Have you ever noticed certain smells make you feel a certain way? Like how cookies make you think of your childhood, and roses make you remember a spa weekend? Well, essential oils do the same thing: they are smells that bring up emotions and memories. They are used for many purposes including aromatherapy and even massages. Below, you will see some common essential oil scents, but we will also discuss the main benefits you will encounter by using them.

Essential oils are an all-natural alternative to traditional medicine and are made from plant extracts. They help promote both mental and physical health and give you a state of well-being.

Currently, there are over 90 types (or scents) of essential oils, and they all serve a unique purpose. Most of them are used for aromatherapy, but they can also be used in massage sessions, cosmetics, and even a replacement for synthetic insect repellents.

You can use your essential oils in a variety of ways: in the bathtub, in a diffuser or bowl of hot water, or using it directly on your skin by applying them to your pulse points.

When you use them, you will notice an improvement in stress, skin conditions, and will encourage focus.

BENEFIT #1: THEY HELP WITH STRESS, ANXIETY, & HEADACHES

If you suffer from headaches, stress, or anxiety, you should consider trying essential oils. It has been reported that 43% of people who have stress or anxiety use some natural method such as aromatherapy to help relieve their symptoms.

As an alternative to medication, scents such as chamomile, lavender, rose, and orange are all great options. Studies have shown essential oils help reduce stress, pain, and even promote better sleep.

In the 1990s, two studies found that using peppermint and lavender essential oils on the forehead and temples can help relieve headache pain. Other good choices to try include chamomile and sesame oil.

BENEFIT #2: THEY HELP PROMOTE RELAXATION & FOCUS

It’s safe to say we could all use a little help in relaxing, right? With the hectic days and sometimes sleepless nights, there must be something that can help! Essential oils will help you relax, and they also allow you to better focus on tasks.

Popular essential oils that can help calm nerves and give you focus are sandalwood and lemon. Cara Thurman, a massage therapist at Cancer Wellness Center, likes to use a blend of oils so they can “help relax the body, help you sleep, reduce headaches, and enhance massage therapy.” So, if you are looking to relax and focus, essential oils can help you do just that.

BENEFIT #3: THEY HELP WITH SKIN CONDITIONS

Essential oils work wonders for the skin without causing irritation or inflammation. Combinations that help with skin conditions include thyme and oregano, caraway and rosemary, and tea tree. These are all great for treating acne too! For dry winter skin, or even the common cold, eucalyptus is fantastic because it soothes chapped skin/lips and helps clear nasal passages so that you can breathe easier.

POPULAR COMBINATIONS & WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

While you can experiment with different mixes of scents, research has proven there are a few combinations that work together to supply the best benefits.

The most popular are lavender and chamomile, peppermint and orange, and eucalyptus and lemon. There are even those with three scents mixed in to give you a wide variety of benefits all at one time. The two top combinations are lemon, peppermint, lavender, and lemon, rosemary, and lavender. So, whether you are looking for some inspiration or want to try your own mix, it is guaranteed you will notice benefits!

When shopping for essential oils, there are a few categories you want to consider. Purity and quality are priority, but even the appearance of the bottle and the brand’s extraction process are vital to look out for.

The first thing you want to check is the color of the bottles. Make sure the oil is solid in a dark-colored bottle – this protects the oil’s quality and should only be about 4 ounces or less.

The ideal oil will have only aromatic plant compounds without any added synthetic additives. A general tip for shopping for oils is checking the ingredient list – high-quality scents will use the full botanical name. Rather than using terms like “essential oil of lavender,” the bottle should say “Lavandula officinalis.”

Another thing to be on the lookout for is the extraction process. It’s important to make sure the oils are either distilled or organically grown.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

If you are feeling stressed or cannot get sleep, remember there are always essential oils to try. Whether it is peppermint and orange for energy, or chamomile and lavender to relieve stress, there is a scent out there that can help. These all-natural extracts will make you feel happy and relaxed and promote focus and energy. The choice of scent is up to you, but feel free to experiment and try different combinations. The possibilities are truly endless!