Derived from all manner of flora and fauna, essential oils are potent elixirs that seem fit for a magic potion. With so many different potential uses and so many different oils to choose from, it can be kind of overwhelming. Here are some basic ones to give you the essential intro of essential oils.

Jasmine

Perhaps the most practical use for jasmine oil is for it’s mood-boosting properties. While many studies have shown that the aroma of jasmine is uplifting, it is simultaneously soothing. The list of jasmine’s benefits is long but is favored for it use as an aphrodisiac, to reduce menstrual cramps and even help ward of symptoms of menopause.

Peppermint

It is hard to find a mental or physical health condition that peppermint essential oil can’t improve. The most obvious is probably it’s immediate ability to improve unpleasant breath. The best way to do this is to, in the morning, dilute 3 drops of peppermint oil in a small amount of water. Peppermint also helps ward off fatigue and a lack of focus. To benefit from its use here, simply take a few whiffs of the essential oil and it will help you when you find yourself burning the candle at both ends. A third use (among so many more) is its cooling effect to help sooth a fever. Mix peppermint oil with coconut oil and rub on the forehead, neck, and feet to help reduce the feverish feeling.

Rosemary

Losing your hair? Fear not, rosemary essential oil is here. When applied to the scalp, this rosemary oil has been found to have dramatic results in terms of boosting rapid hair growth and even warding off greying. Rosemary (link to Rosemary article https://amazingy.com/magazine/benefits-rosemary/) also stands for remembering. Several studies conducted found that those who experienced rosemary essential oil therapy performed better in tasks requiring memory and second memory factors. So, before your next test or important presentation, inhale the vapor of rosemary to boost your results.

Lemon

Lemon essential oil is derived from cold-pressing the rind of the fruit, where most of the nutrients live. It’s an old cleaning fave, a great alternative to using alcohols and unnatural disinfectants. Mix lemon oil, water and vinegar for an easy all-purpose cleaner. Apparently, lemon oil can also give you soft glowing skin—mix it with baking soda and honey for a DIY deep cleanser. Lastly, lemon oil has been found to support a healthy functioning metabolism, so put two drops in your water up to 3 times daily for digestion that just wont quit.

Lavender

Lavender! My favorite smell in the world. I have so much personal experience from lavender essential oil’s ability to decrease anxiety and stress. I keep little lavender sachets everywhere and in almost all of my clothing drawers, I honestly can’t get enough of the scent. It also has helped me to alleviate headaches and even get a better nights sleep. Also, lavender has been dubbed nature’s antioxidant super-hero, helping your body to produce the antioxidants that it needs to ward of the extremely damaging free-radicals. Diffuse the oil or mix it with coconut oil and rub it into the skin.

Remember, before you get obsessed with all the many oils, make sure you look up the properties of the one you’re gonna use and the recommended application method. A lot of essential oils cannot be used directly on skin or on their own, so you may need to use a carrier oil (such as coconut oil, the best thing ever). So next time, before you reach for the pill bottle, perhaps look up which essential oil may be able to solve your problem naturally.

Do you have a favorite essential oil and a favorite use? Let me know in the comments below!