viral, Asthma, Bronchitis, Burns, Catarrh, Chicken pox, Clears congested skin, Colds, Cold sores, Coughs, Cuts, Cystitis, Decongestant for respiratory tract (soothes inflammations and eases mucous), Diabetes, Diarrhea, Diphtheria, Dysentery, Emphysema, Fever (has a cooling and deodorizing effect on the body), Fibrositis, Gall stones, Gental-Urinary System, Gonorrhea, Hay fever, Hemorrhage, Herpes, Influenza, Infectious illnesses, Insect bites and stings, Malaria, Measles, Migraines, Muscular aches and pains, Nephritis, Neuralgia, Prevents bacterial growth, Pyorrhoea, Rheumatism (when combined with Lemon and Juniper), Scarlet fever, Shingles, Sinusitis, Skin eruptions, Skin ulcers, Sore muscles, Temperature Reducing Properties, Throat infections, Tuberculosis, Typhoid, Ulcers, Urinary tract infections, Wounds.

Precautions: Avoid if epileptic, avoid if suffering from high blood pressure, avoid using on anyone under five years of age, may antidote homeopathic medication, very powerful oil, use with caution.

BLENDS WITH: Benzoin, Coriander, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Melissa, Pine, Sandalwood, Thyme.

 

Frankincense Essential Oil
Boswellia serrata (Base Note)
Parasympathetic Oil
Botanical Family: Burseraceae

TREE: resin

EXTRACTION: steam

ORIGIN: India

CULTIVATION: Wild Harvest

Properties: Antiphlogistic, Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Astringent, Carminative, Cicatrisant, Cytophylactic, Digestive, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Sedative, Tonic, Uterine, Vulnerary

Asthma, Balances oily skin, Belching, Bronchitis, Breast inflammation, Calming action helpful during labour, Carbuncles, Colds, Coughs, Cystitis, Dyspepsia, Eases digestion, Eases post natal depression, Eases shortness of breath, Excellent for catarrhal conditions and generally regulates secretions, Genital-urinary tract disorders, Genital infections, Gives new life to aging skin, Hemorrhages, Has an affinity for the mucous membranes (particularly helpful in clearing the lungs), Heavy periods, Laryngitis, Leucorrhoea, Menorrhea, Nephritis, Respiratory disorders, Skin inflammation, Skin tonic, Slows breathing generating feelings of calmness (good for labor), Sores, Spermatorrhoea, Tonic to uterus, Ulcers, Uterine hemorrhages, Wounds, Wrinkles.

Precautions: No known precautions.

BLENDS WITH: Citrus and Spice Oils, Bergamot, Basil, Black Pepper, Cedarwood, Cypress, Elemi, Galbanum, Geranium, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Neroli, Orange, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver.

 

Ginger Essential Oil
Zingiber officinale (Base Note)
Parasympathetic Oil
Botanical Family: Zingiberaceae

HERB: root

EXTRACTION: steam

ORIGIN: Indonesia

CULTIVATION: Organically grown

Properties: Analgesic, Antiemetic, Antiscorbutic, Antiseptic, Aperitif, Aphrodisiac, Carminative, Expectorant, Febrifuge, Laxative, Rubifacient, Stimulant, Stomachic, Sudorific, Tonic.

Aids memory and sharpens the senses, Angina (a painful strangling sensation in the heart region), Aphrodisiac, Arthritis, Bruises, Carbuncles, Chilblains, Contusions, Cataracts, Cramps, sprains and muscle spasms (particularly in the low back), Diarrhea, Dyspepsia, Fatigue, Flatulence, Good for the eyesight (not directly on the eye), Hangovers, High cholesterol, Impotence (blended with Cinnamon, Coriander and Rosemary), Increases the activity of sweat glands, (thus cooling down the body), Improves hearing, Loss of appetite, Muscle spasm, Nausea, Painful digestion, Prevention of contagious diseases, Reduces excess moisture in the Respiratory System (catarrh, influenza, colds), Reduces fever, Regulates menstruations due to colds, Rheumatic pains, Scurvy (an incorrect diet lacking Vitamin C), Sores, Sore throats, Stimulates the circulation, Stimulating to the system, yet grounding, Tones and settles the Digestive System (promoting the secretion of gastric juices), Travel and sea sickness, Tonsillitis, Varicose veins, Warming to the emotions.

