Essential oils have been taking the world by storm, and when you consider their benefits, it’s not hard to understand why. If you’ve been to a spa or had a massage, you would have experienced the goodness of essential oils. But even if you hadn’t been to those places, chances are you have come in contact with them one way or another.
More people are turning to essential oils as they look for ways to live a more healthy and natural way of life. Essential oils are used for a wide range of applications, for both emotional and physical wellness. Depending on your preference and desired benefit, you can use a single oil on its own or a complex blend.
How to use essential oils
Essential oils are usually administered in two ways: applied topically or diffused aromatically.
Topical application
All essential oils are generally safe to be applied topically. Some will need to be diluted with a carrier oil, while others can be used undiluted. Once applied, they can have an almost immediate and localised effect to the target area. Restorative and calming, essential oils are used very effectively in massage and beauty therapy.
Diffusion
Our sense of smell can affect our memory and emotions. Certain essential oils can be calming, soothing or even stimulating when diffused in the air. Besides that, diffusing essential oils is also an effective way to purify and cleanse the air.
Essential oils for your health and wellness
Some of the ways essential oils can be incorporated into your daily life:
Aromatherapy
Some essential oils, such as lavender, lemon and ylang ylang, are popular for stress relief, as they encourage relaxation and reduce anxiety. Peppermint is a natural energy booster, while eucalyptus oil is useful when you have nasal congestion. You can either apply these straight onto the affected areas on your skin, or diffuse them.
Skin
Various essential oils have been used to improve common skin conditions, including acne. Tea tree oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It can be used, among others, as a disinfectant treatment for insect bites, wounds and razor burns. Rosemary, on the other hand, is commonly included in beauty products for anti-ageing and complexion-clearing effects.
Body and hair care
Lavender and geranium oils are often used in face washes and body soaps, due to their pleasing scents and moisturising properties. Tea tree oil works well to treat dandruff, while peppermint is a great breath freshener and is often used to create mouthwash.
Household
Essential oils provide an effective cleansing solution that also smells amazing. Lemon is naturally antibacterial and antiviral, and you can make kitchen or bathroom sprays with them. Wild orange, meanwhile, is great for degreasing stubborn stains. You can also add some lavender or rosemary to cleanse and freshen up your laundry.
Top 5 essential oils you should have
With so many essential oils available, we know it is easy to get overwhelmed and lost! For starters, here are the top five essential oils we would recommend that you start with, and what they are good for.
1. Lavender
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Headache
- Sleep
2. Rosemary
- Dry skin
- Arthritis
- Mental clarity
- Stress and anxiety
3. Peppermint
- Asthma
- Fever
- Nausea
- Digestion problems
4. Tea tree (Melaleuca)
- Respiratory ailments
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Acne
- Minor wounds and insect bites
5. Lemon
- Mood enhancement
- General cleaning solutions
- Cold and flu
- Air freshener
An important precaution: Some people ingest pure essential oils as dietary supplements, but please bear in mind that there is limited scientific data to back up this practice. If you are considering ingesting essential oils, do consult your doctor or a healthcare provider.
Candle Gifts has a wide range of pure essential oils made by reputable Australian brands, including:
Gumleaf Essentials – Lavender French
Soothing, balancing and calming, lavender essential oils may help with stress relief and sleeplessness.
Gumleaf Essentials – Rosemary Spanish
Reviving and refreshing, rosemary essential oils can assist in improving clarity, creativity and awareness.
Commonly used to repel insects, the refreshing and stimulating scent of peppermint can also help with concentration and clarity.
Gumleaf Essentials – Easy Breathe blend
Clear your nose and head during the flu season with this blend of Eucalyptus, Lavender French, Scotch Pine and Peppermint.
Gumleaf Essentials – Baby Calm blend
Ease emotional stress and lose the tension with the blend of Orange Sweet Valencia, Lavender French, Patchouli, Lime Cold Pressed, Geranium and Aniseed.
To view our full range of essential oils, please visit our online store today. If you need more information or recommendation, get in touch with us at 03 5962 5334 or email info@candlegifts.com.au.
