10% off £25 OR 15% off £35

Code:SAVE
 

10% off £25 OR 15% off £35

Code:SAVE

Offers3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline only - Up to 33% offGreat SavingsBuy one get one 1/2 priceOutletIntroductory Offer25% off Online Only OfferBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBetter than 1/2 price2 for £5 Mix & MatchBeautyNatural Beauty Shop AllAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomeBase & Carrier OilsBlended Essential OilsHolisticPure Essential OilsElectrical WellnessGiftsHair CareShop all Hair CareHair AccessoriesHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseShampoo & ConditionerHair Skin & NailsMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesSexual WellnessSkincareShop all SkincareBody CareCBD BeautyEye CareFace CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareLip CarePremium SkincareSkin AilmentsSkin OilsSun CareTanning & BronzingSun CareShop all Sun CareAfter SunFace SPFMineral Sun CareSun Lotion SPFWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingBath Bombs & SaltsBath Soak & OilBathing AccessoriesBody ScrubDentalDeodorantFeminine CareHand WashIncontinence SupportShampoo & ConditionerShower Gel & Body WashSoapDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintHolland & BarrettTisserandMiaromaSukinQ+AEthiqueSkin Health - by skin concernDental HealthWomen's Health - Cycles & MenstruationJoints, Aches & PainsWomen's Health - PregnancyChildren's HealthExercise & RecoveryLow Mood & DepressionSexual HealthStress & Anxiety3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline only - Up to 33% offOutletIntroductory OfferAlcohol FreeDairy FreeGluten FreeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeMicroplastics FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeNew inCBDShop all CBDCBD BeautyCBD Food & DrinkCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD CapsulesCBD GummiesCBD OilCBD SprayGrass & Co.CBDfxTRIPfourfiveHolistic HerbHolland & BarrettReakiroCannaray CBDLove HempBody & Mind BotanicalsExercise & RecoveryLow Mood & DepressionSleep & RelaxationStress & Anxiety3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline only - Up to 33% offGreat SavingsBuy one get one 1/2 priceOutletDairy FreeAlcohol FreeGluten FreeNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink Shop AllBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsBreakfast BarsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeCookingShop all CookingApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesCooking IngredientsGravy & StockHerbs, Spices & SeasoningMeat-Free AlternativesRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsSoup & Ready MealsDairy Free DrinksShop all Dairy Free DrinksNut DrinksOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitMixesNutsSeedsDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesAlcohol Free DrinksCBD DrinksJuices & Health ShotsKombuchaMultipack DrinksNatural Energy DrinksProtein ShakesSoft DrinksWaterFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardApple Cider VinegarBreakfast CerealsCondiments & SaucesRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsTinned FoodsHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking MixesBreadEgg SubstitutesFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsHoneyJams & ChutneysManuka HoneyNut ButtersPateSpreadsSyrupsNutritionally Complete FoodSnacksShop all SnacksChocolateCrisps & ChipsFlapjacksLiquoriceLow Calorie SnacksPopcornSavoury SnacksSnack BarsSweet SnacksSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsBaobabChia SeedsFlaxseedGoji BerriesGut HealthMaca PowderMoringa PowderSpirulinaSuperfood BlendsSupergreensTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstitutesHerbal TeaMatcha & Green TeaMushroom DrinksPeppermint TeaSleep & RelaxationSlimming TeaSuperfood TeasTeasWomen's Health TeasVegan FoodShop all Vegan FoodDairy Free DrinksEgg SubstitutesMeat-Free AlternativesVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadeHeath & HeatherHuelPukkaTwiningsNakdOptimum NutritionMeridianImmunityExercise & RecoveryGut HealthJoints, Aches & PainsEnergyWeight ManagementDental HealthSave up to 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchGreat SavingsOnline only - Up to 33% offBuy one get one 1/2 price25% off Online Only OfferBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBetter than 1/2 priceGluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeSugar FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeFish FreeNew inHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessEnergyGut HealthHair Skin & NailsJoints Bones & MusclesSleep & RelaxationStress AnxietyHolland & BarrettVitabioticsNaturtintWeledaSolgarOptimum NutritionDr OrganicBetterYouApplied NutritionNew NordicJoints, Aches & PainsGut HealthEnergySkin Health - by skin concernExercise & RecoveryWomen's Health - Menopause & PerimenopauseLow Mood & DepressionStress & AnxietyWomen's Health - Hormonal