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
Eucalyptus: May help clear the mind and help promote relaxation. Opens and clears, purifies and diminishes negative energy. Clears pressure, eases tension, and soothes stuffiness. Can also be used for cleaning, repelling insects, and clearing the mind.
Smells like: Airy and Camphoraceous (fresh/herbacious)
On the body: Outside of neck, chest, and around sinus areas avoiding contact with eyes.
Peppermint: May help raise alertness or promote a sense of focus. Invigorates and awakens the mind. Promotes the feeling of clear breathing pathways.
Smells like: Fresh and powerful peppermint
On the Body: Below nose and in between eyebrows. Temples and below collar bones.
Lemon: May increase energy and promote a positive mood. Lifts spirits. Naturally cleanses the air and surfaces.
Smells like: Clean, fresh, citrus lemon peel, bright
On the Body: On skin for an uplifting, cheerful aroma
Tea Tree: May help boost immune function, may be effective as an antibacterial or antiviral. Promotes clear skin and helps to soothe itchy flakes and calm irritating bumps.
Smells Like: Astringent, herbal and medicinal
On the Body: Around chin, and below cheekbones
Blends
Bug off: May repel bugs without DEET or other questionable ingredients.
Smells Like: Citronella, slightly floral
On the Body: Add to wrist, or pressure points avoiding eyes, ears, and mucous membranes.
Blend: Citronella, Eucalyptus, Geranium
Unwind: May help calm nerves and reduce stress. Lessons feelings of tension, and soothes the senses.
Smells Like: Peppery lavender
On the Body: Apply behind ear lobes, inner wrist, on bottom of heel.
Blend: Lavender, Lavandin, Sage, Eucalyptus, Geranium
Renew: May help center the mind and create a sense of balance or relief. Promotes calm focus, eases stress and encourages a restful state.
Smells Like: Strong woody and sweet
On the Body: On cheekbones, between eyebrows, and below nose avoiding contact with mucous membranes.
Blend: Cedarwood Oil, Lavender Oil, Patchouli Oil
Energize: May help revitalize, energize, and uplift your spirits!
Smells Like: Fresh sweet orange, lemon peel, minty
On the Body: Apply sparingly to ear lobes, base of neck and on pad between thumb and index finger.
Blend: Rosemary, Peppermint, Orange Peel Oil, Spearmint, Eucalyptus
We hope this info helps you feel more prepared and excited to relax and unwind with our line of essential oils! You can get to shopping HERE!