LGR Holistic Wellness

There are many essential oils that are extremely popular, lavender essential oil being one that often springs to mind. However, there are many more that essential oil lovers would recommend to those who may be unfamiliar with the range of available oils, and their positive effects.

Three lesser-known, but still very popular as well as effective, are peppermint, oregano and clove. Let’s take a look at these excellent essential oils.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint is a plant native to Europe and is one of the oldest herbs used for medicinal and herbal treatments.

Peppermint contains calcium which is important for bone health, blood circulation, nervous and muscular system functioning. It also has manganese that is crucial for energy production, brain health, many digestive processes and more. Peppermint also contains omega 3 fatty acids, iron, vitamins A and C.

Peppermint can be used as a massage oil and in a vaporizer. Other people use it as a mouthwash. It is useful for improving mood while reducing congestion and indigestion. It is also known to eliminate irritation while helping an individual become more focused.

You may have eaten a ‘peppermint’ to help stay awake too! So don’t use peppermint oil as a massage oil if you want to get to sleep. It will only keep you awake!

Although peppermint essential oil is generally safe to ingest in small quantities, it should not be taken internally without first consulting an expert. There could be side effects, such as nausea. Avoid direct, undiluted application to the skin as this can cause skin irritation.

Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano is a native plant in the Mediterranean region and in some parts of Western and Southwestern Eurasia. It is also a perennial herb and is sometimes referred to as ‘wild marjoram’.

Oregano essential oil has both antiviral and antibacterial properties. Experts have discovered that oregano has high antibacterial activity, compared to many other oils. It has thymol, cymene and terpinene, which are compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and carminative (reduces flatulence) properties.

It can be used as an antifungal and antiseptic oil. People who have tendonitis, shingles, sore throats, candida, cysts and warts can benefit from using oregano essential oil.

Women who are nursing or pregnant must first consult with their doctor before considering using this oil, or any other essential oil.

This oil can irritate the skin if used in large doses. Those who are allergic to sage, lavender, basil and mint, may experience certain side effects from using oregano essential oil.

Clove Essential Oil

Clove essential oil has antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, analgesic and antioxidant properties. It is rich in fiber, calcium, vitamin K, iron and magnesium. Research shows that clove essential oil has very high antioxidant properties. This makes clove essential oil a powerful remedy for skin infections.

Clove essential oil is very popular for treating toothache pain. It is also known to be effective for treating common digestive problems such as bloating, indigestion and flatulence.

This essential oil can be irritating to the skin and mucous membranes, even if the oil has been diluted in a carrier oil, so use with care.