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See Also
See Again
© Shutterstock
0 / 42 Fotos
Before you begin
- Essential oils must be diluted in a carrier oil when used topically (e.g. coconut or jojoba oil), and always do a patch test before applying to larger areas of your body. Also, do not ingest essential oils, unless recommended by a health professional.
© Shutterstock
1 / 42 Fotos
Lavender
- This popular calming scent can help you relax and sleep better. It can also help alleviate headaches and help reduce itching and swelling caused by bug bites.
© Getty Images
2 / 42 Fotos
Lavender
- Side effects are rare, but may occur. These include headaches, nausea, vomiting, and chills.
© Shutterstock
3 / 42 Fotos
Melaleuca
- Also known as tea tree oil, it's easy to see why this is a Meghan Markle favorite. It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. From eczema to bug bites, melaleuca has plenty of uses.
© Getty Images
4 / 42 Fotos
Melaleuca
- Do not ingest this oil, as it can lead to digestive problems, hives, and dizziness.
© Shutterstock
5 / 42 Fotos
Rose
- The beautiful floral scent of rose can help reduce anxiety. This essential oil also has antioxidant properties, making it helpful in the treatment of acne.
© Getty Images
6 / 42 Fotos
Rose
- It can still cause skin irritation, however, so use more carrier oil to dilute it when you apply it topically.
© Shutterstock
7 / 42 Fotos
Roman chamomile
- Chamomile is known for its calming properties. It can also help with skin inflammation and eczema.
© Getty Images
8 / 42 Fotos
Roman chamomile
- Avoid this oil if you're allergic to daisies, marigolds, or ragweed.
© Shutterstock
9 / 42 Fotos
Helichrysum
- This essential oil has antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be particularly useful in treating acne, athlete's foot, and psoriasis.
© Getty Images
10 / 42 Fotos
Helichrysum
- It's a pretty safe oil to use. Major side effects are not known.
© Shutterstock
11 / 42 Fotos
Orange
- Orange oil is great for your skin, so applying it topically is a no-brainer. It can also help reduce anxiety and relieve pain.
© Getty Images
12 / 42 Fotos
Orange
- But it's important that you dilute it well, as it can irritate your skin. Sun exposure should also be avoided when applied topically.
© Shutterstock
13 / 42 Fotos
Arborvitae
- This essential oil can be used to repel bugs and reduce stress. It can also help your skin look great.
© Getty Images
14 / 42 Fotos
Arborvitae
- You should not ingest it, and avoid inhaling too much too quickly, as it can irritate your respiratory tract.
© Shutterstock
15 / 42 Fotos
Lemon
- Lemon oil boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can also be useful in relieving nausea.
© Getty Images
16 / 42 Fotos
Lemon
- Because it's very photosensitive, sun exposure should be avoided if you use it topically.
© Shutterstock
17 / 42 Fotos
Basil
- Basil oil has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a good choice if you have a cold or the flu. It can also help treat acne.
© Getty Images
18 / 42 Fotos
Basil
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should talk to their doctors before using basil oil.
© Shutterstock
19 / 42 Fotos
Peppermint
- The minty scent can help with headaches, indigestion, and relieving IBS symptoms. Used topically it has a cooling effect, which can be beneficial for sunburns and muscle pain.
© Getty Images
20 / 42 Fotos
Peppermint
- This oil should not be ingested, as it can cause heartburn and headaches, among other side effects.
© Shutterstock
21 / 42 Fotos
Spearmint
- Similar in aroma to peppermint, this essential oil also has antifungal properties.
© Getty Images
22 / 42 Fotos
Spearmint
- Ask your doctor before using spearmint oil if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
© Shutterstock
23 / 42 Fotos
Grapefruit
- Grapefruit oil is extracted from the fruit's peel. It has antifungal properties and can potentially be used as an antibacterial agent.
© Getty Images
24 / 42 Fotos
Grapefruit
- Avoid sun exposure if you apply grapefruit oil topically.
© Shutterstock
25 / 42 Fotos
Frankincense
- Also known as olibanum, this essential oil may help prevent oral health problems, including bad breath.
© Getty Images
26 / 42 Fotos
Frankincense
- Side effects are rare, though some people might be sensitive to it when applied topically.
© Shutterstock
27 / 42 Fotos
Vetiver
- This essential oil can have mood enhancing properties and help you relax. It also has antioxidant properties and can help with skin problems, including scarring.
© Getty Images
28 / 42 Fotos
Vetiver
- Vetiver is one of the mildest essential oils—side effects are rare.
