You may have noticed essential oils popping up on our socials of lately and if you've ever treated yourself to a facial or massage you would know that they're an essential part of our practice, but did you know that they also serve a purpose?
Let me explain...
The practice of aromatherapy and using essential oils has been around for centuries. With roots in China, India and Egypt, the aromatic components of plants have been used in resins, balms and oils for medical and religious purposes alike thanks to their physical and psychological properties.
So what is aromatherapy and how do you integrate into your daily life ? Let me unpack it for you…
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing practice that uses natural plant extracts to support the health of the body, mind and spirit and can be used in a number of different ways, but it essential works by focusing primarily on the sense of smell and skin’s ability to absorb products when applied topically.
There are a number of different ways of exploring aromatherapy and the beauty of the practice is you can use your chosen method on its own or together with another and can include, but are not limited to the following ways:
· Inhalation
· Applied to the skin along the pulse points
· Added to a cool or cold compress
· In the form of an aura or room spray
· Added to a diffuser or humidifier
· Dropped into a warm bath
· Added to bath products and skincare
Although oils are widely available here are a few tips to help you make an informed decision when it comes to selecting the best fit and form for you:
1. Know the difference between essential oil and fragrance oil. Essential Oils are concentrated oils that derive from plants that don’t necessarily always smell great, but DO contain the beneficial chemical compounds of the plants they come from. Fragrance Oils are synthetic and although they may smell great, they don’t contain the natural benefits of an essential oil and are often cheaper as they’re cheaper to make and often significantly diluted
2. Keep an eye out for the Latin Name
High quality essential oils will often list the Latin name of the plant species that it derives from.
3. Trust your nose
Because essential oils are concentrated, they often have a strong, very distinct smell and while certain oils are more subtle, the scent itself should be unmistakable and if you detect a hint of alcohol or it smells even the slightest bit chemical … steer clear !
4. Think about the cost
Per ml, essential oils can cost a pretty penny, but that’s largely due to the
Anyone that uses essential oils would know that we’re spoilt for choice, there’s so many beautiful blends out there and it can be hard to choose, so here are some popular oils that are packed full of benefits for you internal, external and mental health:
1. Lavender
- Supports a restful sleep
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Calms the nervous system
- Relieves menstrual pain
- Moisturising for dry skin
- Migraine relief
- Boosts circulation
2. Clary Sage
- Hormonal balance
- Relieves anxiety and depression
- Increases circulation
- Reduces inflammation
- Tones skin, muscles and hair
- Reduces muscle spasms
- Natural antiseptic
3. Bergamot
- Antioxidant
- Improves digestion
- Enhances metabolism
- Protects the nervous system
- Boosts self esteem
- Reduces eczema and dermatitis
- Antibacterial
4. Lemongrass
- Detoxifying
- Boost immunity
- Maintains cellular health
- Anti-inflammatory
- Regulates intestinal function
- Purifies the liver, kidneys and bladder
5. Eucalyptus
- Boosts brain function
- Relieves muscle and joint pain
- Antiviral
- Wound healing
- Follicle stimulant
- Promotes skin healing
6. Ylang Ylang
- Energizing
- Helps maintain skin health
- Reduces microbial growth
- Neutralises free radicals
- Lowers blood pressure
- Anti-ageing
- Anti- inflammatory
7. Peppermint
- Relieves headaches
- Boosts the immune system
- Improves circulation
- Soothes and cools skin
- Anti-inflammatory
- Improves skin texture
- Reduces muscle and joint pain
8. Sandlewood
- Sedative qualities
- Helps to heal and fade scar tissue
- Anti- ageing properties
- Reduces skin inflammation
- Improves digestion
- Reduces blood pressure
- Evens skin tone
- Memory booster
- Antiviral
9. Orange
- Boosts immunity
- Relieves inflammation
- Improves nail health
- Brightens dull skin
- Increases blood circulation
- Antispasmodic
- Reduces acne
10. Jasmine
- Boosts concentration
- Prevents infection
- Treats insomnia
- Fades scarring
- Reduces eczema and dermatitis
- Helps regulate menstrual cycles
Still need a little extra guidance on your hollistic health journey?
Why not join our Self Love Sunday Facebook Community and come along to next month's event The Power of Essential Oils?
We'll be joined by Sue from Soiltosunhealing who will expanding our knowledge on all things essential oils...