8 Essential Oils That Will Rejuvenate You From Head to Toe
When you can’t go to the spa, bring the spa to you with these eight essential oils that not only smell great, but can help soothe everything from headaches and rashes to age spots and bloating. Here’s how to use them in infusions that will leave you feeling refreshed and renewed!
Soothe rashes with lavender oil.
The anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects of lavender oil reduce redness and calm irritation in everything from chub rub to sunburn, says Hope Gillerman, a holistic beauty expert and author of Essential Oils Every Day ($17.66, Amazon). Bonus: Its scent decreases stress and enhances relaxation.
TRY IT! Mix 2 Tbs. of yogurt (its probiotics repair skin’s barrier) and 5 drops of lavender oil (like Aura Cacia Lavender Essential Oil, $26.88, Amazon). Rub onto irritated skin.
Volumize thin hair with rosemary oil.
The herb’s unique compound helps increase blood flow and nutrients to the scalp, so much so that studies have found it to be just as effective at regrowing hair as minoxidil! Bonus: Its scent helps the brain release feel-good hormones.
TRY IT! Mix 1 Tbs. of olive oil (it hydrates) and 3 drops rosemary oil (like Nature’s Truth Rosemary Oil, $7.99, Amazon). Apply all over damp hair; rinse after 15 minutes.
Fade age spots with frankincense oil.
Frankincense oil’s potent skin-renewing compounds help lighten discoloration fast. Bonus: The oil’s been found to amp up energy and focus by 45 percent within one minute of smelling it.
TRY IT! Mix 1 Tbs. of coconut oil and 4 drops of frankincense oil (like NOW Essential Oils Frankincense, $15.10, Amazon). Dot onto spots; rinse after 10 minutes.
Banish blemishes with tea tree oil.
“The Australian leaf oil has powerful properties that kill the bacteria that can result in breakouts,” says Gillerman. Bonus: The soothing scent helps thwart feelings of self-doubt.
TRY IT! For body: Add 3 drops of tea tree oil (like The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil, $10, The Body Shop) to a palmful of body wash. Rub onto areas on the body with acne; rinse after two minutes. For face: Add one drop of tea tree oil to a dab of face wash; cleanse as usual.
Eliminate bloat with peppermint oil.
Used topically, diuretic peppermint oil increases circulation to flush out excess fluids and toxins for a trimmer-looking tummy. Bonus: The scent has been found to enhance alertness and stamina by 55 percent. Try Majestic Pure Peppermint Essential Oil ($17.98, Amazon).
End cravings with vanilla oil.
Smelling the sweet fragrance releases serotonin in the brain, which promotes feelings of satisfaction and curbs snacking by 50 percent. Try Gya Labs Vanilla Oleoresin Essential Oil for Stress Relief, Relaxation & Sleep ($11.99, Amazon).
Sleep soundly with chamomile oil.
The light floral scent has a sedative-like effect that helps you drift off faster, while promoting a sounder sleep. Try Artizen Roman Chamomile Essential Oil ($14.99, Amazon).
Reduce headaches with clary sage oil.
The earthy aroma lessens levels of the stress hormone cortisol and relaxes tense muscles in the neck and scalp. Try Ulta Clary Sage Essential Oil ($8, Ulta).
A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, Woman’s World.
