doTERRA essential oils can be categorized into five categories floral, spice, herb, citrus, and wood & tree essential oils. Previously I discussed
Wood and Tree oils and
Floral Oils. In this article I will be sharing all the herb essential oils, tips for how to use them, and their benefits.
It’s helpful if you start to think about essential oils in categories. This makes it a bit easier to discern how to use the oil to optimize its benefits. Of course, every oil is unique in its constituents and properties, but I want to make this extremely easy for you.
Herbs have been used for medicinal and therapeutic purposes for thousands of years, and essential oils sourced from herbs continue to be used today for their various health benefits. Some common herbs that essential oils are sourced from include basil, bergamot mint, cilantro, lemongrass, marjoram, oregano, patchouli, peppermint, rosemary, spearmint, thyme, and wintergreen.
Each herb has its own unique properties and benefits, and essential oils sourced from these herbs can be used in a variety of ways. Essential oils from herbs are commonly used in aromatherapy due to their ability to stimulate the senses and provide various therapeutic benefits. For example, peppermint essential oil can help to reduce fatigue and improve mental clarity. Essential oils from herbs can also be applied topically for various therapeutic purposes. For example, rosemary essential oil can help to improve circulation and relieve muscle discomfort.
Basil
Basil essential oil is derived from the Ocimum basilicum plant and has a fresh, herbaceous scent. Basil essential oil has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to support the body's natural healing processes.
My favorite thing to use Basil essential oil for is adrenal fatigue. Basil essential oil is known for its calming and uplifting properties, which can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. It may also help to support the adrenal glands by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to adrenal fatigue. To use basil essential oil for adrenal fatigue, it can be added to a diffuser or applied topically with a carrier oil to the skin. Rub it into your back over your kidneys.
Basil essential oil is known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties, which can make it a useful natural remedy for ear discomfort.
Here are some ways that basil essential oil may be used to alleviate ear discomfort:
- Topical application: Mix a few drops of basil essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, and apply the mixture to the outer ear and surrounding area. Avoid applying essential oils directly inside the ear canal.
- Massage: Gently massage a few drops of diluted basil essential oil into the skin behind the ear and down the neck. This can help to stimulate lymphatic drainage and reduce inflammation.
Basil is used for cooking. It has a fresh, pungent, herbal aroma that is sweeter than other varieties of basil. It can be used to reduce anxious feelings, increase focus while studying, and soothe the skin.
Emotional Properties: Energized, renewed, rejuvenated, rested, strengthened
Bergamot Mint
Bergamot Mint essential oil is derived from the Mentha citrata plant, which is a hybrid of water mint and spearmint. It has a sweet, citrusy, and minty aroma.
Here are some of its benefits and ways to use it:
- Aromatherapy: Bergamot Mint essential oil can help to improve focus and concentration.
- Respiratory support: Bergamot Mint essential oil has expectorant properties, which means it supports open airways.
- Digestive support: Bergamot Mint essential oil has carminative properties, which means it can help relieve digestive discomfort.
- Skincare: Bergamot Mint essential oil has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, which makes it useful for supporting clear skin. It can also be added to skincare products to help improve the appearance of the skin.
- Insect repellent: Bergamot Mint essential oil has insecticidal properties, which makes it effective in repelling mosquitoes, flies, and other insects.
Soft and minty with a hint of citrus, the beautiful aroma of Bergamot Mint essential oil creates an atmosphere of comfort, relaxation, inspiration, soothing, and refreshment. Can be used aromatically and topically.
Emotional Properties: Uplifting, hopeful, self-acceptance, loving, refreshed, open
Cilantro
Cilantro essential oil is derived from the Coriandrum sativum plant, which is also known as coriander. It has a fresh, herbaceous, and citrusy aroma.
Here are some of its potential benefits and ways to use it:
- Aromatherapy: Cilantro essential oil can help to improve focus and concentration.
- Digestive support: Cilantro essential oil can help relieve digestive discomfort.
- Anti-inflammatory: Cilantro essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it useful for relieving joint discomfort and inflammation.
- Antimicrobial: Cilantro essential oil has antimicrobial properties. It can also be used as a natural disinfectant.
Cilantro essential oil does far more than add its signature fresh and herbal flavor to food – it also offers benefits to the digestive, immune, and nervous system.
Emotional Properties: Cleansing, liberated, detached, untroubled
Lemongrass
Lemongrass essential oil is derived from the Cymbopogon citratus plant, which has a fresh, citrusy, and herbaceous scent. Lemongrass essential oil is commonly used for its cleansing and purifying properties. It has a fresh, lemony scent that can uplift the mood and promote a sense of mental clarity and focus.
Here are some ways to use lemongrass essential oil for cleansing:
- Diffuse it: Add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to a diffuser and diffuse it in your home or workspace to purify the air and promote a clean, fresh scent.
- Use it in cleaning products: Add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to your homemade cleaning products, such as all-purpose cleaner or floor cleaner, to enhance their cleansing properties and leave a fresh scent.
