Essential oils have been used for centuries for their effects on the mind and body. Their inticing aromas are not only used to make things smell nice; the molecules in essential oils stimulate the olfactory receptors in your nose, which send signals to the areas of your brain that form the limbic system. The limbic system is the part of the brain involved in processing emotions, memories and stimulation, and also contributes to the regulation of physiological responses in the body, such as pulse rate, blood pressure and breathing. It is therefore believed that, when essential oil molecules are inhaled through the nose, it can trigger both a physiological and psychological effect.
One of the most well-known uses of aromatherapy is to ease stress, aid relaxation and promote feelings of calm. Enjoying the aromas of essential oils is a natural and non-invasive way to observe positive changes in your emotional state.
Below is our roundup of some of the most popular calming essential oils, to help promote feelings of relaxation and ease feelings of stress:
Lavender: - No list of calming essential oils would be complete without Lavender, and it’s a well-known essential oil for a reason. As well as having a host of benefits for the skin, Lavender has a deeply relaxing effect on the mind, providing feelings of peace and focus. It can be used during the day to uplift and relax, as well as at night to aid in a restful night’s sleep.
Lavender essential oil is the star in our Lavender waxes, and also features in our Balance and Active waxes.
Bergamot: - Have you ever found the smell of Earl Grey tea particularly relaxing? If so, it’s likely Bergamot that’s having this effect on you, which gives Earl Grey tea its distinctive flavour. Bergamot oil is believed to be particularly good at easing feelings of stress, while reducing fatigue and providing an uplifting effect due to its fresh and fruity scent.
Bergamot essential oil can be found in our Balance waxes.
Ylang Ylang: - Coming from the flowers of the tropical Cananga tree, Ylang Ylang essential oil has a sweet and floral scent which is commonly used to boost mood, reduce stress and support healthy sleep.
Ylang Ylang essential oil is used in our Connect, Relaxation and Pacific Nights Massage Waxes.
Rose: - Roses are one of the most popular flowers, and Rose essential oil enjoys an equally popular reputation. Commonly found in cosmetics to provide a sweet and pleasantly floral scent, it’s also believed to reduce anxiety and stress, and even help reduce pain associated with menstrual cramps.
Chamomile: - Chamomile tea is a popular drink associated with relaxation and good sleep, but Chamomile oil can also be utilised for similar effects. The oil has quite a strong smell, which is not necessarily to everyone’s taste, but it is used traditionally to help relieve irritability, over-thinking and worry, and support restful sleep.
Frankincense: - While many of the oils in thist list are floral, Fankincense oil comes from tree resin and is a popular scent to use during meditation, as it is believed to help focus the mind, enhance breathing, and bring feelings of deep peace and overall wellbeing.
Frankincense essential oil can be found in our Balance waxes.
Neroli: - With its sweet and slightly spicy aroma, Neroli oil is produced from the blossom of the Bitter Orange tree, and is traditionally used to reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. It’s believed that, when inhaled, it may help the brain release serotonin and reduce levels of cortisol.
Neroli essential oil is used in our Calming and Pacific Nights Massage Waxes.
Orange: - Most citrus essential oils are associated with uplifting feelings of happiness. But Orange oil is believed to be particularly good at reducing anxiety and increasing overall mood.
Orange essential oil is a key incredient in our Orange Spice waxes, and can also be found in our Active Massage Wax.
Patchouli: - Patchouli oil is traditionally used to help treat stress and depression. It has a warm, sweet and slightly earthy scent, which can deeply relax and focus the mind and provide feelings of groundedness.
Patchouli essential oil is used in our Connect Massage Wax.
Clary Sage: - With its earthy and herbaceous scent, Clary Sage oil can be used to help soothe stress and depression by inducing a sense of wellbeing. It is also believed to decrease the stress horomone in women’s bodies, in turn decreasing anxiety and bodily tension.
Clary Sage essential oil can be found in our Herbal Lift Massage Wax
How to Use Essential Oils
Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways, such as: adding them to a diffuser or oil burner to scent a room; adding a few drops to your hands (if safe for the skin, and diluted in a carrier oil if necessary) or a tissue and then inhaling deeply; creating an essential oil mist to spray onto your pillow or bedsheets. You can even apply a few drops to the tips of your hair to enjoy wafts of your favourite scent.
A particularly good way of enjoying the calming effects of essential oils is to use the oils in conjunction with something you find relaxing. For example, you could add a few drops of essential oil to your bath, or use them in an oil diffuser while meditating or relaxing at home. Or, our personal favourite, enjoy the calming scent of your favourite essential oils as part of a massage for ultimate mind and body relaxation.
If you’re planning on applying any essential oils to your skin, just remember to check whether they’re suitable for topical use. Most essential oils will need to be diluted in a carrier oil in order to make them safe to add directly to the skin, but it’s worth bearing in mind that some essential oils shouldn’t be applied to the skin even when diluted. There are also some essential oils, such as Bergamot, which can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. If in doubt, consult a healthcare professional, or stick to enjoying your essential oils via a diffuser or oil burner.
