The beginner’s guide to essential oils

Essential oils can have an incredibly transformative effect on our body and mind, and can be beneficial in helping to cleanse and detox the body, focus the mind and nourish skin.

Pure essential oils are naturally occurring extracts from aromatic plants, highly potent and each with its own unique benefits – whether antiseptic, bacterial, anti-viral or anti-inflammatory. There are countless ways to experience the benefits of essential oils, including vaporising, massage, misting, inhalation and bathing.

Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefit. The healing properties of essential oils can help relieve headaches, muscular pain and cold and flu symptoms, while a few drops incorporated into a skincare routine can help increase hydration, improve acne and regenerate damaged skin. What’s more, essential oils can may even improve sleep patterns and lower feelings of anxiety.

Essential oils through the ages

Throughout the ages, essential oils been used to help cure ailments, induce relaxation and heighten the health benefits of massage. Aromatic essences have been used since antiquity in medicine, cosmetics, perfumes and ritual worship – and their enduring appeal continues well into our modern-day existence.

The science of aromatherapy is reputed to be around 60,000 years old. Ancient Egyptians, along with the Greeks and Romans, used aromatherapy scents in their baths, for massage and even in the embalming process. A medical paper dated 1,555BC describes various treatments, with many of them still in use today.

There is also documented evidence from China dating back to 2,700BC that lists infusions made from 300 different plants, many of which are used in modern-day aromatherapy.

The power of scents

Each of us has around 300 active olfactory receptor genes which can detect thousands of different fragrance molecules. The sense of smell plays an important role in the physiological effects of mood, stress and concentration.

A large body of research confirms that essential oils have measurable physiological effects on brainwave activity, blood pressure, pulse rates and mood, further supporting the therapeutic value of aromatherapy.

‘There is no denying the power of scent on mind and body. Now, more than ever we are turning to pure essential oil use for self-care practice. Whether you want to nourish your skin, reduce anxiety, decongest, or detox after the festive season, essential oils might just be your answer,’ says Aromatherapy Expert Pat Princi-Jones. ‘Citrus oils in particular work wonders on cleansing and purifying the body.

Oils such as grapefruit, bergamot and mandarin provide an effective synergy to use alongside a well-balanced detoxification program that includes regular exercise, health diet and plenty of water.’

Where to start

To build your own collection of detoxifying essential oils, Princi-Jones recommends starting with a cleansing grapefruit oil, refreshing mandarin oil and soothing bergamot oil. These oils can be diffused individually, blended together or combined in a body scrub or massage oil to release their detoxifying properties.

‘Grapefruit is especially cleansing,’ says Princi-Jones. Its uplifting and citrusy aroma, especially when combined with massage, is instantly enlivening and can boost circulation.

‘Bergamot is renewing and uplifting to the mind and body and also known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Its astringent action helps improve skin tone and aid lymph movement.

‘Mandarin has a gentle action on the circulatory system. It is known to ease indigestion and adds a tangy sweetness.’

If you’re looking for a quick, easy way to include essential oils into a detox plan, there are many blends that have been expertly devised and can be added straight into a diffuser, like the sweet and refreshing Oil Garden Energy Boost Essential Oil Blend to revive and uplift your mood, or the In Essence Digest Essential Oil Blend, a stimulating blend to ease digestion and relieve mild symptoms of digestive discomfort and pain.

Word of the wise

Because essential oils are all-natural, it might be easy to assume that that they are largely non-reactive. This isn’t the case at all. On the contrary, essential oils can be extremely powerful and a couple of drops go a long way. Most essential oils should be diluted with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond, jojoba, olive, sunflower seed, avocado or grapeseed oil, before applying them directly to the skin.

Be sure to read labels before applying essential oils on the skin to ensure you are not at risk for any adverse reactions.