What have you heard about essential oils? That they come from plants? That they have magical healing properties? That they’re only used by outdoor enthusiasts? Maybe you’ve heard stories about what could go wrong when trying them out, or maybe you’ve only heard great things and are even a huge proponent yourself! Whatever the case, we at Paddywax love essential oils for their ability to help us slow down and set the tone, and we want to answer some questions you might have about ours in particular!
So, here goes: What exactly are essential oils? Essential oils are the concentrated, aromatic heart of a plant or fruit in liquid form. This heart is extracted and distilled from the leaves, bark, branches, petals and peels using ancient methods common to cooking such as chopping, pressing, heating, steaming, and filtering. The purified concentrate is often too potent for use, so it is then combined with a neutral carrier oil (e.g., jojoba, olive, coconut). This not only allows the essential oil to be used safely, but can also help it mix more readily into other products. When done safely, essential oils can be creatively mixed with others to create “blends” that offer more nuanced experiences.
Now on to why you’re really here: let’s talk about ways to enjoy essential oils!
In the air:
Commonly, essential oils are enjoyed by adding a few drops to water and then diffusing them throughout a space. You can do this by using an electronic diffuser. (Check out the best essential oil diffuser here!) When the aroma of these oils are inhaled through the air, it is thought to have beneficial effects on our health. Another perk is that many smell great and can create a peaceful aroma even if you aren’t as interested in the health benefits!
On the body:
Using essential oils topically can be a great tool for tackling tiredness, headaches, bugs, and all sorts of other things! If you have sensitive skin or allergies, we would suggest sticking to diffusing your oils or talking to a doctor first, but for many of us, this can be a great tool! Be sure that your oils are made by a reputable source and are tested for the body - all Paddywax BODY essential oils are safe to use on skin!
Essential Oils have been used for thousands of years, though it has become more popularized in American culture in recent years. Their benefits are many, depending on which oils you use. Here is a run down of our essential oils and how they might help you relax and unwind:
PURE OILS:
BLENDS: