SO WHAT WORKS?

There are more than 100 essential oils, but some are more widely used than others. Here are the ones to help cure your health hang-ups.

✢ FOR HEADACHE RELIEF

Lavender or peppermint

‘ Lavender oil has been used to soothe headaches for centuries,’ says Jo. Add a few drops to a tissue and inhale. ‘ Peppermint oil is another commonly used essential oil to treat headaches and migraine attacks. It contains menthol, which can help relax muscles and ease pain,’ says Dr Bond.

✢ FOR HAIR GROWTH

Rosemary or peppermint

Rosemary oil performed as well as minoxidil, a popular hair- growth treatment, while it caused less side effects, such as itching, in a six- month long study.

‘ Peppermint oil could also help,’ says Dr Bond. ‘ It creates a cold sensation where it’s applied.

This increases circulation and a laboratory study has shown that it can encourage hair growth.’

✢ FOR BETTER SLEEP

Lavender or sandalwood

Lavender oil promoted deep sleep, which led participants to feel more energised the next day, in a US study*. ‘ Spray a little lavender water onto a pillow before retiring to encourage a restful night’s sleep,’ says Julia.

In addition, ‘ Sandalwood, which is rich in alpha and beta- santalol compounds, has recognised sedative effects,’ says Dr Bond.

✢ FOR NASAL CONGESTION Eucalyptus or peppermint

‘ Essential oils are a popular natural treatment for sinus congestion and a blocked nose. Several, including eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint and tea tree, also have antimicrobial properties,’ says Dr Bond. This means that they also help fight infection and prevent the spread of airborne germs.

Add a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil to a bowl of hot water and inhale.

✢ FOR ANXIETY Lavender

Several essential oils can help with anxiety, including bergamot, lemon, rose, neroli and cedarwood, but lavender has the most scientific backing. Inhaling its scent significantly lowered anxiety, found a 2019 study**.

✢ FOR REPELLING INSECTS Citronella, peppermint or cedarwood

Citronella is a natural mosquito repellent. ‘ This can either be diffused into the air or applied to the skin as a flower water, as long as it’s applied regularly,’ says Julia.

‘ Peppermint is considered a spider deterrent,’ adds Jo. Place two drops on a cotton- wool ball and place where you’d like to keep spider- free. ‘ Finally, cedarwood is an effective moth repellant. Again, put two drops on cotton wool and place it among your clothing.’