he uses for essential oils (both for health and emotions) are vast and diverse. As human residents of planet Earth, hardly a moment goes by when we are not reminded of our dependance on plants and their uses. We use a broad variety of plant life for oxygen, food, clothing, building, and to bring harmony and balance into our homes and outdoor surroundings. Plants have many beautiful qualities, but the plants themselves are not the only bounty. The essential oils that are extracted from plant leaves, flowers, stems, roots, or bark are incredible tools for us to use in our everyday lives, and when we are looking for natural and healthy solutions in a more potent form.
Essential oils carry the essence of the plants in such a potent form that a single drop of essential oil can equal multiple teaspoons of the dried herb (for instance, 1 drop of peppermint oil equals more than 25 cups of peppermint tea and oils can be up to 70x more potent than their dried herbal form). And they can be used or applied in a multitude of ways and combinations to bring powerful results to your tasks, atmosphere, and bodies.
All essential oils are made up of various chemical constituents whose research is continually growing, especially in recent years. In addition to these impressive qualities, they often also transfer very pleasurable sensory experiences within minutes because of their fragrances and restorative natures, making them impactful on our brain chemistry, emotional well-being, and spiritual wellness. This makes for a highly vast and diverse list of uses for essential oils.
But the remarkable uses of essential oils can only be maximized when purity is involved. Since quality regulations are virtually non-existent, knowing where your oils come from and how they are created is crucial to ensuring safety and effectiveness. Also important is knowing how to use each oil properly.
When you're looking at the many uses of essential oils I would encourage you to look for the boy systems you're wishing to nurture or support, and the oils that work with that system. When it comes to particular emotions, you can also get hints from the oil itself as to the impact it has on our mind and emotions; for instance, tree oils can help us feel more grounded with their earthier aromas.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: None of the health topics presented on Sustainable Baby Steps have been evaluated or approved by the FDA. They should not replace personal judgment nor medical treatment when indicated, nor are they intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always talk to your naturopathic physician about the use of these or any other complimentary modalities. Reading this website denotes your understanding and agreement to our full disclaimer.
Arborvitae:
Supports healthy cell function, grounding, cleansing, insect repellant, etc
Basil: Mental
alertness; supports sore muscles/joints, menstruation, etc
Bergamot: Skin purifying,
emotional support, etc
Birch: Supports healthy
muscles/joints, skin blemishes, uplifting, etc
Black Pepper:
Antioxidant; supports healthy circulation, flavoring, etc
Cardamom: Supports
healthy digestion, respiratory health, cooking, etc
Cassia: Supports
healthy cell function, digestion, arousal, etc
Cedarwood: Repels
insects, supports healthy skin, emotional support, etc
Chamomile,
Roman: Calming, immune healthy immune function, etc
Cilantro:
Antioxidant, digestive aid, cleansing, healthy skin, etc
Cinnamon Bark: Supports
metabolic function, oral health, cleaning, etc
Clary Sage: Supports healthy
hormonal balance, tension, emotions, etc
Clove: Promotes
cardiovascular health, oral health, immune health, etc
Coriander: Supports
digestion, clear skin, sore joints and muscles, etc
Cumin: Digestive health,
purifying to body systems, flavoring, etc
Cypress: Soothes muscle tension,
energy, skin health, etc
Dill:
Digestive support, calming, cooking, etc
Douglas Fir:
Respiratory health, skin health, etc
Eucalyptus: Supports
healthy respiration, skin, cleansing, etc
Fennel (Sweet):
Promotes healthy digestion, metabolism, circulation, etc
Fir, White: Muscles,
joints, respiratory support, empowering, etc
Frankincense:
Supports healthy cellular health, skin, emotions, etc
Geranium: Healthy
skin and hair, calming, insect repellant, etc
Ginger: Digestive
support, grounding, cooking, antioxidant, etc
Grapefruit:
Cleansing, skin health, healthy metabolism, alertness, etc
Hawaiian
Sandalwood: Healthy skin, meditation, etc
Helichrysum:
Promotes skin appearance, healthy metabolism, etc
Jasmine: Skin health,
balanced mood, etc
Juniper Berry:
Kidney/urinary function, skin appearance/toner, cleansing, stress, etc
Lavender:
Universal oil. Calming, skin health and recovery, flavoring, etc
Lemon: For increasing
energy, digestive and respiratory support, cleaning, etc
Lemongrass: Healthy
digestion, supports muscles and joints, complexion, insects, etc
Lime: Cleans, detoxifies,
energizes, healthy immune function, etc
Marjoram: Emotional
support, muscular support, cardiovascular function, etc
Melaleuca (Tea Tree):
Cleansing, healthy immune function, skin complexion, etc
Melissa (Lemon Balm):
Supports healthy immune function, tension, etc
Myrrh: Cleansing, skin
and complexion, emotional balance, etc
Orange:
Emotional balance, overall health, cleansing/purifying, antioxidants, etc.
Oregano:
Powerful cleansing agent, healthy immune/digestion/respiratory function, etc
Patchouli: Supports
skin health/complexion, grounding, tension, etc
Peppermint: Wonderful for
digestive/respiratory function, energy, cooling, etc
Roman
Chamomile: Calming, immune healthy immune function, etc
Rose: Promotes skin
health/complexion, emotional balance, etc
Rosemary: Promotes
healthy digestion, respiratory function, healthy hair/scalp, etc
Sandalwood: Skin
health, calming, grounding, etc
Sandalwood,
Hawaiian: Healthy skin, meditation, etc
Spearmint: Promotes
digestive health, oral health etc
Tangerine:
Cleansing, healthy immune system, cooking, etc
Tea Tree (Melaleuca):
Cleansing, healthy immune function, skin complexion, etc
Thyme: Cleansing,
purifying, healthy immune function, insect repellent, etc
Vetiver:
Calming, grounding, healthy immune function, etc
White Fir: Support
muscles/joints, stress, empowering, etc
Wild Orange: Emotional
balance, overall health, cleansing/purifying, antioxidants, etc
Wintergreen:
Soothes muscles/joints, skin/complexion, emotional support, etc
Ylang Ylang:
Promotes healthy skin and hair, calming, etc