We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Cosmetic

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Some Essential Oil Benefits?

Marjorie McAtee
By
Updated: May 21, 2024

Essential oil benefits can range from the relief of physical ailments to the treatment of psychological and emotional problems. The benefits of essential oils are often expounded by practitioners of aromatherapy, who largely believe that the scents of essential oils have a profound effect on the mind and body. Essential oils are used topically or orally. Different essential oils typically have different properties.

Topically applied, essential oils usually absorb easily into the body. That's because most essential oils dissolve in fats and alcohol, allowing them to penetrate the skin by dissolving in the body's own fatty tissues. Inhaling the oils may also allow them to penetrate the skin, as droplets of evaporation from the oil can come into contact with the lining of the nasal passages. Some essential oils are commonly taken by mouth.

Many who seek essential oil benefits do so for the sake of physical health. Essential oils are said to have a number of health benefits, including boosting immunity. The essential oil of the tea tree plant, for instance, is said to prevent colds and fungal infections of the skin when applied topically. The essential oil of eucalyptus is said to be effective in treating a number of viruses, including genital and oral herpes, chickenpox, and shingles. The essential oil of cinnamon is considered by many to be a powerful anti-viral agent.

Many types of essential oils offer multiple benefits. Eucalyptus oil, for instance, is also considered an effective treatment for respiratory congestion when inhaled. Peppermint essential oil benefits may include supporting digestion, reducing appetite, and invigorating the body. Rosemary essential oil benefits may include supporting hair and skin health, nervous system wellbeing, circulatory system support, and muscle support. The essential oil of myrrh is said to have anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects.

In addition to the physical benefits of essential oils, there are also believed to be a number of emotional and psychological benefits. Aromatherapists in particular generally believe that the aromas of many essential oils can bring about profound changes in mental and emotional states. The essential oil of lavender has long been prized for its alleged calming properties. Rose essential oil benefits are believed to include mental stimulation and enhanced mood. Valerian essential oil benefits are said to help calm the body and balance the emotions.

BeautyAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Marjorie McAtee
By Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee, a talented writer and editor with over 15 years of experience, brings her diverse background and education to everything she writes. With degrees in relevant fields, she crafts compelling content that informs, engages, and inspires readers across various platforms. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a skilled member of any content creation team.
Discussion Comments
By ZipLine — On Dec 27, 2014

I know that some essential oils are taken by mouth for digestive problems or colds. My mother for example, used to take oil of oregano when she had a cold and upset stomach. It's supposed to kill harmful bacteria and treat colds fast. But oil of oregano is very strong and bitter. So in order to drink it, my mother would mix it with sugar and follow up with a glass of milk.

I actually think that it's a bad idea to take essential oils internally. If an essential oil is guaranteed safe for ingestion, one should probably take the smallest amount possible. Essential oils can actually be toxic in some quantities. They can damage the liver. And people who already have liver problems or other health conditions should avoid them because the risks are greater than the benefits for such people.

By fBoyle — On Dec 26, 2014

@serenesurface-- It actually depends on which ailment you want to treat. For example, if you are treating a respiratory condition or if you have an ailment that is benefited by breathing in the essential oil, aromatherapy is best. If you say, have pain in your joints, then topical application is best. So it depends on what the issue is.

I for example, suffer from stress and stress related headaches. I can use essential oils as aromatherapy for relaxation, and also topically on my forehead for pain relief. It works both ways. I use lavender essential oil as aromatherapy before I sleep and also rub some when I have a headache. Of course, I dilute it if I'm going to put it on my skin.

For the most part, manufacturers describe how an essential oil can be and should be used. You should also feel free to call and ask the manufacturer if you're not sure.

By serenesurface — On Dec 25, 2014

I know that essential oils have many benefits. I also know that each oil has a range of ailments that it can improve. But what I would like to know is, are they all equally beneficial when used topically or as aromatherapy? Or is it better to use some of these essential oils in a particular way?

Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee, a talented writer and editor with over 15 years of experience, brings her diverse background and education to everything she writes. With degrees in relevant fields, she crafts compelling content that informs, engages, and inspires readers across various platforms. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a skilled member of any content creation team.
Share
https://www.beautyanswered.com/what-are-some-essential-oil-benefits.htm
BeautyAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

BeautyAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.