How Essential Oils Support the Body – Part 1

Hello. In this post, I’d like to talk about the actions of essential oils.

 

Each essential oil is made up of a variety of components, and depending on those components, it exerts not just one but several actions. These can work on the body, the mind, or both.

Even oils from the same type of plant are not always exactly the same — their chemical composition can change depending on growing conditions such as rainfall and sunlight. Still, their basic structure and range of effects remain consistent.

When I reviewed my notes, I counted around 60 different therapeutic properties! But here, I’ll introduce some of the representative ones, along with examples of essential oils that contain these properties in high amounts. I also chose oils that I personally use, trying not to repeat the same oils across categories.

👉 In this post, I’ll share the first half of the physical effects. In the next blog, I’ll cover the remaining physical effects, followed by the mental and emotional effects.

 

Analgesic & Anti-inflammatory

Examples: Wintergreen, Lavender, German Chamomile, Lemon Eucalyptus, Ginger

Depending on the need, these may be chosen to support skin health, ease joint and muscle pain, or help relieve headaches.

Antiseptic

(It is often said that all essential oils contain some antiseptic effect, acting against bacteria, viruses, or fungi.)

Examples: Tea Tree, Thyme, Lemon, Oregano, Ravensara

Helpful during seasonal changes, colds, or when you want to freshen the air.

 

Antispasmodic (relieving muscle spasms or cramps)

Examples: Roman Chamomile, Ylang Ylang, Tarragon, Petitgrain, Clove

Used for menstrual pain, muscle spasms, coughs, and other tension-related symptoms.

Expectorant (promoting the expulsion of mucus)

Examples: Niaouli, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sweet Bay

It’s especially effective to use these oils in a blend for steam inhalation. The warm vapor helps carry the molecules deep into the respiratory system, supporting clearer breathing and easing congestion.

👉 You can explore my custom steam inhalation blends here.

 

✨ All of these therapeutic properties can be incorporated into my bespoke aromatherapy blends — whether as body oils, face oils, diffuser blends, or steam inhalation. Each formula is created individually, based on your needs and scent preferences.

👉 Discover my full range of bespoke products here.

 

✨ That’s all for today.

Next time, I’ll continue with other physical effects, and after that, move on to the fascinating mental and emotional actions of essential oils.