21 Essential oils with health benefits aromatherapists swear by

Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis

Leah Vautrot, a well-known makeup artist and aromatherapist, swears by rosemary oil because it has so many uses.

“Inhaled [through steaming], it can aid in mental clarity when under deadlines and can also magically calm a runawaymind. When diluted in a carrier oil [and applied to skin], it works wonders for aches and pains,” she said. Vautrot also recommends rubbing it on your legs and arms after a shower to help ease jet lag.

Cedarwood, Cedrus atlantica

Often used during spiritual rituals, cedarwood is very centering when inhaled during yoga practice. It’s also an antiseptic and can be used to treat oily skin when diluted with water. “It can clear lung congestion from a cold by adding a couple of drops of itand Eucalyptus or Oregano oil into a bowl of hot water and inhaling it,” says Vautrot.

Basil, Ocimum basilicum

Basil, while great for cooking, also has incredibly therapeutic properties as an oil. Cary Caster, expert aromatherapist and owner of 21 Drops, said, “Its naturally occurring chemical properties work wonders on the digestive tract, as well as being good for relief of sinus congestion and other lung concerns.”

Black pepper, Piper nigrum

According to Caster, “Black pepper essential oil contains active components that bring fresh blood flow to the skin surface, making it useful for aches and pains and muscle stiffness. It has a stimulating effect on digestive issues, as well as being a good decongestant for mucous build up.”

Geranium, Pelargonium graveolens

This oil is all about helping you maintain good body balance. It stimulates your hormones and adrenal system to balance out your entire nervous system.

Lemongrass, Cymbopogon citratus

Let’s just say there’s a reason we use citrus candles to repel insects. The citrus in lemongrass oil in unpleasant to insects, like mosquitos. So, if you rub it into your skin before going out on a warm evening, you will remain itch-free. According to Vautrot, “It’s highly antiseptic and can be used to wipe down counters and wooden cooking spoons. It’s (also) great for an oily scalp when used in a shampoo.”

Patchouli, Pogostemon patchouli

If you’ve been to a perfume store recently, you probably saw some patchouli-infused scents. While its earthy notes are a lovely compliment to most floral notes, the oil can also heal scars and skin that’s cracked from dryness.

Sage, Salvia officinalis

While the leaves are commonly used in cooking like basil, sage has been used medicinally and spiritually for thousands of years. According to Caster, the steam-extracted oil has “calming effects on the nervous system, (and can be used) as a digestive stimulant, and as a hormonally balancing remedy.

Myrrh, Commiphora myrrha

If you’re familiar with the Christmas carol We Three Kings, you’ve probably heard of myrrh, but may not know what made it such a special gift. Aside from its incredible healing properties, especially when it comes to quieting coughs and colds, myrrh is a meditator’s best friend. “Its use as an incense through time is attributed to its ability to quiet the mind as an aid in spiritual contemplation and meditation in temples,” Castor said.

Sweet marjoram, Origanum majorana

Another familiar cooking herb, sweet marjoram in oil form has warning properties, which help soothe muscle spasms, aching joints and sprains.

Ginger, Zingiber officinale

This is one oil that my mother-in-law-to-be swears by and carries with her whenever she travels. Ginger is commonly used to treat digestive issues, including sour stomach and nausea. It also has a warming component, so you can rub it on joints that may swell during long journeys.

Carrot seed, Daucus carota

If you frequent smoothie or juice shops, you’ve probably noticed carrots occasionally make an appearance as an ingredient. That’s because they’re great for your skin, so you can only imagine what their concentrated oil can do. According to Castor, the oil also helps nourish the liver, which in turn detoxifies the body, so it’s the definitive oil to try post New Year’s.

Jasmine, Jasminum grandiflorum

Jasmine, like lavender, is known for its relaxing powers. Vautrot says, if you mix it with rosemary oil, you’ll have a super effective menstrual cramp reliever.

Ylang-ylang, Cananga odorata

This exotic, floral oil is native to Madagascar, and Caster says it was the original ingredient in Chanel No. 5. As such, it’s a known aphrodisiac and also a natural antidepressant and insomnia aid.

Juniper, Juniperus communis

Ironically from the same plant that’s used to make gin, which causes hangovers, juniper oil actually detoxifies the kidneys and bladder. This is due to its astringent quality, which facilitates the organs’ filtration processes. According to Caster, it was originally used to protect against the Black Death.

Clary sage, Salvia sclarea

Clary sage seems like it’s the definitive oil for women. Vautrot says, “It’s fantastic inhaled for PMS, and for those going through menopause. It dissipates tension and works wonders on hot flashes. It regulates the adrenals and creates balance in the body.”

Oregano, Origanum vulgare

Vautrot swears by oregano as the breakthrough oil for a bad head cold. For best results, put a few drops in hot water, and inhale the steam. The oil should help break up mucus and make you feel relaxed and a bit sleepy.

Peppermint, Mentha piperita

Peppermint oil is incredibly stong, so use sparingly and with caution. A few drops rubbed into your temples can soothe a bad headache or a migraine. Combine it with a bit of lavender for the most effective results.

Thyme, Thymus vulgaris

A powerful anti-bacterial and analgesic oil, thyme should be diluted with water more than most other oils before you apply it to your skin.

Grapefruit, Citrus paradisi

Here’s another citrus oil that does wonders for the lymphatic system. Caster says the uplifting scent has reviving capabilities, and is, thus, often used to treat exhaustion.

Everlasting, Helichrysum italicum

Everlasting is lesser known, but truly worth the search. Caster says, “It has amazing skin healing properties directly, but also works on cleansing the body through stimulating the organs for detoxification (liver, gall bladder, kidneys and spleen).”

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