Try: Bergamot, Chamomile, Neroli

These essential oils have direct effect on the parts of our brain that control stress, anxiety, fear, and depression. A study conducted using bergamot, in particular, concluded that even ten minutes of weekly inhalation resulted in a significant reduction of blood pressure and heart rate, while balancing nerves and reducing anxiety.

Try: Grapefruit, Juniper, Cypress

Researchers have found that some aromas stimulate sympathetic nerves in the brain and these increase the production of uncoupled proteins, which help eliminate fat cells in the body. Among the most effective aromas they found? Grapefruit!

Try: Lemongrass, Mandarin

Citrus oils, such as mandarin, lime and lemongrass have been traditionally viewed as the Prozacs of essential oils. They all contain an ingredient called limonene, which may be the element that gives these oils their “good to be alive” effects.

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Try: Lavender, Bergamot

Did you know that you can still smell when you’re asleep? Researchers have measures brain-pattern reactions to certain aromas when people are asleep and awake, and they match. This means that if you use a scent to help you nod off, it has the same sedative effect all night. Two of the best essential oils to use for this are lavender and bergamot.

Try: Sage, Peppermint, Cinnamon

In need of a natural morning pick-me-up that doesn’t involve caffeine or a rooster? The three essential oils listed above help to wake up the mind, focus your senses, and improve your memory. Plus, it’s a natural cure for headaches. If you’re working to wean yourself off of that morning cup of coffee, these are the oils for you.

Try: Mint, Ginger, Lemon

Ginger has been used as a nausea remedy in various traditional systems of medicine for more than 2,000 years. While several studies have shown the efficacy of mint oil in reducing post-operative nausea and vomiting. Lemon, meanwhile, contains limonene that imparts a feel-good factor when inhaled.

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Try: Lavender, Chamomile, Clarysage

What makes essential oils special is that, besides easing the pain, they help remedy at least some of the conditions that caused the pain. For instance, lavender essential oil commonly used to relieve headaches and neck pain also helps reduce the stress and anxiety that could be the underlying cause of these painful conditions.

Try: Ylang-ylang, Vetiver, Pine

Vetiver, Pine and Ylang-Ylang can all act as an effective antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic and sedative. But the latter, in particular, has a positive effect on immune health, blood flow and emotions, making it a natural remedy for the endocrine, cardiovascular, reproductive and digestive systems.

Try: Rosewood, Frankincense, Myrrh

You can use essential oils as an anti-ageing treatment for your face. Rosewood keeps skin moisturised and firm, renews cell membranes and regenerates the skin. While Myrrh oil is also an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, and can prevent your skin cells from dying prematurely. Frankincense, meanwhile, protects existing cells and promotes the growth of new cells.

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Try: Rose, Sandalwood

As we age, our skin gets thinner, drier and less elastic. The skin also tends to sag as components such as collagen and elastin are reduced. Essential oils can help by keeping your skin moisturised, and can thereby prevent some of the damage resulting from a lack of elasticity. Effective oils to use in this regard are Rose oil and Sandalwood.

(Text by Suzanne Wangmann, bauersyndication.com.au / Additional Reporting by Natalya Molok)