We've all heard of essential oils, but their reputation as the kooky aunt's aromatherapy obsession has tarnished their status in the wellness world. Until now.
More than just a collection of small bottles that smell nice, essential oils are the key to a multitude of alternative therapies. From soothing lavender to mood boosting peppermint and everything in between, the right blend of essential oils can change your outlook entirely.
But what do you do with them? And is it safe to smother our limbs with them? We spoke to the pros to find out everything you need to know about incorporating essential oils into your everyday wellness routine...
What are essential oils?
First things first, what exactly are essential oils? Between cleansing oils, cooking oils, bath oils and a whole host of other oils, where do essential oils sit?
'Essential oils are powerful plant extracts/ botanicals distilled from plant specimens we source from around the world that are hidden in roots, seeds, flowers and bark,' explains founder of modern apothecary brand Anatomè, Brendan Murdock.
'They are concentrated, highly potent compounds that give a plant its scent, protect it from hazardous environmental conditions, and even assist it with pollination, among other important functions and benefits.'
What are the benefits of essential oils?
It follows that the protective properties essential oils bestow upon plants, also, to an extent, work for us. 'Each plant extract has a number of benefits, they can be soothing, anti microbial, ant bacterial, cleansing, soothing, relaxing, supporting the body to sleep, awaken, be more invigorated.. And they work by absorption into the skin or, secondly, engaged through the respiratory system,' says Murdock.
Something essential oil experts, Aromatherapy Associates, confirm. 'The list of benefits is extensive, and luckily enough there is a lot of scientific evidence now to back the theory up.'
What types of essential oils are there?
Name a plant, and you can almost bet there's an essential oil to derive from it. Almost. 'There are hundreds of different types of essential oils,' says Aromatherapy Associates. 'They can range from citrus oils such as Pink Grapefruit and Bergamot, to florals such as Rose and Geranium, leaves from trees such as Pine and Eucalyptus also are used to extract essential oils, and then herbs and spices such as Rosemary and Turmeric.'
3 Essential Oil Blends To DIY
- For an instant mood boost... Rose, Neroli and Jasmine. These oils in particular have characteristics which affect and appeal to our heart and help to calm us and centre us.
- To aid sleep... Lavender, Chamomile and Vetiver.
- To support breath... Cypress, Camphor and Rosemary.
What to know before buying essential oils
Although it all sounds very harmless and natural, applying pure essential oils directly to your skin can cause an allergic reaction. Add to that a dodgy market known for flogging watered down or simply fake essential oils and things can easily go wrong.
Here's what you need to know before buying essential oils...
ELLE Edit: Pure Essential Oils
5 Ways To Use Essential Oils
In your bath...
'Adding essential oils to the water in your tub helps boost the therapeutic and relaxing benefits because they affect the limbic system, or the emotional brain, when inhaled,' says aromatherapist and holistic facialist Annee de Mamiel. 'The combination of the two is a potent way to destress both the body and mind.'
ELLE Edit: Essential Oils For Your Bath
Aromatherapy Associates Support Breathe Bath and Shower Oil
In a diffuser...
'Using a diffuser is a great way to imbue your space with the therapeutic benefits of essential oils, plus you only need a drop or two to reap the rewards,' says de Mamiel.
'If you have trouble sleeping, adding some lavender, chamomile or vetiver essential oil to your diffuser before bedtime will help calm you and put you in the mood for sleep, while oils such as eucalyptus are great to disperse into the air if you’re feeling congested.'
ELLE Edit: Essential Oil Diffusers
Inhaled...
'There is a common misconception that essential oils just smell nice, but the reality is that upon inhalation they’re able to do so much, including improving our emotional wellbeing,' explains de Mamiel. 'I always use lavender to help reduce anxiety while bergamot is wonderful for improving mood and reducing cortisol levels.'
Simply apply a few drops to a muslin cloth and take three deep breaths. Alternatively, mix with a base oil like coconut or evening primrose oil, apply a few drops to your palms and inhale deeply.
On your skin...
Although pure essential oil shouldn't be used directly on your skin, there's a wealth of expert blends with base carrier oils ready to do everything from soothe redness to heal scars.
'Rose, as everyone knows, is the queen of oils for the skin and lavender is great to help heal any scars, burns and bites,' advises Aromatherapy Associates. 'We have both of these oils in our Intensive Skin Treatment Facial Oil. I use this as a booster face oil for a week a month, and on any areas of the body that need more attention like cuticles, elbows, knees and feet. It is a product I am never without.'
ELLE Edit: Face Oils
On your feet...
'I’m a big fan of using essential oil blends on the soles of the feet,' says de Mamiel. 'The feet are key absorption points for oils, while the ritual of rubbing it in is deeply soothing and calming in itself. I often use the de Mamiel Sleep Series on my feet for this reason. Just taking a moment to help work the oils into the skin is part of my pre bed ritual and really helps me prepare for sleep better.'
ELLE Edit: Essential Oil Blends
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