Essential oils are naturally-occurring compounds extracted from plants that capture the ‘essence’ of that plant. Different parts of plants can be used, including leaves, herbs, barks, and rinds, producing a wide range of scents from sweet top notes to deep and subtle base notes.
Essential oils can easily be bought in their pure form online - ready for you to start using in and around your home. In this blog post, we explore some of the common uses of essential oils and suggest ways for you to use their uplifting qualities to bring a little more joy into your lives. It’s important to always check the label and ask your doctor if you’re not sure if any essential oils are OK for you to use.
Aromatherapy
Essential oils are most commonly used in the practice of aromatherapy, for healing and cosmetic purposes. Essential oils have been shown to reduce stress and stimulate emotions, behaviours and long-term memory. From diffusers and inhalers to bathing salts and facial steamers; aromatherapy works through the sense of smell and skin absorption. It’s said to have a range of benefits, including improving sleep, managing pain, reducing anxiety and many more.
Health & Medicine
Some essential oils are known for their natural antibacterial properties. It’s also possible to use essential oils to create your own natural home remedies. Some of our favourites include (you should always consult a medical professional if you are experiencing any health issues and before administering treatment with essential oils):
- Eucalyptus oil can be used as an effective nasal decongestant, as well as a natural disinfectant
- Clove oil is brilliant for soothing toothaches
- Tea tree oil has anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties, so is great for treating open wounds
- Peppermint oil can be used to treat digestive problems when diluted in water
- Lavender oil has long been associated with improving sleep; reducing restlessness and insomnia
Home Cleaning
At Purdy & Figg, we use multiple Essential oils in and around the home. They have the ability to naturally boost the cleaning power of homemade sprays and they add an uplifting fragrance to the home like no other.
Cosmetics
Some essential oils are used in natural cosmetics due to their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Essential oils can be used to ease a wide range of different skin types; from acne to oily or dry skin. Here are some of our favourite essential oils for some of the most common skin types:
- Normal skin - lavender, rose and rose geranium oil
- Oily & combination skin - myrtle, vetiver
- Problematic skin & acne - manuka, myrrh, tea tree
- Dry & aging skin - carrot seed, rose geranium, vetiver
- Irritated skin - manuka, patchouli, immortelle, yarrow
