The use of essential oils for health purposes goesback to ancient times and history often credits the ancient Egyptians withbeing the first society to use these oils. Hippocrates from ancient Greece isalso credited with using essential oils for their healing and curativeproperties. Using oils has become a very popular way to promote optimal healthusing a holistic approach. A lot of research is being done to see which oilswork best for which ailments, but it is already known that they do havehealth-promoting properties.Essential Oils You Need on Hand in the Winter Essential oils are a type of oil that is extractedfrom a variety of aromatic plants. There are so many different oils availabletoday that you surely feel overwhelmed when you are trying to choose the onesthat you need most. During the winter season, there are certain threats to yourhealth that you want to be able to combat and this is where you can narrow downthe list of the best essential oils to keep on hand. There are five essentialoils in particular that are especially helpful in keeping you healthy throughout the season. You can use these oils a number of different ways to help fight your illnesses.1. Lavender Oil Lavender is definitely one of the most popularessential oils and it has antibacterial, antidepressant and anti-inflammatoryeffects. This oil is especially helpful in clearing up a stuffy nose, making itideal for allergies and minor illnesses like the common cold. It can also helpbreak up congestion when you add five drops to your humidifier each day. The cold weather of the winter season can do a numberon your skin and leave it dry and flaky. This essential oil has moisturizingeffects to help keep your skin hydrated and healthy. You can also combine itwith other skin-healthy oils, such as jojoba oil, for an extra burst ofhydration.2. Oregano Oil Oregano essential oil has very powerfulimmune-boosting, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory andantibacterial properties. If you were to choose only one essential oil for thewinter, oregano should be it. All of these properties come together to fightoff illness, make your immune system stronger to prevent illness and toalleviate certain symptoms associated with fall illnesses like the cold andflu. It is especially helpful for relieving a sore throat. If you experience anxiety and have difficultysleeping, this essential oil is helpful. It induces feelings of inner serenityand calmness so that you are able to relax and fall asleep when you are readyfor bed. It also helps to reduce the fear associated with anxiety.3. Lemon Oil Lemon essential oil has mood-boosting, astringent andantibacterial effects. You can use this oil to help prevent illness or to helpfight illness if you are already sick. You can also use lemon around your hometo clean because it will remove germs and bacteria from your floors andsurfaces. Since many germs crop up in the winter, it is important to frequentlyclean your home with something like lemon that is able to kill germs so thatthey do not stick around and make you sick. The scent of lemons has the ability to boost your moodand alleviate your stress. Lemon oil also has the unique ability to reduce yoursugar cravings because it naturally reduces your desire to eat sweets.4. Peppermint Oil Peppermint is certainly good at freshening yourbreath, but one of its most important properties is as a mood booster. It alsohas immune-boosting properties and works to reduce your appetite. During thewinter months, the days are shorter and those who are prone to depression andanxiety may notice that their symptoms are worse. Peppermint helps to eliminatefatigue and ease depression and anxiety so that you are able to go about yourdays without interruption. Peppermint helps to stimulate your immune system, butif you are already sick, it can help with several symptoms that are common withwinter illnesses. If you have a sinus headache, you must alleviate the pressurefrom your sinuses for it to go away. Peppermint helps to relieve this sinuspressure and drain your sinuses so that you can get rid of the pain andstuffiness.5. Frankincense Oil Frankincense has immune-boosting and purifyingproperties which can help to prevent you from getting sick during the winterseason. Since this is the prime time to catch the common cold or influenza,using frankincense regularly is a good idea so that you can get through theseason without getting sick. When combined with frequent hand washing, you willfind that your immune system is stronger and that you are more resistant toillness. When the days start to get shorter during this season,some people find themselves feeling a bit down and their energy is not as highas it is during the summer months. Frankincense helps to improve your mood andalleviate anxiety. It also helps to relax you so that you can sleep. You can use essential oils alone or along with otherremedies to keep yourself and your family healthy during the winter months.

Source: 5 Best Essential Oils for Winter