Essential oils have been around for hundreds of years. They have been used in perfumes, skincare, medicine and aromatherapy. But what exactly are essential oils and how do they benefit the mind and body? Essential oils are the essence of a plants flowers, leaves, fruits, stem, bark or roots. Each individual essential oil can contain up to 60 different substances, all benefiting the mind and body in different ways...

Benefits of essential Oils in skincare

Essential oils can help treat a multitude of issues with your skin, including inflammation, dry skin, bacteria, acne, scars and fine lines. With all of these wonderful benefits that essential oils can bring your skin, it is no wonder we can’t stop shouting about it. But be careful, essential oils are very powerful, concentrated and contain up to 60 substances. This is why it’s important to use a carrier oil or lotion, particularly on sensitive skin and for children. However, when essential oils are used correctly, their benefits can be transforming. If you would like to know more, click here to read our guide on 20 Essential Oils You Need In Your Skincare Routine to find the best ones for you. 

Benefits of essential oils for sleeping

Have you tried counting sheep, used all of the sleep apps available, drunk glasses and glasses of warm milk, and still can’t get a good night's sleep? It might be time to try essential oils. Carrying out calming night time routines can help you get your mind and body into a routine and set your up for a restful sleep. However, using essential oils in conjunction with these rituals can bring a deeper level to your sleep to make sure you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to face the day. 

The most well known essential oil used to promote sleep is Lavender. You always see Lavender pillow sprays, Lavender bath oils, Lavender scent diffusers for the bedroom, and this is for a good reason. Inhaling the aromas of essential oils like Lavender have their own natural calming and sedative effects. But more than this, the power of scent association is a powerful tool. If you inhale the aromas of calming essential oils whilst meditating, practising yoga or during an evening bubble bath, your mind will begin to associate that scent with a relaxed state of mind and body. 

Lavender is not the only essential oil known for its calming and sedative effects. Chamomile, Palmrosa and Ho Wood are also champions in this field. As a result, lighting Lavender, Chamomile and Palmarosa Aromatherapy Candles, or rubbing a Lavender Aromatherapy Balm onto your wrists during your night time routine can have endless benefits the next time you are struggling to drift off. Not only will it improve your sleep, but with a good night of catching z’s comes improved mood, productivity and general wellbeing. For a deeper look at how essential oils can benefit your sleep, read our guide on Aromatherapy To Help You Sleep: Which Essential Oils Are Best For Deep Sleeping. 

Benefits of essential oils in teas

The benefits of essential oils are not just limited to inhaling their aromas or applying topically to the skin, but ingesting diluted essential oils can have endless benefits to the body as well. One of the best ways to do this is by adding it to hot water and drinking it as a tea. Lemon is a popular addition to tea not only because of its yummy citrus flavour, but also because of its cleansing properties that flushes out toxins, support of the immune system and its energy boosting effects. Find out more by reading our guide, What Are The Benefits of Lemon Myrtle Oil here. Another popular essential oil for adding to tea is peppermint. The fresh warming taste enhances many teas including citrus, oolong, earl grey and even hot chocolate. Peppermint is a champion at regulating digestion and improving symptoms of acid reflux, nausea and other digestive issues. There are countless combinations of essential oils that can be added to teas, and trying out new ones is half the fun. But if you are a newbie, these two are a great place to start...

How to use essential oils

Using essential oils to harness these benefits can been done in a variety of ways. Here is some inspiration:

• In a candle: Lighting a candle releases a steady stream of aroma that can be inhaled and enjoyed. Lighting an aromatherapy candle in your home can create a warm and positive atmosphere that the whole family can benefit from. Read our guide to Why Are Aromatherapy Candles So Calming here. 
• In your laundry: Adding a few drops of essential oils to a damp cloth and adding this in with your laundry will not only make your clothes smell divine, but also release the powers of essential oils as you move throughout your day. 
• In a balm: Applying an aromatherapy balm infused with essential oils to your pulse points will release the oils beautiful scents as it warms up. This will allow you to benefit from essential oils even on the go. Explore our Aromatherapy Balm collections here. 
• Room spray: There's not a sweeter smell than your own freshly washed sheets or your favourite blanket. Spraying diluted essential oils onto your sheets will help you associate that scent with bedtime and help you wind down in the evening.