Precautions: May irritate sensitive skin, do not massage directly on varicose veins.

BLENDS WITH: Cajeput, Caraway, Cardamom, Cinnamon Leaf, Coriander, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium, Lemon, Lime, Myrtle, Orange, Patchouli, Rosemary, Spearmint, Verbena, Vetiver.

Helichrysum Essential Oil
Helichrysum splendidum (Base Note)
Balanced Oil
Botanical Family: Asteraceae (Compositae)

SHRUB: flowers

EXTRACTION: steam

ORIGIN: South Africa

CULTIVATION: Wild Harvest

Properties: Antiphlogistic, Antispasmodic, Antiviral, Astringent, Bactericide, Cholagogue, Cytophylactic, Diuretic, Emollient, Expectorant, Fungicide, Hepatic, Sedative, Splenetic.

Abscesses, Aches and pains, Acne, Allergies, Asthma, Athletes Foot, Boils, Boosts Immune System, Burns, Bronchitis, Candida, Colds, Coughs, Cystitis, Depression, Dermatitis, Digestive stimulant, Gall Bladder disorders, General aid to the Respiratory System, Headaches, Herpes, Improves the flow of the body’s meridians (the energy channels that run through the body), Induces relaxation and sleep, Influenza, Keeps infections at bay, Lessens the effect of shock, fear and phobias, Migraines, Psoriasis (blended with Bergamot, Lavender, Yarrow), Reduces liver and spleen congestion, Regenerates skins cells, Regulates blood pressure, Regulates pancreas and bile secretion, Rejuvenating to the system by promoting cell growth and helping to rebuild tissues and energize the organs, Removes mucous from the lungs, Rheumatism, Ringworm, Scars, Tonic to Respiratory, Digestive, and Nervous Systems.

Precautions: No known precautions.

BLENDS WITH: Bergamot, Chamomile, Geranium, Frankincense, Lavender, Mandarin, Orange, Petit grain, Rose, Rosewood, Yarrow.

French Lavender Essential Oil
Lavandula angustifolia (Middle Note)
Balanced Oil
Botanical Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

SHRUB: flower tops

EXTRACTION: steam

ORIGIN: France

CULTIVATION: Certified organic

Properties: Analgesic, Anticonvulsive, Antidepressant, Antiphlogistic, Antimicrobial, Antirheumatic, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Antitoxic, Antiviral, Bactericide, Carminative, Cholagogue, Cicatrisant, Cordial, Cytophylactic, Deodorant, Decongestant, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Hypotensive, Insecticidal, Nervine, Parricidal, Restorative, Rubefacient, Sedative, Splenetic, Sudorific, Tonic, Vermifuge, Vulnerary.

Abscesses, Acne, Alopecia, Anger, Asthma, Balances sebum, Balances Central Nervous System, Boils, Bronchitis, Burns, Carbuncles, Catarrh, Cleanses dog bites, Clears the spleen and the liver, Colds, Colic, Earache, Eases menstrual pain, Eczema, Epilepsy, Exhaustion, Flatulence, Fungal growths and infections, Gangrenous wounds, Hair tonic, Headaches, Increases gastric secretion, Insecticide, Insomnia, Keeps infections down, Laryngitis, Lowers high blood pressure, Manic Depression, Migraines, Muscle spasms, Nausea, Painful menstruation, Palpitations, Positive effect on psychological disorders, Promotes cell growth, Psoriasis, Purifies the air, Reduces inflammation, Regulates menstrual cycle, Rheumatic pains (blend with Marjoram enhances its effect), Scanty periods, Scarring, Sedative to heart, Speeds delivery in childbirth while simultaneously bringing down the pain of contractions (massaging the lower back helps to expel afterbirth), Sprains and Strains (blend with Marjoram enhances its effect), Stimulates bile production (which helps the body to properly digest fats), Sunburns, Swelling, Throat infections, Tonic to Respiratory System, Tuberculosis, Vomiting.

Precautions: Avoid during first trimester of pregnancy, use caution if suffering from low blood pressure.

