Category Archives: Uses of Essential Oils

Essential oils by skin type: 3 ways to find the right oil for your skin

Skin care industry is growing big these days. With many suffering from skin allergies, irritations, chronic skin conditions and stress-related skin disorders, taking care of one’s skin involves a lot of complexities – you need to act by your skin type, you need to apply what suits you and above all, your skin treatment should be longstanding and fruitful. Essential oils are widely used in skin treatment and care nowadays. Thanks to the recognition aromatherapy and plant oils have gained in the world of alternative medicine, essential oils play a huge role even in cosmetics and skin care products in the popular market.

Skin is a dynamic organism that keeps changing from time to time. It reacts to both internal and external influences, developing sensitivities, problems and irritations. Your skin type can vary depending on the seasons too. Sometimes you can have oilier skin in summer and drier skin in winter.

Since skin involves so much, before you proceed to choose the right kind of oils for your skin, you need to understand and act according to certain things:

1. Identify your skin type: This is necessary to treat your skin. Skin types can be generally of seven  different types – dry skin, oily skin, combination skin, problem skin, sensitive skin, dehydrated skin, and mature/aged skin.

Dry skin tends to age faster than other skin types and is susceptible to flaking and other irritations in hot or cold conditions. Oily skin may have problems like blackheads, acne but it tends to age slower than dry skin. A combination skin is a combination of both dry and oily skin. Problem skin is a skin type with extreme skin problems like eczema or psoriasis. Sensitive skin can result in irritation or itching flare-ups even with slight allergens. Dehydrated skin is different from dry skin and has a lot of flakes, crinkles and dull appearance. Mature or aged skin type is marked by a lot of fine lines, wrinkles and sagging looks.

2. Get to know about essential oils: Once you have clearly identified your skin type, you need to get to know about essential oils. Not all skin types are compatible with all oils and there are specific oils to particular skin types. So, if you are planning to try essential oils on your skin, learn about the nature of your skin type and the essential oils that can be used for your skin. You can even consult your dermatologist if you have problems in choosing oils.

3. Essential oils for skin types:
Below is a list of recommended essential oils for various skin types. You can use the oils compatible with your skin in cleaning, toning or moisturizing skin surface.

Dry and Mature skin essential oils: Almond, carrot seed, cedarwood, palma rose, neroli, castor, extra virgin, jasmine, geranium, ylang-ylang, vetiver, clary sage etc.

Oily skin essential oils:
Geranium, lavender, cedarwood, frankincense, peppermint, niaouli, cajeput, sandalwood, juniper, melisa, coriander, rosemary, eucalyptus, myrtle, neroli and lemon oil.

Combination skin essential oils: Rosewood, geranium, ylang-ylang, rose geranium hydrosol, palmarosa, chamomile, sandalwood, carrier oils – sweet almond, jojoba, evening primrose and apricot kernel.

Problem skin essential oils: lavender, mandarin, bergamot, cedarwood, cypress, juniper, carrier oils – jojoba, grapeseed, carrot-seed

Sensitive skin essential oils: chamomile, rose, palma rosa, neroli, rosewood, carrot, angelica, jasmine, mandarin, petitgrain, frankincense, carrier oils – jojoba, sweet almond, calendula-infused oil and evening primrose.

As bald as a coot? 8 essential oils for hair loss treatment

Ridley was the most charming guy in grad school. Everyone liked him for his athletic build, striking eyes and dark hair. He was the guy the girls flocked to date. He was Mr. Handsome in the whole college. But in a matter of few months, Ridley began to change. His hair line started receding. Whether it was due to genes, stress or drugs, Ridley was on the verge of becoming as bald as a coot. The girls disappeared and so did his position as Mr. Handsome.

Most of you may have gone through Ridley’s trauma. Hair loss can be embarrassing and debilitating on an emotional level. Though baldness is not harmful to health, it can present to you as an older person among you peers. Definitely, a man or woman with rich, glowing hair would be considered better appearance-wise than a bald man or a thin-haired woman. Though there are many synthetic, crash-course-like hair loss treatments available in the market, nothing is as natural as treatment through essential oils.

Essential oils and hair growth:
Essential oils have been used in hair care from the ancient times. Many essential oils, invigorate hair follicles and promote growth of healthy, glowing hair. Some help cure hair loss and also treat scalp conditions like dandruff and irritation or itching. We all know that coconut oil is good for hair, but there are plenty of oils which are more beneficial than coconut oil for hair growth. While coconut oil just replenishes hair shine and overall health of hair, essential oils like Rosemary oil, Lavender oil and Basil oil regenerate the hair cells and promote hair growth.

Essential oils for hair loss treatment: Below are a few essential oils that are used extensively in hair loss solutions.

1. Rosemary oil: Rosemary increases blood circulation in the scalp, promoting hair growth and preventing future hair loss. It helps fight dandruff owing to its skin care properties. Though a widely used oil, it is not advisable for pregnant women and people suffering from hypertension to use rosemary.

2. Basil oil: Basil oil is a natural scalp stimulator. It acts as a natural conditioner and produces a squeaky clean hair in people with an oily scalp. When used in conjunction with fenugreek, it improves blood circulation to the hair tissue and thereby, produces growth.

3. Lavender oil: Apart from being a natural soothing oil, Lavender oil is used to treat several skin problems like itchy scalp, skin problems, dandruff and hair loss.

4. Jojoba oil: A perfect base oil, Jojoba can be mixed with any oil to produce effective hair loss solutions. It works in an amazing way to treat hair loss due to dry or damaged hair. A good carrier oil, it is often used with rosemary or lavender oil in hair care treatment.

5. Tea Tree Oil: An anti-septic and anti-viral oil, Tea Tree oil is ideal for treating flu symptoms, warts, cuts, bruises, itchy skin and scalp problems. When used with Jojoba or other carrier oil, it produce great results in hair growth therapies.

6. Cypress oil: Apart from its soothing and relaxing effects, Cypress oil is efficient in hair or scalp treatment formulas. It reduces oiliness in the scalp, and is effective in fighting dandruff. A small amount of Cypress oil is sufficient for hair growth formulas.

7. Peppermint oil: A refreshing oil, it is ideal for use in the mornings. It energizes the scalp, improves circulation, promotes hair growth and eliminates dandruff and itchiness.

8. Lemon oil: High on vitamins A, B and C, lemon oil is useful for dry or oil scalp. It regulates sebum production and promotes cell regeneration. By restoring the hair pH levels, it gives the hair a healthy shine.

Apart from the above oils, cedarwood, chamomile, clary sage, thyme, burdock, grapefruit, bay, carrot seed, olive and arnica oils are used in hair care treatment.

Elixirs of life: 6 popular, must-have essential oils and their uses

With everyone looking for alternative therapies and treatment methods, essential oils have made a successful comeback in this modern age. Many are taking up to essential oil treatment, thanks to the  safe and harmless therapeutic effects of oils. Add to these their stimulating and relaxing properties, essential oils are great alternatives to oral prescription medications that carry with them a train of other ailments in the form of side effects. With more than 100 essential oils available, getting started with aromatherapy is not easy. It requires adequate knowledge to judge an essential oil and use it appropriately for a particular ailment.

Below are a few popular, must-have oils and their uses in aromatherapy:


1. Eucalyptus oil: Eucalyptus oil is extracted through steam distillation from Eucalyptus globules plant. It has a strong aroma which is a mix of fresh, earthy, camphor-like scent with a  medicinal tint. A thin, clear oil, Eucalyptus is used topically for relieving muscle tensions, rheumatic pain, treatment of cuts, wounds and burns on account of its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. An air disinfectant, it is used in treatment of lung disorders like bronchitis, sinusitis and other ailments like flu, cold sores and arthritis. It also aids in circulation and hence can be used to energize a painful part of the body. However, Eucalyptus oil should not be taken orally and should be used only under medical supervision for serious ailments.

2. Chamomile oil: Chamomile essential oil is used in a variety of treatments. It is a thin pale blue or gray color oil with fruity, sweet and herbaceous odor. Owing to its analgesic, antibacterial, antiviral and digestive properties, Chamomile is used in controlling acne, curing blisters, boils, relieving nervous tension, anxiety, depression, and even skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis. The oil is also effective in treating flatulence, gout, colitis, PMS, rheumatism, headaches, wounds and sprains.

