Wellness was once a relatively niche word that your average person, with their hectic modern lifestyle, simply didn’t have time for – but in 2023, we’re putting greater emphasis on self care and wellbeing than ever before, with the recent global pandemic having shone a spotlight on the importance of taking better care of mind, body and soul.
From mindfulness meditation to yoga, we’re going to extra lengths to incorporate some form of wellness into our daily routines and embracing natural and holistic approaches to our overall health. And one concept that’s making a major comeback is the use of essential oils to improve sleep, soothe aches and pains and boost mood, amongst other things.
Luxury essential oil brand Nikura says that it has seen an increased interest in its product range over the past two years as wellness has continued to go mainstream – but their use as a tool for boosting health and wellbeing is nothing new, as essential oils are an ancient tradition and have been used for centuries, in aromatherapy as well as topically, to treat a host of ailments and improve mood.
Nikura’s high-quality, luxurious range of essential oils is an expansive one, spanning everything from fruity and floral scents to the earthy and herbaceous, and are designed to support relaxation and improve overall wellbeing, and even inspire creativity.
In a fragrance range dreamt up and brought to life by the brand’s expert team of perfumers, you’ll find decadent blends that evoke memories of favourite places and experiences alongside simple oils that will help you to re-centre and become reacquainted with your sense of calm.
If you’re new to aromatherapy, then you might be feeling overwhelmed about how and where to begin your wellness journey and how to incorporate these potent plant extracts into your day – so we’ve rounded up some of the most popular and traditional essential oils and broken down how and when to use them so you can start reaping the benefits.
Lavender oil
One of the most popular essential oils, lavender is widely appreciated for its relaxing properties, and has become indispensable for those suffering from stress or anxiety, or struggling to get a good night’s sleep.
Adding some to a reed diffuser in your bedroom or using as a pillow spray is a great way to ensure you drift off with effortless ease at bedtime and enjoy a more restful eight hours – and as an added bonus, lavender is also known for its ability to soothe aches and pains, so adding a few drops to a warm bath before you turn in for the night could make all the difference after sitting hunched over your desk all day.
Peppermint oil
Uplifting peppermint oil is another great multi-tasker and a great one to start with if you’re new to essential oils. Known for its soothing and fatigue-fighting benefits, it’s also praised for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, making it one of the most versatile choices of all. Dab a little on your temples or add to your favourite reed diffuser to ease headaches.
Frankincense oil
This luxurious oil is most commonly associated with Christmas, when the three kings were said to have brought some to Jesus and his parents as a gift – but there was a reason it was considered so precious, and that it continues to be in 2023.
It’s a potent essential oil that is thought to help with a host of different health and wellness issues, with its powers ranging from reducing inflammation to improving sleep, as well as enhancing mood and alleviating stress and anxiety. Thanks to its addictive earthy scent, it makes for one of the best essential oils for reed diffusers, but you can also use it with a vaporiser.
Tea tree oil
An astringent ingredient that is popular in luxury skincare products, tea tree oil is great for treating skin issues like acne and breakouts. As well as being a potent antiseptic, its antimicrobial and antifungal properties make it handy for treating issues such as athlete’s foot, as well as for dressing wounds. And it makes a great mouthwash and natural dandruff remedy, too. Because of its strength, it must be mixed with a small amount or carrier oil – jojoba works well – to dilute before applying to the skin.
