As well as smelling good, essential oils are loaded with benefits for everyday beauty, home care and wellbeing.
But which ones are the absolute (ahem) ‘essentials’? Here’s our go-to list.
Lavender
This versatile essential oil can support relaxation and sleep. Smelling lavender may even help to relieve a headache, while topical application may reduce itching and swelling from bug bites.
Frankincense
Use frankincense essential oil diluted for massage and for grounding in meditation and yoga. It’s kind to dry skin, as well as wrinkles, age spots, and stretch marks.
Manuka
Manuka is proven to have amazing natural antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Apply directly to cuts, boils, mouth ulcers and cold sores.
Roman Chamomile
Relieve stress by adding to a steam inhalation or in a diffuser, or dilute to calm skin inflammation and eczema (patch test for sensitivity first).
Rose
In a diffuser, rose helps calm anxiety. Its antioxidant properties can also help to soothe acne and rejuvenate the complexion over time.
Lemon
Uplifting lemon is incredibly useful (and why we include it in many ecostore products). Try it in a diffuser, particularly when someone in your household is sick.
Eucalyptus
Antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal – eucalyptus is great for soothing cold and flu symptoms. As a bonus, it even relieves achy muscles and joints. Avoid using around or on small children.
Peppermint
Dilute and apply to temples to relieve headaches, or pair with eucalyptus for a decongestant. It offers some antimicrobial effect, especially combined with m-anuka.
Safety first
• Always store essential oils away from little ones.
• Essential oils have potential risks. If buying online, look for websites with credible safety information about each oil, and use as directed.
• Look for ‘pure’ essential oils – avoid perfume oils and blends that already contain a carrier.
• When applying essential oils topically or adding them to a bath, use a carrier oil – like almond, coconut, olive or jojoba – to prevent irritation.
• Some essential oils are toxic and shouldn’t be ingested unless recommended specifically by a healthcare professional.
• Apply extra caution if using essential oils while pregnant. Debra Raybern is an excellent expert reference.
We’re not doctors. If you’re on medication, search for known contraindications to using essential oils, and talk to a qualified aromatherapist if you’re unsure.
ECOSTORE, 1 Scotland Street, Freemans Bay, T: 09 360 8477, www.ecostore.co.nz Debra Raybern www.debrastarkey.com
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