Basically, the best essential oils for healing will depend on the ailment a person is trying to heal. Medicinal essential oils can be applied topically, such as cypress on varicose veins, or administered orally, for example by adding ginger to food to help digestion, or they might be heated and used during aromatherapy, such as with peppermint to relieve stress. In addition to recognizing which oil is best for which condition, it is important to understand both how to shop for essential oils and how to safely use them.
Topical uses for essential oils include treating acne with cedarwood, minimizing varicose veins with cypress, and diminishing scars and treating wounds with elemi. Some people have success using tea tree oil to get rid of lice, and fennel can help with bruises. Many massage therapists use mixtures of essential oils for healing tired and aching muscles. Such oils might include anise, basil, and cajeput. Other essential oils for healing muscle and even bone and joint ailments include chamomile and cinnamon for arthritis and rheumatism.
Using essential oils for healing certain kinds of ailments requires partial or complete ingestion. Sometimes, essential oils might be added to regular recipes. Other times, diluted portions of oils might be applied internally. For example, a person might add ginger to his breakfast to help with an upset stomach, or he might add lemongrass to help with flatulence and aid in digestions. Fennel can help treat halitosis, and clove bud can help ease a toothache.
Inhaling certain essential oils can help with healing. For example, eucalyptus can help with congestion, and both peppermint and sandalwood can help relieve stress. Lavender is commonly used to help promote peace and sleep. Keep in mind there are several methods for preparing essential oils for aromatherapy. A person might scent a basket of potpourri, create a mixture of the oil to use as a room spray, or heat the oils in water and inhale the steam.
Essential oils are available from online and in-person health and wellness stores, pharmacies, and department stores. It is best to purchase essential oils in dark brown or cobalt blue bottles, as these bottles protect the oils from exposure to light and keep them effective. Understand that using essential oils for healing almost never calls for applying or ingesting undiluted oils. Nearly all essential oils for healing purposes should be diluted with carrier oils. Anyone considering the methods of healing with essential oils should speak with an experienced practitioner about the appropriate oils, application, and dilution methods for his health problem.