Beauty
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How do I Choose the Best Organic Essential Oil?

Kerrie Main
Kerrie Main

Aromatherapy the art and science of using the therapeutic properties of organic essential oils in order to promote the well-being of an individual’s mind, physical health and emotions. When beginning to study the different essential oils and choosing specific ones to add to your collection, you must consider several factors. When selecting the best organic essential oil for you and your personal preferences, think about why you want to use the oil and your particular lifestyle needs. Whether you want a calming, therapeutic organic essential oil or one for first aid, you have many oils from which to choose.

The most well-known and popular organic essential oil is lavender oil. Lavender is one of the most versatile essential oils. It is one of the safest essential oils, as it can be used with children and applied directly onto the skin. Lavender works as an antiseptic and is used to heal burns, sunburns, insect bites and stings. It also helps with insomnia, depression, headaches, skin problems and respiratory and digestive disorders.

Ylang ylang, which is often used in organic essential oils.
Ylang ylang, which is often used in organic essential oils.

If you are looking for a purely calming or relaxing organic essential oil, choose from some well-known varieties. Ylang-ylang often is more expensive than other types of oils, but it is a renowned aphrodisiac and antidepressant. Jasmine has similar properties to ylang-ylang, and it also is used for coughs, labor pain and postnatal depression. Most citrus oils, such as lemon and orange, can help with depression and fatigue.

Frankincense, which is used to make an organic essential oil.
Frankincense, which is used to make an organic essential oil.

Therapeutic oils help to treat certain health ailments and conditions. For example, eucalyptus has the distinct odor found in over-the-counter decongestant medicines. If you have recurrent respiratory problems, you can add drops of this oil to your humidifier, on your pillow and in your bath water. Frankincense organic essential oil is used for arthritis and menstrual problems.

An organic essential oil.
An organic essential oil.

Tea tree organic essential oil is one of the most useful first aid oils. This essential oil has been used by the Australian aborigines for years and is a well-known antiseptic. It is used to fight skin infections, blisters and burns, canker sores, diaper rash, acne and fungal infections such as ringworm and athlete’s foot. It also works as an insect repellent and eases diarrhea.

A jar of lotion containing organic essential oils.
A jar of lotion containing organic essential oils.

If you have to choose only one organic essential oil, make sure that it fits your current lifestyle. For example, pregnant women should not be exposed to basil, clary sage, rosemary, sweet fennel, myrrh and others. If you want to use the essential oil on your infant or child, choose one that is safe and that will help in several situations. For example, both lavender and chamomile oil can be used to help with colic, teething and diaper rash problems.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Ylang ylang, which is often used in organic essential oils.
      Ylang ylang, which is often used in organic essential oils.
    • Frankincense, which is used to make an organic essential oil.
      By: unpict
      Frankincense, which is used to make an organic essential oil.
    • An organic essential oil.
      By: wasansrisawat
      An organic essential oil.
    • A jar of lotion containing organic essential oils.
      By: picsfive
      A jar of lotion containing organic essential oils.
    • Jasmine oil has a reputation for having a very relaxing fragrance when used for aromatherapy.
      By: nadsud
      Jasmine oil has a reputation for having a very relaxing fragrance when used for aromatherapy.
    • Tea tree oil can help treat canker sores.
      By: Antonio Gravante
      Tea tree oil can help treat canker sores.
    • Tea tree oil can be used to treat athlete's foot.
      By: roblan
      Tea tree oil can be used to treat athlete's foot.
    • Organic essential oils are very potent and should be handled with care.
      By: viperagp
      Organic essential oils are very potent and should be handled with care.
    • Chammomile oil can be used to help with colicky infants.
      By: Dmytro Panchenko
      Chammomile oil can be used to help with colicky infants.
    • Certain types of organic essential oil may help treat insomnia.
      By: bramgino
      Certain types of organic essential oil may help treat insomnia.
    • Tea tree oil can be used to treat a diaper rash.
      By: michaeljung
      Tea tree oil can be used to treat a diaper rash.
    • Jasmine oil can be used to help women through postpartum depression.
      By: Vanessa van Rensburg
      Jasmine oil can be used to help women through postpartum depression.