Hello again. I’ve got a mid-week treat for you!
As I’ve said in previous posts, on this blog we will be looking at home wellbeing from all angles, not just the aesthetics of interior design so one area I was really keen to delve into is how we use fragrance around the home - whether it’s essential oils, a scented candle or reed diffuser perhaps.
Well, luckily enough a very good friend of my Mum’s is a total expert on the subject!
Angela Benny is a qualified aromatherapist since 2015 and a Young Living Distributor, and in this blog post we cover everything from how best to use essential oils around your home & beyond, to which scents can help to boost your mood, focus your mind and help you unwind.
I hope you find it really interesting, and please do let us know if you try something new in your home & notice the positive effects!
How does aromatherapy work?
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing therapy that uses aromatic essential oils to improve the health of the mind, body, and spirit. It can enhance both physical and emotional health by supporting the different body systems and can, therefore, enhance your general state of wellness.
Essential oils can also have a dynamic effect on the emotional state given that our sense of smell is linked to the parts of the brain which govern instinct, memory and emotion – the limbic system.
And how do I use essential oils?
You can simply inhale the aroma directly from the bottle or diffuse the oil in a cold air diffuser (burning the oils changes the chemical composition of an oil thereby losing any therapeutic benefit). Alternatively, you can make up a spray bottle of your favourite oil and spritz it around your living space (normal dilution is 12 drops per 30ml).
Fragrances to suit your mood
For boosting mood, I would recommend any of the Citrus Oils including Bergamot, Peppermint, Spearmint, Myrrh or Frankincense.
For improved focus use Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint or Spearmint.
For reducing stress or anxiety or general relaxation try Frankincense, Grapefruit, Lavender, Orange, Roman Chamomile, Vetiver or Ylang Ylang.
It is worth noting the importance of using good quality essential oils to get the optimum effect. Do your research. Cheap oils often contain synthetic elements which replicate the smell of the oil but do not offer any therapeutic benefit. As with the diffusers themselves, it really is a case of you get what you pay for.
It's safe to say, I could talk to Angela for hours – in fact I did one day a few years ago, and came away with some essential oils that I now don’t think I could live without. So, I thought you might like to hear a little more from her…
J: How did you first get into aromatherapy and natural or holistic treatments?
A: I have always had an interest in aromatherapy having done an evening class way back when in the 90's. When I left the corporate world behind me in 2010 to care for relatives, I then decided to study aromatherapy and qualified as an Aromatherapist in 2015.
J: What is the one product that has made the biggest difference to your wellbeing?
A: My go to oil is Peppermint - whether it is for mental clarity or to ease musculoskeletal aches and pains, I always have a bottle of it on me.
J: I absolutely swear by my Peppermint oil too – it’s amazing dabbed onto my temples and the roof of my mouth when I feel the first signs of a migraine coming on. Of course, it may not suit everyone but personally it’s a godsend. I also love the ‘Deep Relief’ roll on, and have my eye on the ‘Stress Away’ as well for when you just need a reminder to breathe!
J: If you could only recommend one product for this time of year, what would it be?
A: Young Living Thieves oil is a blend which contains oils that are high in antiviral and antiseptic properties so can help protect the body from illness.
J: Thieves is great to use if you make natural cleaning products as well! It has a gorgeous wintery scent too so it’s perfect for these cold days!
J: How do you tend to use essential oils throughout your home?
A: I have a diffuser in almost every room of the house and one in the car too! If I am working in the study, I diffuse Peppermint for mental clarity. When I go downstairs in the morning, to dispel any remaining food odours from the previous night, I will put Young Living's Purification blend in the diffuser in the lounge. At night, I will put Cedarwood or Lavender in the bedroom diffuser to help get a good night's sleep. And in the car, I usually diffuse Peppermint or one of the Citrus Oils which are uplifting and refreshing. The jewellery is also a great way of getting the best out of the oils when you are on the go.
J: Are there particular times of the day you like to use particular products or scents?
A: Anytime, anyplace, anywhere (as an old advert used to say). Depending on how I am feeling and what result I want to achieve. For example, I am currently getting over a cold so I am diffusing a blend of Peppermint and Eucalyptus Oils to help with congestion.
J: And do you have any advice if people prefer to use scented candles or reed diffusers?
A: Although scented candles and reed diffusers can provide great fragrance, studies from San Diego University have shown that synthetic fragrances in candles and reed diffusers can have a really harmful impact so, again, you need to do your research. You can always use high grade essential oils to make your own reed diffuser so that you can be sure there are no nasties in there. Avoid paraffin candles made with synthetic fragrance as they release toxins into the air - go for ones made from soy or beeswax and essential oils.
Thanks so much to Angela for sharing these amazing tips.
It is important to say you should take care using essential oils if you have any special conditions, such as epilepsy or high blood pressure, plus there are some oils which are not suitable for young children or pregnant women. If you have pets, some oils are best avoided, at least in terms of diffusing them. Please seek more guidance if you're unsure.
You can find more information about Angela’s products & Young Living articles on the links below and Angela is more than happy for you to get in touch via her Facebook page if you would like any further information or recommendations.
Website: essentiallyangela.co.uk
Facebook: Essentially Angela
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