BLENDS WITH: Bergamot, Chamomile, Citronella, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Jasmine, Juniper Berry, Lemon, Mandarin, Marjoram, Orange, Patchouli, Pine, Rose, Rosemary, Thyme,
Ylang Ylang.

Lemon Essential Oil
Citrus limonum (Top Note)
Sympathetic & Balanced Oil
Botanical Family: Rutaceae
This family generally aids digestion and skin problems

TREE: fruit peel

EXTRACTION: cold press

ORIGIN: South Africa

CULTIVATION: Certified Organic

Properties: Antacid, Antianemic, Antifungal, Antimicrobial, Antisclerotic, Antiscorbutic, Antineuralgic, Antirheumatic, Antipruritic, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Antiviral, Astringent, Bactericide, Carminative, Cicatrisant, Decongestant, Depurative, Detoxifying, Diuretic, Emollient, Escharotics, Feberfuge, Haemostatic, Hepatic, Hypoglycemiant, Hypotensive, Insecticide, Laxative, Rubefacient, Stomachic, Sudorific, Tonic, Vermifuge

Anemia, Arthritis, Asthma, Boils, Brightens pale complexions, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Cellulite, Clarifies and refreshes the mind, Cleanses greasy skin and hair, Colds, Cold Sores, Constipation, Coughs, Counteracts acidity in the body – making the body more alkaline, Diabetes, Diarrhea, Digestive Tonic, Eases pressure on varicose veins, Fevers, Flatulence, Freckles, Gallstones, Gout, Hemophilia, Hemorrhage (gastric and intestinal), Headaches, Helps to remove warts and corns and verrucas, Helpful with pancreatic secretions, Inflammations of mouth and tongue, Insect Bites and stings, Immune stimulant, Influenza, Liquefies and aides blood flow, Lowers high blood pressure, Malaria, Migraines, Neuralgic pain, Nosebleeds, Obesity, Pneumonia, Prevention of epidemics, Refreshing and cooling, Removes dead skin cells, Repels insects (ants and moths), Revitalizes red blood corpuscles, Rheumatism, Scurvy, Sinusitis, Smoothes broken capillaries, Softens scar tissue, Sore throats, Stems bleeding, Stimulates white blood corpuscles, Stomach stimulant, Stomach ulcers, Strengthens nails, Thrush, Tonic to the Circulatory System, heart, liver and kidneys, loss of appetite, Tonsillitis, Typhoid, Urinary Tract Infections.

Precautions: May irritate sensitive skin, Slightly Phototoxic, Do not massage directly on varicose veins.

BLENDS WITH: Benzoin, Cardamom, Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Linden Blossom, Neroli, Myrrh, Oakmoss, Petit grain, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang

Lemongrass Essential Oil
Cymbopogon citratus (Top Note)
Parasympathetic Oil
Botanical Family: Gramineae
This family generally aids aches and pains and stimulates circulation

GRASS: leaves

EXTRACTION  steam

ORIGIN: South Africa

CULTIVATION: Certified Organic

Properties: Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Bactericide, Carminative, Deodorant, Digestive, Diuretic, Fungicide, Galactagogue, Insecticide, Prophylactic, Stimulant, and Tonic.

Acne, Aids the flow of breast milk, Athletes foot, Auto-immune stimulant, Boosts the Parasympathetic nerves (aids in the recovery from an illness by stimulating glandular secretions and the muscles in digestion), Colitis, Deodorant, Eliminates lactic acid, Exhaustion, Fevers, Fungal infections, Gastro-enteritis, Headaches, Indigestion, Infections, Insect repellent, Jet lag, Laryngitis, Loss of appetite, Muscular aches (tones and makes the muscle more supple), Oily skin, Prevents the spread of contagious disease, Relieves tired legs due to standing for long periods of time, Rids pets of fleas and pests, Skin toner, Sore throats, Stimulates the circulation, Stimulating and revitalizing to the mind, Tightens loose skin due to dieting or lack of exercise, Tonic to the body.

Precautions: Use in low doses, may irritate sensitive skin.

BLENDS WITH: Basil, Cedarwood, Coriander, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Neroli, Niaouli, Palma Rosa, Rosemary, Tea Tree, and Yarrow.