Aromatherapy and Essential Oils

The other day, one of my best friends told me that her therapist had recommended using mandarin, lavender, and jasmine essential oils for when anxiety was "getting the upper hand" or even before going to bed. She has a fear of flying, and using these oils can help ground her in the present moment.

That's what prompted me to do some research on incorporating aromatherapy into my daily routine, since, unconsciously, during the COVID lockdown I used to spray a certain cologne on my pillow that I associated with "everything's okay."

Today's article will be structured around some common essential oils and their properties. Then I'll make a selection of different ailments or reasons we might need them, and finally, I'll share some "recipes" I've found.

In another article this same week, we'll give it a more mystical or Wiccan focus—I preferred to split it up so it wouldn't get too heavy.

⚠️ But, heads up, and this is something I'll never tire of saying when I recommend ingredients and working with certain products. This article is focused on improving some aspects of our daily lives, connecting with some of the products that Mother Nature offers us, adding a mystical or Wiccan touch to our day-to-day, but NEVER, and I repeat, NEVER, are these practices a substitute for medical guidance. Using lavender oil unfortunately won't cure your depression or anxiety, but just like with my friend, it can help if you're already under the care of a specialist. Another important thing is that there are certain oils you shouldn't use if you're pregnant or breastfeeding—I've managed to flag some of them, but please consult your doctor first, and also check if you have any skin, respiratory, or other health issues. Act responsibly⚠️

🧴Common Essential Oils🧴

1. Basil, ideal for calm, fatigue, and purifying the body
2. Tea tree, naturally disinfectant—dilute it in water before use
3. Cinnamon, relieves pain and fatigue, improves digestion and mood, they say it's an aphrodisiac 🫣
4. Cilantro, you either love it or hate it (I'm not much of a cilantro fan hehe), but it's a great ally for memory and digestion 🚫 🤰🏽
5. Citronella, aside from being a natural mosquito repellent, it's ideal for breathing, anti-inflammatory and disinfectant
6. Clove, disinfectant and anti-inflammatory
7. Eucalyptus, ideal if we're coming down with a cold or occasional congestion
8. Peppermint, this plant has superpowers: relieves pain and fatigue, is stimulating, improves digestion, appetite, skin itching, and plus the leaves are a great addition to homemade broths 🚫 🤰🏽
9. Lime and lemon, aside from being disinfectant, they're revitalizing
10. Mandarin, relaxes and significantly reduces stress
11. Lemon balm and chamomile, ideal for cases of stress, anxiety, or insomnia 🚫 🤰🏽
12. Orange blossom, ideal for restful sleep
13. Pine, mental clarity and memory
14. Rosemary, ideal for pain and fatigue, also repels insects and is ideal for the scalp and hair growth
15. Rose, ideal for scars
16. Thyme, perfect for muscle tension

As I've already mentioned, some oils are best diluted simply in water (like rosemary and tea tree oil) or in a blend of carrier oils like olive oil or almond oil and water.

Example: 30 ml of almond oil per 10 drops of essential oil

I used to prepare a blend of 10 drops of rosemary oil and put it in a medium-sized water diffuser to stimulate hair growth.

🪻Main Uses of Oils🪻

1. Stress: peppermint and lavender are great friends in moments of stress, but you can use another scent that reminds you of happy moments or your childhood. Stress often triggers stomach problems or headaches, so you can use oils that also help relieve these effects
2. Pain and muscle tension: I'd be lying if I didn't tell you that unconsciously, this is what I use oils like pure rosemary for the most, on my legs
3. Chest congestion: applying a few drops of eucalyptus, lemon, or peppermint diluted in another essential oil or water can help us clear our airways
4. Insomnia, the great nightmare of many people—lemon balm, lavender, or ylang ylang oil on the temples and back of the neck can help us achieve restful sleep
5. Anxiety, no need to talk about it—it's affected all of us at some point in our lives. The ideal ones to help us would be lavender chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, or mandarin.

🪔Recipes🪔

🕯️Stress relief: 5 drops of peppermint oil, 5 drops of lavender oil, and 30 ml of carrier oil

🕯️Anxiety relief: 5 drops of chamomile oil, 5 drops of citronella, and 30 ml of carrier oil

🕯️Muscle pain relief: 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and another of ground turmeric, 5 drops of rose oil and 5 drops of tea tree oil along with 20 ml of carrier oil

🕯️Chest congestion: 5 drops of eucalyptus oil and another 5 of pine oil. 30 ml of carrier oil

🕯️Focus and concentration: 1/2 tablespoon of myrrh, 5 drops of rosemary oil, and 480 ml of carrier oil

🕯️Restful sleep: 5 drops of lemon balm oil, another 5 of ylang ylang, and 30 ml of carrier oil

Tell me if you liked this article and if you use any of these oils ✨🤍