Essential oils – this teeny-tiny obsession of many people is in fact much more than just a nice smell. Many of you use pure essential oils only with an air diffuser to create a pleasant smell in the home, but did you know that these can actually improve your health? They can help you relax, sleep better and even improve your skin tone and get rid of the annoying acne. Simply said, their benefits can go well beyond a pleasant smell.

According to experts, pure essential oils can have a healing effect emotionally, physically and mentally, and you can apply them directly on your skin or even inhale them. They also recommend to be careful and buy only from reliable and reputable stores as there are many fake retailer websites that look like professional online stores when all they actually sell are fakes. A lot of people get confused and think that essentials oils are ‘too oily’, but the truth is different; their lack of fatty acids makes them oil-free. They are highly concentrated plant components, which means it takes a huge amount of a plant to extract a small portion of pure essential oil. This, in fact, is the reason why some essential oils are more expensive than others.

Regardless their type, there are some generals rules you need to follow when it comes to applying essential oils. Since pure essential oils are medicinal and steam distilled, never apply them directly onto the skin as their high plant concentration may irritate your skin and cause some other reactions. Instead, dilute them with water, almond, jojoba or carrier oil. Another important thing to bear in mind is that you shouldn’t ingest essential oils, and always consult your doctor about health concerns, especially if you notice some changes in your well-being. Take a look at the three most popular essential oils and their use.

Lavender Oil

According to experts on essential oils, lavender is the most versatile oil as it is well-known for its relaxing effects on people, but it is also used on cuts, bruises and for reducing skin irritation. Since lavender can reduce stress, you can put a few drops of lavender oil in your bath or in the air diffuser to relax at night.

Chamomile Oil

Besides used as a tea, chamomile is considered as one of the gentlest oils as it is great for treating morning sickness, nausea, and any digestive disorder. Its scent is sweet, soothing and relaxing, and the oil itself is a wonderful antidepressant and stress relieve ‘weapon’. In a combination with lavender oil it is used to help relieve muscle tension, headaches and migraines. Since chamomile oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities, it is perfect for treating several skin conditions like red, dry and sensitive skin.

Tea Tree

Extracted from the Australian plant Melaleuca alternifolia, tea tree is an oil that can be used topically and is great for treating several skin problems like blemishes and fungus. It is found in many skin care products, but you can use it pure and apply it directly on acne blemishes or skin fungal infection with the help of a cotton swab.