Essential oil therapy or aromatherapy is a holistic treatment using aromatic essential oils to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit. For centuries, ancient cultures have been using resins, balms, and fragrant oils for both therapeutic actions along with the subtle impact that fragrance has on the psyche. Essential oils have been recognised for both physical and psychological benefits with Hippocrates maintaining that "the key to good health rests on having a daily aromatic bath and scented massage'.
We list below a selection of Australian essential oils and their benefits.
Lavender oil is believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which can help heal insect bites and accelerate would healing including minor burns. Lavender oil is often used to relieve pain from headaches and research suggests that it may also be useful to treat anxiety, insomnia, fungal infections and hair loss.
Tasmanian Pepper oil is well known for its anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties making it an effective treatment for acne and blemishes and a great antibacterial addition to home cleaning solutions. The pepper berry is also naturally rich in flavonoids - an antioxidant that can help protect the skin from UV damage.
Rosemary oil is rich in antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Rosemary oil naturally contains 1,8-Cineole, and organic compound that is thought to ease congestion from colds, alleviate the pain from a sore throat and treat allergies such as bronchitis and asthma.
Peppermint oil is believed to have a calming effect and can alleviate symptoms of digestive issues such as indigestion and IBS. Peppermint oil can also be applied topically for relief from itching, muscle pain, headaches and from the common cold.
Lemon Tea Tree oil possesses anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties effective in healing skin conditions such as rashes or acne. The oil is helpful in relieving congestion by stimulating the bronchi and thinning out mucous in the lungs.
Blue Cypress oil provides support for the skin and can assist in cleaning cuts, wounds and infections along with treating acne due to its antimicrobial power. Studies have also shown that it can help reduce symptoms of eczema.
Fragonia oil has similar properties to Tea Tree according to French physician Dr Daniel Penoel - making this essential oil highly anti-inflammatory with the ability to strengthen the immune system and fight respiratory infections.
Lemon oil has antiseptic, astringent and detoxifying properties making it helpful for skin blemishes and oily skin. The acidity helps aid digestion and a recent study suggested that citrus oil can help relieve first stage labour pain and control nausea and vomiting.
