As you may have noticed via instagram, I’m starting to work with essential oils. I’ll be hosting some workshops on the run up to christmas so be sure to sign up to my newsletter for details.
So what are essential oils? Well, they are organic compounds that are extracted from the plants. They have so many uses, from relaxation to healing and can replace most modern medicine, especially when it comes to things like colds & flu, sore muscles, skin conditions and digestion problems.
But it’s SO important that you buy certified, pure therapeutic grade oils to see the true benefits. Not all essential oils are created equally. In fact, most of them are pointless and often synthetic. If you want to order or find out more about the brand I trust and personally use, email oils@rachaelphillips.me.
To get ONE 15ml bottle of lemon essential oils, it actually takes 45 lemons.
Since every essential oil has unique and healing benefits, I thought I’d run though 10 of the most popular essential oils and just some of the ways you can use them…
Ginger will improve your digestion, reduce inflammation and relieve nausea.
Sandalwood which is my absolute favourite, as I tell Tanya of Tanya’s Healthy Living, it just smells so grown up and will improve energy.
Lemon is one of the most popular essential oils, I’m not ashamed to say that I add a drop or two to my G&T’s (again, if you want to ingest essential oils they HAVE to be 100% therapeutic grade). But lemon doesn’t just taste amazing it also improves lymph drainage and cleanses the body. It’s a great oil to diffuse too if you want to get energised. Also, use lemon to replace many of your household cleaners – better for the environment and better for your health.
Rosemary is great for brain function and memory so great if you’re working or studying. It can also thicken your hair so be sure to add some to your shampoo.
Peppermint is a wonder oil, it helps with digestion, can improve breath, boosts energy, relieve headaches and will reduce fevers.
Lavender is perfect for improving your mood and relaxing you. It’ll also help heal any cuts or burns you may have too.
Oregano is not just great in tomato based sauces but is also has powerful anti-microbial properties.
Clove may make you think of the dentist but that’s because it packs a powerful antioxidant punch, is anti-bacterial and anti-parasitic.
Eucalyptus is a firm favourite in our house over winter, it purifies the body and also get help with respiratory issues such as sinusitis, allergies and bronchitis.
And finally Frankincense which helps build immunity, reduces inflammation and supports healthy brain function.
Do you use essential oils? What are your favourite blends?
I love essential oils and really believe in their power. In fact I’ve not been without a bottle of lavender to hand for years! Sandalwood is also stunning. Great post.
I love the scent of lemon, it’s my number one favourite smell. I also like the smell of lavendar.
I work with essential oils, they are amazing. Great post. Kaz x
This is such a great resource thank you, I am always trying to use things like essentials oils. x
Great post- I love lavender as it really relaxes and calms me xxx
I love essentials oils and love the smell of lemons x
I use essential oils as I suffer with a lot of pain and anxiety. I find the smell of peppermint oil helps
Had no idea about most of these! I knew about ginger but none of the others. Also can’t believe it takes 45 lemons for one tiny bottle of lemon oil!
I use lavender oil and peppermint quite often, The lavender one is fantastic to help you sleep
I love essential oils so much I did a degree in complementary therapy. lavender is my favourite and when used correctly it’s like magic.
I use lavender oil and it relaxes me and helps me sleep.
Lavender Oil would be in my top 10 favourite scents for the exact reasons you have given x
Really great post. I love lavender oil – I always put it on my wrists before bed x
I don’t use essential oils, thanks for sharing their benefits though. I should really look into trying some.
Really useful post, I didn’t know the benefits of all of these. I do use peppermint as I have IBS and it helps.
Ginger, Lavender and Peppermint are my favourites. I also love Eucalyptus.
I don’t use oils at all and now I have read this post I think I need to get some sandalwood in my life for my energy levels thank you
I love essential oils, I made my own water spritzers using them for my labour. They really do have many health benefits and certainly helped me out when I needed to stay calm.