THE LOW-DOWN ON ESSENTIAL OILS

Photo by: @hannaschonberg

 

The healing powers of essential oils have been preached and practiced since ancient times. However, their use has gained major popularity in recent years, thanks to many celebs like Kourtney Kardashian, Victoria Beckham and Miranda Kerr, amongst many others. You probably even have close friends who are adding essences to their daily rituals. But what makes these oil drops the saving grace to a bad day? We’ll tell you! Find out what’s got all the wellness gurus worked up with NR BEAUTY’S ESSENTIAL OIL GUIDE - beginners edition.

Note: Be sure to check with your doctor and dermatologist before using any of the essential oils mentioned throughout this article. 

WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?

Essential oils are natural plant (flower, bark, leaves or fruit) extracts, obtained through careful steam distillation or cold pressing. They capture the plant’s characteristic odor, along with it’s highly beneficial chemical compounds. Therefore, these ethereal oils not only smell delightful, but each one brings the powerful remedies of nature into your life. 

OVERALL BENEFITS

Essential oils are most often inhaled, through aromatherapy, used topically on the skin or added to baths. It doesn’t matter whether you breathe it in or absorb it through the body, they’re chemical properties will cure just about any ailment. They’re commonly used for relieving stress and anxiety, headaches and migraines, treating insomnia, quelling nausea and even boosting energy levels. Some are also known for possessing antiviral and antibacterial activities. 

Below is a list of some of the most used essential oils and their touted benefits: 

Clary sage: Effective against bacterial strains, a natural antidepressant, calms the mind and reduces feelings of anxiety, eases menopause symptoms and alleviates menstrual cramps. 

Lavender: Ideal for better sleep and insomnia, relieves pain, improves mood, and boosts the digestive system. 

Rosemary: Helps refresh the mind, making you feel more energetic and cheerful, increases circulation and eases stress.

Cedarwood: Alleviates occasional insomnia and anxiety but it’s mainly known for its antiseptic, anti fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Ylang ylang: Boost mood, lower blood pressure, and decrease heart rate. There are also various claims on it working as an aphrodisiac. 

Tea tree: mainly used for it’s powerful healing, antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial  properties.

Rose: The flower of flowers. This essential oil is great for easing pain, relieving menstrual discomfort and treating depression. 

BEAUTY BENEFITS 

Essential oils are also used for cosmetic purposes and have reported great results for the skin, hair and nails. 

SKIN:

For dry and dull skin in need of moisture: Clary sage provides radiance and vitality.

For breakouts and acne: Cedarwood and tea tree oil have antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that make them great for reducing breakouts and treating acne.

#Nickytip: “Tea tree oil saved my skin during my second pregnancy! Its antiseptic healing powers helped me clear acne caused by the hormonal imbalances. I would add a couple of drops on the soap I use to wash my face " - NR

For reducing signs of ageing: Rose oil can help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while hydrating the skin as well.

HAIR:

Hair strength: Clary sage contains linalyl acetate which can make the hair more difficult to break.

Reduce hair loss: Cedarwood’s antifungal and antibacterial properties treat conditions that lead to hair loss.

Hair thickness and growth: Rosemary has the ability to improve cellular generation which leads to thicker strands and faster growth. 

Dry and brittle hair: Ylang ylang promotes the production of oil which is ideal for those with dry scalps and who are looking to improve hair texture.

Scalp health: Lavender has antimicrobial properties that contribute to preventing common scalp issues like dandruff or itchiness. 

NAILS:

Moisturize and soften cuticles: Lavender essential oil is deeply hydrating and will help strengthen nails and cuticles by eliminating dryness. 

Nail strength: Rosemary oil restores the nails natural structure (which may be ruined by fungus) making them stronger and healthier. 

Nail Infections: Tea tree oil’s  distinct properties are effective when it comes to eliminating nail fungus and other afflictions such as athletes foot.