3. Lavender oil: Lavender oil is a thin, clear oil with a floral, sweet and slight fruity aroma. Light yellow in color, Lavender oil is widely known for its therapeutic and soothing effects. An analgesic, anti-inflammatory oil, it has diuretic and sedative properties that help cure many topical ailments like psoriasis, acne, eczema, burns, sunburns, wounds, sores and insect bites. A sleep-inducing oil, Lavender oil is used to treat insomnia, along with asthma, depression, chickenpox, migraine, vertigo and flatulence.

4. Geranium oil: Geranium essential oil is effective in treating ailments related to female physiology. It balances hormones, relieves breast pain and treats menopausal symptoms in the female body. Noted for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and anti-spasmodic properties, Geranium has a sweet, floral and earthy scent and is used in the cure of eczema and edema. Its water retention properties are helpful in curing conditions like rheumatism, poor circulation, tonsillitis and PMS.

5. Peppermint oil: Peppermint oil is extracted from mentha piperita plant and has strong minty aroma of peppermint candies. An amazing digestive tonic, peppermint oil is used to help with conditions like slow digestion, indigestion, nausea, flatulence etc. It helps in clearing blocked sinuses, curing headaches, asthma and exhaustion. It is useful as an insect repellent too.

6. Tea Tree Oil: Tea Tree oil has a varied range of uses owing to its antiviral, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties. It is highly effective in treating all kinds of fungal infections from athlete’s foot, jock itch, warts, insect bites, scars and acne. Free of side effects, Tea Tree oil treats even chickenpox and cold sores.

Sleepless nights, chaotic mind: 4 essential oil ideas for insomnia cure

Sleep and depression are interconnected. Lack of sleep can lead to depression or sleeplessness itself can be an aftermath of depression. If you are already depressed, your sleeplessness will increase your depression. If not, your insomnia will be a precursor to a state of depression. This is because, when you realize that you are sleepless, your worry increases. You start worrying about your helpless state and that leads to depression or a gloomy feeling ultimately. The vicious cycle continues to panic you unless and until your clear insomnia from your life. Essential oils can help with insomnia cure if used in the right way.

Aromatherapy for insomnia: Aromatherapy essential oils has been widely used in insomnia cure. This is because the therapeutic effect of essential not just to heal your physical wounds, but even to help you forget your mental/emotional wounds. When there is emotional healing, heaviness lifts and sleeplessness fades away. Your chaotic mind finally comes to rest.


There can be several reasons for insomnia and stress is one important reason. On the contrary, a good night’s sleep is essential to carry on your daily routine. Life also looks better and well handled when you have rested well the previous night. Another thing is, when you sleep well, you will not worry about sleeplessness and that would alleviate your depression. Aromatherapists prescribe several essential oil blends to help with insomnia. Below are a few of them:

1. Sleepy blend: This blend will put to you to sleep within a few minutes of use. Combine 10 drops of Roman Chamomile, 5 drops of Clary Sage and 5 drops of Bergamot and blend well to make an aromatherapy recipe that can be added to a tissue and kept under your pillow. If you don’t like this pillow technique, you can make a blend at the ratio of 2 drops of Roman Chamomile, 1 drop of Clary Sage and 1 drop of Bergamot to your diffuser and use it one hour before bedtime.

2. Lavender massage: As you know, Lavender is a great oil for inducing sleep and rest and this Lavender oil massage can help you do only that. Mix Lavender with carrier oil (3 to 5 drops is sufficient) and rub it on the back of your neck, along your spine and 1-2 drops at the bottom of each foot. Do this just before bedtime. You can even use Lavender as a diffuser in your bedroom. Or you can soak in bath water of 10 drops of Lavender oil 15 minutes before you go to sleep.

3. Blissful sleep blend: For a good night’s sleep, combine 15 drops of Lavender with 10 drops of Frankincense and 5 to 6 drops of Tangerine. This is a wonderful combination that diffuses in about 15 minutes time. The blend is both therapeutic and heavenly too as the aroma is exotic and relaxing.

4. Insomnia Body Rub: What can be more useful than this body rub which can induce sleep instantly? Combine 4 drops of Clary Sage, 2 drops of Lavender, 3 drops of Valerian, 3 drops of Vetiver and use 6 drops or 3 drops of the blend in 1 tsp of carrier oil. You can use it as a body rub and rub it on to your temples, back and all points that you are comfortable with.

Getting started: A beginner’s guide to essential oils

Essential oils have become the trend of the times. After going through a phase of near-extinction in the late 19th centuries, they have come to rule the world of alternative medicine. They are found everywhere – in health stores, grocery shops, drug stores and in all pharmacies, both online and offline. With so many essential oils in vogue, a beginner is baffled when it comes to choice and use of essential oils. Forget about the choice, the beginner does not know where to start with regard to knowing about essential oils. This article will provide a brief guide on how to use and choose essential oils and also will detail on the nature of oils used in aromatherapy.

Essential oils – A clear definition: Essential oils are not vegetable oils or fatty oils or fragrance oils. They are plant oils that are extracted from plants, seeds, flowers, roots, bark, stems, fruits and various other plant parts through extraction methods like steam distillation, solvent extraction, cold-pressing and extraction with alcohol. High on nutritional and healing value, essential oils are more potent than the plant from which they are extracted. This is because often a whole plant is needed to create just a single drop of essential oil.


Essential oils are easily absorbed: Some link essential oils to filmy and greasy oils like olive oil, almond oil, peanut oil etc. Those are thick oils whereas essential oils are thin, clear and easily absorbed by the skin. Unlike base oils, essential oils evaporate quickly at room temperature. An oil’s chemicals are present in body cells within minutes of its application. This is why essential oils are used to treat illnesses in aromatherapy.

Therapeutic grade of essential oils: Essential oils work only if they are within the therapeutic grade. Some marketers and shops sell watered down essential oils which do not work effectively in treatment of ailments. Most of these are inexpensive and diluted versions of original oils. When you buy an essential oil, you need to check if it is within the therapeutic grade of usage.

Categories of essential oils: Essential oils are classified under major categories based on their extraction/production methods. This is because only the chemical composition of an oil determines its quality and effectiveness. An essential oil contains about 80-400 nutritional chemicals of the plant body. Since several things are common to plants as well as humans, essential oils are useful in treatment of many ailments and disorders.

Apart from the classification based on production methods, essential oils fall into three categories based on their levels of evaporation: Top Notes, Middle Notes and Base Notes. Oils under Top Notes evaporate very quickly and have a greenish, fresh aroma. Oils termed as Middle Notes help with body’s metabolism and functions. Base notes oils have a lovely, warm aroma and have relaxing and sedative properties.

Essential oils storage: Essential oils are generally sold in tinted glass bottles. This is because they are sensitive to light and should be stored in cool, dark places. Since essential oils evaporate quickly, the lids of their bottles should be screwed tightly to avoid evaporation and damage of oils.

Essential oils usage: Essential oils can be used in baths, for cleaning, can be inhaled and applied or massaged on the body. When massaged, essential oils are not used directly, but they are mixed with carrier oils to make massaging easier and effective. Sometimes essential oils can even be worn as perfumes or cologne by rubbing them directly onto the skin.

Skin care, the natural way: 6 skin care recipes using essential oils

Skin care, done the natural way, is always the best you can do to yourself. If you feel that you can get every other skin nourishment from the synthetic and cosmetic stuff sold in the market, you maybe wrong. You need what is called pure and natural replenishment to your skin, on a daily basis. Essential oils are a great way to rejuvenate damaged skin or maintain a glowing, healthy skin in a natural way. They are pure plant substances that contain no synthetics. They provoke no side effects and cause no harm to the skin if used as instructed. This article will offer you different skin care recipes that can be prepared using essential oils.

Essential oils skin care recipes: Most of the essential oil recipes have to be mixed with carrier oils to be used on skin. When you use a blend of oils, you need to look into the composition of the blend, the proportion of oils used (which is the dominant oil/aroma etc) to get a pleasing and appealing skin care product. Below are a few essential oil skin care recipes which can be used as bath oils, foaming cleansers, liquid soaps etc.

1. Foaming Cleanser: This essential oils blend of foaming cleanser is energizing and rejuvenating. It can be used for every kind of skin, from normal to oily skin and can be used in showers or while bathing. To prepare the cleanser, combine 4 tbsps of castile soap with 3 tbsps of Avocado oil, 4 drops of Bergamot, 4 drops of Lemon, 4 drops of Petitgrain etc. Blend the oils in a small sized bottle and use whenever required.

2. Facial Scrub: This refreshing, luxurious blend is ideal for use once or twice a week. To make the blend, mix 4 tbsps of Almond meal with 1 tsp of freshly grated Orange zest and some natural yogurt. Blend till the mixture attains a thick paste like consistency. Then, melt honey and add Almond mixture to it. To the mixture, add ½ tsp cinnamon powder, 2 drops of Cinnamon oil and 3 drops Orange. Combine everything together and bring to a massage-paste like consistency. When you are done, massage on to your face and neck, avoiding the eyes or nostrils area. The scrub should be rinsed off before applying toner or moisturizer.

3. Cleansing cream: If you need to remove a make-up quickly and completely, this cleansing cream made with essential oils is your best bet. To make the cream, combine 1 tbsp of beeswax, ½ cup of Sweet Almond oil, 1 tbsp of distilled water, 3 drops of Frankincense, 2 drops of Lavender and 3 drops of Neroli together. Ideal for both oily, dry and mature skins, this cream is perfect for removing any extraordinary or strong make up too.

4. Facial oil:
Mix 2 tbsps of avocado oil with 1 tbsp of Jojoba oil, 1 tbsp of rosehip oil, 3 drops of Jasmine, 2 drops of Sandalwood and 3 drops of Ylang Ylang. Use a dark bottle to blend all the ingredients, especially the essential oils. When the mixture is ready, cover tightly and store it in a cool dark place to for future use.

5. Moisturizer:
To create a moisturizer, especially of the rosebud kind, combine 1 tbsp of beeswax, ¼ cup of Jojoba oil, ¼ cup of Apricot Kernel oil, 1 tsp of Rosehip oil, 1 tbsp of Rosewater and 8 drops of Rose.

6. Freshening Toner:
This toner can be applied to all skin types and combines a mixture of water, oils and hydrosols. To prepare the blend, mix ½ cup of distilled water with ½ cup rosewater, 3 drops of Chamomile, 2 drops of Geranium and 3 drops of Lavender. This is a natural skin care recipe that can be used anytime on any skin, without any issues.

The scent of life: 10 generic uses of Essential Oils in aromatherapy

In this modern world of complexities, we rush to do things. We do everything in such a rapid pace that we forget even to take care of ourselves. Result: One fine day, our body revolts to keep up to our speed and breaks down, refusing to cooperate further. We become deceased and resort to medications. It is then that we realize that we have missed several things in life. We realize that we have failed to lead a holistic life and instead, concentrated on pursuing only goals, ambitions and dreams. But then, it maybe too late for us to start afresh. We may have to accept our condition and become a chronic victim of diseases.

Aromatherapy and Essential Oils: Aromatherapy is all about holistic living. A medicinal system that is as old as life on earth, aromatherapy cures people through essential oils. Essential Oils are basically plant extracts that are obtained from a wide assortment of plants. Everything including stem, bark, roots, flowers, fruits, or whole plants are cold-pressed or steam-distilled to prepare essential oils. These extracts are highly concentrated and help in physical, emotional and psychological well being of people. These extracts are often the life-blood of plants, protecting them from diseases, infectious attacks and enhancing their immune system. They do the same with humans.


Essential Oils and ailments: Aromatherapy uses essential oils in treatment of different types of ailments from treating pains, aches, injuries and discomforts to relieving depression, anxiety, stress and nervousness. Essential oils are extremely useful in causing a sedative and soothing effect on people, bringing in relaxation, happiness and peace to even the most restless mind.

Below are a few uses of essential oils in treating health-related ailments and conditions:

1. Topical antiseptics: Essential oils are topical antiseptics that treat cuts, wounds, insect bites, reptile attacks, bruises and gangrene. They were used for these purposes right from ancient times. The ancients applied essential oils in treating war bruises of soldiers.

2. Muscular problems: Healing oils or plant extracts can be used in treating muscle related disorders or ailments like muscular pain, stiffness, rheumatism and muscle spasms.

3. Hair fall:
Plant extracts are useful in controlling hair loss in people. There are plenty of oils which help in nourishment of thick and healthy hair.

4. Blood circulation: Essential oils used in massages treat poor circulation problems and regulate blood circulation throughout the body. Through this, they stimulate and energize the body.

5. Dental hygiene:
Gangrene or other such conditions in teeth can be treated with oils. Some plant oils also act as good mouth fresheners, fighting bad breath and bacterial conditions.

6. Fungal infections: Skin care or topical problems can be eliminated by use of essential oils. Aromatherapy can reduce common skin allergies through application of certain plant oils.

7. Digestion and Nausea: Problems related to digestion like flatulence, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, vomiting or diarrhea can be treated through aromatherapy.

8. Impotence or sexual dysfunction: Problems related to sexual dysfunction in men or women can be cured with essential oils. Vaginal Candida can also be treated with such plant extracts.

9. Fatigue: Over-tiredness, chronic fatigue or constant dehydration or drop in energy levels can be reduced with use of essential oils.

10. Depression:
Oils are a great cure for treating depression, anxiety and other related problems. With their soothing and calming effects, they relax the mind and eliminate stress from the human system.

How to keep your weight-meter down: Aromatherapy for weight loss

Weight loss and aromatherapy, are they connected? Of course, they are. But you need to know the basics of which oil works well for you, before you enter into aromatherapy for weight loss program. Another fact to remember is, weight loss is in no way associated with essential oils except that some oils help you forget your appetite or improve your fat-burning activities. The first step toward a weight loss program with essential oils is to check whether your body is acclimatized to aromatherapy and how you can use oils in the right proportion to help with your weight loss. This is because one individual is different from the other and not all individuals can work with the same weight loss principles.

Aromatherapy for weight loss – first steps: The first step, as mentioned above, is to consult your regular medical practitioner on how to control weight gain and which program is suitable for you in aromatherapy. You can also discuss with a  licensed aromatherapist on this. Work with both your doctor and aromatherapist to design a safe plan that will suit your needs. This plan has to be framed after you analyze the reason for your food cravings or whether you eat more. If yes, why do you crave for food? The reason could be – physical or medical, you may have a poor quotient of nutrition supplements in your food, you may consider eating as a form of comfort or an activity in an otherwise boring routine, or you maybe suffering from grief, depression or other emotional problems. Once your freeze on the reason for your food cravings, base your weight loss program on that.

Why essential oils for weight loss? There is no particular reason except the scientific. Aromatherapy is the only kind of alternative medicine which has a huge impact on the limbic node of the brain. This limbic system activates the hypothalamus immediately and releases hormones or chemical messengers into the body. By controlling the hypothalamus, one can control everything from sex drive to appetite. Called the Master Gland, hypothalamus helps stimulate your hormones and reduce your cravings for food. To be exact, oils stimulate the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus and that can cause fullness in the stomach. This kind of satiety can reduce your appetite to a phenomenal extent, make you food-proof and a regular eater.

Dr. Hirsch in his book, ‘Guide to Scentsational Weight Loss’ talks of how he experimented with 3000 people and how most of them where able to reduce more than 30 pounds within a short period of time.

Weight loss tips with essential oils: Once you have identified your cravings, choose your essential oils. Yes, choose oils of your choice. Oils that can please you and make you feel full always. Once this is done, eliminate oils that may cause problems for you. For instance, some oils like Ajawon, Cinnamon, Clove, Ginger, Juniper, Garlic and Nutmeg etc. can burn the nose if you are not prepared. So, avoid them. Also avoid oils that can induce migraines in you.

Weight loss essential oils: The best oils for weight loss are – Peppermint, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Tangerine, Orange, Ylang Ylang and Patchouli. Most of the oils are either sedatives which relax you and give you adequate rest or energizers which uplift you and make you feel full.

Energy and essential oils: 3 energizing blends to jump start your day

Essential oils can be energizing in times of fatigue or life’s lackluster moments. If you are having a tough time with your life and are not able to focus or concentrate on your tasks on account of depressed states of mind, you can try aromatherapy for uplifting your spirits. Aromatherapists say essential oil aromas stimulate your brain in a unique way, which in turn, allows you to uplift your moods or spur your creativity within a short span of time. If you are down in the dumps or suffering through a blues period, essential oils should be your refuge to get yourself out of the muck. But how to use oils to boost your mood? This article will tell you what to do.

