For stress relief and restful slumber,
combine lavender with chamomile,
neroli, clary sage, rose, or bergamot.
Sprinkle it on pillows, spray it in your
bedroom, or keep a bottle in your bag
for a quick sniff during stressful times.➋ TEA TREE OIL. From Melaleuca
alternifolia, a tall shrub native to Australia,
tea tree oil has proven antibacterial
and antiviral properties and can protect
against C. albicans overgrowth (yeast
infections). Studies show that applying
tea tree oil to wounds and skin irritations
helps fi ght infections, reduces infl amma-
tion, and speeds healing. It’s also an ex-
cellent topical remedy for acne. Tea tree
oil isn’t safe to ingest, so use it topically
or as a mouthwash. For breakouts and
acne, dab a drop of tea tree oil directly on
zits to clear them up and soothe redness.
To ease infl ammation and speed wound
healing, dilute tea tree oil with coconut oil
and smooth over skin. For oral candida,
add a few drops to a glass of water, then
swish and spit. You’ll also fi nd tea tree
oil in vaginal suppositories for yeast
infection relief.➌ PEPPERMINT. Distilled from
Mentha piperita, a hybrid plant that
grows throughout Europe and the United
States, peppermint oil is traditionally used
to improve digestion, treat respiratory
ailments, promote energy, and enhance
mood. It also has signifi cant antimicrobial,
antiviral, and anti-infl ammatory prop-
erties, and studies show that it can relax
the gastrointestinal tract, ease irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS), and relieve nau-
sea and abdominal pain. Other studies
show that peppermint boosts memory,
increases alertness and energy, reduces
sleepiness, and improves cognitive and
physical performance. For nausea or
indigestion, blend a few drops with a
tablespoon of honey or agave, then add
to hot water and sip as a tea. For instant
energy and alertness, sprinkle peppermint
oil on a handkerchief, or take a sniff
directly from the bottle.➍ EUCALYPTUS. A type of evergreen
tree native to Australia, eucalyptus
(Eucalyptus globulus) has powerful anti-
bacterial, antiviral, and anti-infl ammatory
eff ects, and can improve immune response.
Eucalyptus oil is traditionally used for
respiratory ailments, and studies show
that it’s eff ective in easing bronchitis,
sinusitis, asthma, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD), and other
conditions. To open sinuses and clear
congestion, add a few drops to a pot of
steaming water, lean your face over the
pot (don’t get too close, to avoid burning
skin), cover your head with a towel, and
inhale deeply. Or add a few drops to a
diff user; combine it with oregano, tea
tree, thyme, or rosemary for extra
pathogen-fi ghting potential.➎ ROSE. Usually made
from the Damask rose (Rosa
damascena), rose oil comes
in several forms. Rose
otto is the essential
oil derived by
steam or water
distillation of
rose petals; the
water liquidthat remains is called rose hydrosol. Some
rose oils are extracted using a solvent,
yielding what’s called rose absolute.
While all are common in aromatherapy,
rose otto is the preferred (though more
expensive) form. Traditionally used to ease
stress, soothe grief, and calm anxiety,
rose oil is also considered an aphrodisiac,
lifting mood and improving libido. It’s an
excellent essential oil for skin conditions,
especially dry, sensitive, or mature skin,
and can also help tame acne and blemishes.
To soften, smooth, and heal skin, add a
few drops to your regular moisturizer, or
dilute one-to-one with sweet almond oil
and apply directly to skin. Or inhale right
from the bottle to relieve sadness and
improve mood.➏ LEMONGRASS. From Cymbopogon
citratus, a tropical plant native to South
Asia, lemongrass is rich in fl avonoids
and phenolic compounds that have
potent antibacterial, antifungal, and
anti-infl ammatory properties. Studies
show that it can reduce skin infl ammation,
treat infections, heal wounds, and control
bacterial growth, and is helpful even
against drug-resistant bacteria. It’s also
been shown to help relieve arthritis pain,
reduce gingivitis, improve oral health,
and calm anxiety when inhaled. For
infl ammation and joint pain, add lemongrass
oil to sweet almond oil or jojoba oil and
massage into skin. Add a few drops to
warm water and use as a mouthwash,
or inhale directly from the bottle to ease
anxiety and boost mood.(^36) • JULY
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