Are you tired and in need of an energy boost? Feeling stressed? Or is sleep simply eluding you? Modern-day life can have its demands, and it can be tempting to use unhelpful pick-me-ups, such as caffeine or sugar, to counter energy dips and dives. However, a far healthier alternative has recently had a bit of a resurgence: essential oils.
Throughout history, and before the invention of modern medicine, plant and herb extracts were used to treat everything from common illnesses, such as colds and flu, to aiding childbirth. Recently, as people developed more of an awareness of the side effects of some medicines, essential oils have made their way back into the mainstream, becoming an alternative way of aiding our lifestyles.
So, what are essential oils? Do they really work, and how do you make them yourself? We are here to provide you with the answers.
What are essential oils?
Simply put, essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that capture a plant’s smell and flavour; they are, ultimately, the plant’s very essence. They are made by steaming or pressing areas of the plant, including the bark, flowers and roots, then often combined with a carrier oil. Essential oils have been knocking around for centuries; in fact, we can trace their use back as early as 18,000 B.C.E, when a cave drawing was discovered in France illustrating the use of essential oils in everyday life. Back then, the wonders of modern medicine didn’t exist, so many believed that the answer to most illnesses lay within nature. People depended on essential oils to cure common ailments, produce perfumes and even embalm the dead.
How do essential oils work?
The answer is a little technical but fascinating. When we inhale and smell essential oils, they stimulate our olfactory system, the part of the brain connected to smell. Here, they then interact with our limbic system, which controls our emotions, affecting our heart rate, blood pressure and hormone balance. Have you ever suddenly caught a scent for it to trigger a powerful memory? Memory and smell are very closely linked together, thanks to our limbic system.
What are the health benefits of essential oils?
Although essential oils have been around for centuries, there is not enough research to prove that they can cure illnesses, so the debate surrounding their use is ongoing. At this time, there simply have not been enough large-scale studies to support their benefits. That said, a number of small studies show promise. For instance, this National Library of Medicine study found that essential oils positively impact sleep problems. With so many individuals using them and claiming their benefits, they have steadily gained pace in popularity.
Walking down an essential oil aisle in a health shop, you can be forgiven for feeling a little overwhelmed. There are more than 90 types of essential oils on the market, and all claim to help with various problems.
The most commonly used essential oils are:
- Lavender
Widely known for its calming properties, lavender can help sleep quality, promote relaxation and treat anxiety. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help skin flare-ups such as eczema and psoriasis.
Try: mixing with baking soda to alleviate bug bites.
- Peppermint
A hugely versatile oil, peppermint can help relax muscles, ease nausea and digestive symptoms, improve respiratory problems, relieve headaches and even treat irritated skin. Peppermint oil is also energising, which is perfect if you need a morning pick-me-up.
Try: massaging onto your forehead and temples to alleviate a headache.
- Lemon
Recognised for its protective benefits, lemon has antibacterial properties, relieves nausea, boosts skin health and increases mental alertness.
Try: adding drops of lemon oil to a spray bottle for a sweet-smelling, effective cleaning solution.
- Tea tree
Another oil that boasts antibacterial properties, tea tree is excellent at killing viruses and common bacteria. It is also widely used to treat spots, help skin problems and as an insect repellent.
Try: adding 8-10 drops to a spray bottle for a quick and chemical-free insect repellent.
- Ylang ylang
Ylang Ylang has been traditionally used to remedy illnesses such as gout, malaria and pneumonia. It is said to have relaxing properties and can help boost your mood and alleviate anxiety.
Try: adding a few drops to a diffuser at night to help unwind before bed.
How do you make essential oils?
Yes, you can make essential oils at home. In fact, by producing your own, you know exactly what goes into your product and have the assurance that it is safe to use. Plus, with essential oils erring on the expensive side, it can save you some money in the long run. So, if you use essential oils often, then it’s definitely worth creating your own. Below are just two methods you could try at home:
How to make lavender oil using a rosin press
Lavender oil is a great starting point if you are a newbie to the essential oil process, and using a rosin press makes the procedure easy. Lavender is a hugely versatile oil that helps support sleep, aids pain relief and inflammation. It even fights harmful viruses and bacteria; plus, it is a simple plant to grow. Making it with a rosin press is simple:
- Begin by cutting and drying your lavender sprigs. Place them in a dark room, away from direct sunlight, and hang them upside down for 1-2 weeks. This part is essential for making the most out of the plant, as dried plant matter will result in an oil with a longer shelf life.
- Once dried, add the lavender into a mesh bag between parchment paper. Using a pre-press mould can be useful for pressing efficiency.
- Select the temperature to no more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit and apply pressure.
- Collect your oil in a sterile container.
Click here to view our Nectar Pollen Pincher. It’s easy to operate system and is ideal for pressing plants.
How to infuse oils
Infusing oils is another way of capturing your favourite essence. It differs from extraction as it involves soaking your plant or flower in a carrier oil. Therefore, you are not making an essential oil, you are simply infusing it. Infusing is very straightforward, and here’s how to do it:
- Gather your dried plant material and chop it up finely.
- Select a base oil (sunflower oil or grapeseed oil are popular options).
- Add your plant to a sterilised jar and pour your carrier oil over it until the plant is covered.
- Place the jar in a warm area, such as an airing cupboard, for 4-6 weeks.
- Use a muslin to strain the oil by squeezing the plant and allowing the oil to filter through. Discard the plant and pour your oil into a sterile container.
Typically, infused and extracted oils have a shelf life of one year and need to be kept in a cool, dry place.
How do you use essential oils?
You can use essential oils in three ways:
- Through scent
This is often referred to as an ‘aromatic’ way of using essential oils. They can be added to a reed diffuser, a bath or simply inhaled from the bottle.
- On your skin
Topically using essential oils on your skin allows the essential oil to absorb and enter your bloodstream, providing a range of benefits.
- Ingestion
Essential oils can be ingested in a capsule form or added to food or beverages.
Essential oil recipes
Creating essential oils from scratch is a chemical-free and rewarding way to produce your own collection, and once you have made them, they are on hand whenever you need them. Essential oils can be blended to combine the healing properties of each oil- just ensure you mix compatible oils. For beginners, get to know your oils by using them independently in simple ways like these:
- All Purpose Cleaning Spray
You will need: a reusable spray bottle, 200ml distilled white vinegar, 400ml water, 1 tbsp baking soda and 6 drops of an essential oil such as lemon, peppermint or any citrus oil.
To make: simply mix the soda and vinegar in a large bowl, and add the water followed by your chosen essential oil drops. Once combined, add to your spray bottle and you are ready to clean!
- Bath Oils
You will need: an oil such as lavender, and milk.
To make: this is super easy, just add 15 drops of essential oil to 250ml of whole milk and mix into a warm bath.
- Hand Sanitiser
You will need: a soap dispenser, 2 tbsp Castile liquid, 1 tsp liquid oil (such as olive or almond) and 15 drops of an antibacterial essential oil (for example, tea tree or lemon)
To make: Add water to the soap dispenser, followed by the Castile liquid and the essential oils. Shake, and your natural soap is ready to use.
Essential oils are highly versatile and can also be combined with ingredients to create:
- Massage oils
- Car fresheners
- Fabric refreshers
- Deodorisers to keep bins fresh
- Foot soaks
- Face creams
- Shampoos
- Wax melts
If you aren’t afraid of a little DIY project, try experimenting with making essential oils and using them as a natural resource within your own home. It can be both healthier and rewarding, and even cost-effective too.