Instant energy with essential oils: You can use the below blends to stimulate you or energize you when you are fatigued. Be sure to follow the precautions mentioned in your oil labels and see to it that you don’t overuse your oils.


1. Blend 1: For an uplifting morning, combine 2 drops of Basil with 1 drop of Cypress and 2 drops of Grapefruit. This is ideal as a kick off blend in the morning as it has both therapeutic and energizing properties. The aroma is also sweet and pleasant.

2. Blend 2: Grapefruit is a great oil for everything from weight loss to mood upliftment. If you are not ok with yourself or in your interpersonal relationships, you maybe feeling lost or depressed. To counter that feeling, make this blend and use it in a diffuser. Combine 3 drops of Grapefruit with 2 drops of Ginger  and use it in a diffuser or air-freshener.

3. Blend 3: Lemon and Peppermint are always nourishing. To create an energizing blend, combine 2 drops of Peppermint, 1 drop of Frankincense and 2 drops of Lemon. Shake well to blend and use in a diffuser.

How to use energizing blends: You can use essential oils in subtle ways. Apart from using the blends as  diffuser oils, bath oils, bath salts, massage oils and air fresheners, you can use them at what are called ‘pulse points’ in your home. The pulse points of your home can be light bulbs, radiators, refrigerators, television states, computer terminals, window sills and wood stoves. In all these points, apply oil blend when the instrument is not hot. As the machine or instrument heats up, it will emit the fragrance of the blends into the air.

Another way to use oils is to mix the blend of your choice in water and spray them on to bedsheets. You can also use a few drops in your bath tub and spray across the bathroom. The scent of the blends will linger for a long time. You can rub blends on to terracotta flowerpots, wooden furniture and other semi-porous surfaces. This will make the scent stay in your home for a longer time. Unusual ways of application include anointing candles with blends or using them in a ceramic diffuser. You can even simmer the blend in a stove of hot water to spread the aromas around your kitchen.

Don’t push your panic button: 5 essential oils for treating panic attacks

Panic attacks can be debilitating. Those who have gone through it know what it means to survive a panic attack. It is not the attack as such, but the aftermath of the attack that is dangerous. You are left in a sudden state of intensity and you do not know what to do. You experience intense feelings like nervousness, anxiety and fear, with your body secreting bouts of adrenaline to cope with the situation. So much happens at such a short period of time that you do not know how to control the situation or manage yourself. You often end up pushing the panic button, making the situation more awful. Panic attacks can cause havoc out of nowhere. Though there are medications and psychotherapy sessions to treat panic attacks, essential oils can be good remedies to handle situations of such kind. This article will elaborate on what it means to treat panic attacks with aromatherapy oils.

Essential oils for panic attacks: When you are under a panic attack, you may not be able to function properly. You are anxious, nervous and helpless. Your endocrine system functions inappropriately, and you may face problems like breathlessness, high pulse rate and hyper-anxiety. Panic attacks are triggered by many factors and some of them are stress, bad foods, emotional ill-health, drugs, traumas, emergency situations etc. Essential oils can help with alleviating the symptoms of panic attacks. Some of the below blends which can help with treating the attacks:

1. Blend 1: Combine 2 drops of Helichrysum and 3 drops of Frankincense and shake well to prepare the blend. You can diffuse the oil for use in rooms or your living space.

2. Blend 2: Combine 1 drop of Rose oil with 4 drops of Lavender oil to prepare a blend that can help with panic attacks. Inhale the blend to relax your mind and relieve yourself of anxiety.

3. Blend 3: Prepare a blend with 1 drop of Rose oil and 4 drops of Frankincense. This is an exotic blend that can help in treating your symptoms of panic attack. You can reduce your stress levels and look at the world in a relaxed manner. Diffusing this blend is better as Frankincense is good for     aromating your living space.

4. Blend 4: Combine 1 drop of Neroli with 4 drops of Lavender and shake well to blend both oils together. Lavender is an ever-relaxing oil. It can be used in massaging, as bath oil or in bath salts, for a soothing effect.

5. Blend 5: Panic attacks can be triggered by a sense of fear. You can use fear-reducing oils to reduce the intensity of attacks. Add 2 drops of Clary Sage, 2 drops of Roman Chamomile and 1 drop of Vetiver for a relaxed and calm effect.