A beginner’s guide to essential oils

Essential oils, aka those dinky little bottles often found in the diffuser aisle, are raved about in the world of wellness. From aiding relaxation during a pampering massage to setting the mood at home, they’ve worked their way into self-care routines for generations. But what is actually nestled in those bottles? And how should we be using them? So, let’s go back to basics and explore everything to know with our essential oil guide – beginners edition. 

What are essential oils?

Put simply; essential oils are extracted from plants and mimic the ‘essence’ of said plant. For example, rose essential oil will carry the rose’s familiar, floral scent. 

The process of getting concentrated plant extracts really plays into the quality of the final essential oil. Most essential oils are created via steam distillation or cold pressing, using the raw botanicals (including leaves, bark, petals). Although it takes a vast amount of plants to create the oil, it’s reported that as much as 5,000 pounds of rose petals can make 1 pound of essential oil. 

With hundreds of varieties of essential oils to choose from, there’s an overwhelming amount of choice in varying strengths. If you’re a newbie to essential oils, checking out favourites including eucalyptus, lavender, chamomile, bergamot, jasmine, patchouli, and tea tree is a great place to start. 

What are essential oils used for?

Essential oils boast many health and wellbeing benefits that our ancestors cottoned on to as far back as the 10th century! Used in aromatherapy (the holistic practice of using scent to improve your wellbeing), some are said to help reduce stress, enhance the quality of sleep, and even soothe sore joints. While ongoing research explores and validates the medicinal benefits, the positive impact on the mind, body, and spirit has sparked mainstream interest in these potent plant extracts.  

Each plant is harnessed for its own unique set of benefits, so if you’re after treatment for a specific ailment, it’s good to do your research before experimenting with essential oils. Which brings us to the next part of our essential oil guide… 

3 ways to use essential oils at home

To relax & unwind

Want to recreate a soothing spa experience at home? Blend a couple of drops of a calming essential oil with a carrier oil (like coconut oil, olive oil or argan oil) and massage it into your skin – taking deep, conscious breaths as you work it all over the body. Choose nature’s most soothing botanicals for ultimate zen vibes like lavender, chamomile, or ylang-ylang. 

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Harmony Spa Essential Oil Relax 10ml

£1.49

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To give you an energising boost

If you need a little pep in your step, look to zingy and zesty essential oils like lemon, bergamot and peppermint. One of the easiest ways to incorporate a spot of aromatherapy at home is to use a few drops in your room diffuser to create an uplifting mood in every room. 

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To soothe your skin

Scalp a little irritated? Skin flaring up? Tea tree is an ingredient you can find across soothing skincare products, from blemish treatments to calming moisturisers. When used in its purest form as an essential oil, a little will go a long way. Mix a drop with a damp cotton pad and apply directly to blemishes (but not broken skin) to help reduce redness. To transform your usual hair wash routine into a targeted treatment, mix a few drops of tea tree essential oil with your favourite shampoo and conditioner for a soothing finish.  

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