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Top 4 Essential Oils

Essential oils have a powerful therapeutic effect on emotional, physical and mental health. By accessing the “smell-centre” of the brain they can create powerful changes in physiology.

Essential oils are made from huge amounts of plant compounds and are very concentrated. This is why essential oils can often be quite expensive and why we do not need to use many drops to get a powerful effect.

Some of the effective ways to use essential oils is through inhalation, by adding a few drops to an oil burner, a hot bath or a bowl of steaming water. One can also apply the oils (preferably diluted) to the skin, hands or a tissue and inhale them that way.

Topical application of essential oils is very popular, especially for its effectiveness in treating wounds, bites and scars. The plant particles may also be small enough to enter the body through the skin, which is why applying oils to the feet is useful. Typically essential oils applied to the skin should be diluted in water, or carrier oil such as coconut oil, almond oil, jojoba oil or grapeseed oil.

Essential oils can be added to homemade personal care products like toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo or deodorant. Some essential oils can be taken internally, but you should consult an aroma therapist before doing this.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is known as the calming essential oil that can encourage sleep and reduce stress. However, most people do not know that lavender is also effective to treat burns, wounds and insect bites. It is soothing both mentally, emotionally and physically.  A few drops of this oil on the pillow at night and applied to the bottom of the feet can benefit those with insomnia and a few drops deeply inhaled during a panic attack is effective to stop such an episode in its tracks. Babies and children benefit greatly from this essential oil and it can be applied to their cuts or insect bites and massaged on their feet at night time if they have interrupted sleep. Adding lavender oil to an oil burner or diffuser during the day can help to calm hyperactive children.

Peppermint

Peppermint oil is effective for relieving gastrointestinal distress, like nausea and cramping. You can add a drop or 2 to a glass of water to improve digestion, but make sure you consult with an aroma therapist first and make sure you buy a pure high-quality oil.
Adding some peppermint oil to an oil burner or diffuser can make your house or office smell delicious and it increases mental energy and focus. It also helps to relieve headaches if inhaled and massaged on the temples.  Peppermint has a very cooling and anti-inflammatory effect. Add a few drops to carrier oil and massage it into your back and chest to relieve a fever and congestion.

Frankincense

Frankincense is one of the most valuable essential oils as it addresses a wide range of ailments. It can be mixed with lavender oil and applied to the skin, added to a bath, or used in an oil burner to relieve headaches and promote full body relaxation. Apply frankincense to the feet as an immune booster and add the oil to a diffuser to kill germs in the environment. It provides relief from skin wounds and insect bites and can even reduce scarring. It is one of the few essential oils that can generally be applied to the skin undiluted

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is probably one of the most well-known essential oils and for good reason. It has strong anti-microbial properties which make it perfect for personal care and home cleaning. Tea tree oil is potent so you should not use it undiluted when applied to the skin, and it should never be taken internally. It is popular for treating and preventing painful pimples, cuts and fungal infections. Simply apply some dilute tea tree oil to the affected area and repeat for a few consecutive days. For those with dandruff it may be useful to put 2 or 3 drops of tea tree oil into your shampoo or conditioner.  Putting a few drops of tea tree oil in a diffuser in your house or office will kill germs in the environment and help you to avoid catching flu. You can also make a cleaning spray for the house using tea tree oil.
 

Sources
http://www.diynatural.com/how-to-use-essential-oils-2/
http://shalommama.com/top-essential-oils
http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/aromatherapy