Depending on how you choose to look at this issue, both sides of the divide will have support and proof why pharmaceuticals work better than essential oils and vice versa. Many of us are accustomed to popping pills at the slightest feeling of pain without a care of the cause and whether other options apply.

To date, the fad of natural treatments continues, and with good reason. Many of those who have used both treatments have yielded better results from oil extracts with little to no side effects. According to health Impact News, drugs and oils work in opposite ways. Drugs toxify. Oils detoxify. Drugs clog and confuse receptor sites. Oils clean receptor sites. The list goes on and on.

Before jumping the gun, do your due diligence and make a decision from an informed point.

Well, these tried and tested natural oils claim to be better than what your doctor prescribes you. To purchase any of these, they can be found in Healthy U outlets and selected distributors.

Tea tree oil

Also known as melaleuca, it boasts of antiviral properties great for banishing germs, so much so that it may help with periodontal disease. When applied topically it can treat foot fungus and help reduce acne.

Lavender oil

This fragrant oil extracted mostly from flowers of the lavender plant will have you hooked to its many benefits. It has the ability to eliminate nervous tension, relieve pain, disinfect the scalp and skin, enhance blood circulation, reduce allergies, promote sleep, clear sinuses and treat respiratory problems.

Oregano oil

This is not just another great spice found in the kitchen. The oil is respected for its antimicrobial properties with many medicinal properties as well. These include antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, digestive, emmenagogue and also contains an anti-allergenic substance. You can use drops of the oregano oil in warm water to gargle away a sore throat or inhale it directly to clear air passages.

Peppermint

From its high presence of menthol, menthone and methyl esters, peppermint and peppermint oil have been put to use in so many ways including production of hygiene products, chewing gum to ice cream. A cross between a watermint and a spearmint,  it has the ability to treat indigestion, respiratory problemsheadaches, heart burn, menstrual crumps, nausea, fever, stomach and bowel spasms and pain in general. Unlike many herbs and oils, the numerous health benefits of peppermint have been proven and tested scientifically.

Frankincense oil

Extracted from the gum or resin of frankincense or olibanum trees, whose scientific name is Boswellia carteri, frankincense has a long history of medicinal purposes. Its benefits can be attributed to its properties as an antiseptic, disinfectant, astringent, carminative, cicatrizant, cytophylactic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, sedative, tonic, uterine and a vulnerary substance. To offer relief for digestive or nervous issues, inhale a few drops. To treat minor injuries apply it topically.