10 useful essential oils

The Romans, Greeks, Chinese, Indians and Egyptians have used essential oils for thousands of years for everything from their skincare to therapeutic properties. In recent years, these oils have moved to the mainstream with many looking for more natural remedies. Essential oils are highly concentrated compounds that are extracted from flowers, fruits, plants or trees. From relieving a headache, zapping a pimple and lowering stress levels, here is a primer on the benefits of 10 common essential oils.

Note: Most essential oils should not be applied directly to skin but to a carrier oil, such as coconut. Be sure to consult a health care practitioner and read the instructions.

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Ginger

Benefits: Several studies show that ginger can be effective in combating nausea and motion sickness.

Try it: Quell queasiness by rubbing some ginger oil on the affected area.

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Peppermint

Benefits: Excellent at relieving pain, including headaches, tummy troubles, muscle aches and digestion.

Try it: Use a mix of peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary and lavender for headaches. Try Saje’s peppermint halo roller, which has a mix of warming and cooling actions that relieve the pounding. Apply to scalp for migraines.

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Rose

Benefits: Rose is one of the priciest oils, taking thousands of blossoms to yield one ounce. It’s an excellent moisturizer, protecting skin and keeping it soft, supple and glowing.

Try it: Apply a few drops to your moisturizer.

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Oregano

Benefits: Oregano is applauded for fighting viruses, colds and flus--fast.

Try it: Add a few drops to the tongue several times a week.

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Eucalyptus

Benefits: Useful at opening up airways, helping with congestion, colds and allergies.

Try it: Add a few drops to a bowl of hot water, place a towel over your head and inhale.

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Rosemary

Benefits: It can help with concentration and focus, and enhance memory and energy. On a beauty note, it can help thicken hair.

Try it: Inhale a few drops when you need a memory boost.

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Lavender

Benefits: Lavender is well known for its relaxing properties, and a great aid for helping with both stress and sleep.

Try it: Add a few drops to a bath or to your pillow at bedtime.

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Tea tree

Benefits: From head to toe, this oil has bacteria-fighting abilities that can help with acne, dandruff, blisters, foot odour and athlete’s foot.

Try it: Dilute a few drops and use it to clear up a pimple. Or, add a few drops to your shampoo to help with dandruff.

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Orange

Benefits: This citrus is an overall mood enhancer. A study found that those who inhaled this oil before taking a test were able to handle the pressure without anxiety.

Try it: Add a couple of drops to a diffuser and breathe in.

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Chamomile

Benefits: This gentle and calming herb can be used to soothe PMS-related issues such as irritability, and as a relaxing, sleep-inducing aid.

Try it: Diffuse it, or add a few drops to a towel or to your bed.