HealthImmunity3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline only - Up to 33% offGreat SavingsBuy one get one 1/2 price25% off Online Only OfferOutlet3 for £14 Mix & MatchDairy FreeGluten FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeFish FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition Shop AllAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsAmino Energy PowdersArginineBCAACarnitineBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine CapsulesCreatine PowderIntra WorkoutKetoMeal Replacement ShakesNutritionally Complete FoodPost WorkoutPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyAmino Energy PowdersCaffeine Free Pre WorkoutPre WorkoutProteinShop all ProteinCaseinClear ProteinDiet ProteinMass GainersVegan ProteinWhey ProteinSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness EquipmentSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsElectrolytesEnergy GelsSports CollagenTestosteroneVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsOptimum NutritionUSNGrenadePrecision EngineeredApplied NutritionMyproteinHolland & BarrettPhDNakdHuelExercise & RecoveryEnergyWeight ManagementLow Mood & DepressionStress & AnxietySave up to 1/2 PriceGreat SavingsIntroductory Offer3 for 2 Mix & MatchOnline only - Up to 33% offBuy one get one 1/2 price25% off Online Only Offer2 for £20 Mix & MatchGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreePalm Oil FreeMilk FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeNew inVeganVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements Shop AllAt-Home TestsCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD CapsulesCBD GummiesCBD OilCBD SprayChildren's HealthCollagen & SilicaConditionShop all ConditionAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthBrain & Memory SupportChildren's HealthCholesterolCold & Immune SupportDigestive HealthFatigueHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMen's HealthMood SupportMuscle Support & Joint PainSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionWomen's HealthDigestive HealthFunctional MushroomsHair, Skin & NailsHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesAshwagandhaGinseng & GuaranaMilk ThistleRescue RemedyHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesFlower RemediesHomeopathic RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsMagnesiumMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthMineralsShop all MineralsCalciumChromiumIronMagnesiumSeleniumZincMuscle Support & Joint PainSupplementsShop all Supplements5 HTPAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaAloe VeraApple CiderArnicaCharcoalChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Collagen & SilicaDigestive EnzymesEvening Primrose OilFibre SupplementsGarlicGinkgo BilobaGlucomannanGlucosamineGrapeseed ExtractLecithinOmega & Fish OilsPeppermint OilPlant Sourced SupplementsRaspberry KetonesSaw palmettoSeaweed, Kelps and AquaceuticalsSuperfood SupplementsVegan Vitamins & SupplementsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin DrinksVitamin EVitamin KWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthMenopauseMenstrual SupportPerimenopausePregnancy & ConceptionUrinary Tract HealthHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicWeledaBetterYouBioglanGrass & Co.Nature's WayNatures AidJoints, Aches & PainsImmunityGut HealthEnergyLow Mood & DepressionStress & AnxietyChildren's HealthHealthy HeartWeight ManagementWomen's Health - Menopause & Perimenopause3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline only - Up to 33% offBuy 1 Get 1 Free25% off Online Only OfferOutletGreat SavingsBuy one get one 1/2 priceDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management Shop AllDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkDiet FoodLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeaExercise SupportShop all Exercise SupportDiet ProteinFitness EquipmentMeal Replacement ShakesProtein BarsFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsAppetite SuppressantsFat BindersFat BurnersSlimming TabletsWeight Management Shakes Shop all Weight Management Shakes Diet ProteinMeal Replacement ShakesOptimum NutritionGrenadeHolland & BarrettPhDHeath & HeatherUSNBounceMyproteinPulsinTrekExercise & RecoveryWeight ManagementEnergyHealthy HeartSave up to 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchGreat SavingsOnline only - Up to 33% offBuy one get one 1/2 price25% off Online Only OfferIntroductory OfferOutletGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeFish FreeLupin FreeNew inShop for your WellnessGut HealthImmunityEnergySkincareWomen's HealthMenstrual HealthMenopauseJoints, Bones & MusclesHair, Skin & NailsSleep & RelaxationFood & DietChildren's HealthStress ReliefHealthy HeartLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthLearn about WellnessJoints, Bones & MusclesWomen's HealthPeriods & Cycle HealthMenopauseImmunityGut HealthFood & DietSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast

