Essential oils have been a part of the lifestyle and Ayurvedic healing for over 6000 years. They are primarily used for Ayurveda healing  therapies, aromatherapy, medicine, room fresheners and, work as a valuable addition to skin, hair, beauty and healthcare collection. Before we deep dive into the usage and benefits of essential oils, it is crucial to understand their significance. These incredibly potent oils are concentrated compounds extracted from plants to capture their “essence”, flavour, scent and overall beneficial factors. There are various types of oils available in the market but it is important to choose the one that is most beneficial for you.

Essential oils are used, along with a carrier oil to dilute and make it suitable for usage. Here is a compilation of some of the most beneficial oils along with their uses and benefits. 

• Lavender, Roman Chamomile & Rose- The subtle floral and herbal notes in these oils help you relax and sleep by calming your mind. Moreover, breathing in the scent of lavender has been found to help cure headaches while Roman Chamomile can treat conditions like eczema and inflammation. The inhalation of the sweet notes of Rose can calm your anxiety and is even helpful in treating acne, improving the texture and complexion of your skin to achieve an overall younger-looking skin. Apart from these, lavender and chamomile oils are highly beneficial in normalizing the digestion and energy levels of your body for people suffering from the Pitta Dosha
• Lemongrass- A medium citrusy oil with a herbal base; lemongrass oil works best for uplifting your mood and, a quick mental cleanse
• Peppermint- You will immediately sense a cooling effect by inhaling this minty herbal scent. Peppermint oil releases energizing and relaxing effects along with helping in the ease of muscle relaxation and provides relief from sunburn
• Orange- It is a no brainer that Orange oil is filled with the goodness of Vitamin C- that has various skin benefits, helps calm anxiety and offers relief for some pain   
• Tea Tree- This essential oil comes with a range of strengths and is used as an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory treatment. 
• Ylang Ylang- The oil made from this exotic flower emits an intense combination of spicy and sweet scents. It is found to be used in the beauty and cosmetics industry. This oil has a sensual aroma that is a great self-esteem booster, soothing, stress and tension relaxing!

The usage of essential oils in Ayurveda is done in the form of Aromatherapy to heal doshas and their elements namely Kapha, Pitta and Vata. Vata aggravation is treated by using heavy oils, calming and warming such as rosewood, cinnamon, sage, basil orange to name a few. To control the effects of Pitta in the body, oils like sandalwood, rose, mint, fennel jasmine, etc. are used as they have cooling and calming properties and a sweet aroma. Lastly, oils with warming, lightening and stimulating aromas like lime, orange, thyme, eucalyptus, etc are used to cure Kapha dosha.

Apart from the usage and benefits in your daily life and Ayurvedic healing, it is crucial to ensure the safety precautions are taken while using these oils. Few tips to note shall be to not swallow these essential oils and must always be diluted in a carrier oil before application.