Our busy modern-day lifestyles may prevent us from finding meaningful connections with our world, leaving us feeling unbalanced. A simple way for beginning a journey to wellness can be through rekindling with nature, such as harnessing the benefits of botanicals for healing our bodies. Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants through distillation or cold pressing that captures the “essence” of the plant. The aromas can be obtained from a variety of nature’s gifts, including herbs, flowers, roots, fruits, and even tree barks. Essential oils are highly regarded in aromatherapy, and has been used as a form of alternative medicine to bring forth physical and mental wellness. Here are some well-known botanicals in the world of essential oils that we incorporated into our natural oil blends for your health and well-being!
Passion Blend – Lavender, Geranium, Lemon
The essence of the beautiful herb, lavender, is featured this natural oil blend, where it is combined with the sweetness of geranium and crisp freshness of lemon to relieve tension and bring forth uplifting feelings of positivity.
~ Lavender ~
Lavender is famous in the world of cosmetics and has often been used as fragrance for many skin and beauty products. The oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which can help heal your body from minor cuts and burns, as well as skin irritations to prevent infection.
Its scent is useful for treating anxiety and insomnia as it can reduce stress hormones in blood, perfect for bringing forth tranquility and peace. Did you know? Lavender essential oil is often diffused at dentist waiting rooms because it was shown through clinical trials to have anxiety-reducing effects on patients before their appointments.
~ Geranium ~
Geranium essential oil is derived from a plant called the Pelargonium that carries beautiful pink flowers with a fresh floral fragrance. Studies have shown that this oil also carries antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties that are very beneficial for the skin. What is amazing about this essential oil is that it is a “circulatory oil”, meaning that it exits the body through perspiration rather than exhalation. Combined with its antibacterial properties that eliminates body odor, your sweat releases the pleasant aromas of geranium when you do excess physical activity following an aromatherapy session.
Also, its astringent properties help tighten and tone facial skin, thereby reducing signs of premature aging. In aromatherapy, geranium is used for balancing of the hormones to relieve stress and anxiety with its freshly sweet essence.
~ Lemon ~
Citrus plants are among the most benefit-rich essential oil sources, with their many uses in food and medicine, as well as cosmetics. Lemon essential oil is one of the most popular in the citrus category due to its versatility and strong anti-oxidizing properties. It comes from cold pressing of the lemon peel, the portion of the fruit with the most nutrients.
This invigorating fruit is loaded with benefits and is highly regarded for its ability for purify the body from toxins. Lemon essential oil is also used as a natural cleaner to helps remove unpleasant odors. Its vibrant and light aromas rejuvenate energy and gives a feeling of crisp freshness that delights all.
Zen Blend – Frankincense, Sandalwood, Ho Wood
Deep and robust, the warming scents of Frankincense, Sandalwood, and Ho Wood dance together to bring you peace and tranquility. The rich and earth essences of this blend are perfect for clearing your mind during meditation.
~ Frankincense ~
Frankincense essential oil comes from steam distilling of natural wood resin from trees of the Boswellia genus. There are several species of Frankincense, but they share similar therapeutic and aromatic properties. They typically come from Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, or India. This aromatic resin is most often used for spiritual as well as perfumery applications, very distinct in its woody, fruity, balsamic, and slightly spicy aromas.
Aside from stress-relieving and mood-uplifting properties, frankincense is packed with other benefits. It can help balance hormones, which reduces symptoms associated with menstruation and menopause. Frankincense also helps boost your immune system and prevents illness. Studies have demonstrated that frankincense essential oil exhibits strong immunostimulant activity.
~ Sandalwood ~
Sandalwood essential oil is extracted from the wood of the evergreen tree Santalum album. This precious wood has been used since ancient times as a main ingredient in incense as the scent is deeply grounding, ideal for meditation. Aromatically, the wood is rich and sweet, followed by delicate floral notes.
The oil is widely used for its calming effects as it aids in treatment of depression and anxiety. It has been proven in a Japanese study that the active ingredients in sandalwood calms the central nervous system, with effects similar to the commercial drug Thorazine used to treat mood disorders.
~ Ho Wood ~
Ho Wood essential oil is steam distilled from the bark and wood of the Cinnamomum camphora, commonly known as the camphor tree or camphor laurel. Aromatically, this beautifully fragrant wood smells warm and sweet, with subtle floral notes. Ho wood is often referred to as a “peaceful” oil, given its linalool content. Linalool is a chemical component found in some plants that is believed to promote relaxation and calming effects, hence Ho wood’s peaceful aspect. Its also the main contributor of Ho wood essential oil’s pleasant floral scent, with a touch of spice.
Aside from relieving stress and anxiety, this essential oil is used for relieving the body of pain during colds and flus, as well as menstrual cramps. Its strong camphor contend makes it suitable for use as a natural anti-inflammatory to nourish your skin and remove harmful bacteria.
Our world offers so many beautiful ingredients to aid our health and well-being. Love and appreciate all the wondrous gifts Mother Nature has to offer, and explore the ancient practice of aromatherapy.
