If you’re looking to relax, unwind, give your mood a lift, create a pleasant atmosphere at home or soothe aching muscles, then you can’t go far wrong with essential oils.
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years as a traditional remedy for a host of health conditions and bring many benefits.
They date back as early as 3500BC in Egypt, China and India and are still used widely today, by complementary therapists and people who want to give their happiness and wellbeing a boost. If you’ve not used them before, sit back, relax and enjoy our guide to the best essential oils.
• What Are Essential Oils?
Let’s take it back to the basics - what exactly are essential oils? Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants. They can be extracted from most parts of the plant, including the flowers, bark, roots, fruit, seeds, fruit and skin. Once the aromatic chemicals have been extracted, they’re combined with a carrier oil which creates the product. Essential oils have been used for thousands of years. There are over 90 different essential oils, all of which have their own benefits and smells. 
• What Are Carrier Oils?
While there are many essential oils known for their therapeutic properties, not all of them can be safely used in their purest form. Carrier oils are used to dilute the concentrated essential oils to reduce their potency, so they can be used without side effects.
Carrier oils are gentler, more readily absorbed and can be mixed with smaller amounts of pure essential oils to dilute them, so you receive all the health-enhancing benefits with none of the side effects.
Different carrier oils have different properties, which means they can be adapted for a wide range of uses. Coconut oil, for example, is thought to have antimicrobial properties and is rich in fatty acids, which makes it an effective moisturiser. Grapeseed oil, meanwhile, has natural anti-inflammatory properties which can help to promote better healing of skin wounds and burns.
• How Do Essential Oils Work?
Essential oils are often used in aromatherapy, where they are absorbed through various methods such as inhaling the aromas or applying them with heat to different parts of the body to be absorbed through the skin. The known benefits of using essential oils include easing pain, improving sleep, soothing sore joints, alleviating headaches and enhancing mood. Certain oils are also thought to contain properties which can boost immunity and improve your digestive health.
• What Is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses essential oils and other aromatic materials to improve both physical and mental health. It is a great way to give your mind, body and spirit a quick tune-up and enhance your overall health and wellbeing. There are many plants, herbs, spices and botanicals that are known for their therapeutic properties. Our diet is full of them and gives us all the essential nutrition we need to stay healthy. But apart from eating them, there are other benefits that can be derived from these naturally occurring food sources. By harnessing the essences, fragrance and healing power of natural essential oils, aromatherapy can help you to destress, keep calm and relaxed and achieve better emotional balance.
• Our Essential Oils
Bergamot essential oil
With its fresh, sweet fragrance, Bergamot is relaxing, uplifting and mood-enhancing. It is also good for building confidence and calming negative emotions and promotes healthy, clear skin. Bergamot essential oil is extracted by expression from the fruits of the bergamot orange tree.
Citronella essential oil
With stimulating, tonic, toning and uplifting properties for body and mind, citronella essential oil offers a toning effect on the body and provides positive benefits for oily skin and hair. The crisp fruity aroma also has a stimulating effect on the immune mechanisms and blood circulation, increasing activity in the nervous system.
Eucalyptus essential oil
A fresh, clean, spicy aroma with sharp and cooling properties that naturally clear the airways, eucalyptus essential oil is a concentrated liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from the Eucalyptus Globulus tree. It is said to be antibacterial, disinfectant and an analgesic and has been used to relieve the symptoms of coughs, colds, and respiratory conditions. Eucalyptus helps to soothe aching muscles and joints and can be used on skin conditions and insect bites. Add a few drops to your bath water to feel invigorated and refreshed.
Lavender essential oil
With a floral, refreshing fragrance and relaxing and uplifting effects, lavender’s fresh, sweet and slightly fruity aroma uplifts and calms the mind and body. Lavender essential oil is steam distilled from the lavender plant. In ancient Greece and Rome, it was used as a medicine to make healthful teas and personal hygiene products. In aromatherapy, it is often used to combat depression, stress, and fatigue. It is believed to be effective in easing symptoms associated with joint and muscle pain, and menstrual discomfort.
Peppermint essential oil
The cool, sweet aroma of peppermint is emotionally and spiritually uplifting and rejuvenating, enhancing mental clarity. Peppermint essential oil is steam distilled from the fresh leaves of Mentha Piperita. It offers cooling and relaxing properties with a familiar, sweet, cool aroma that seems to penetrate airways, helping to clear and soothe. In aromatherapy, it is used to help improve focus and increase concentration, relaxing and calming a busy, stressed mind. It is a useful muscle relaxant that can be used to relieve stiff and aching muscles and joints and is often used in sports therapy.
All our essential oils and carrier oils are created to the highest standards to ensure you enjoy their full benefits for both your body and mind.
They can be used as a complementary therapy to soothe and treat a wide range of minor ailments, from aches and pains to stress and anxiety, sleep and circulation problems.
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Disclaimer:
Information and other content provided in Lily & Loaf blogs should not be construed as medical advice and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise. If you have any medical concerns, you should consult with your health care provider.
