Wellness has become an increasingly hot topic over recent years, with the global pandemic acting as a catalyst for putting it more under the spotlight than ever before. During the two years of seemingly relentless stress, worry and anxiety it brought, it became impossible to ignore the importance of looking after our minds and souls as well as our bodies. In 2022, a holistic approach to all three is the recommended path of health professionals, wellbeing coaches and others with vast experience in the field.
It’s perhaps unsurprising that, as a result of this, essential oils are experiencing a renaissance. In 2022, we’re looking to natural remedies and tinctures to help with a range of conditions and symptoms, essential oils go back many, many years and have long been used to help users with physical, as well as emotional stress.
These potent, concentrated plant extracts can be used in a variety of different ways, from diffusing to simply rubbing on pulse points – but the most luxurious offerings on the market don’t come cheap. That’s because it takes more than 250 pounds of lavender flower to make just one pound of lavender oil – one of the most popular essential oils on the market – and around 5,000 pounds of lemon balm or rose petals to make just a pound of each of these powerful tonics, too. But, you can rest assured that you’re getting a powerful botanical medicine in exchange for parting with your cash, and given that benefits range from mood boosting and improved focus to reduced inflammation and nausea, it’s always going to be money well spent.
If you’re new to the wondrous world of essential oils but are keen to dip your toe in the water, then you might be wondering where to start – so we asked the experts at Australia’s oldest aromatherapy company, Buckley and Phillips Aromatics to share some of the most popular oils worth adding to your routine, while sharing with us their benefits.
Lavender oil
Arguably the most popular essential oil of all, lavender oil has long been known for its ability to help promote relaxation and sleep, and it is undeniably effective in both instances. It can also help to relieve stress and ease chronic pain, making it a great all-rounder, and it can be used in a variety of different ways to get the best out of it, depending on your preferences. Try adding it to a diffuser in your home for aromatherapy, or add a few drops to a warm bath before you wind down for bed.
Peppermint oil
Soothing peppermint oil is one of the best choices to add to your repertoire if you’re just starting out with essential oils, and is a versatile oil that offers a range of wide-reaching benefits. This fatigue-fighting tonic is also great at easing headaches and has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, so it’s one oil you can be sure you’ll get plenty of use out of. It’s also known for its ability to support the digestive system and it can be diluted in a carrier and rubbed on the stomach/abdomen.
Frankincense oil
This highly sought-after oil is best known for its inclusion in the Christmas story, where the three kings were said to have brought some to Jesus and his parents as a gift in celebration of his birth. These days, it’s still known as the ‘king of oils’, and can help with a raft of health and wellness issues including inflammation, sleep and even gum disease. Because of its delightfully spicy and woody scent, it makes for one of the best essential oils for diffuser use, but can also be applied directly to the skin. Again, be sure to mix it with a carrier oil prior to application.
Tea tree oil
You may have come across this powerful astringent ingredient in some of your luxury skincare products, and that’s because it has a powerful effect on skin issues like acne and breakouts. As well as being a potent antiseptic, it’s also both antimicrobial and antifungal, so it’s also useful for treating issues like athlete’s foot and even ringworm. Because of its strength, it shouldn’t be used neat on the skin, so mix a small amount with a carrier oil like jojoba to dilute before applying to the target areas.
