Essential oils are the talk of the town right now for natural remedies. They're said to have multiple health benefits that range from mental to physical, which they achieve without the need of chemicals.
"When used correctly, they exert very powerful results and can work fast on the cells and tissues without burdening the body," says licensed aromatherapist Gloria Yuan of Neal's Yard Remedies. The small molecules of EOs penetrate into our skin fast and interacts with our tissues and cells, regulating their functions. "Each essential oil also has its unique scent profile and can trigger instant responses on emotions and moods through our sense of smell," she adds.
There are several ways to incorporate these into your routine—topically, aromatically, and internally. You can choose whichever works for you or switch among the three. It's a truly customizable system.
With that, let's move on to actually building your EO collection. This is basically like shopping for the things in your kitchen, since the better informed you are, the more your collection will grow. But assuming you're not sure about what to shop for yet, we asked Gloria and our oil enthusiast friends Chris Daez, Vicki Abary, and Sara Black for oils that'll prep you for daily needs. See them below!
FOR AN ENERGY BOOST, TRY:
Lemon - Citrus scents are generally invigorating, but lemon gives that energy shot that's a true crowd-pleaser. Not only that, you can also use it as a purifying oil and when your nose is feeling a bit stuffy.
IMAGE Doterra
DoTERRA Lemon Essential Oil, P850, Doterra Philippines
FOR STOMACH TROUBLES, TRY:
DiGize - A Young Living blend with oils that aid digestion. It has antiseptic and detoxifying ingredients that can increase bile flow and help your tummy out through meals. This has tarragon, ginger, peppermint, juniper, lemongrass, anise, and patchouli together in one bottle to pack a true gut healthy punch.
IMAGE Young Living
Young Living Digize Essential Oil Blend, Young Living
FOR COLDS AND FLUS, TRY:
Ravintsara - A naturally cleansing and anti-viral oil that boosts our immunity.
Eucalyptus - During flu season, diffuse this refreshing oil in your home to avoid any health hiccups.
A blend of Eucalyptus and Lemon - Diffuse three drops of eucalyptus and three drops of lemon in the space you're in to energize and decongest a clogged nose.
Breathe - True to its name, Doterra's Breathe helps relieve a congested nose. It has the refreshing scent of eucalyptus and peppermint that are so soothing you'll eventually find yourself feeling better.
IMAGE Neals Yard, Doterra
Neal's Yard Remedies Eucalyptus Radiata Organica, P750, Rustan's Shangri-la; DoTERRA Breathe, P1550, Doterra Philippines
FOR COMMON INJURIES, TRY:
Lavender - According to Gloria, this is a must-have for every household. "I call it 'the Martha Stewart' of essential oils—so fully functional!" Apply one drop over minor cuts, insect bites, sunburn, muscle aches, and healing wounds.
A blend of Sweet Majoram, Rosemary, and Lavender - Add three, two, and three drops of these oils respectively into a 15mL bottle of a carrier oil (Gloria recommends Sweet Almond or Jojoba) and massage over areas with muscle pain.
Deep Relief - After working out or whenever she has a migraine, Vicki goes for this blend from Young Living to soothe her muscles. It has Peppermint and Wintergreen that refresh the senses as it assists recovery.
IMAGE Neals Yard
Neal's Yard Remedies Lavender Essential Oil, P850, Rustan's Shangri-la
FOR RELAXATION AND MEDITATION, TRY:
Ylang Ylang - This oil is known for its unique, sweet scent and stress-relieving properties. Many companies actually source it in the Philippines!
Stress Away - A unique blend of lime, vanilla, and lavender from Young Living that reduces tension and helps with relaxation. If you do yoga, this is perfect to diffuse or apply topically.
IMAGE Young Living, Neals Yard
Young Living Stress Away Esential Oil Blend, Young Living; Neal's Yard Remedies Ylang Ylang Essential Oil, Rustan's Shangri-la
Did you spot your favorite oils? Tell us about them in the comments below!
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