What Essential Oils Can Do For You

Getty Images

Need a lift? Try one of these research-backed essential oil remedies

1 of 15

The essential oils

Getty Images

From ancient Egypt to modern times, essential oils have been used to treat anxiety, aches, and even acne. Check out these 14 picks and learn how to harness their healing powers.

2 of 15

Peppermint to feel more alert

Getty Images

Smelling peppermint essential oil made drivers perkier in one study. In another, basketball players who sniffed peppermint oil had better energy and performance.

3 of 15

Lemon to get a happiness hit

Getty Images

Japanese researchers found that folks with depression who sniffed citrus fragrance were able to lower their dose of antidepressants; the scent helped normalize hormone levels.

4 of 15

Lavender to sleep better

Getty Images

Research shows that lavender increases brain alpha waves associated with relaxation and deep sleep. The do-it-all scent may also alleviate PMS symptoms and reduce pain.

5 of 15

Ginger to alleviate nausea

Getty Images

Ginger teas and candies work, but smelling the essential oil also eases queasiness, per research done by anesthesiologists; cancer centers use it for patients who've had radiation.

6 of 15

Grapefruit to reduce appetite

Getty Images

One small study of rats published in the journal Neuroscience Letters found that inhaling grapefruit oil can inhibit a key gastric nerve, dulling the sensation of hunger.

7 of 15

Lavender, chamomile, and neroli to ease stress

Getty Images

A 2013 study of ICU patients published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that sniffing this combo significantly reduced anxiety.

8 of 15

Eucalyptus to stop sniffles

Getty Images

This scent reduced stuffy noses and head pressure in people with sinusitis, per a German study. Put a few drops in a sink with warm water, drape a towel over your head and breathe it in.

9 of 15

Black pepper to quit smoking

Getty Images

In one study, cigarette smokers who inhaled it reported having fewer cravings than those who didn't; the scent irritates the back of the throat, a sensation smokers miss.

10 of 15

Sweet orange to quell anxiety

Getty Images

In one study, adults who inhaled this oil and then took a test handled the pressure sans increased anxiety. Other citrus oils, such as bergamot, can also help you keep your cool.

11 of 15

Rosemary for better focus at work

Getty Images

The scent can improve concentration, speed and accuracy during mental tasks, per a study at Northumbria University in England. Other recent research found it may boost memory, too.

12 of 15

Tea tree oil to fight infections

Getty Images

Antifungal, antiseptic and antibacterial, this oil is so potent that it has killed MRSA and staph in lab settings. Mix it with a carrier oil to fight off athlete's foot, acne and dandruff, or add a couple of drops to a squirt of your shampoo.

13 of 15

Peppermint to stop headaches

Getty Images

In one study, rubbing this oil (mixed with alcohol) into temples soothed headaches. In another, a massage with peppermint and eucalyptus oils (also combined with alcohol) reduced post-workout muscle cramps.

14 of 15

Lavender to soothe cuts and ease PMS

Getty Images

Reach for it to soothe scrapes and stings. A few drops of lavender oil combined with the same amount of rose oil, plus an ounce of sweet almond oil, may ward off painful menstrual cramps when massaged on the abdomen.

15 of 15

Cedarwood for hair loss and skin irritation

Getty Images

Blended with rosemary, thyme, lavender and a carrier oil and rubbed into the scalp, it can help with hair loss—in one study, 44 percent of women saw new growth. Or pair with melted coconut oil to soothe eczema.

Replay gallery

Account

More

14 Essential Oil Remedies You Should Try

1 of 15

The essential oils

1 of 15

2 of 15

Peppermint to feel more alert

2 of 15

3 of 15

Lemon to get a happiness hit

3 of 15

4 of 15

Lavender to sleep better

4 of 15

5 of 15

Ginger to alleviate nausea

5 of 15

6 of 15

Grapefruit to reduce appetite

6 of 15

7 of 15

Lavender, chamomile, and neroli to ease stress

7 of 15

8 of 15

Eucalyptus to stop sniffles

8 of 15

9 of 15

Black pepper to quit smoking

9 of 15

10 of 15

Sweet orange to quell anxiety

10 of 15

11 of 15

Rosemary for better focus at work

11 of 15

12 of 15

Tea tree oil to fight infections

12 of 15

13 of 15

Peppermint to stop headaches

13 of 15

14 of 15

Lavender to soothe cuts and ease PMS

14 of 15

15 of 15

Cedarwood for hair loss and skin irritation

15 of 15

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Share the Gallery