Stressed? Sore? Sick? There’s an oil for that. Organic approaches to health practices and self-care are becoming evermore popular, especially through the use of essential oils. The trend has many routes to choose from, such as diffusers, rollerballs, and bottle droppers. It’s an easy trend to hop on, with starter kits on Amazon ranging as low as $15. A starter kit usually houses the most versatile and popular oils, giving you a chance to test out five or six different scents. But which oil does what? Do oils even have a function other than just smelling good?
VALLEY’s here to breakdown the basics for you, highlighting the most popular starter set oils, and how they can alter your daily routine.
Tea Tree
Tea Tree oil is extremely versatile — its antibacterial properties are amazing for combating acne, working similarly to benzoyl peroxide without its drying properties. Rather than drying out your blemish, tea tree oil eliminates redness and swelling to stop the problem at its root. Dilute it with a little bit of water, and you instantly have a natural alternative to more chemically-based spot treatments.
Photo by Oscar Chen
Sweet Orange
Sweet orange is exactly what it sounds like: it’s the “feel good” oil. Its zesty aroma can help reduce anxiety levels, as it helps lower breathing rates, pulse rates and calms the body. It’s also a great alternative to a candle — diffuse some in your room to create a cheerful environment.
Lavender
When diffused into the air, lavender oil acts as a natural relaxant and and sleep inducer. It promotes a very calming effect on the body, making it a great way to combat stress and anxiety as well. Diffusing it into the air creates a very calming and zen environment, perfect for nights when all you want to do is stay in and relax. Lavender oil can also be purchased in a rollerball, making it easy to take it on the go.
Eucalyptus
Let’s be honest, the Penn State Plague is real. At some point in the semester, it seems as though everyone on campus is sick. Eucalyptus oil is here to save you during cold and flu season. Think of it as the OG Vick’s Vapor Rub. Its antiviral qualities help clear up congestion within the chest, helping your cold break up faster. Place a few drops within a diffuser to create a “cough drop” effect in the air.
Peppermint
Containing menthol, which helps reduce pain and relax muscles, peppermint oil is highly effective in alleviating headaches. Its cooling properties help ease pain when diluted and applied to your temples. Peppermint oil can be purchased in a rollerball, making it easier to apply and take it on the go.
Essential oils are extremely concentrated, and typically are sold not diluted. Make sure to always use just a few drops when applying oil to your diffuser, and always dilute any oils with water before applying them directly to your skin. The rule here is always “less is more”.
