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Wellness

Essential Oils 101: Which One Works Best for You?

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Wilfrid Laurier chapter.

Essential oils have slowly gained popularity over the last couple of years, for allegedly having healing properties and psychological benefits. And while essential oils certainly can’t cure diseases or replace vaccines (I’m looking at you, anti-vaxxers), they actually do have some benefits to them, and each type has a different purpose.

Chamomile or Lavender: Healing/Sleep

While they are notorious for their relaxing properties, lavender and chamomile have a few more uses. Chamomile can soothe irritated skin, if diluted. Lavender can alleviate headaches while reducing the itchiness of mosquito bites.

Clary Sage: Hair

Clary sage has an earthy, inviting scent when diffused, but can also be diluted into a hair rinse that promotes growth and shine.

Rose: Healthy skin

Rose oil smells amazing when diffused. It can also be added to a toner to brighten and add moisture to the skin.

Frankincense: Bad breath

Frankincense has been used for centuries to cure bad breath, prevent mouth sores, toothaches and cavities. Just be careful and make sure to dilute it.

Peppermint: Relief

Known for its cooling feel, this oil can help muscle pain when rubbed into the skin, and also relieve tension headaches when massaged into the temples. Peppermint oil should not be ingested.

Lemon oil: Nausea

Lemon oil is full of antioxidants, which can help relieve nausea and boost energy levels. It should be very diluted if placed on the skin, and it shouldn’t be left on if you are planning on going outside, since it’s very photosensitive.

If you’re not sure which oil is best for you, simply consult this guide and enjoy all that essential oils have to offer!

Hailey Inman

Wilfrid Laurier '23

Hailey Inman is a first year Psychology major who's minoring in french. She loves reading, writing and painting.
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Sarah McCann

Wilfrid Laurier '20

Sarah is a fourth year Communications and Psychology major at Wilfrid Laurier University who is passionate abut female empowerment. She is one of two Campus Correspondents for the Laurier Her Campus Chapter! Sarah loves dancing, animals, photography, ice cream, and singing super obnoxiously, in no particular order.