- Use it in a spray bottle: Mix a few drops of lemongrass essential oil with water in a spray bottle and use it to clean surfaces such as countertops, tables, and bathroom fixtures. This can help to remove dirt and grime and leave a fresh scent.
- Use it in a bath: Add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to a warm bath to promote a sense of cleansing and relaxation. This can also help to soothe sore muscles and improve overall well-being.
Lemongrass essential oil supports the health of the nervous system, promotes a cheerful mood, and tones the skin. Use in massage to refresh and rejuvenate muscles.
Emotional Properties: Spiritual clarity, cleansing, simplicity, discerning, releasing
Marjoram
Marjoram essential oil is derived from the Origanum majorana plant, which is a member of the mint family. It has a warm, herbaceous, and slightly spicy scent.
Here are some of its potential benefits and ways to use it:
- Aromatherapy: Marjoram essential oil can help to improve sleep quality.
- Discomfort relief: Marjoram essential oil has analgesic properties, which makes it useful for relieving discomfort and inflammation. It can also help to reduce muscle spasms and cramps.
- Respiratory support: Marjoram essential oil has expectorant properties to promote open airways.
- Skincare: Marjoram essential oil has antiseptic properties, which makes it useful for supporting healthy skin. It can also be added to skincare products to help improve the appearance of the skin.
Marjoram is well-known as an herb used in cooking. It can be taken internally to support a healthy cardiovascular and immune system, it is soothing to the muscles, and has a positive effect on the nervous system.
Emotional Properties: Emotionally open, softhearted, loving, trusting
Oregano
Oregano essential oil is derived from the Origanum vulgare plant, which is a member of the mint family. It has a strong, spicy, and herbaceous scent.
Oregano essential oil is a popular choice for immune support due to its high concentration of carvacrol and thymol, two compounds that have potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
Here are some ways to use oregano essential oil for immune support:
- Diffuse it: Add a few drops of oregano essential oil to a diffuser and diffuse it in your home or workspace to purify the air and support respiratory health.
- Use it topically: Mix a few drops of oregano essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, and apply it to the chest, back, or bottoms of the feet to support immune function and overall wellness.
- Ingest it: Oregano essential oil can also be taken internally, but only with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. It is important to use a high-quality, food-grade oil and to dilute it properly before ingesting.
- Use it in cleaning products: Oregano essential oil can be added to homemade cleaning products, such as all-purpose cleaner or floor cleaner, to enhance their cleansing properties and support immune health.
I personally do not diffuse it, but I will add it to a veggie capsule and take it internally for immune support or add it to a roller blend and roll it on the bottoms of my feet.
Oregano essential oil has powerfully cleansing properties and supports the immune, respiratory, and digestive systems. Known as the oil of humility. A flavorful addition to cooking.
Emotional Properties: Humble, nonattachment, willing, teachable, flexible
Patchouli
Patchouli essential oil is derived from the Pogostemon cablin plant, which has a strong, earthy, and musky scent.
Here are some of its benefits and ways to use it:
- Skincare: Patchouli essential oil has astringent and antiseptic properties, which makes it useful for oily and acne-prone skin. It can also help to reduce the appearance of scars and fine lines.
- Insect repellent: Patchouli essential oil has insecticidal properties, which makes it useful for repelling insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and ants.
- Deodorizer: Patchouli essential oil has a strong, earthy scent that can help to neutralize odors and freshen up the air.
- Anti-inflammatory: Patchouli essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it useful for relieving joint discomfort.
Topical application of Patchouli oil reduces the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes, and other minor skin imperfections. Grounding to the emotions and bolsters feelings of stability, harmony, and composure.
Emotional Properties: Grounded, confident, moderation, body connection, balanced
Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil is derived from the Mentha piperita plant, which has a fresh, minty, and cooling scent.
Here are some benefits and ways to use it:
- Digestive support: Peppermint essential oil has carminative properties, which means it can help relieve digestive discomfort. It can also stimulate appetite and aid in digestion.
- Respiratory support: Peppermint essential oil has expectorant properties to support open airways.
- Head Tension relief: Peppermint essential oil can be helpful for relieving head tension. It can be applied topically or inhaled.
- Energizing: Peppermint essential oil has a refreshing and invigorating scent that can help to improve focus and mental clarity. It can also help to boost energy levels.
The sharp, sweet scent of Peppermint essential oil is energizing and exhilarating. Peppermint relieves head and neck tension, promotes clear airways, supports oral health, and soothes the stomach.
Emotional Properties: Buoyant, optimistic, relieved, strength to face emotional discomfort
Rosemary
Rosemary essential oil is derived from the Rosmarinus officinalis plant, which has a woody, herbaceous, and refreshing scent.
Rosemary essential oil is a popular natural remedy for hair growth and scalp health due to its stimulating and nourishing properties.
