Which essential oils are good for what?

If you’re new to aromatherapy, one of the first steps to getting started is learning which essential oils are good for what. This information will help you put together a list of oils that meet your specific needs based on their therapeutic compounds.

Here are some of the most popular essential oils used today and what they’re good for:

• Rose has a wonderful, uplifting aroma that is great for boosting emotional feelings to improve your mood. It also makes a great moisturizer for skincare products because it soothes the skin, makes imperfections less visible and it promotes a healthy complexion.
• Lavender is good for helping you feel calm and relaxed by easing feelings of tension and anxiety. It helps soothe dry, irritated skin and it’s great for your hair. It also promotes positive feelings and may provide support for your respiratory and immune system.
• Bergamot has an uplifting aroma that helps reduce negative feelings and it helps to create a calm and relaxing environment. It’s also used in many skin care products because it rejuvenates the skin and makes blemishes less noticeable.
• Clary Sage is good for maintaining a healthy scalp and strong hair. You can also use it to create a calm, peaceful environment perfect for relaxing or for easing symptoms associated with your menstrual cycle, including moodiness.
• Rosemary is a good oil to use when studying because it promotes concentration. On those occasions when you feel extra tired or when dealing with nervous tension it may also help calm your nerves and give you a boost of energy. It makes an excellent insect repellant and it may support the digestive and respiratory systems.
• Eucalyptus is used to promote relaxation and ease tension while improving your mood. It makes a good mouth wash and skin moisturizer but it’s also a good vapor rub to help make breathing feel a little easier.
• Basil is good for promoting mental alertness, easing mild anxiety and discomfort associated with menstrual cycles. It also supports the healthy function of your immune system and improves blood flow.
• Wild Orange is energizing and has very powerful purifying properties so it’s a great oil to add to homemade cleaning supplies. The revitalizing scent may also help ease stress and support a healthy immune system.
• Thyme is one of the most stimulating essential oils available today and it’s known for supporting healthy respiratory, cardiovascular, circulatory, nervous and immune systems. It’s used to promote good oral hygiene and to support healthy bones and cellular function.
• Peppermint is great for giving you a quick energy boost and it also promotes healthy digestion, respiratory function and fresh breath. It’s also used to ease tension and to repel bugs and insects.
• Marjoram is an excellent oil to have on hand when your child has trouble falling asleep. Just apply to the bottom of his feet to help him rest more peacefully. It’s also used for easing sore muscles, stress and promoting a healthy immune system.
• Sandalwood is grounding oil with the ability to ease tension while improving your mood and emotional outlook. It also makes a good moisturizer to help give the skin a smooth and healthy glow.

This is just a short list of some of the most common oils used but it gives you an idea of how versatile these oils are. Since some of them have similar therapeutic properties, you have a wide variety of scents to choose from allowing you to create recipes that suits the individual needs of your family.