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What are the Best Essential Oils for Healing?

Alicia Sparks
Alicia Sparks

Basically, the best essential oils for healing will depend on the ailment a person is trying to heal. Medicinal essential oils can be applied topically, such as cypress on varicose veins, or administered orally, for example by adding ginger to food to help digestion, or they might be heated and used during aromatherapy, such as with peppermint to relieve stress. In addition to recognizing which oil is best for which condition, it is important to understand both how to shop for essential oils and how to safely use them.

Topical uses for essential oils include treating acne with cedarwood, minimizing varicose veins with cypress, and diminishing scars and treating wounds with elemi. Some people have success using tea tree oil to get rid of lice, and fennel can help with bruises. Many massage therapists use mixtures of essential oils for healing tired and aching muscles. Such oils might include anise, basil, and cajeput. Other essential oils for healing muscle and even bone and joint ailments include chamomile and cinnamon for arthritis and rheumatism.

Oil made from basil leaves is often used for healing.
Oil made from basil leaves is often used for healing.

Using essential oils for healing certain kinds of ailments requires partial or complete ingestion. Sometimes, essential oils might be added to regular recipes. Other times, diluted portions of oils might be applied internally. For example, a person might add ginger to his breakfast to help with an upset stomach, or he might add lemongrass to help with flatulence and aid in digestions. Fennel can help treat halitosis, and clove bud can help ease a toothache.

Lavender is a popular addition to aromatherapy due to its relaxing scent.
Lavender is a popular addition to aromatherapy due to its relaxing scent.

Inhaling certain essential oils can help with healing. For example, eucalyptus can help with congestion, and both peppermint and sandalwood can help relieve stress. Lavender is commonly used to help promote peace and sleep. Keep in mind there are several methods for preparing essential oils for aromatherapy. A person might scent a basket of potpourri, create a mixture of the oil to use as a room spray, or heat the oils in water and inhale the steam.

Cypress can help minimize varicose veins.
Cypress can help minimize varicose veins.

Essential oils are available from online and in-person health and wellness stores, pharmacies, and department stores. It is best to purchase essential oils in dark brown or cobalt blue bottles, as these bottles protect the oils from exposure to light and keep them effective. Understand that using essential oils for healing almost never calls for applying or ingesting undiluted oils. Nearly all essential oils for healing purposes should be diluted with carrier oils. Anyone considering the methods of healing with essential oils should speak with an experienced practitioner about the appropriate oils, application, and dilution methods for his health problem.

Discussion Comments

literally45

I use a herbal salve with eucalyptus essential oil and camphor for pain relief. I have a back injury that gives me a lot of pain sometimes and nothing works better than this salve. The eucalyptus smells a little strong but I don't mind. It doesn't irritate my skin. Both eucalyptus essential oil and camphor are natural pain relievers and help with inflammation too. Naturally really has the best medicines.

bluedolphin

@SarahGen-- Absolutely, there are many actually. Let me start out by saying though that most essential oils tend to be potent or strong. You have to dilute them to a potency that is comfortable for you. Even though the herb or plant they are made from may not have a very strong scent in fresh form, distilling the oil increase the potency. You can use carrier oils like olive oil, coconut oil or jojoba oil to dilute them.

If you don't like lavender, then try chamomile essential oil, ylang ylang essential oil or rosewood essential oil. Chamomile essential oil, just like the tea, is very relaxing and will help you sleep too. Ylang ylang is a floral scent but also used for relaxation. Rosewood may actually be the best for you because it can also help balance hormones.

SarahGen

I experience anxiety from time to time, either due to stress at work or hormonal imbalances. What's a good essential oil for anxiety?

I know about lavender essential oil but I find it very strong. Is there a milder alternative I can use to relax and soothe my nerves?

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    • Oil made from basil leaves is often used for healing.
      By: Natika
      Oil made from basil leaves is often used for healing.
    • Lavender is a popular addition to aromatherapy due to its relaxing scent.
      By: Kimberly Reinick
      Lavender is a popular addition to aromatherapy due to its relaxing scent.
    • Cypress can help minimize varicose veins.
      By: roblan
      Cypress can help minimize varicose veins.
    • Small amounts of essential oils are needed for healing and typically need to be diluted with a carrier oil.
      By: viperagp
      Small amounts of essential oils are needed for healing and typically need to be diluted with a carrier oil.
    • Fennel might be particularly useful for someone struggling with halitosis.
      By: carla9
      Fennel might be particularly useful for someone struggling with halitosis.
    • Clove oil is a common herbal remedy that can be used to quickly numb a toothache.
      By: Eléonore H
      Clove oil is a common herbal remedy that can be used to quickly numb a toothache.