© Shutterstock
29 / 42 Fotos
Myrrh
- Myrrh oil is great for skin problems, including cracked skin, athlete's foot, and acne.
© Getty Images
30 / 42 Fotos
Myrrh
- Myrrh shouldn't be taken orally. Side effects include dermatitis, heart irregularities, and lower blood pressure. Do not use myrrh if you're pregnant.
© Shutterstock
31 / 42 Fotos
Ylang ylang
- This essential oil can help you relax and, according to a study, even boost self-esteem. Ylang ylang can also act as a repellent against certain insects.
© Getty Images
32 / 42 Fotos
Ylang ylang
- Potential side effect include sensitization, rashes, headaches, and nausea.
© Shutterstock
33 / 42 Fotos
Hyssop
- This essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties. It's great in helping to minimize scarring, and it decreases inflammation overall.
© Getty Images
34 / 42 Fotos
Hyssop
- The use of hyssop is discouraged for those who are pregnant or have a history of seizures.
© Shutterstock
35 / 42 Fotos
Oregano
- Oregano oil has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It is also packed with antioxidants. It may be helpful in the treatment of a number of skin conditions, as well as fever and respiratory problems.
© Getty Images
36 / 42 Fotos
Oregano
- You should talk to your doctor before using oregano oil if you're pregnant.
© Shutterstock
37 / 42 Fotos
Cedarwood
- This essential oil can be used in the treatment of acne, eczema, and reducing dandruff. It might also help with arthritis, and relieve coughing.
© Shutterstock
38 / 42 Fotos
Cedarwood
- Ingesting cedarwood oil can lead to nausea, vomiting, and damage to the digestive system.
© Shutterstock
39 / 42 Fotos
Cassia
- Unlike spearmint and peppermint, which have a cooling effect, cassia is warm as only cinnamon can be.
© Shutterstock
40 / 42 Fotos
Cassia
- You should not use this oil if you're pregnant. Sources: (National Library of Medicine) See also: Things you cannot do while pregnant
© Shutterstock
41 / 42 Fotos
© Shutterstock
0 / 42 Fotos
Before you begin
- Essential oils must be diluted in a carrier oil when used topically (e.g. coconut or jojoba oil), and always do a patch test before applying to larger areas of your body. Also, do not ingest essential oils, unless recommended by a health professional.
© Shutterstock
1 / 42 Fotos
Lavender
- This popular calming scent can help you relax and sleep better. It can also help alleviate headaches and help reduce itching and swelling caused by bug bites.
© Getty Images
2 / 42 Fotos
Lavender
- Side effects are rare, but may occur. These include headaches, nausea, vomiting, and chills.
© Shutterstock
3 / 42 Fotos
Melaleuca
- Also known as tea tree oil, it's easy to see why this is a Meghan Markle favorite. It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. From eczema to bug bites, melaleuca has plenty of uses.
© Getty Images
4 / 42 Fotos
Melaleuca
- Do not ingest this oil, as it can lead to digestive problems, hives, and dizziness.
© Shutterstock
5 / 42 Fotos
Rose
- The beautiful floral scent of rose can help reduce anxiety. This essential oil also has antioxidant properties, making it helpful in the treatment of acne.
© Getty Images
6 / 42 Fotos
Rose
- It can still cause skin irritation, however, so use more carrier oil to dilute it when you apply it topically.
© Shutterstock
7 / 42 Fotos
Roman chamomile
- Chamomile is known for its calming properties. It can also help with skin inflammation and eczema.
© Getty Images
8 / 42 Fotos
Roman chamomile
- Avoid this oil if you're allergic to daisies, marigolds, or ragweed.
© Shutterstock
9 / 42 Fotos
Helichrysum
- This essential oil has antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be particularly useful in treating acne, athlete's foot, and psoriasis.
© Getty Images
10 / 42 Fotos
Helichrysum
- It's a pretty safe oil to use. Major side effects are not known.
© Shutterstock
11 / 42 Fotos
Orange
- Orange oil is great for your skin, so applying it topically is a no-brainer. It can also help reduce anxiety and relieve pain.
© Getty Images
12 / 42 Fotos
Orange
- But it's important that you dilute it well, as it can irritate your skin. Sun exposure should also be avoided when applied topically.
© Shutterstock
13 / 42 Fotos
Arborvitae
- This essential oil can be used to repel bugs and reduce stress. It can also help your skin look great.
© Getty Images
14 / 42 Fotos
Arborvitae
- You should not ingest it, and avoid inhaling too much too quickly, as it can irritate your respiratory tract.
