How and when to use Essential Oils
Essential oils are concentrated extracts of different types of flora which may be taken from the bark, flower, root or leaves. They are a rich and highly potent way of absorbing the benefits of the plant and have a vital role to play in medicine, cosmetics, spiritual rituals, and ceremonies.
One of the main reason essential oils have such a long history, and are still used and trusted today, is the increasing scientific evidence for the balancing and healing effect they have on the mind and body. Essential oils can be effective in treating minor illnesses but also have a direct link to our emotional state.
Your essential collection:
There are more than 90 common essential oils available. They are incredibly versatile and depending on the combinations that you create and the way in which you administer them, you can produce wonderful states of mind and healing treatments.
If you’re new to using essential oils, I would suggest creating a kit bag of the most important and useful ones to start with. Together this essential collection will bring a range of benefits and properties to help you support your own physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
Lavender has a floral and light fragrance. It is anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antiseptic, while for the mind and spirit, it is balancing, relaxing and soothing.
Peppermint has a strong and fresh fragrance. As a medicinal oil, it is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral and an astringent. It can be clarifying and stimulating for the mind.
Rose is light and floral. When used topically it is excellent for the skin and is highly rejuvenating. Often considered an aphrodisiac, it is a sensual and uplifting oil.
Tea Tree is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antiviral. It can help to cleanse your environment and for your mind it is clarifying and stimulating.
Geranium is floral and a little zesty. It is a balancing and uplifting oil that has numerous benefits for the skin and body, including treating fluid imbalance and inflammation.
Frankincense has a sweet, honey-like scent. It is uplifting and rejuvenating, often used to stimulate the mind or to help regenerate the skin.
Chamomile is a soothing and calming floral scent. It can help to relax the mind and aid sleep. In the body it reduces inflammation and irritation and is perfect for sensitive skin.
Rosemary is herbal and earthy in fragrance. It is stimulating, helping to improve circulation and memory. It is also an empowering and grounding fragrance.
Orange is sweet and uplifting. It’s very good for treating low mood but is also revitalising and rejuvenating for dull or tired skin.
The tenth item in your essential oils kit is a carrier oil such as Almond, Castor or Jojoba Oil. They have this name as they are used to carry the essential oils to the body, helping dilute them for use on the skin. Essential oils are very volatile and are often too potent to be used directly. Add just a few drops of essential oil to a carrier oil and it can be used in massage, aromatherapy or for medicinal treatments.
Essential Oils for mental and physical well-being: