Essential oils are self explanatory – they are essentials that you get in the form of an oil. Where does this oil come from? “Essential oils are carefully steam distilled and cold pressed concentrate of the various parts of plants like flowers, seeds, roots, barks, leaves, etc. In its purest form, an essential oil is more potent than the plant from which it was extracted purely because of the intensity of the concentrate. It is nature’s pure essence packed in a bottle,” explains Shivani Shah, co-founder of Naturma, a brand of natural skin care products. She swears by essential oils, and claims that it works on four levels –physical, mental, emotional and spiritual – to boost one’s wellbeing, relieve stress, and alleviate depression and dullness.
After application, the oil works in two ways – it can either be absorbed by the skin into the body tissues, or the smell of the oil can work to stimulate a reaction in the body. But essential oils are not only useful in the remedy of ailments, they can also be used for other purposes around the house. Shah shares some useful tips for using these oils:
For daily use
Shah says that only a few essential oils are used more commonly in everyday life as their functions are very versatile. “They act as simple solutions to everyday problems. Lemon essential oil added with vinegar can be used as a home cleaning product to clean surfaces, or a few drops in your laundry will maintain freshness and hygiene as it has strong antibacterial properties. It can also be used in your shampoo to help hair growth,” she says.
Lavender essential oil is known for its aromatic properties. “It is used as an air freshener in diffusers which helps mitigate stress and improves sleep. You can mix a few drops of it with coconut oil and use it for a massage to relieve muscles, joint pain and aches. Adding a few drops of lavender oil in your shampoo can help fight dandruff and dry scalp,” says Shah.
Rosemary essential oil is another popular one to have handy. “It is used to ease digestion trouble. You can add three drops of rosemary essential oil to 1 tsp a carrier oil (an oil like olive or coconut to dilute the essential oil) and rub it in over the abdomen. You can also make a refreshing mouthwash that prevents bad breath by mixing 10 drops of rosemary oil and peppermint oil in filtered water,” says Shah.
For a beauty regime
There are over 400 essential oils available today, claims Shah, adding that each variety has its own efficacy and potency in skincare. “This is why essential oils are widespread in the beauty industry, especially combined with natural and organic ingredients. Its positive effects are compounded by its pure application without the barriers of harsh chemicals and toxins,”she explains. No wonder then that we have a range of shampoos, gels, creams and lotions that claim to contain essential oils.
Talking about the use of essential oils for skin care, she says, “Tea tree essential oil works to fight fungal infections, which cause dandruff, dry and flaky skin, and skin damages such as burns and scrapes. Together with thyme and calendula oil, it can also help reduce acne and blemishes. To rejuvenate the skin and increase its elasticity, rose hip and jasmine essential oils work well. If you are looking to tighten ageing skin, geranium, patchouli and frankincense essential oils, which control the oiliness of the skin, can help. For parched hair, argan oil and avocado oil, which are rich in fatty acids and vitamins work as moisturisers,” shares Shah.
As remedy for ailments
Before allopathic medicines came into play, people relied on natural extracts such as essential oils to heal and remedy their ailments. “There is a science behind essential oils and their blends that dates back to the Bronze Age, where they were used for therapeutic, medicinal and religious purposes,” says Shah, adding, “Have you experienced an overactive mind and a tired body, when you just want to sleep but cannot? Try using a diffuser with two drops of lavender, cedar wood, and sandalwood essential oils. The scent will ease you into a relaxed and restful sleep.”
She shares how blocked sinuses, headache, breathing problems caused by cold and cough can be alleviated by inhaling the vapour of hot water combined with two drops of peppermint and lavender, and one drop of eucalyptus essential oils. “Alternatively, rubbing a drop of eucalyptus oil mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut oil on the chest will help clear sinuses,” she says.
Winter is a painful time for those who suffer from joint pains. But with essential oils, they can get some relief. “You can mix two drop of eucalyptus and marjoram and one drop of lavender, rosemary and peppermint essential oils combined with carrier oils such as almond, apricot and jojoba and rub on inflamed areas for some relief,” says Shah.
Some other clever ways of using essential oils
- Apply a few drops of Geranium, Basil and Lavender essential oils to remove odour from shoes.
- Scrub the sink with Bergamot and Lime essential oils mixed with water.
- Wash your fruits with grapefruit oil.
- Get rid of rodents by placing a cotton ball of Peppermint oil in the corners of the room.
- Remove mites in bedsheets by washing in water with drops of Eucalyptus oil.
