Aromatherapy has been practised for centuries, using essential oils for healing and restoration. Essential oils were first likely prepared by placing flowers, leaves and roots in fatty oils. Today, they consist of a highly concentrated hydrophobic (water-repellent) liquid solution that contains aromatic, natural, organic and volatile plant chemical compounds, and also use plant bark, fruits, grasses, resins, seeds, stems, wood and zest.
The “essence” of essential oil
An essential oil’s name indicates its plant of origin, and its fragrance and flavour is believed to capture a plant’s essence. Essential oils function as their original plant’s defence mechanism, and they’re packed with a powerful concentration of medicinal compounds found in the oil.
Even one drop of an essential oil can work wonders. When you inhale an essential oil, the scent molecules inside the essential oils travel through your olfactory nerves directly to your brain, particularly the amygdala, your brain’s emotional centre. You can experience a calming effect as your brain signals certain emotions and you feel hopeful and optimistic as a result.
Some essential oil benefits you may not know
In aromatherapy your body absorbs the natural molecules of essential oils. The restorative and therapeutic benefits are plenty, from the relief of exhaustion, physical ailments, and stress to promoting sleep, increased energy and an overall improved quality of life.
Essential oils are also known to help:
- combat problem skin
- calm, hydrate, soften and tone your skin
- naturally nourish and thicken your hair, stimulating hair growth
- provide anti-inflammatory and pain relief
While you might be familiar with lavender, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, and tea tree, here are six lesser known essential oils that can help promote health and wellbeing:
1. Cardamom
With a natural spice aroma, cardamom is believed to fight forgetfulness as well as lift your mood.
Tip: Diffuse cardamom essential oil, and allow its characteristic spicy qualities to help clear your head and nasal passages.
2. Clove
If you have skin problems, digestive disorders, battle with asthma and coughs or struggle with headaches and stress, clove essential oil can work wonders. With its antifungal, anti-inflammatory antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties, clove oil can help treat sore gums and mouth ulcers.
Tip: Try applying a drop of clove oil on an earbud to ease a toothache, or diluting it with water in a spray bottle to make your own disinfectant room spray.
3. Frankincense
Frankincense is highly aromatic and has been known to help balance mood swings and promote deep breathing. It is also aids in pain management.
Tip: Reduce itching by adding a few drops of diluted frankincense oil to an insect bite, or place a diffuser in your bedroom to help you get more restful sleep.
4. Grapefruit
Grapefruit essential oil uses grapefruit peel. It’s both energising and uplifting. Blend a few drops with lavender essential oil and apply topically or diffuse its vibrant aroma as an invigorating mood booster.
Tip: Grapefruit oil is a natural disinfectant and you can use it for “green” cleaning. To help control sugar cravings, take a whiff of the essential oil bottle.
5. Myrrh
Add myrrh to a topical ointment to help treat cuts and scrapes and fight infection. Myrrh is also believed to prevent colds and coughs, aid digestion and stimulate the nervous system.
Tip: Mix myrrh with sweet almond oil and apply as a moisturiser for dry skin, and to make scars and spots less visible. Adding a few drops of myrrh oil to a chest rub for coughs can help clear mucus or phlegm.
6. Neroli
Neroli has a floral fragrance and is known to aid with anxiety and stress. It’s ideal for use at bedtime as it helps prepare your body and mind to rest and relax. By adding this essential oil to your skincare routine, it can also help make scars and wrinkles less noticeable.
Tip: Neroli is non-toxic and therefore safe for sensitive skin. Add a few drops of neroli oil to a wet cotton ball and use it as a topical home remedy for acne breakouts. You can even add a couple of drops to your bath or onto a cotton ball placed under your pillow for a more peaceful night’s sleep.
If you’re looking for a more natural approach to health, healing and wellness, you just might want to try out these essential oils. You can purchase them online or enquire at your nearest health shop or pharmacy.
As always, be sure to discuss with your medical practitioner before using any alternative medicines or remedies, especially if you’re pregnant, on medication or prone to any allergies or sensitivities.
Date Published: 30 November 2022
