Research indicates that inhaling rosemary oil helps prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical important for thinking, concentration and memory ( 6, 7). Rosemary oil can be inhaled or applied topically. It’s very concentrated, so you should only use a few drops at a time. The small bottles in which it’s sold contain plastic droppers that make it easier to dispense single droplets.

Hongratanaworakit T, et al. (2006). Relaxing effect of ylang ylang oil on humans after transdermal absorption. DOI:Essential oils, or aromatherapy oils, are made from natural plant extracts which can be found in the flowers, roots, leaves, seeds and bark. Traditionally, tea tree oil has been used by Aboriginal people as a natural antiseptic, as well as for insect bites and stings. When people with alopecia areata rubbed a rosemary essential oil blend into their scalp each day for seven months, 44% showed improvement in their hair loss compared to only 15% in the control group, who used the neutral oils jojoba and grapeseed ( 14).

Orchard A, et al. (2017). Commercial essential oils as potential antimicrobials to treat skin diseases. DOI: Neeti Mehra writes about sustainability for The Spruce. As a researcher and consultant, she has edited three magazines during her career covering a broad range of topics. She is committed to sustainable, slow, and mindful living. She personally uses essential oils as a mood booster and particularly enjoys tea tree, rosemary, lavender, and lemongrass, using them in baths, a diffuser, or applied on her skin after diluting them. Safety: There are a few known side effects. These include nausea, headaches, chills, and vomiting. It can also irritate the skin if you have an intolerance. Roman chamomile Sandalwood Oil:With its distinctive earthy, yet sweet smell, there’s no mistaking the classic scent of sandalwood oil, which is often used in perfumes and air fresheners.

So it is always worth consulting a healthcare professional for advice before using essential oils if you are unsure. Similarly, nursing students who breathed rosemary oil while taking a test reported increased concentration and information recall compared to breathing lavender oil or no essential oil at all ( 8).

Test-tube studies aren’t equivalent to human research that tests essential oils via inhalation or topical application, which are accepted uses for people. Mohebitabar S, et al. (2017). Therapeutic efficacy of rose oil: A comprehensive review of clinical evidence. As well as this, lavender oil can be used to soothe dry skin and help provide relief from insect bites and sunburn, thanks to its soothing properties.

Peppermint oil

At Holland & Barrett, we carry two great brands of pure eucalyptus oil: Miaroma Eucalyptus Pure Essential Oil and Tisserand Organic Eucalyptus Oil. I have been buying from Amphora for nearly 24 years. I started with other companies but chose Amphora because of the reliability and quality of the products. I'm happy to see Amphora going from strength to strength and wish them all good wishes for the future. Maria Stavrinides A young and vibrant company based in London, offer a range of certified organic, cruelty-free, vegan-friendly essential oils and organic skincare products which smell gorgeous and are highly affordable too. Certified Organic Essential Oils Set- 100% Pure Aromatherapy Oils One of the most common types of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, better known as male pattern baldness, though it can also affect females ( 10).