Aromatherapy uses essential oils that are taken from flowers, bark, stems, and leaves etc. to boost psychological or psychical well-being.

I was given a starter pack of essential oils for Christmas by one of my best friend’s moms a few years ago. At first, I didn’t think they could provide me with anything beneficial besides a pleasing aroma but I was wrong. The four essential oils I will mention are ones that have helped me throughout my days as a college student. Anxiety, sleep problems and lack of energy have plagued me but I can say with confidence that these essential oils gave me that extra oomph I needed.

1. Lavender

Lavender is said to be the most widely used essential oil in the entire world. And that is no accident. There are many benefits that lavender has the on the human body. Lavender can reduce anxiety and emotional stress, improve sleep, restores skin complexion and reduces acne just to name a few. It is also a great massage oil if you’re in a spicy mood.

How it has helped me: I apply lavender to my skin to help me sleep. Right before I lay down at night, I apply lavender to my wrists and neck. It has also helped me when I have been stressed with school. Lavender is a very calming essential oil so it helps me relax my body and mind.

2. Vetiver

This oil has been had so many uses over the last in traditional medicine for the last thousand years in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and West Africa. In some countries, it is known as the “oil of tranquility.” Vetiver is described as a “sweet, woody and smokey” fragrance. Its benefits include healing scars and marks on the skin, improving the immune and nervous system, and relieves anxiety and nervousness. It even repels termites!

How it has helped me: This has helped me during a situation of great panic and smelling this oil calmed me down.

3. Peppermint

Peppermint essential has a plethora of benefits! It can improve mental focus, boost energy and even alleviate tight muscles!

How it has helped me: Good ‘ole peppermint has gotten me through seemingly endless 12-hour shifts, snooze-worthy classes, and mountains of homework. The boost of energy it makes you feel alerted and ready to take on the day. It has also helped me when I have been congested. When I first smelled the oil my sinuses were instantly cleared! I can always count on peppermint oil to come in clutch when I am feeling like a blob.

4. Lemon

What can’t lemon do? If you are going to start using essential oils, I would recommend starting with lemon! Lemon essential oil has an array of benefits from riding people of bad breath to providing immune support. Popular uses of this oil include teeth whitener, cleaning clothes and improving mood. You can’t go wrong with lemon!

How it has helped me: I use lemon essential oil to give myself much needed energy boosts during the week!

5. Eucalyptus:

Eucalyptus trees are not only the main meal of adorable koala bears, its oil also has many uses for us. This includes alleviating cold and flu symptoms, sinus and allergy problems and you can even use it as a hair moisturizer!

How it has helped me: I have used eucalyptus oil for sinus and allergies and my nose thanked me!

These essential oils have turned me into a believer in aromatherapy! Be aware I am not saying to forgo your medicines and just bathe in essential oils but giving these a try will only benefit your life. I recommend doTERRA and nature's alchemy! These brands bring their A game when it comes to quality. Remember if you use any of these or any other essential oils out there be sure to do your research! Visit http://www.aromatherapy.com/ if you are interested in learning more about applying and how to use essential oils safely.

Take it from Jonah Hill, he knows what's up