Essential oils have natural healing properties that are helpful in treating common health problems. They can be safely used for inhaling, massaging or in bath. Below are some useful essential oils with curative properties

1. Marjoram

Marjoram is a popular aromatic flavoring. The oil is extracted from the plant by distillation. It has a powerful head clearing aroma and an uplifting effect on the spirit. Marjoram blends very well with lemon essential oil.

Marjoram essential oil is helpful for:

1. anxiety and depression: Inhale, use in the bath or in a vaporizer.

2. Constipation: Blend into carrier oil and massage into the abdomen to relieve spasm in the intestines.

3. Head cold: Inhale, or use to massage face and neck.

4. Insomnia: Use in the bath or inhale.

5. Muscular aches and pains: Use in carrier oil to massage the affected parts, or add to the bath.

2. Myrrh

Myrrh essential oil is produced from the resin of the myrrh tree. It has been used since ancient Egyptian times for its rejuvenating qualities and is one of the oils used for embalming.

Myrrh essential oil is helpful for:

1. Cuts and grazes: Bath the area in a solution of five drops to 2 tsp (10 ml) of cooled, boiled water.

2. Coughs: Blend into carrier oil and massage the chest and throat or inhale.

3. Mouth ulcers, inflamed and sore gums: Add five drops to a medium size glass of warm water and use as a gargle several times a day.

3. Niaouli

Niaouli oil is produced by steam distillation from the leaves of the niaouli tree, which is native to New Caledonia. It is an excellent antiseptic.

Niaouli essential oil is helpful for:

1. acne and problem skin: Blend in carrier oil for massage or add six drops to ½ pt (300 ml) of boiled water and use as a skin tonic.

2. Bronchitis, chesty cough: Inhale, or mix with a carrier oil and massage the chest.

3. Catarrh: Inhale.

4. Grazes: Dilute six drops of niaouli oil in 300 ml of boiled water - very good for removing dirt from wounds.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.