If you stay at home and socially distance yourself and try to stop the spread of COVID-19, we say hello. But if you are a little anxious or even frustrated, we totally get you too.
In self-isolation, our emotions are in one throw; There is fear, a sense of confusion, and essential oils can induce a sense of harmony, joy, and ease, all of which seem to be lacking in our current make-up.
Essential oils also have many antiviral and antibacterial properties, and most importantly, many cleansing properties. They are known for solving breathing problems and are mainly used to lift mood and create a sense of peace. These are energizing and even prevent the body from getting infections by boosting our immunity. However, the beauty community views essential oils with a touch more caution – some say the phytonutrients work for our skin, our bodies, and our olfactory senses, while others say that sensitive skin around them can get into trouble as it becomes focused and Can be flammable and reactive.
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What are essential oils?
Essential oils are the most aromatic or volatile constituents in plants and contain their life force. They can come from any part of the plants – that is what makes them so interesting. Perfumer Neha Vij, founder and creative director of Auro Candles, explains: “The flowers produce essential oils that often have calming, narcotic or relaxing effects on the body. The leaves often have healing and cooling properties that come from the green color of the chlorophyll. The roots contain many of the soil properties of the plants and can be very grounding. ”
Based on this information, we can also use the essential oils for healing and self-care purposes. “Our olfactory system is directly connected to the brain and can calm or trigger emotions. Oils like rosemary are said to energize your mind and body so that you feel fresh and relieved. Sandalwood has a calming effect, one reason why it is used in prayers and temples, ”Vij adds.
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How do essential oils work?
Vij explains, “When we smell essential oils, the steam stimulates tiny hair-like extensions of our olfactory nerve, which further stimulates the part of the brain that responds to emotions, desires, and memories. This process is known as neuroassociative conditioning. This is your body’s ability to associate a healing response with a particular smell. It also explains why smells have the power to trigger a specific memory that makes us feel comforted and loved. ”
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How do essential oils help at such a time?
At a time like this when the virus is spreading at an alarming rate, it’s important to keep our immune systems strong and healthy. “Essential oils are a natural way that we can take care of ourselves. Different essential oils have many antiviral properties and strengthen our immune systems. By using essential oils and incorporating them into our lifestyle, we remain comparatively active and healthy, as essential oils tend to increase our energy levels and help us get rid of infections. “ says the aromatherapist Dr. Blossom Kochhar, also the founder of Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic.
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How can you use essential oils?
According to Dr. Kochhar essential oils can be used in various forms. “We can use them in our bath water by adding a few drops to our bucket. It can also be used in the shower by putting a few drops on your towel and rubbing it on your body. They can also be used in diffusers or by simply putting 2-3 drops on the palms of your hands and inhaling. You can also put it on a handkerchief and take it with you wherever you go, ”she adds.
Jhelum Biswas Bose, author of ‘Phoolproof’ and practicing aromatherapist, warns, “Do not burn essential oils in a diffuser during the day as this is just a waste of precious essential oils. You can burn it off for half an hour a day, and if it’s a pure essential oil, the scent will linger for a good amount of time. Other than lavender and geranium, do not use any essential oils directly on the skin. My preferred carrier oils are coconut and olive oils – mix and use them for maximum effectiveness. “.
The only thing to remember when using essential oils? Make sure you dilute it. There are pure plant carrier oils such as argan oil, baobab oil, blackcurrant seeds or tamanu oil. All of these oils aid in cleansing, healing, uplifting, and moisturizing. Also, look out for healing, moisturizing, and cleansing oils. “Stick to non-comedogenic oils and avoid those like coconut oil and jojoba, which clog pores because they’re too thick and can lead to breakouts.
A quick hack from Vij: you can also pour a few drops on a cotton ball and stick it in the corner of a room to freshen up the cotton as needed.
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Which essential oils are popular?
According to Bose, lavender oil is an essential oil that you must have at home. Lavender is a versatile oil that takes care of everything minor cuts, burns and injuries. It also relieves stomach ache or headache. Rub your temples a little and you will improve the quality of your sleep. And just like tea tree oil, it has antiseptic properties that help keep those pimples under control.
“When you are tired and stressed it will relax you. When you are depressed, it will uplift you. Just put a few drops on your pillow to get a good night’s sleep, ”adds Vij. Bose suggests letting your nose guide you. “Today during a meditation session, I carried Petrichor – the smell of rain on the earth – to keep myself on the ground.” Next to lavender, which is a top favorite, eucalyptus, rosemary, tea tree, lemon, thyme and basil come in second place.
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Essential oils for beauty rituals
If you have dry, cracked feet, treat yourself to a foot bath. Put 2 drops of lavender, eucalyptus or peppermint in a bowl of warm water. Dip your feet in and let them soak for 15 minutes.
“Inhaling is one of the fastest ways to change and transform thoughts and feelings, as inhaling essential oils stimulates the limbic system, which stores memories, emotions and desires,” adds Vij. Pour boiling water into a bowl and add two drops of essential oils. You can use two drops of pure eucalyptus oil for your sinuses, lavender to clear your face, rose for a feel-good factor, or lemongrass to help you feel energized. Make sure the water is steaming, then place a towel over your head, close your eyes, and take a deep breath. Don’t be too close to the steam.
“On my dry areas, beauty geranium works as an excellent skin clarifying oil, ”explains Bose.
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How do essential oils connect us to nature in times of isolation?
“Essential oils are substances that are obtained directly from nature. By using essential oils, in a sense, we are taking nature’s resources to treat ourselves. While we use these oils regularly, they make us feel refreshed and create a direct connection with nature, ”says Dr. Kochhar. Meanwhile, perfumer Vij shares her favorite DIY room spray. Get a glass spray bottle. Fill it with 3/4 cup of water and add two tablespoons of alcohol. Add 10-15 drops of Auro Yoga essential oil blend. You can add lemongrass, lavender, or rosemary to make your own mix too.
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Image courtesy Raygar / Unsplash; Hero Image courtesy of Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash
