Essential-Oil-Guide

Essential oils are derived from plants, nuts and roots and provide an extremely concentrated extraction useful for a variety of home, health and beauty remedies. Unlike fragrance oils, which are chemically synthesized in a manufacturing facility, essential oils are organic. They contain natural nutrients and vitamins that can be used in recipes to treat skin conditions, promote healthy hair, freshen a stale room in your home and so much more. Every essential oil has its own unique properties and uses and here we’ll go into an overview of some of the more popular oils.

Lavender is an essential oil that most people are familiar with. Lavender essential oil is derived from a flower and has a clean, fresh floral smell with a herbaceous undertone. It blends very well with other essential oils, especially those also derived from flowers. Lavender is great for room air fresheners and skin essential oil products.

Geranium is another popular essential oil and for good reason. It has a light, lemon fresh smell and blends well with other essential oils. Perhaps most importantly though, Geranium stimulates the adrenal cortex which makes it a great hormone and mood regulator. For this reason, it is used for menstrual problems and also for massage blends because of its uplifting and antidepressant qualities. It also helps regulate sebum production making it an essential oil valued for use in skin care.

Jasmine is an emotionally warming and uplifting essential oil that is used to inspire and instill a sense of confidence. It is great for dry, sensitive and mature skin and also works wonderfully as a room spray or massage blend. Jasmine is often used during childbirth to alleviate pain and strengthen contractions. Blended as a massage oil, it can be applied to the mother’s lower back and abdomen at the first onset of labor for the best results. It is worthy of note that Jasmine should be avoided during early pregnancy especially by women with a history of miscarriage.

Sweet Orange is another essential oil of choice for many because of its familiar, joyful scent. It blends well with other citruses as well as spices and is used as a massage to treat digestive problems such as cramps and constipation. Orange is very cheerful and helps reduce fear of the unknown and stimulates self confidence.

Even better for upset stomachs is peppermint. Peppermint essential oil gently massaged over the abdomen does wonders for all kinds of digestive problems. It also works well for problem skin as it cleans deeply and decongests the skin. It also works well to alleviate feelings of insecurity and promotes a degree of boldness and clarity.

There are so many essential oils, each with their own unique properties and benefits. Using essential oils in massage blends and room fresheners can help balance moods and restore and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Essential oils are part of a holistic approach to wellness and focuses on prevention rather than cures, though they are useful for warding off aches and pains as well.

A massage by itself is a heavenly retreat for the mind, body and spirit. As wonderful as a great massage is alone, an essential oil massage takes it to the next level of bliss. So, how do essential oils make a massage better? Which essential oil blends are best to use? As soon as you learn about the benefits of an essential oil massage and experience one, you’ll never turn back.

Combined with the massage techniques of the masseur, essential oils can enhance the energizing or relaxing effects of the massage. Oil is used in massaging to help the masseur’s hands glide smoothly over the skin of the recipient. Using essential oils accomplishes this, but also adds a nourishing element to the experience as many essential oils are great for the skin. Essential oils also have a great aroma since they are extracted from plants instead of chemically manufactured. Not only do they smell great, but there are also benefits from breathing in the scent of essential oils as they can enhance moods and calm emotions. Always remember that essential oils are usually very concentrated and have to be diluted in carrier oils, which are oils that are known to be very mild, so that no skin irritation develops.

Energizing essential oil massage blends smell more herbal and robust than sweet, and are great for athletes or those with tight muscles. They may contain oils such as black pepper, cedar wood or basil. Even if you’re not involved in sports or strenuous activity, using blends that are known for their uplifting qualities can unknot muscles and give you a boost to get through your day. These blends are popular for people that get massages during their lunch hours.

Essential oil massage blends for relaxing are great for unwinding and calming your mind and body especially after work or stressful events. Relaxing blends may contain lavender, geranium or sweet orange to name a few. These blends are perfect for that end of day massage where you plan to wind down and rest afterward.

Essential oil massage blends can be used for a variety of other effects also. Using certain essential oils during a massage can have detoxifying and cleansing effects, helping to eliminate toxins from the body. Other blends are used worldwide by couples for their properties as aphrodisiacs. Since a massage by itself can be used as an intimate exercise for partners, incorporating these uplifting blends into the massage have done wonders for couples looking to add a spark back into their relationship.

The next time you treat yourself to a massage, either from a professional masseur or a significant other, incorporate essential oils into the routine for a truly unforgettable experience. Essential oils are available through a variety of outlets online and in retail stores. Use blends designed to correlate with the objective of the massage, whether it is to relax and soothe, or stimulate and revive and you’ll definitely notice the added effects and benefits of an essential oil massage!

Eric Pratt has been using essential oils for years, making everything from soap to room mists that bring a tranquil quality to his family’s home. For free essential oil massage recipes be sure to visit his essential oil recipe site.