Essential Oils in Aromatherapy

There are many different oils used in Aromatherapy and each one has its own unique purpose. Some are more popular than others and they are used to relive signs of depression, anger, stress, fatigue and fear. Some of the most common ones include:

• Lavender Oil

This oil has a yellow tint but is mainly clear in color and it has a sweet, floral scent. It is the most commonly used Essential oil and it really helps to sooth stress, get rid of anger, depression and anxiety. It is especially helpful in aiding restful sleep, and just a couple of drops onto your pillow at night will really help to send into a deep sleep. The scent really does go to the back of the nose and it lingers there whilst it calms the mind.

It also has medicinal benefits and it has been used to treat headaches, allergies, earache and even labor pains! There are two main types of Lavender oil; however one of them should be avoided at all costs. ‘Lavendule angustifolia’ has a different composition to ordinary Lavender oil and it should really be avoided.

• Sandalwood Oil

Sandalwood oil has a sweet, delicate, woody scent to it and like Lavender oil; it is a clear liquid mainly with a yellow tint to it. It is known to enhance the mood and relieve the symptoms of depression. It also really helps to sooth chapped lips, dry skin and scars. Many people use it purely for its warm, woody scent, but they also swear by its medicinal properties.

• Ylang, Ylang

Another popular Essential oil and it is again clear with a yellow tint. It has a floral yet at the same time slightly fruity, smell. It is known to create a balance within the mind which relieves symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression. Often used in incense sticks and other fragrance products, many people swear by this and it will no doubt continue to grow in popularity.

• Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil has a really strong, medicinal, woody scent to it and it is completely clear in color. Many people use this more for its medicinal properties which aid conditions such as Arthritis, cold sores, colds and flu. As with all Essential oils, this should never be taken orally.

All Essential oils can be used during a massage (though they should be diluted with a Carrier oil first!), and the contact with the skin generally does create a better effect and help to sooth the body and mind more. They can also be burned in an oil burner to create a strong fragrance which again will help to sooth the mind.

Overall Essential oils are pretty easy to use providing you have done your research beforehand. Some oils need to be used carefully and under no circumstances should any Essential oils be used on the skin before they are diluted down with Carrier oils. Essential oils will always be used in Aromatherapy and they really have proven to be effective in relieving stress, depression and anxiety.