Essential guide to know your oils

Do you love essential oils but are confused about which ones to use and when? Well, experts have a solution for all your woes. Read on...

Essential oils have more or less been a part of every girl’s beauty arsenal. The reasons vary — dabbing some of it for simple vanity, burning it in your room for a special night or depending on it calm yourself down to combat stress and anxiety. However, it seems that a lot of times aroma oils and essential oils are confused with each other. While aroma oils may imitate the smell and provide similar benefits, essential oils are the real deal.

Alka Shah, who has been practising aromatherapy for the past 20 years, explains, “Essential oils are concentrated as they contain the actual essence of the flowers, roots and herbs from which the oils are extracted. Thus, they have therapeutic properties. The aroma oils are synthetically made to resemble the smell of the actual substance. So, though they smell good, they do not have any healing or therapeutic value.”

BENEFITS OF ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils are predominantly used in aromatherapy treatment. “Research studies have indicated that the use of aromatherapy has both physical and psychological benefits. It is used not only as a preventative approach but also as an active treatment during acute and chronic stages of illness. It helps with skin issues, reducing anxiety, curbing stress, mood upliftment and more,” says Namrata Dagia, curator of aromatherapy bath salts and candles.

THE WAY IT WORKS

While inhalation is an easy way to reap their benefits, one can also opt to apply them on several points such as the temples, centre of the wrist but above the palm and below the ear lobes on the back of the ears. As the oil is inhaled, it leads to a change in activity of the neurons in the brain, which results in experiencing a changed mood or emotion.

Neeta V Shetty, founder of an essential oil blends and skincare product range, goes on to list some of the most popular essential oils and their benefits.

EUCALYPTUS VETIVER It is used to relieve body aches and pain. Some respiratory system issues also are soothed with eucalyptus oil. It is good for overall health. relieves symptoms of tress and anxiety. It lso assists with anger management. It is a rejuvenating and energy-boosting oil. It can help relieve headaches as well as improve cognitive performance. PEPPERMINT

TEA TREE It supports and enhances the immune system. It is excellent for skin nourishment and can be used to treat sunburns and tan. It also has antibacterial properties.

SANDALWOOD This oil focuses more on relaxation and sleep, while calming a tired mind and body. YLANG YLANG Its antidepressant properties help alleviate stress and reduce anxiety. It is also antispasmodic. GERANIUM It improves blood circulation, thus enhancing tone and texture of the skin. It can also help people with varicose veins.

PHOTOS: ISTOCK LAVENDER Helps in reducing anxiety, promotes calmness, heals wounds and burns. It also has cell regenerative properties, as well as soothing and balancing properties. It’s used for general skin care.

FRANKINCENSE It’s often used for spiritual purposes as it has a very calming, meditative and relaxing effect without having the sedative quality.

ROMAN CHAMOMILE It helps in calming as well as in dealing with negative emotions and irritability.

It has a smell quite close to orange. However, it is a wonderfully complex oil, which helps in dealing with depression, sadness and grief.