Essential oils have long been used in aromatherapy to treat a variety of ailments. From anxiety to chickenpox, these oils can have benefits when inhaled as well as when applied topically to the skin.

Essential oils are the pure essence of the plant and are usually extracted using the steam distillation or other type of process. they can be very potent and therefore must be deluded properly before being applied to the skin. It is important to note that some essential oils can cause allergic reactions and not all essential oils are suitable for aromatherapy. Therefore, if you take care when using any type of essential oils.

Here are some popular essential oils and ailments they claim to treat:

Lavender

This is a thin essential oil that is clear or very light yellow and has a medium aroma. The aroma is floral and sweet but with a slightly fruity twist. Lavender essential oil is said to help with acne, anxiety, asthma, chickenpox, depression, migraine, oily skin, rheumatism, vertigo, flatulence, headache and is also said to be a good natural insect repellant.

Peppermint

Using steam distilled extraction, peppermint comes from the Mentha piperita plant and produces a thin clear or light yellow oil. It has a very strong aroma which smells minty like the peppermint candies you are used to. it is said to help treat asthma, headaches, nausea, sinusitis and exhaustion. It can be very irritating to mucous membranes and should not be taken internally. It should be avoided by anyone with cardiac fibrulation, a fever or epilepsy.

Tea Tree

Tea tree oil comes from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant. It is extracted using the steam distillation process which produces a thin clear or light yellow oil. It has a medium strong earthy aroma. Tea tree oil is often used to treat skin problems such as athletes foot, scars, acne, warns, and insect bites, oily skin, itchiness, cold sores and even chickenpox. It is relatively free of side effects but some may be a little sensitive to it.

Chamomile

Chamomile essential oil is a thin gray or pale blue oil with the medium sweet and fruity that can have our herbaceous tint. is said to help treat a PMS, rheumatism, stress, headache,, flatulence, colic, arthritis, allergies, bites, wounds and sprains. Although relatively safe, and may cause dermatitis in some.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus essential oil comes from the Eucalyptus globules plant and is extracted using steam distillation to produce a thin clear oil that has a very strong aroma. Eucalyptus smells fresh and spicy, witty and earthy with a medicinal tint. This oil is said to help bronchitiss, arthritis, sinusitis, flu, cold sores, it is also said to help with poor circulation. Eucalyptus can be extremely toxic if taken orally and should only be used under the supervision of a qualified aroma therapist.

Many people swear by essential oils and other people think it is pure bunk. The only way to know if they work us to try them, it's relatively inexpensive and can be well worth the time and effort if these natural alternatives can help with what ails you.