13 Essential Oils to Level Up Your Self-Care Routine

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are compounds that are extracted from plants by steam or mechanical means like cold pressing.

 

How do they work?

Essential oils are commonly used in aromatherapy, holistic treatment, and approach to health and wellness. Essential oils can make a significant impact on your health if used properly.

 

What are the benefits?

 

Essential Oils Benefits:

  • Helps reduce the frequency and severity of acne
  • Helps with depression and libido
  • Improve mood and reduce anxiety
  • Improve mood and feelings of relaxation
  • Improve sleep
  • Reduce nausea
  • Relieve headaches
  • Reduce inflammation

 

In this blog, we will explore several essential oils that have been used as natural remedies to improve relaxation and promote feelings of calmness.

 

Frankincense

Frankincense oil, which is derived from the Boswellia tree, is excellent for managing stress and inducing relaxation. This study conducted on rats concluded that frankincense oil has the ability to improve the effects of stress on rats. Frankincense oil is best used in areas where you could be experiencing irritation or inflammation.

To use, simply massage the oil into the affected area.

 

Geranium

Geranium oil is a common ingredient in cosmetics and perfumes. It is also known for its sedative properties. This essential oil is excellent for reducing stress and anxiety.

To use, add it to a warm bath and let yourself relax as it works its magic.

Clary Sage

Clary Sage oil is extracted from the leaves of the plant and has a distinct herbal smell. This review revealed that Clary Sage could improve tension and help women manage their cortisol levels. Cortisol is the stress hormone that causes us to eat unhealthy foods when we are stressed and retain body fat during stressful times.

To use, you can massage the oil into your skin or inhale it directly.

Ylang Ylang

Ylang Ylang oil can help improve mood and relieve anxiety. In fact, according to this study - inhaling ylang ylang oil lowered anxiety and stress levels, heart rate, and cortisol. It is also commonly used as a natural anti-depressant.

To use, massage it into the skin or add to an essential oil diffuser.

Rose

Rose oil is great for reducing pain related to menstruation and relieving stress. One study actually found that massaging the abdomen with this essential oil could lower pain and anxiety levels. Additionally, rose oil is an excellent anti-inflammatory.

To use, you can add rose oil to a moisturizer or add a few drops of oil to a warm bath.

Marjoram

Marjoram oil is often used to help improve headaches and migraines. It is originally from the Meditteranean and has been used as a natural remedy for anxiety. Marjoram oil can help put you at ease and clear your mind.

To use, you can dab a few drops on your wrists and temples and give yourself a small massage.

Bergamot

Bergamot oil is a popular ingredient in perfumes and is most commonly known for its presence in Earl Grey tea. According to this study conducted on animals and humans, Bergamot is effective in relieving stress and anxiety.

To use it, you can place a few drops of oil into a hot bath and inhale the steam. You can also enjoy a London Fog tea latte or inhale a small amount of oil in a cotton ball for a few minutes.

Lemon Balm Oil

Lemon balm oil is a favorite amongst many due to its sweet smell. One study conducted in 2011 concluded that lemon balm capsules could help those suffering from anxiety.

To use, simply add the oil to an essential oil diffuser and inhale directly. You can also add lemon balm oil to a warm bath. Lemon balm has additional benefits, such as improving cognition and soothing the mind.

Chamomile

Chamomile oil is an excellent natural sedative for those looking to improve their relaxation. It is commonly found in herbal teas and can help promote restful sleep.

To use, you can add it to an essential oil diffuser or a hot bath.

Fennel

Fennel oil is great at relaxing the mind and body. It is also known for its ability to improve digestion and menstrual pain. This study conducted on mice found that fennel oil was able to reduce anxious behaviors.

To use, add fennel oil to an essential oil diffuser or a warm bath to put your body at ease.

Orange

Orange oil is known for its ability to help anxiety and depression. This study revealed that aromatherapy using orange oil helped reduce stress levels in children that were undergoing a dental procedure. Orange oil is also helpful in treating pain, according to this 2017 study conducted on patients with bone fractures.

To use, add the oil to your lotion and massage it into the skin.

Silver Fir

Silver Fir (also known as Fir Needle essential oil) is known for helping with respiratory health. A healthy respiratory system is foundational in maintaining overall health and can improve meditation practices. It can also help reduce fatigue.

It is best to add a few drops of oil to a hot bowl of water and inhale the steam slowly with a towel over your head to trap the moisture.

Peppermint

Peppermint oil has been known for its relaxing benefits for decades. This 2015 review suggested that it may help with headaches and migraines. There are a few ways to go about this.

You can add peppermint oil to hot water, then close your eyes and waft the steam towards your face and inhale the steam. You can drink peppermint tea. You can use an oil diffuser or (my favorite) dab a few drops of peppermint oil onto your temples and meditate.

 

Have trouble picking one to try?

Look no further.

 

At Aculief, we offer several essential oil based products including our My Relief Essential Oil Roll-On , our Calm Balm, and our Relax and Focus Balm. All of these are great self-care essentials for those looking to level up their pampering routine. They combine high quality essential oils to help relieve pain and put yourself at ease to focus on the things that really matter.