The many essential oil benefits you're missing out on

What are essential oils
Essential oils are a whole new world in themselves & the benefits of using them are widespread. We answer questions, including ‘what are essential oils?’ & ‘what can I use them for?’ in this article.
Have you ever noticed the dinky essential oil bottles while you’ve been shopping and always wondered why people use them and what they use them for? In this article, we’ll talk you through everything you need to know about essential oils, so by the end, you’ll be fully in-the-know about some of the different options (as there are many essential oils out there), the benefits and uses. So, let’s start at the beginning shall we? By providing you with an overview of what essential oils are:

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are oils, but they aren’t like the oils you use to cook with, such as your vegetable and olive oils, they’re oils that capture a plant’s aromatic scent or flavour. These oils are extracted from plant leaves, bark and roots by either using distillation or cold pressing. 

Once extracted, they’re then combined with a carrier oil, creating a product that’s ready for us to use. (Note – essential oils that have been created through chemical processes are not classed as being true essential oils).1

What are carrier oils? 

Carrier oils are oils that are taken from a plant’s nuts, kernels or seeds and used to dilute the powerfulness of essential oils. Given the fact essential oils contain sure pure plant extracts, they’re almost too pure to use neat. Doing this can potentially result in skin irritation, such as redness, or even, burning. 

So, this is where carrier oils come in. They’re vegetable oils, coconut or avocado oil, for instance, that are mixed with essential oils to reduce their potency. In turn, this can help improve their effectiveness on our skin. (Tip – carrier oils are also called base oils too, just in case you were thinking you have to use base and carrier oils). Other types of carrier oils: jojoba, black cumin seed, jojoba, grapeseed, evening primrose, rosehip.2

Types of essential oils 

Now that we’ve covered carrier oils, which are a necessary element of using essential oils, let’s focus back on essential oils again. Just as there are different types of essential oils, there are all sorts of different essential oils too! 
They include:
  • Lavender 
  • Tea tree 
  • Peppermint 
  • Spearmint 
  • Geranium 
  • Lemon 
  • Clary sage 
  • Frankincense 
  • Ylang ylang 
  • Patchouli 
  • Tangerine
  • Orange 
  • Citronella 
  • Cedarwood 
  • Grapefruit 
  • Ginger 
  • Star Anise 
  • Spearmint 
  • Sandalwood 
  • Thyme 
  • Rosemary 
  • Turmeric 
  • And many more….

How to use essential oils 

Now this is where the fun begins, as there are lots of ways you can use essential oils. You may want to just use them in one particular way or you may want to experiment and mix up the way you work with them, each and every time you use them. You can:3
  1. Add some drops to your bath – this can help boost their therapeutic and relaxing qualities because they affect the limbic system or the emotional brain. 
  2. Pop some into a diffuser – this is a great way for you to feel the therapeutic benefits of essential oils in the environment around you. What’s more, you only need to use two to three drops at a time. The best essential oils for diffusers include: eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, tea tree and patchouli.4
  3. Inhale them – to do this, put a few drops of your chosen essential oil on a muslin cloth and take three deep breaths. Alternatively, mix your essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or evening primrose oil, and then apply a few drops on your palms and breathe in deeply. 
  4. Put them on your skin – it’s really important to remember that you shouldn’t dab essential oils directly on your skin, as they may be too strong for your skin and cause some sort of reaction, which is far from ideal. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t put them on your skin, you just need to blend them with a carrier/base oil before you do. Once combined, you can apply essential oils to your face and the rest of your body. It is important to seek professional advice and to follow instructions on label carefully prior to use. 
  5. Dab them on your feet – now this may sound a little unusual, but it’s a common practice when using essential oils. Just pop some on the soles of your feet and massage it in – our feet actually contain key absorption points for essential oils. (Don’t forget to blend them with a carrier oil first though).

The benefits of using essential oils


Essential oils for anxiety 

It’s believed that doing aromatherapy with certain essential oils will give you a calming and relaxing effect. There are a number of essential oils that are used for this purpose.5
  • Chamomile - The National Cancer Institute carried out a clinical trial into the effects of massaging people with cancer with Roman chamomile oil. The study found that massaging with this essential oil (diluted) had a relaxing and calming effect.
  • Lavender - This essential oil is often used in aromatherapy because of is relaxing, and relieving properties. For more advice about using essential oils and their calming effects, read this article, ‘8 essential oils for anxiety you should try.’

