Essential Oils

Our essential oil articles discuss their scientific origin, health benefits, possible uses, potential side effects and drug interactions. Written by qualified journalists or Dr. Axe himself, each piece is based on studies and always fact-checked.

Citronella Oil: Repel Insects, Pain & Stress!

As a concentrated form of antioxidants and phytochemicals taken from the plant’s stems and leaves, citronella oil has been used for centuries in China, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Its uses include helping decrease rashes, inflammation, infections, ...

Hyssop Benefits for Respiratory Conditions & Gut Hut

Hyssop has been used for centuries as an antiseptic agent, and it's commonly used in essential oil form as a medicinal plant and aromatic herb. In fact, hyssop essential oil spiritual uses date back thousands ...

Basil Essential Oil Fights Bacteria, Colds & Bad Odor

Basil essential oil, derived from the Ocimum basilicum plant, is commonly used to enhance the flavor of many recipes today. However, its uses extend far beyond the culinary world. Basil essential oil (sometimes called “sweet basil ...

7 Benefits of Gardenia Flowers & Gardenia Essential Oil

Most of us know gardenias as the big, white flowers that grow in our gardens or the source of a strong, floral smell that is used to make things like lotions and candles. But did ...

21 Anti-Aging Essential Oils & Carrier Oils

Aging is a natural part of life, which is why it's important to support your skin’s vitality along the way. With more people turning to holistic skin care, anti-aging essential oils have become popular and ...

Cassia Oil Benefits for Circulation, Arthritis, Depression & More

Cassia oil, a warm and spicy essential oil derived from the bark of the Cinnamomum cassia tree, has been treasured for centuries for its powerful therapeutic properties. Often overshadowed by its close relative, cinnamon, cassia ...

Top 10 Essential Oils for Allergies (& How to Use Them)

Over the last several decades, the rise in the prevalence of allergic diseases and disorders has continued in the industrialized world. Allergic rhinitis, the medical term for hay fever and what's behind those unpleasant seasonal ...

Arnica Oil Benefits for Hair, Pain Relief and More

Have a bump? A bruise? Arnica oil may be the perfect remedy for so many of those types of common bodily woes. Applied to the skin in the form of an oil, cream, ointment, liniment or ...

Vetiver Essential Oil Benefits for the Body and Mind

Vetiver oil has been used in traditional medicine in South Asia, Southeast Asia and West Africa for thousands of years. It's native to India, and both its leaves and roots have wonderful uses, not to ...

8 Surprising Benefits of Cypress Essential Oil

Cypress essential oil is obtained from the needle-bearing tree of coniferous and deciduous regions, which has the scientific name of Cupressus sempervirens. The cypress tree is an evergreen, with small, rounded and woody cones. It has ...