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By Carmen Tan

Essential oils are widely sold all around the world. If you’re a health enthusiast and also a fan of amazing scents, purchasing essential oils would be right down your alley. 

These oils do not only smell good, they also do wonders for our skin and hair. Essential oils are made from plant extracts such as leaves, roots, stems and fruits. In general, plants and fruits provide us with nutrients and vitamins that are beneficial for our health. 

We could apply diluted essential oils directly to our skin as our skin could absorb some plant chemicals. Apart from that, you could also inhale them in order to stimulate your limbic system. You could also add a few drops of essential oil into your bathwater for a relaxing bath or add them in a diffuser. Some massage parlours also provide services for aromatherapy massage by using essential oils.   

There are a vast number of benefits when we use essential oils. The main one is to reduce stress and anxiety. Some of the popular essential oils are rosemary which could help stimulate hair growth and improve brain function; sandalwood oil that helps promote healthy looking skin and a good mood enhancer; peppermint oil could be used to treat abdominal pain and nausea; eucalyptus oil could be used to treat cough, cold and disinfect wounds; tea tree oil could be used as an antiseptic for minor cuts and helps cure acne; lavender oil helps a person relax, have a good night’s sleep and curb anxiety while chamomile oil helps to promote sleep and helps with pain relief.

Even when essential oils are considered safe to use, it is still best to consult a doctor and get some professional advice before starting to use any kind of essential oil. It is also advisable to do your research and ensure that the essential oils you purchased are made from pure natural ingredients. 

** The views expressed on this opinion is of the writer and not the publisher