What are Essential Oils?
Let’s start with some basics:
Essential oils, as they sound, are the ‘oil-based essence’ of a plant. That means that all the signifying qualities of the plant, its scent mainly but also its biochemical makeup are all wrapped up into this concentrated liquid.
How Are Essential Oils Made:
Essential oils, at least the high quality ones, are normally made through cold pressing, but for mass production purposes, steam distillation or solvent extraction is preferred.
The key thing about essential oils is that they are all plant, and nothing but the plant. There are no additives or chemicals, and you will be able to note that from looking at the ingredients list on the box or bottle of all your favourite high street brands. Whilst the oils can essentially (excuse the pun) be made out of any plant but certain species are popular; rich woods, light flowers and everything in between
When are Essential Oils used?
You will find a lot of extreme claims about essential oils, from the mystical to the down right fantastical. Some ideas, especially those rooted in history, culture and religious worship can be understood within their particular context, but you will find many modern companies who approach the marketing of essential oil in quite an exploitative and dishonest way.
Err on the side of caution, take a lot of the more ‘cure’ type sentiments with healthy scepticism and see essential oils for what they are; a natural, fragrant, plant-based oil which can enrich the senses, and then you can decide for yourself what benefits you have unlocked through their use.
Main Ways Essential Oils Are Used:
Diluted with a Base Oil
One of the most popular ways to use essential oils is by diluting them with a carrier or base oil. This creates a massage oil that can be used to soothe sore muscles and promote relaxation. Essential oils can also be added to carrier oils to create customised hair or beard oil recipes. It’s important to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin, as some oils can be irritating or cause an allergic reaction. A dilution calculator site can help you determine the proper ratio of essential oil to carrier oil.
Inhalation
Inhaling essential oils is another popular way to use them. This can be done using a diffuser, oil burner, or by placing a few drops into boiling water. When inhaled, essential oils can have a calming and soothing effect on the mind and body. Some essential oils, such as eucalyptus and peppermint, can also help to clear congestion and support respiratory health.
Adding to a room or pillow spray
Essential oils can be added to a room or pillow spray to create a relaxing and calming atmosphere. This can be especially helpful for promoting restful sleep or reducing stress and anxiety. Simply add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water and mist it around the room or on your pillow before bedtime.
Rubbing onto the body
Essential oils can also be applied topically to the skin. This can be done by rubbing a few drops onto the soles of your feet, temples, or in your hands. It’s important to note that not all essential oils are safe for direct application to the skin, and some may need to be diluted with a carrier oil before use. Always check the label or do your research to ensure that the essential oil you’re using is safe for topical use.
Infused with incense resin
Essential oils can be infused with incense resin to create a fragrant and calming atmosphere. This can be done by adding a few drops of essential oil to a small amount of incense resin and burning it on a charcoal disk. This creates a natural and aromatic incense that can help to promote relaxation and mindfulness.
Mental Benefits of Essential Oils?
Although the physical health benefits of essential oils remain a topic of scientific debate, their positive effects on mental are more subjective and vary depending on the individual. While the mental effects of essential oils can differ from person to person, certain oils have general experiences associated with them. For example, lavender oil is well-known for its ability to promote relaxation and alleviate anxiety, while peppermint oil can improve focus and concentration.
In addition, essential oils can help to reduce stress and promote restful sleep, ultimately positively impacting mental health. The aromatherapy effects of essential oils can improve mood, energy levels, and overall feelings of happiness and well-being. It’s important to note that while essential oils should not be considered a substitute for professional mental health treatment, they can be a beneficial addition to a self-care routine.
Below are some links to relevant studies:
Elevating mood
Improving sleep quality
Boosting attention and memory
Best Essential Oils For Mindfulness Practices?
If you haven’t already, the Sense Perception Tutorial would be highly recommended to explore, and you could incorporate some of the below suggestions to make the experience more effective:
Essential oils can be an excellent addition to a mindfulness practice, helping to enhance relaxation and promote a sense of calm. Selecting the right essential oil for the desired effect is key, as different oils can be used to uplift, mellow out, freshen the mind, or calm down.
Uplifting oils such as peppermint or lemon can perk up the senses and improve focus.
Soothing oils like lavender or frankincense can help to mellow out the mind and promote relaxation.
It’s important to use only what is needed, as essential oils are potent and a little goes a long way. Making a blend of different oils can also be an inventive way to create a unique scent that works best for you. Be sure to choose the highest quality and certified products to ensure the purity and effectiveness of the oil. Additionally, consider combining essential oil use with other meditation methods, such as breathing exercises or mindfulness practices, for optimal effect. Ultimately, incorporating essential oils into your meditation practice can deepen your sense of relaxation and create a more enjoyable and beneficial experience.
The Essentials to Take Away
There are many ways that essential oils can benefit us, and although the physical health and medical benefits of essential oils are still being researched by the scientific community, the mental effects are more certain and can be experienced now. Essential oils have been used for thousands of years to enhance feelings of relaxation, reduce stress, and promote restful sleep amongst other effects. While essential oils cannot substitute professional health treatment, they can be a beneficial addition to mindfulness practices and help individuals cultivate a greater sense of wellbeing and balance in their daily lives.
