Due to the recent influx in the use of essential oils you may, like me until recently, have heard of them but are unsure of exactly what they are and what they do. It’s my aim today to provide a basic overview of what essential oils are and how they can be used.
What is an Essential Oil?
An Essential Oil is a liquid that contains chemical compounds from plants, flowers, leaves, roots, peel, resin and seeds.
How can I make Essential Oils?
The most common method to extract a plants chemical compounds is ‘steam distillation’. For essential oils this process is completed by passing steam through the plant material. This steam is collected and cooled causing the water and oil to separate at which point the oil concentrate is collected.
Alternatively, ‘expression’ is an additional method that is you can use to produce citrus essential oils. You can complete this process by using force to press the oils directly from the plant’s seeds, skins and flesh.
How do you apply Essential Oils?
Essential Oils have three major application methods; inhalation, ingestion and topical (applied directly to the skin).
What are the uses for Essential Oils?
The primary use of Essential Oils is in aromatherapy. Other uses for Essential Oils are; in food as natural preservatives, in agriculture as natural pesticides.
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy – a therapy that is used alongside traditional medical treatment. Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils to improve physical and mental health.
Not sure which essential oil to start with?
Saje offers the best starter essential oils blend kit: Home Farmacy. This kit includes oil blends that treat five common symptoms: headaches, pains, colds, indigestion and stress. You can customize your wellness support by blending the oils together. I recommend that you keep the kit on your bathroom counter or bedside table so that they are in close reach when they are most needed. You can also carry the kit with you to feel supported everywhere you go, all day long. Below, I will lay out the different oil blends that are in the kit to give you an in-depth look at what it contains:
Gutzy Oil Blend
Gutzy is best used when comforting the stomach. This can mean easing digestion, bloating, and nausea. It contains fennel black pepper, which is great for easing the digestive system. Apply directly onto stomach, as desired, and massage in gently.
Peppermint Halo Oil Blend
Peppermint Halo is the most loved blend of all time. It is the oil blend that started Saje. One of the founders, Jean-Pierre LeBlanc, first formulated it when he was in a car accident and had a lot of chronic health conditions. He used his background in chemistry to formulate a lavender, peppermint and rosemary blend. Peppermint has the cooling effect for pain, rosemary helps to increase blood flow to the area, and lavender is great for relieving tension in the body. Apply as desired to your entire hairline, creating a halo effect. Additionally, apply to neck and shoulders for extra cooling and relaxation, avoiding eyes.
Pain Release Oil Blend
I recommend using Peppermint Halo together with Pain Release if you have any pain; it is great for muscular aches and pains, and arthritis/joint pain. Marjoram, roman chamomile, and rosemary are all good for stimulating blood flow to the area and calming inflammation. Make sure you use it wherever you are tight or sore. Apply to affected area 3 to 4 times daily.
Stress Release Oil Blend
The lavender in this blend is great for relaxing the body and the sweet orange oil can be uplifting and relaxing at the same time. Chamomile is also soothing and calming for the body. I recommend using it before bed time, putting it on pulse points, and doing a Saje breath – roll a little on the palm of your hands, rub your hands together, and then breathe into your nose. You can also unscrew the bottom of the roll on, open up the oil and put it into the bath water. Apply to forehead, neck and shoulders. Put several drops on a tissue and inhale deeply or insert into pillowcase before bed.
Fortify Oil Blend
This blend includes tea tree, cinnamon, and eucalyptus – it’s the number one blend when going into cold and flu season. Eucalyptus is good for congestion and boosts your immune system. When you’re sick, use it all over the throat and chest area several times a day. It is a natural version of Vicks Vaporub. Use up to three times daily.
Kaitlin is a travel writer and marketing consultant. On any given day, you can find her surfing, reading, and/or on the eternal search for the cutest cafes (with tons of power sockets, of course).
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