Essential oils have certainly made a name for themselves in recent years, with many people opting to use them for a broad range of reasons. Essential oils are obtained through a range of methods, using different parts of plants. For example, Rose oil, comes from the petals of the rose, whilst citrus oils come from the rind.
Essential oils are used widely across aromatherapy, home cleaning products, treating skin conditions and soothing muscle inflammation.
Before you begin experimenting with essential oils there are few basics that you need to remember. When applying the oils to your skin, you must use a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba as to avoid skin irritation.
On this note, it is also essential to do a patch test on yourself before applying to larger areas to check that your chosen oil is suitable for your body (and will not cause irritation/allergic reaction). Essential oils should not be digested unless under the specific directions by a healthcare professional.
Here is your ultimate guide to essential oils and their uses
Essential oils that can help induce sleep:
Lavender, patchouli, sandalwood, vetiver, chamomile, neroli, ylang-ylang, cedar, rose, clary sage, marjoram, bergamot, frankincense. There are oil blends that are specifically blended together to help aid with sleep like this Sleep Assist Essential Oil Blend from Oil Garden.
Tip: Diffuse a couple of drops of lavender oil with some water in a spritzer bottle. Spray your pillow with a spritz before you go to sleep!
Essential oils that may improve concentration:
Basil, rosemary, peppermint, cedar, grapefruit, pine, juniper, vetiver, helichrysum.
Tip: Add a couple of drops of one of the essential oils mixed with water in an aromatherapy diffuser by your study area. Try this 10ml certified organic rosemary oil by Vrindavan.
Essential oils to aid in de-stressing:
Lemon, orange, rose, lavender, frankincense, clary sage, bergamot, sandalwood, geranium, ylang-ylang, marjoram, chamomile.
A great way to alleviate stress is to massage a relaxing oil blend of your choice into your temples for 1-2 minutes. We love the Stress Release blend from Lively Living.
Essential oils for improving energy:
Black pepper, lemon, grapefruit, orange, peppermint, ginger, jasmine, rosemary, eucalyptus.
Most Citrus oils have great energy boosting properties. The Doterra Citrus Bliss is the perfect invigorating blend, combining Wild Orange Peel, Lemon Peel, Grapefruit Peel, Mandarin Peel, Bergamot Peel, Tangerine Peel, Clementine Peel essential oils and Vanilla Bean Absolute.
Essential oils that can ease muscle tension:
Nutmeg, wintergreen, rosemary, peppermint, eucalyptus, black pepper, ginger, cayenne, chamomile.
Tip: All of these essential oils can aid in inflammation. For muscle aches, mix a few drops of essential oil into your carrier oil and massage into the muscles that need relief.
Essential oils for that can treat Acne and skin irritations:
Tea tree, lavender, rosemary, oregano, bergamot, helichrysum.
Tip: Try it yourself by making a face wash by mixing five drops of tea tree oil with aloe vera gel and coconut oil.
A bonus all-purpose household cleaning spray recipe:
Combine ¼ cup white vinegar, 1 ¾ cups water, 15 drops eucalyptus oil and 15 drops orange oil. Pour into your spray bottle and you’re ready to go!
Read our Ultimate Guide to Herbal Tea
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