From ancient Egypt to modern times, essential oils have been used to treat aches, ailments, and even acne. Check out these 6 picks and learn how to harness their healing powers.
Peppermint to feel more alert.
Smelling peppermint essential oil made drivers perkier in one study. In another, basketball players who sniffed peppermint oil had better energy and performance.
Lemon to get a happiness hit.
Japanese researchers found that folks with depression who sniffed citrus fragrance were able to lower their dose of antidepressants; the scent helped normalize hormone levels.
Tea tree oil to fight infections.
Anti-fungal, antiseptic and antibacterial, this oil is so potent that it has killed MRSA and staph in lab settings. Mix it with a carrier oil to fight off athlete's foot, acne and dandruff, or add a couple of drops to a squirt of your shampoo.
Eucalyptus to stop sniffles.
This scent reduced stuffy noses and head pressure in people with sinusitis, per a German study. Put a few drops in a sink with warm water, drape a towel over your head and breathe it in.
Lavender to soothe cuts and ease PMS.
Reach for it to soothe scrapes and stings. A few drops of lavender oil combined with the same amount of rose oil, plus an ounce of sweet almond oil, may ward off painful menstrual cramps when massaged on the abdomen.
Sandalwood to treat dry skin and dandruff.
Sandalwood is frequently used as a skin care product and is especially useful when mixed with a base oil such as Sweet Almond Oil to treat dry skin. Also try mixing 4-5 drops of sandalwood with rose and vanilla oil and adding it to an unscented lotion for a romantic, fragrant, woodsy blend or adding it to conditioner to help prevent dandruff.