© Shutterstock
15 / 42 Fotos
Lemon
- Lemon oil boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can also be useful in relieving nausea.
© Getty Images
16 / 42 Fotos
Lemon
- Because it's very photosensitive, sun exposure should be avoided if you use it topically.
© Shutterstock
17 / 42 Fotos
Basil
- Basil oil has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a good choice if you have a cold or the flu. It can also help treat acne.
© Getty Images
18 / 42 Fotos
Basil
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should talk to their doctors before using basil oil.
© Shutterstock
19 / 42 Fotos
Peppermint
- The minty scent can help with headaches, indigestion, and relieving IBS symptoms. Used topically it has a cooling effect, which can be beneficial for sunburns and muscle pain.
© Getty Images
20 / 42 Fotos
Peppermint
- This oil should not be ingested, as it can cause heartburn and headaches, among other side effects.
© Shutterstock
21 / 42 Fotos
Spearmint
- Similar in aroma to peppermint, this essential oil also has antifungal properties.
© Getty Images
22 / 42 Fotos
Spearmint
- Ask your doctor before using spearmint oil if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
© Shutterstock
23 / 42 Fotos
Grapefruit
- Grapefruit oil is extracted from the fruit's peel. It has antifungal properties and can potentially be used as an antibacterial agent.
© Getty Images
24 / 42 Fotos
Grapefruit
- Avoid sun exposure if you apply grapefruit oil topically.
© Shutterstock
25 / 42 Fotos
Frankincense
- Also known as olibanum, this essential oil may help prevent oral health problems, including bad breath.
© Getty Images
26 / 42 Fotos
Frankincense
- Side effects are rare, though some people might be sensitive to it when applied topically.
© Shutterstock
27 / 42 Fotos
Vetiver
- This essential oil can have mood enhancing properties and help you relax. It also has antioxidant properties and can help with skin problems, including scarring.
© Getty Images
28 / 42 Fotos
Vetiver
- Vetiver is one of the mildest essential oils—side effects are rare.
© Shutterstock
29 / 42 Fotos
Myrrh
- Myrrh oil is great for skin problems, including cracked skin, athlete's foot, and acne.
© Getty Images
30 / 42 Fotos
Myrrh
- Myrrh shouldn't be taken orally. Side effects include dermatitis, heart irregularities, and lower blood pressure. Do not use myrrh if you're pregnant.
© Shutterstock
31 / 42 Fotos
Ylang ylang
- This essential oil can help you relax and, according to a study, even boost self-esteem. Ylang ylang can also act as a repellent against certain insects.
© Getty Images
32 / 42 Fotos
Ylang ylang
- Potential side effect include sensitization, rashes, headaches, and nausea.
© Shutterstock
33 / 42 Fotos
Hyssop
- This essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties. It's great in helping to minimize scarring, and it decreases inflammation overall.
© Getty Images
34 / 42 Fotos
Hyssop
- The use of hyssop is discouraged for those who are pregnant or have a history of seizures.
© Shutterstock
35 / 42 Fotos
Oregano
- Oregano oil has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It is also packed with antioxidants. It may be helpful in the treatment of a number of skin conditions, as well as fever and respiratory problems.
© Getty Images
36 / 42 Fotos
Oregano
- You should talk to your doctor before using oregano oil if you're pregnant.
© Shutterstock
37 / 42 Fotos
Cedarwood
- This essential oil can be used in the treatment of acne, eczema, and reducing dandruff. It might also help with arthritis, and relieve coughing.
© Shutterstock
38 / 42 Fotos
Cedarwood
- Ingesting cedarwood oil can lead to nausea, vomiting, and damage to the digestive system.
© Shutterstock
39 / 42 Fotos
Cassia
- Unlike spearmint and peppermint, which have a cooling effect, cassia is warm as only cinnamon can be.
© Shutterstock
40 / 42 Fotos
Cassia
- You should not use this oil if you're pregnant. Sources: (National Library of Medicine) See also: Things you cannot do while pregnant
© Shutterstock
41 / 42 Fotos
Essential oils: which one is right for you?
Today is International Essential Oils Day
© Shutterstock
Aromatherapy has been around for a long time. Essential oils are a vital part of it, and a way of reaping the benefits from a number of plants and trees. These oils contain specific properties that can boost both your physical and emotional health.
But with so many essential oils out there, which ones are right for you? In this gallery, you'll find a list of some of the most popular ones and their uses. Browse through and start reaping the benefits of essential oils today.
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