Hi all,

Today I have decided to strip everything down to the basics. Many of the best products relating to relaxation, meditation and healing contain what we know to be ‘Essential Oils’ and this is what I am going to be counting down today; my top 5. 

Essential oils have actually been used for thousands of years for both medicinal and health purposes. Because of their antidepressant, antibacterial and calming properties, essential oils are once again gaining popularity on the high street as a natural and cheap source of therapy and relaxation.

There’s no wonder why, considering the high cost of prescriptions and the potential side effects of conventional medications, adding essential oils to your personal medicine cabinet can make a world of difference. We have a whole cupboard dedicated to them in the downstairs loo at home.

The many benefits of Essential Oils include:

• boost immune system
• support digestion
• balance hormones
• improve brain function
• reduce anxiety and stress
• help aches and pains
• help skin healing
• promote sleep

So here comes the main event….

My Top 5 Essential Oils Countdown!

5. Lemon Oil

Wow! So Fresh! Lemon Essential Oil!

Lemon Oil is one of the most recognised oils because of its refreshing and uplifting scent. I feel like I could take off and drift away it’s so light.

The benefits of lemon oil can be attributed to its stimulating, calming and detoxifying  properties. Lemon Oil is a fantastic mood booster! – you can simply diffuse in the room or place a few drops in your hands, rub and inhale.

I try to use lemon oil when I am struggling to concentrate at home or start to get a massive annoying headache whilst doing University work.

4. Rose Oil

My favourite flower!

There must be a special reason why this floral scent has been used in absolutely everything from perfumes to night creams.

Rose Oil is not just relaxing, but it has also been shown to relieve anxiety, stress, and depression.

The way I use Rose Oil is when I want to go to bed. I simply dab a small amount onto my pillow to help me drift off to sleep.

It always reminds me of Turkish Delight so I am always torn between wanting to simply use it or eat it. Ha. No that’s a bad idea.

3. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is made from the leaves of selected eucalyptus tree species.

From what I have researched, the trees belong to the plant family Myrtaceae, which is native to Australia, Tasmania and nearby islands.

There are more than 500 eucalypti species, but essential oils of Eucalyptus salicifolia and Eucalyptus globulus  are retrieved for their medicinal properties.

Hundreds of years ago, eucalyptus oil was used as an analgesic agent that helped to relieve pain. It was valued for its anti-inflammatory properties and its aid to improve respiratory conditions.

Eucalyptus oil benefits are extensive, and the oil is now commonly used in healing ointments, perfumes, vapor rubs. Therefore, eucalyptus oil is a great oil for cleansing the air and creating a clean surrounding.

I love this oil before bed time! If I have just had a shower I tend to turn my diffuser on and drop some oil into it to retain that lovely clean feeling you have just after a shower!

2. Peppermint Oil

This was a close second!

I love Peppermint oil! It is really used to treat colds, headaches and muscle aches but similar to lavender, I find that Peppermint makes me sleep so much better!

I think it is simply because it feels like it is going to clear my head.

1. Lavender Oil

OF COURSE! It has to be Lavender oil!

When used in aromatherapy,  lavender oil is a brilliant yet mild sedative which helps to reduce stress!

Lavender is also believed to help balance hormones, to reduce feelings of nervous tension and some studies have even proven lavender oil to reduce feelings of depression!

However, from my own experience, lavender oil has been the best thing to both help me sleep and also just relax! Most of my beauty products and sleeping pillow sprays contain lavender and honestly, the oil is the best thing to have graced the planet in terms of helping me to get great night sleep! I can not live without the stuff.

Introducing lavender oil into my bedtime routine has honestly been an absolute blessing!

Once again, my gran was right.

 

L x