Discover The Top 7 Indian Essential Oils - Benefits, & Ways To Use

India, a land of vibrant colors, rich culinary traditions, diverse cultures, and ancient practices, is the proud birthplace of Ayurveda, a holistic wellness system dating back to 5000 BC. Ayurveda uses nature’s gifts to enhance well-being and heal both body and mind. From the lush green forests of the north to the tropical paradise of 'God’s own country' in the south, India offers some of the purest and most potent essential oils in the world. Here is a list of the top 7 Indian essential oils, celebrated for their remarkable medicinal properties and versatile uses. Get ready to elevate your lifestyle with these natural treasures with promising medicinal values.

1. Curry leaf essential oil

   Curry Leaf Essential Oil is commonly used to promote healthy and rapid hair growth. Wonder why Indians and curry leaves are inseparable? curry leaves are a native to India and they end up being added to every possible food item and with good reason. The luscious green leaves which are grown over most regions of India have a wide range of benefits.

   Curry leaf essential oil - Benefits & How to use

   
   
   • Curry leaves are rich in proteins and beta-carotene which help improve the strength of follicles and roots, reducing hair loss. It additionally treats greying hair, restoring its original color. Being rich in antioxidants it treats dandruff and other scalp allergies. Mix 2-3 drops of this Indian essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and apply it on the scalp and massage, let it stay for a couple of hours before you wash.
   • It is also known to reduce stress and anxiety, bringing about a sense of calm and peace. Apply a few drops on your pillow or diffuse it to reduce your stress and blues. 
   • Other benefits of curry essential oil include treating infection, wounds, cuts and boils. Applying curry leaf oil enhances healing and promotes regeneration.
   

   Curry leaf essential oil Blends Well With Indian Basil, Rose, Nutmeg, Clary Sage, Cinnamon, And Cardamon

   For more information check out our detailed guide to curry leaf essential oil

2. Rosewood essential oil

   Rosewood essential oil native to the heart of India, is your ticket to aromatic bliss! Known for its rich, woody, and floral scent, this essential oil brings a touch of luxury to your daily routine. Extracted from the precious rosewood tree, it’s a natural mood booster and stress-buster, perfect for turning any space into a serene sanctuary. Rosewood essential oil is also widely used in making soaps, lotions, and deodorants.

   Rosewood essential oil - Benefits & How to use 

   
   
   • For emotional balance, dilute a few drops of rosewood oil using a carrier oil and rub 1-2 drops of the diluted oil on your palms and inhale directly or spritz it on your pillow before you hit the bed. 
   • Rosewood is used in the treatment of pimples and acne, additionally, it is used on the skin as a cleanser and toner. Mix 2-3 drops to a carrier oil and apply on the face or add it to the face wash that you use on a daily basis. 
   • Rosewood is an excellent antiseptic that helps in treating insect bites, cuts, and open wounds. Apply 1-2 drops of the diluted mixture on the affected spot. It is also known to keep away insects and bugs. it can be diffused or sprayed after diluting with water.
   

   Rosewood essential oil blends Well With Citrus And Floral Scents like lemon, orange, lavender, and geranium to name a few.

   For more information about rosewood oil check out our detailed guide to rosewood essential oil

3. Pine essential oil

   Pine essential oil, specifically the one derived from Himalayan pine, has roots in the Indian subcontinent. The Himalayan pine, native to the mountainous regions of the Himalayas, has long been valued in traditional Indian practices. The essential oil extracted from this species has been used for its energizing and purifying properties. Its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties make it essential for skincare and effective in treating muscle aches, and joint discomfort.

   Indian Pine essential oil - Benefits & How to use 

   
   
   • Pine essential oil's anti-inflammatory properties help alleviate pain and promote relaxation. It can be diluted with a carrier oil like sweet almond or jojoba oil and used for massages to relieve muscle aches and joint discomfort. 
   • Add a few drops of pine essential oil to a diffuser to purify the air and uplift the mood. Its fresh, piney scent can help overcome laziness and low spirits, promoting a sense of clarity and revitalization in the atmosphere.
   • Mix pine essential oil with a gentle carrier oil such as almond or rosehip oil. Apply this blend on a daily basis to wrinkled or sagging skin areas to rejuvenate and tighten the skin. Pine essential oil's astringent properties help improve skin tone and texture over time.
   

   Pine essential oil blends well with Frankincense, Clary Sage, Rosemary, Eucalyptus And Lavender

   For more information about pine essential oil in general check out our detailed Guide to pine essential oil

4. Indian basil essential oil

   Indian basil essential oil is commonly referred to as the holy basil essential oil. Indian basil or tulsi means the ‘chosen one’, and the ‘elixir of life’. Now you can guess why it is worshipped in India. The ‘holy basil’ holds religious values in India and most people can be seen drinking the ‘tulsi water’ which is considered a miracle healer. It is an important constituent of most Ayurvedic medicines as it is used in treating asthma, stress, fever, diabetes, and plenty of other ailments. Studies prove that Indian basil reduces anxiety and stress by producing cortisol in the body.  What makes it potent is its richness in vitamins A and C. There are plenty of research papers on the medicinal values of tulsi which make it a hard one to miss.

