Essential Oils

Essential oils are the very base of aromatherapy, their strong, pure scents and medicinal benefits combine to create such therapeutic fragrances.

They begin life as natural flora, from leaves to stems and flowers. Then these components are processed, distilled or pressed resulting in a highly concentrated liquid extract of said plant.

These compounds are the purest, strongest-smelling essence of the plant, and therefore possess the highest concentration of the plant benefits.

Essential oils can be used in any of these three ways:

1. Applied directly to the skin (diluted compounds only).
2. Diffused or inhaled.
3. In other products such as lotions, shampoos or soaps.

Each method has its benefits:

• Using it purely on your skin is excellent for immediate results.
• Inhaling it through a spray or diffuser is ideal if you are looking for a softer, more gentle treatment.
• And using it in other products can give you a more subtle, yet long lasting scent.

Essential oils and aromatherapy have a variety of natural health and wellbeing benefits. Here are a few of them:

For headaches Peppermint, lavender and rosemary are excellent essential oils for migraines and headaches. Just dab a few drops of whichever you prefer at your temples or in a warm bath.

For depression Calming oils like Lavender, bergamot and chamomile are great complementary oils you can use alongside your doctor prescribed treatment. It is important to note that using essential oils will not heal or cure your depressions, they merely help ease and calm the symptoms. Inhaling or diffusion is the best way to use pure oil, so put a few drops in your bath or diffuser.

For cold sores Some essential oils such as tea tree and oregano are ideal for treating these painful blisters. Peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil for cold sores is great too. Simply dilute a small amount of your favourite essence with a skin friendly carrier oil like coconut or olive oil to protect from damage, and dab it on to the cold sore with a cotton swab. Be careful not to ingest any though – essential oils can be toxic.

For insect bites Anti inflammatory essential oils are the key to fixing bug bites. Basil and Mint are good go-to options due to their anti-inflammatory qualities and strong repellent scents. If you have a lot of bites, consider adding the extract to a carrier oil (1:1 ratio) and mixing it into a bath. You could also apply some diluted extract directly to the bites or create some ointment using your favourite lotion.

Essential oils and pregnant women do not always mix. Some are harmful and lack the basic testing to ensure they are safe for use without side effects or allergic reactions. However, others are ok so long as you stick to the recommended amounts and follow your doctor’s advice. Check out the product label for more detailed information, and this comprehensive guide has some useful advice too.

Spanish sage oil is an alternative medicine typically used in cognitive and mental health conditions. It can help reduce stress, ease headaches, and diminish fatigue. It’s a gentle smelling essential oil similar to lavender and has many of the same benefits for users.

Myrrh isn’t just a gift from one of the three kings in the bible. No, Myrrh Oil is a useful natural extract that’ has been used for centuries to kill bacteria, improve oral health, and combat colds and mucus. It is also effective at relieving dry, irritable skin.