Stress less with Sarah’s guide to essential oils
By boosting relaxation, essential oils in aromatherapy have known benefits for easing stress, anxiety and depression, and they can improve sleep. Through various methods, essential oils are used to promote health and wellbeing. The practice is thousands of years old and it’s become one of the biggest beauty trends to come out of the pandemic.
To learn more, I spoke with Sarah Rueger, a clinical aromatherapist and founder of skincare brand Amaranthine, to share her expertise and useful tips with me.
‘Essential oils can help promote relaxation and sleep and ease anxiety and stress. They can also help stimulate our minds, by supporting mental focus and concentration,’ says Sarah.
‘Diffusers are a great way to safely enjoy essential oils. Essential oils are absorbed by the skin, so can be used diluted in a base oil and then massaged into the skin. Aromatic baths and steam inhalations are other ways that essential oils can be used at home,’ she advises.
With so many ways to use them, which essential oils are popular for beginners?
‘Eucalyptus has a strong camphor and woody scent. A stimulant, it helps relieve symptoms of lethargy and fatigue. It’s also beneficial for muscular aches and pains and respiratory problems. Sweet and citrusy, orange essential oil is wonderfully uplifting and is a great stress reliever.
‘Jasmine is a rich floral and fruity scent. Its benefits include helping with menopause symptoms, PMT, apathy, and exhaustion,’ she adds. ‘Lavender has a fruity, herbal, floral and woody scent. Benefits include helping to relieve headaches, insomnia, and nervous tension. Lavender is also great for skin problems.’
There are occasions when essential oils should be avoided, as Sarah explains. You can find great information in your local health store, but for the maximum benefits, she suggests speaking to a professional.
‘Essential oils are extremely concentrated and can be harmful if not used carefully,’ she cautions. ‘The safest way to enjoy essential oils is to consult a qualified aromatherapist, but here are some safety tips... Never use an essential oil on your skin neat (undiluted). If you are pregnant, avoid essential oils in your first trimester; in your second and third trimesters, you can enjoy using pregnancy-safe essential oils. Be aware there are some essential oils that should be avoided altogether during your whole pregnancy. Also, you must never ingest essential oils. This is extremely dangerous.’
So, enjoy the benefits of essential oils but use them safely. If you’re in any doubt, seek professional advice.