   Indian basil essential oil - Benefits & How to use 

   
   
   • When used in Aromatherapy Indian basil essential oil is said to reduce feelings of fatigue, stress, and anxiety. Diffuser Basil essential oil in an essential oil diffuser to enjoy its aromatherapeutic benefits
   • Indian basil is rich in linoleic acid which is beneficial for the skin, it not only treats pimples and acne but reduces the chances of repeated breakouts. Add a few drops of holy basil oil to a carrier oil or daily moisturizer and apply the mixture to your skin regularly.
   • Indian basil essential oil can be inhaled to ease symptoms of common cold, cough, and nasal congestion. Inhale the aroma of holy basil oil directly from the bottle or add a few drops to a tissue or handkerchief to inhale the aroma.
   

   Indian basil essential oil blends Well With Lavender, Lemon, Geranium, Cedarwood, Rosemary, and Clary Sage

   For more information about Indian basil or holy basil essential oil check out our detailed guide to Indian basil essential oil

5. Jasmine essential oil

   Indian Jasmine essential oil is also known as the “the queen of fragrances” for its alluring sweet fragrance, and Aphrodisiac properties. It is predominantly used in making perfumes and soaps owing to its rich uplifting aroma. In India, you would find women adorning their hair with jasmine flowers not only for its strikingly sweet aroma but also for its ability to bring about a sense of peace and calm. Research says the calming effect of jasmine is as good as valium but without side effects. 

   Jasmine essential oil - Benefits & How to use 

   
   
   • Jasmine oil when diffused creates an invigorating atmosphere that helps reduce stress, tension, and nervousness.
   • It is useful in reducing scars and blemishes and also helps treat acne and pimples. A few drops of jasmine essential oil can be diluted using a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil and applied to the affected spot on the skin.
   • This essential oil carrier oil mixture when applied to the scalp helps prevent dryness and itching
   

   Jasmine essential oil blends well with Frankincense, lemon, bergamot, rose and peppermint

   For more information about Jasmine essential oil check out our detailed guide to jasmine essential oil

6. Sandalwood essential oil

   Sandalwood trees are native to India, particularly the south Indian states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Indian sandalwood is highly prized and considered one of the best in the world. It is renowned for its spiritual, medicinal, and aromatic uses. Known for its calming and grounding properties, the Indian sandalwood essential oil has a warm, woody scent that is highly valued in perfumery and skincare. Try our sandalwood reed diffuser for effortless 24*7 diffusion of sandalwood in your living space.

   Indian Sandalwood essential oil - Benefits & How to use 

   
   
   • Sandalwood oil is known for its calming and relaxing properties, making it ideal for reducing stress and anxiety. Diffuse the sandalwood oil into the air, creating a calming atmosphere that promotes relaxation.
   • It has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe and heal the skin, making it suitable for dry, irritated skin, and acne-prone skin. Mix 3-4 drops of sandalwood essential oil in a tablespoon of coconut oil and apply to the skin.
   • Apply the sandalwood roll-on perfume to pulse points such as wrists and neck. This application method not only provides a pleasant fragrance but also offers stress relief and mental clarity.
   

   Indian Sandalwood essential oil blends well with lavender, patchouli, bergamot, rose and ylang-ylang

7. Vetiver essential oil

   Vetiver, native to India, is more than just a plant—it's a cornerstone of traditional Indian medicine and culture. From its extensive root system comes vetiver essential oil, prized for its deep, earthy fragrance that embodies strength and grounding. In Ayurvedic practices, vetiver oil is cherished for its calming properties, aiding in meditation and promoting emotional balance. Vetiver essential oil from India is used in perfumes and skincare for a calming, rejuvenating experience that connects users with the region's natural heritage and healing traditions.

   Vetiver essential oil - Benefits & How to use

   
   
   • For pain relief, Dilute vetiver essential oil with a carrier oil like jojoba or evening primrose and apply it to the affected area to reduce pain and inflammation.
   • Diffuse a few drops of vetiver essential oil using a diffuser to promote relaxation and reduce stress & anxiety.
   • Dilute 4 to 5 drops of vetiver oil with a tablespoon of almond carrier oil for a full-body massage to ease tension and enhance relaxation.
   

   Vetiver essential oil blends well with nutmeg, patchouli, and black pepper essential oils

   For more information about vetiver essential oil check out our detailed guide to vetiver essential oil

Whether you’re looking to enhance your skincare routine, uplift your mood, or find natural remedies for everyday ailments, these seven Indian essential oils—Curry Leaf, Rosewood, Pine, Indian Basil, Jasmine, Sandalwood, and Vetiver—provide a natural path to wellness and vitality. Embrace the essence of India and let these oils transform your lifestyle with their timeless benefits and uses.