Most of us know our Lavender from our Tea Tree essential oil, but there are hundreds of natural little tonics that can benefit your mind, body and soul. As the experts in aromatherapy, we’re here to guide you in your journey, starting with 10 little-known oils that you need to know about and how to use them at home.
Sandalwood
Botanical name: Santalum Album
Where is it from?
Grown in Australia, our Sandalwood is grown from a sustainable source and distilled from the heartwood of the tree. It has a wonderful soft grounding aroma that brings a sense of calm.
Why is it special?
Used in a diffuser it can be used to soothe coughs and colds, so it’s great for the winter months. It can also be used to soothe anxiety and reduce stress, particularly when it impacts on the respiratory system.
How do I use it?
Added to a Blending Oil it has skin nourishing properties and is suitable for all skin types
Vetiver
Botanical name: Vetiveria zizanoides
Where is it from?
Steam distilled from the roots of this tropical grass from Sri Lanka. Traditionally the grass has been used for many practical purposes including mat making and weaving.
Why is it special?
The essential oil from the root has wonderful grounding properties and has a sedative effect. Locally it is known as the ‘oil of tranquillity’; it can be very helpful in easing states of anxiety.
How do I use it?
You can use it in an Aroma Spa Diffuser to help you sleep, but it can also be used as a skin enriched, particularly for dry or mature skin. Add it to a Blending Oil for nourishing body oil.
Cypress
Botanical name: Cupressus sempervirens
Where is it from?
Cypress is steam distilled from the leaves and twigs of the Cypress tree, it has a strong association with longevity, as the trees live for a long time and its botanical name ‘sempervirens’; means everlasting. Our Cypress Oil comes from trees grown in Spain.
Why is it special?
Used in aromatherapy it acts as a tonic on the body, it has a ‘tightening’ effect which makes it particularly useful for congestion on the skin.
How do I use it?
In an Aroma Spa Diffuser, it can be useful for emotional upset, it may help periods of transition and indecision.
Juniper
Botanical name: Juniperus communis
Where is it from?
Steam distilled from the berries of the Juniper tree, it has a pungent aroma that is very piney and sharp. Our Juniper Oil comes from plants grown in Bosnia.
Why is it special?
It is best used in an Aroma Spa Diffuser to combat coughs and colds as it has strong cleansing properties. It can also be used to help when you are feeling low in energy or indecisive.
How do I use it?
Added to a Blending Oil and applied to the body it will invigorate and soothe tired achy muscles.
Lime
Botanical name: Citrus reticulata
Where is it from?
Lime is extracted from the rind of the fruit in a process called ‘expression’ all the citrus essential oils are obtained this way. Our Lime oil comes from Brazil.
Why is it special?
Lime has an instantly recognisable aroma that is refreshing and sweet, all the citrus oils have an instant mood-enhancing effect.
How do I use it?
Lime is best used in an Aroma Spa Diffuser to lift your mood; use it in the winter months to bring a little sunshine into your day.
May Chang
Botanical name: Litsea cubeba
Where is it from?
It is steam distilled from the small ‘pepper’ shaped fruits of this tropical tree grown in China.
Why is it special?
May Chang has the most wonderful, zingy, lemony sherbet aroma that will immediately lift your mood.
How do I use it?
Used in an Aroma Spa Diffuser it will give you a boost of energy and dispel all gloomy thoughts! Perfect as the nights draw in and winter approaches!
Lemon
Botanical name: Citrus limonum
Where is it from?
Lemon is a classic essential oil that is expressed from the rind of this citrus fruit, refreshing and bright in its aroma. Our Lemon oil comes from Australia.
Why is it special?
It is a wonderful immune-boosting essential oil. Studies show it improves concentration and keep ‘bugs’ at bay. Ideal for when sitting at your desk as we approach the changing season and all that that can bring.
How do I use it?
Add 6 to 8 drops to the water in an Aroma Spa Diffuser.
Ginger
Botanical name: Zingiber officinale
Where is it from?
Ginger is steam distilled from the fleshy roots of the ginger plant grown in Sri Lanka. A recognisable aroma that is both sweet and spicy.
Why is it special?
It has a long traditional use in supporting the digestive system, even a quick smell of this essential oil can bring relief to nausea.
How do I use it?
Added to a Blending Oil it can be applied to the body to ease achy muscles or massaged over the abdomen to relieve stomach cramps.
In a diffuser blend, it will bring a burst of energy to your day
Clary Sage
Botanical name: Salvia sclera
Where is it from?
Grown in France, Clary sage is steam distilled from the flowering tops of the herb.
Why is it special?
This essential oil, along with other sage plants, has a long traditional use in herbal medicine. ‘Sages’ were considered to be a tonic for the whole body. It has a soft sweet ‘hay-like’ aroma with a warm undertone.
How do I use it?
Add 6 to 8 drops to the water in an Aroma Spa Diffuser to bring a sense of calm and euphoria, ideal after a stressful day
Ylang Ylang
Botanical name: Cananga odorata
Where is it from?
This tropical tree grows in Madagascar. The oil is steam distilled from its delicate yellow flowers.
Why is it special?
So good they named it twice! It has a potent aroma that is heady, floral and intense. It is a sedative in its action, also renowned as an aphrodisiac and calming for emotions.
How to use it?
Add 6 drops to the water in an Aroma Spa Diffuser before bed.
Important information:
Massage blend: Add 5 drops of essential oil to 100ml of Blending Oil.
Diffuser blend: Add 6-8 drops to the water in an Aroma Spa Diffuser.
What are your favourite essential oils? Let us know at @tisseranduk
