The best essential oils can help improve your physical and mental wellbeing – but how are they properly used and which ones are best suited to help with specific concerns?
As many of us seek new ways to relax and unwind, more and more people are turning to holistic solutions to improve overall health. And a fast growing sector of the self care revolution is aromatherapy with essential oils.
“Essential oils are pure plant extracts that are steam-distilled from a specific part of the plant that carries its very important properties, known as the ‘essence’ of the plant,” explains aromatherapy expert Emilie de Block, founder of Bio Scents the olfactory nerve (the short nerve between your nose and brain) which then sends signals to the limbic system (the part of your brain that controls emotional stimuli). ”
To give you a clearer idea of what essential oils can do for you, we asked aromatherapy experts how to incorporate them into your everyday life, what are the best essential oils for different purposes, and how to use them safely. After that, you might also want to take a look at our guide to the best scented candles to complete your self-care kit.
The benefits of essential oils
Why has aromatherapy attracted so much attention in recent years? The evidence regarding the benefits of essential oils is new and growing. However, many wellness experts believe that they can alleviate the symptoms of some physical and mental health problems without adding synthetic chemicals to the body.
“There’s growing evidence that they can help manage symptoms,” said Megan Voss, professor of Integrative Health and Healing Clinical at the University of Minnesota. “For example, working with essential oils has been shown to help with anxiety, insomnia and gastrointestinal problems.”
Julia Oyeleye, Clinical Aromatherapist, Lecturer, and Author of Aromatherapy for Mental Wellbeing, explained to w & h that essential oils can also be incredibly helpful in regulating emotions. “Every essential oil is made up of many chemicals – the combination of which can have a stimulating or balancing effect on the body and mind,” said Oyeleye. “When inhaled, these chemicals have a direct effect on the part of the brain that regulates our mood and emotions.
“Depending on their properties, various essential oils can be used to invigorate, uplift, soothe, relieve stress, and physically help alleviate certain medical conditions by boosting the immune system, lowering the heart rate, and calming the nervous system. The most recent Events undoubtedly made people. ” think more about their own health and wellbeing and how they take care of themselves. It has become very clear that living on a place of prevention is a smart thing. “
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Are Essential Oils Safe?
In general, essential oils are safe for most people. But there are a few things you should think about before applying them to yourself or others.
To use essential oils safely, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Skin sensitivity (when applied topically)
- Duration of use (how long you want to use / inhale)
- Composition (pay attention to pure, organic and high quality oils)
- Any medication or dietary supplement that might interact with the properties of the plant (so seek advice from a doctor when using it)
“I would also warn against giving essential oils to children under the age of two,” says Voss. “Pregnant women should also avoid them during the first trimester. In the United States, we also do not ingest essential oils. Topical application and inhalation are the safer ways to use aromatherapy oils. “
Possible side effects of essential oils
Essential oils also have some potentially harmful side effects that you should be careful about. “If used incorrectly or incorrectly, even the best essential oils can have side effects,” says de Block. “Therefore they should be provided with warning notices.”
Oyeleye told w & h, “Certain essential oils shouldn’t be used in some scenarios or on some people. Even the best essential oils are volatile organic compounds, and although they are naturally sourced, some of them contain certain chemicals.”
These chemicals can cause:
- Skin sensitization
- irritation
- Allergic reaction
- Photosensitization
- Reactions to medication
If you’re still not sure whether essential oils are right for you, find a qualified aromatherapist or seek advice from your doctor before incorporating them into your routine.
How to Use Essential Oils Safely and Effectively
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There are many ways to easily incorporate essential oils into your day – be it through massage or self-massage, inhalation (directly or through a diffuser) or by dripping a few drops into the bathroom.
Jo Kellett, Tisserand Aromatherapy Essential Oil Expert, also stated, “Essential oils can also be added to a blend oil. This is a vegetable oil – like sweet almond oil, jojoba, or grapeseed oil. You can then use your mixture for a self-massage. For me, applying essential oils this way is a great opportunity to have some “me-time”. “
“Inhalation, however, is the most effective way to use essential oils,” says de Block. “You can do this by simply holding the bottle to your nose and inhaling. Do not do this for more than five minutes an hour.
“Or you can add a few drops to a bath if you’ve mixed it with a carrier oil like olive, coconut, or almond oil, or put your aromatherapy oils in an oil burner or diffuser.”
To use essential oils safely, make sure that you always:
- Dilute essential oils when applied topically or in the bath—Use a drop or two per teaspoon of carrier oil
- Add water to your oil burner or diffuser when essential oils diffuse into the room to dilute the oil
- Use them intermittently—Overuse can reduce their effectiveness
“If you inhale or apply aromatic oils topically, I would also recommend taking them intermittently,” advises Voss. “If you constantly inhale or use oils, they become less effective, even if they are the best essential oils on the market.”
Aromatherapy candles also offer a diffuser-free option if you want your room to be filled with your favorite scent. Alternatively, finding the best wax melts – a great wickless option that doesn’t require a flame – is another way to enjoy your favorite soothing scents when you might need a temporary break from inhaling essential oils.
The best essential oils for aromatherapy
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Finding the right aromatherapy oils can be a case of trial and error, but working with a qualified aromatherapist can shrink the list down to find the ones that best suit your needs.
However, there are some essential oils that are generally beneficial for a variety of needs – be it sleep, anxiety, or your skin.
Best essential oils for sleeping
Aromatherapy can be a great tool when it comes to drifting off into a peaceful sleep. “Lavender, cedar, and ylang-ylang will help you relax and put you in the right state of mind for a good night’s sleep,” says de Block. It can also be helpful to read our guide to the best pillows if you want to improve your sleep in general.
Best essential oils for anxiety
Frankincense, geranium, clary sage (and often ylang-ylang) are used to reduce and relieve anxiety.
Best essential oils for the skin
For oily skin, clary sage is known for its sebum-relieving properties, as is tea tree oil. If you have sensitive skin, consult a dermatologist and do a patch test before use.
Best essential oils for hair
Essential oils can form the foundation for a more natural beauty routine. “Rosemary is known to aid hair growth and thickness; Just add a few drops to a carrier oil and try a scalp massage or use on the skin, ”says de Block. “Lemongrass can also fight dandruff. Just put a few drops in your shampoo. ”
Best essential oils for a mood boost
We all know that a splash of our favorite perfume can lighten our mood, and essential oils can have the same, if not stronger, effects. “Ylang-ylang or lavender are great for relaxing and any citrus scent like lemongrass, lemon or sweet orange can lighten your mood,” says de Block.
Best essential oils for headaches
“You can use an essential oil to help relieve the stress or underlying anxiety that causes tension headaches,” says Voss. Peppermint is an essential oil that is widely used in these circumstances. However, be careful about using plant extracts to treat migraines. “Migraines are very sensitive to smell, which means that essential oils can sometimes make the problem worse.”
Best essential oils for allergies
“Essential oils don’t treat the cause of allergies, but they can open sinuses,” says Voss. Peppermint oil, in particular, is a great decongestant, and lavender is said to help reduce puffiness around the eyes.
Today’s Best Essential Oil Deals
With our big thanks to Megan Voss, Integrative Health and Healing Clinical Professor at the University of Minnesota, Emilie de Block, Essential Oils Expert, Founder of Bio Scents, Julia Oyeleye, Clinical Aromatherapist, Teacher and Author of Aromatherapy for Mental Wellbeing, and Jo Kellett, Tisserand Aromatherapy Essential Oils Expert, for their time and expertise in this role.