Essential oils for sleep 

Certain essential oils are said to be beneficial in enabling people to nod off. Here are three essential oils to use at night time:
  • Lavender - Here it is again, lavender. As well as potentially having a calming effect, lavender is widely used for relaxation and sleep too due to its soothing scent. 
  • Valerian - Now this is an essential oil we haven’t mentioned yet. Most herbal teas contain valerian, due to its calming properties. According to research, it can potentially help people rest and help improve the overall quality of sleep as well.6 
  • Bergamot - Bergamot is widely known for the calming effect it can have. This is because it signals to our system that it is time for bed. For more about using essential oils for night time, read this article, ‘7 essential oils to help you sleep better.’

Essential oils benefits – at a glance

Essential oil Benefits
Lemon7
  • Improves skin
Peppermint8
  • Unblocks sinuses
Lavender9
  • Calming 
  • Relaxing 
  • Improves mood
Tea tree10
  • Soothing 
  • Calming
Eucalyptus11
  • Refreshing
Cedarwood12
  • Refreshing
  • Relieving
Lime13
  • Helps with mood 
  • Provides refreshment and revitalisation
Ylang ylang14
  • Relaxes and soothes 
  • Provides hydration
Grapefruit15
  • Provides refreshment 
  • Works as an astringent
Geranium16
  • Helps with relaxation 
  • Mood enhancing
Ginger17
  • Refreshing 
  • Anti-inflammatory properties 
  • Aids with digestion18
Frankincense19
  • Rejeuvenating 
  • Refreshing
Jasmine20
  • Calming qualities
Neroli21
  • Calming 
  • Soothing
Spearmint22
  • Aids concentration
Patchouli
  • Enhancing 
  • Moisturising

Introducing essential oils into your life 

As you gather from the information we’ve shared with you above, essential oils are a whole new world in themselves. 

Take the time to do your research beforehand and, once you’ve settled on your chosen oils, don’t just rub them anywhere, as oils that are perfectly fine to use on your arms and legs, may not necessarily be safe to put inside your mouth or to inhale.

Always read labels and package instructions before using an essential oil. And when you’re doing your research always, always look into the purity of the essential oils. Ideally, you want to use oils that are in their purest form and haven’t had anything extra added to them.


Finally, as with testing anything new on your body, make sure you always dilute according to instructions provided on label carry out a skin patch test beforehand to make sure you aren’t allergic to the essential oil(s) you’re planning to use. 

Best of luck with using essential oils and here’s hoping you enjoy the many benefits of using them! In the meantime, for more essential oil insight, have a read of this article, ‘The best essential oils for beautiful skin and hair.’

Last updated: 10 September 2020

Sources

  1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-are-essential-oils#what-they-are
  2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321639#best-carrier-oils
  3. https://www.elle.com/uk/beauty/body-and-physical-health/a32956911/essential-oils/
  4. https://www.healthline.com/health/best-essential-oils#patchouli
  5. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324478#chamomile
  6. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeannecroteau/2019/07/25/the-best-essential-oils-for-sleep/#e3f01881df31
  7. https://www.champneys.com/about-champneys/blog/essential-oils-and-their-wellbeing-benefits/
  8. https://www.champneys.com/about-champneys/blog/essential-oils-and-their-wellbeing-benefits/
  9. https://www.champneys.com/about-champneys/blog/essential-oils-and-their-wellbeing-benefits/
  10. https://www.champneys.com/about-champneys/blog/essential-oils-and-their-wellbeing-benefits/
  11. https://www.champneys.com/about-champneys/blog/essential-oils-and-their-wellbeing-benefits/
  12. https://www.performancehealth.com/articles/essential-oils-benefits-and-uses-chart
  13. https://www.performancehealth.com/articles/essential-oils-benefits-and-uses-chart
  14. https://www.performancehealth.com/articles/essential-oils-benefits-and-uses-chart
  15. https://www.performancehealth.com/articles/essential-oils-benefits-and-uses-chart
  16. https://www.performancehealth.com/articles/essential-oils-benefits-and-uses-chart
  17. https://www.healthline.com/health/ginger-oil#:~:text=Research%20into%20the%20benefits%20of,aromatherapy%20and%20for%20topical%20applications.
  18. https://www.performancehealth.com/articles/essential-oils-benefits-and-uses-chart
  19. https://wyndmerenaturals.com/pages/essential-oil-descriptions
  20. https://wyndmerenaturals.com/pages/essential-oil-descriptions
  21. https://wyndmerenaturals.com/pages/essential-oil-descriptions
  22. https://wyndmerenaturals.com/pages/essential-oil-descriptions

 

Related Articles