Here are some ways to use rosemary essential oil for hair growth:
- Add it to your shampoo or conditioner: Add a few drops of rosemary essential oil to your regular shampoo or conditioner and mix well before use. This can help to stimulate hair growth and improve scalp health.
- Create a scalp massage oil: Mix 2-3 drops of rosemary essential oil with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil and massage the mixture into your scalp. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes or overnight, and then wash your hair as usual. This can help to stimulate blood flow to the scalp and promote hair growth.
- Add it to a hair rinse: After shampooing, mix 2-3 drops of rosemary essential oil with water and use it as a final rinse for your hair. This can help to improve scalp health and promote hair growth.
- You can also add 20 drops of Rosemary oil to a spray bottle and use it as a spray for hair growth.
High in antioxidants, Rosemary essential oil supports healthy liver function and digestion. Rosemary essential oil clears mental confusion and soothes feelings of tension.
Emotional Properties: Mental clarity, open, knowledgeable, teachable, enlightened
Spearmint
Spearmint essential oil is derived from the Mentha spicata plant, which has a sweet, refreshing, and minty scent.
Here are some of its benefits and ways to use it:
- Digestive support: Spearmint essential oil has carminative properties, which means it can help relieve digestive discomfort.
- Respiratory support: Spearmint essential oil has expectorant properties to support open airways.
- Mental clarity: Spearmint essential oil has a refreshing and uplifting scent that can help to improve focus, memory, and mental clarity. It can also help to reduce mental fatigue and promote alertness.
Spearmint is a sweet, refreshing herb used as a flavoring around the world. Spearmint oil supports digestion, promotes a healthy nervous system, freshens breath, and inspires confidence.
Emotional Properties: Confident, articulate, communication, clarity, courageous
Thyme
Thyme essential oil is derived from the Thymus vulgaris plant, which has a warm, herbaceous, and spicy scent.
Here are some benefits and ways to use it:
- Immune support: Thyme essential oil has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, which makes it useful for supporting the immune system.
- Discomfort relief: Thyme essential oil has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it useful for relieving discomfort and inflammation.
- Mental clarity: Thyme essential oil has a stimulating and refreshing scent that can help to improve focus, memory, and mental clarity. It can also help to reduce mental fatigue and promote alertness.
Thyme is full of antioxidants and powerful immune support when taken internally. Supports the immune and respiratory systems and healthy-looking skin. It was also used as a purifier and preservative.
Emotional Properties: Forgiving, tolerant, patient, openhearted, understanding
Wintergreen
Wintergreen essential oil is derived from the leaves of the Gaultheria procumbens plant, which has a strong, minty, and refreshing scent.
Wintergreen essential oil is often used for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties to provide relief from discomfort.
Here are some ways to use wintergreen essential oil for discomfort relief:
- Topical application: Mix a few drops of wintergreen essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, and apply it to the affected area. Wintergreen oil should always be diluted before use and should not be applied directly to the skin.
- Diffusion: Add a few drops of wintergreen essential oil to a diffuser and diffuse it in your home or workspace to promote relaxation and help ease discomfort.
- Massage: Combine wintergreen essential oil with a carrier oil and use it for massage therapy. This can help to alleviate discomfort and promote relaxation.
- Bath: Add a few drops of wintergreen essential oil to a warm bath to help soothe sore muscles and joints.
Wintergreen oil should not be ingested.
Wintergreen essential oil has a powerful warming, soothing sensation that pairs perfectly with massage. Additionally, its sweet, minty, aroma is potent and refreshing. Diffuse Wintergreen to use it aromatically as a room freshener.
Emotional Properties: Surrender, relying on divine grace, teachable, strengthened
Yarrow|POM
Yarrow essential oil, also known as Yarrow|POM, is a blend of Yarrow essential oil and cold-pressed Pomegranate seed oil.
Here are just a few of its benefits and ways to use it:
- Skin care: Yarrow|POM essential oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to support healthy looking skin. It can also help to reduce the appearance of blemishes.
- Emotional balance: Yarrow|POM essential oil has a calming and grounding effect on the emotions. It can be helpful for promoting relaxation.
- Digestive support: Yarrow essential oil has digestive properties, which means it can help to soothe digestive discomfort and promote healthy digestion.
- Menstrual support: Yarrow essential oil has antispasmodic properties, which makes it useful for soothing menstrual symptoms.
This nutritive duo is beautifying to the skin and offers many benefits when taken internally Used to soothe stress and uplift the mind. A powerful support for healthy immune function, cellular health, metabolism, and nervous system.
Emotional Properties: Protected, discerning, strong boundaries, safe, assisted, open, clear
Essential oils sourced from herbs are a valuable and versatile tool for promoting health and well-being. They offer a range of therapeutic benefits, including physical, emotional, and mental support. Each essential oil has its own unique properties and uses, making them a diverse and powerful addition to any natural health toolkit. Herb essential oils can provide a natural and holistic approach to promoting health and wellness.
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