Health & Beauty Benefits: Essential Oils Edition

I don’t know about you, but after this week I am in need of major R&R. 

But first. 

ESSENTIAL OILS.

Last month J and I went to see our friend Thomas in a Raw Artist showcase at the House of Blues (he makes custom leather bags, bracelets…whatever, check him out here), and on our way there our friend Sam busted out her stress-free essential oils.

It smelled amazing and I instantly felt at ease. 

She told us about all the different oils she had and how much they had helped keep her at ease, have better night sleeps and relieved anxiety.

J and I were immediately  hooked.

I have heard about essential oils before…I’m not living under a rock, but I had only really used oils specifically for beauty treatments and had never thought about using them in a diffuser before.

I had a sort of DUH moment, you know? 

So, what are essential oils? How do they work?

Basically, essential oils are concentrated liquids from plants or spices and herbs that contain their chemical properties.

They work in three ways: Aromatherapy, topically, and by dietary means. 

I personally use the first two the most, especially applying topically, because I love to make crazy beauty concoctions out of them, like here and here. 

But lets talk more about this whole Aromatherapy thing. 

This source describes it best: “When essential oils are inhaled through the nose, tiny nerves send an immediate signal to the brain and go straight to work on the systems that moderate our minds and bodies. Inhalation can be the most direct delivery method of these incredibly nurturing components in essential oils, since the chemical messengers in the nasal cavity have direct access to the brain.”

Crazy right!

So what types of things do the oils work on in our body and minds? 

Help Fight Viruses and Bacteria:  

Many oils have anti-microbial properties which help fight fungus and bacteria.

Helps with Stress and Anxiety:

By inhaling the oils little signals will release to help stimulate the brain to give a calming effect. By applying directly to your skin it goes immediately into your blood stream. 

Improves Quality of Sleep:

Particular oils have strong sedative effects to help put you right to sleep! Last night we mixed eucalyptus and peppermint…I was out by 9:30, no joke. 

If you don’t have a diffuser yet, I highly suggest you get one ASAP.

I bought my diffuser from Radha Beauty off Amazon for only $12! 

SO CHEAP.

One for the living room, one for the bathroom and one for the bedroom.

Can you tell I am obsessed?

I have felt the instant difference in my moods as soon as I turn that baby on. 

I bought my oil set off Amazon too by Plant Guru. It came in a set of 14 and their oils are truly amazing, and no, this is not a sponsored post, I am just truly in love with the product. 

 

My favorite scents are eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree, sweet orange and frankincense…they do wonders for me! 

Eucalyptus: 

Earthy and fresh aroma. Gives you a sense of clean. 

Lavender:

Fresh, floral, clean, and calm. This oil is essential to every home with its calming properties. 

Tea Tree:

Refreshing and versatile. It can be used for literally  anything! 

 Sweet Orange: 

Juicy and reminiscent of fresh oranges. It leaves a sweet, peaceful aroma that can fill a room with a sense of peace, harmony, and creativity.

Frankincense:

Earthy and uplifting, which is perfect for grounding and spiritual connectedness. This smell makes me feel safe and comforted. 

Do any of you use essential oils? Do you make your own blend of smells? Comment below and tell me what some of your faves are! xx

 ESSENTIAL OIL MUST HAVES: