Essential Oils for Health

Essential oils have multiple uses and many of my previous hubs have focused on their use in cleaning. They are especially useful in this capacity because of their antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties, but this also makes them ideal for many health applications.

Essential oils used therapeutically lower the risk of infection and strenghten the immune system. The help in cellular repair and regeneration and contain antioxidants, known to protect the body against damage on a cellular level. Take care to ensure that the oils you get are truly essential oils and fragrance oils, which are synthetic versions and do not necessarily provide the same benefits.

Each essential oil has its own unique blend of benefits, but there are some that are especially well-designed for optimum health. Sandalwood and cedarwood work well for bronchitis and urinary tract infections. Lavender essential oil is calming and also works on earaches. Peppermint helps headaches, nausea and sinus infections, while frankincense stimulates the immune system. Pine has antiseptic, antibacterial, and analgesic properties and simultaneously works on coughs and colds. There are so many essential oils that provide health benefits, it would be beyond the scope of this article to cover them all, even superficially. Instead, I highly recommend that you purchase a book covering many of the essential oils and their best uses.

Essential oils can be used in many ways including for massage, aromatherapy or in a bath. You can also use them in compresses or diffusers. These methods are all effective -- it is really a matter of personal preference.

Never use essential oils directly on the skin without checking a reputable source first. Some essential oils irritate the skin and even those that are not should not be used without being diluted first (with the exception of lavender). Dilute essential oils for topical applications by mixing them with carrier oils such as jojoba. Use in a ratio of three to four drops essential oil to 1 tsp. carrier oil.