Most of us living in a 1st world country are privileged. If your family is a bit like mine, it's challenging to find gifts that are useful and show how much you care. That's why I like to give experiences and personalised gifts, that are considered and have meaning.
The beauty of Volant's scents is that they are the best way to take us back to cherished memories and experiences. With that in mind, here's Volant's ultimate gift guide for every budget!
]]>This year's best friend's gift is undoubtedly Rosemary! Much like your best friend, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Several studies have shown the wonders that rosemary, and rosemary water in particular, can do for hair. They'll experience increased hair growth, stronger, and healthier hair, making this the best gift you can give this year!
Optional addition: Complement it with Rosemary essential oil (129 NOK). This can be used in shampoo and mixed with the water for enhanced effect.
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Choose an essential oil (for those who have a diffuser), that evokes a shared memory. Perhaps the scent of Lemon essential oil or our Sweet Orange Scented Candle reminds them of a Summer shared in Italy, sipping Aperol. Combined with a hearfelt card, these are the perfect gifts to show your appreciation for the person and the memories you've shared!
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Volant customers love our Christmas scents so much that they actually buy them again and again throughout the year! Gift our Christmas blend to create an atmosphere that celebrates the holiday spirit. Or we have a limited edition 100% natural scented candle with a scent reminiscent of Norwegian winter forests 🌲❄️
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Our 100% safe and natural scented candles and reed diffusers share the chic matte finish that
make all Volant products iconic. These handcrafted products are a tribute to Scandinavian minimalism and fit seamlessly into any home. Adored by thousands; Vogue, Elle, GQ, and Cosmopolitan have included them in their gift lists, and Vogue has named Volant the "Gift of the Year"! Give these to those who love decorating their homes or perhaps need a little help!
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What’s better than gifting Christmas in a bottle - or a few? Your family will be able to set the tone for a cosy Christmas atmosphere with this Christmas Set specially created for the holiday season! It’s time to create an intimate mood for the festivities and transform your home into a Christmas wonderland.
In the set: Christmas Blend, Sweet Orange, Peppermint, Spruce
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Our diffuser is one of the world's best-selling diffusers, with over 250,000 sold worldwide in just three years. This is a thoughtful gift of holistic wellness; improved air quality, delightful scents, assistance in finding peace, improved sleep, and more energy - all while looking like a piece of art. Purchase the diffuser with some of our best-selling scents, and you'll have one of the best gifts under the tree this year!
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Along with the diffuser, you should consider getting one of our best-selling essential oil sets:
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Let's create fragrant memories together this Christmas. Whether it's a small token of appreciation or something truly grand, Volant has something for every taste and budget. 🎄🎁🎉
Menopause is the transitional time in a woman's life when her ovaries stop producing eggs and her menstrual periods end. Twelve consecutive missed periods officially signals menopause. It usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, although it can happen earlier or later depending on the individual.
The process of menopause begins with a gradual decline in the amount of oestrogen produced by the body. This will cause menstrual periods to become more irregular or less frequent, until they eventually stop completely.
Menopause is a natural part of aging. In the UK, the average age for menopause is 51. Once the menopause process is complete, the woman will no longer be fertile, meaning that her ovaries will not release eggs and she will not have menstrual periods.
During the transition into menopause, there are changes in the body's hormone levels as less oestrogen is gradually produced. This disrupts the delicate balance of hormones that the body needs to function properly, which can cause unpleasant symptoms.
Symptoms of menopause can include:
If you begin experiencing any of these symptoms and are wondering whether it could be related by menopause, it's best to see a doctor for a checkup. They will be able to run blood tests to confirm whether your symptoms are related to menopause, or whether there is another underlying cause that needs to be addressed.
Once menopause has been confirmed, you may be offered pharmaceutical treatments such as hormone replacement therapy, or HRT. This synthetically replaces the oestrogen that your body is lacking to ease the symptoms of menopause. However, there are side effects and risks to taking HRT, so it's important to discuss this carefully with your doctor before deciding on the best course of action for your individual circumstances.
Some women prefer to turn to natural remedies to ease the symptoms of menopause or as a complementary therapy alongside hormone replacement therapy. This is where essential oils come in.
Essential oils are powerful natural extracts with many therapeutic properties. Certain essential oils can help to ease the symptoms of menopause, making this transitional period of life easier and more pleasant. But which essential oils are best for menopause? Read on to find out.
When looking for the best essential oils to improve the symptoms of menopause, there are several factors that you need to take into consideration. There is no one single essential oil that is appropriate for every individual person. Different people will respond better to different essential oils, depending on their own unique body chemistry.
The best essential oils for menopause will also depend on the symptoms that you are experiencing. The essential oils that help with hot flashes might not be the ones that help with easing anxiety, so you'll need to tailor your regimen depending on the symptoms that you're experiencing.
During menopause, your body will go through many hormonal changes. This can leave you feeling low and depressed, as well as causing the hot flashes and other symptoms that have been discussed.
Hormone imbalance can be a frustrating problem to live with, but essential oils for hormone balance work by supporting the glands responsible for natural hormone production. This helps to restore this delicate balance, reducing the symptoms of menopause.
Here are some of our favourite essential oils for hormone balance:
Geranium is a popular essential oil for managing hormonal changes. It helps to balance hormones, restoring balance and reducing the symptoms of menopause. The floral scent of geranium oil is said to be soothing and uplifting, making it a great choice for managing anxiety and depression, too.
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Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils, and there's a reason for that. Not only can this essential oil help to balance your hormones, but it can also relieve stress and aid sleep, making it a great all-round essential oil for use during menopause.
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One of the most frustrating symptoms of menopause is the fluctuating mood that many women have to deal with. This may manifest as anxiety and depression, or it might be a more general feeling of irritability.
The best essential oils for managing emotional symptoms during menopause are those with uplifting properties. Most essential oils with a floral scent will be beneficial during this time, as they are calming and mood boosting, as well as some of the citrus-based essential oils.
The following oils are particularly helpful for managing emotional symptoms of menopause:
Clary sage essential oil is one of the most popular menopause essential oils thanks to its impressive range of therapeutic properties. This includes its ability to act as an antidepressant. In fact, clary sage has even been proven to reduce blood pressure in some people, demonstrating its powerful properties when it comes to relaxation.
Lavender essential oil has a range of therapeutic properties. Its fresh and floral scent is calming and mood-uplifting, making lavender an excellent choice for those who need some relief from tension and irritability during menopause.
Hot flashes are caused by a sudden change in hormone levels, which leads to an increased blood flow and temperature. This can cause flushing or hot flashes, with the heat being so intense that it may feel as though you're on fire! In some cases, these hot flashes have been known to trigger panic attacks, with the sufferer even struggling to breathe due to the intense symptoms.
The best essential oils for hot flashes are those that have a cooling and calming effect when applied topically. There are also some essential oils that can help to balance your hormones, reducing the chance of hot flashes occurring.
Some of the best essential oils for hot flashes are:
As we discussed in the previous section, clary sage is excellent for balancing your hormones. Because of this, it can also help to reduce the intensity of hot flashes that you're experiencing, making them more manageable.
Ylang ylang has a sweet and floral scent that is perfect for calming the nervous system and reducing stress. Ylang ylang essential oil can also help to balance your hormones, reducing the likelihood of hot flashes occurring.
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While some women experience weight loss during menopause, others may find that they gain more weight than usual. This can be extremely frustrating and upsetting for many women, especially if you're used to being able to maintain your weight with ease.
The good news is that essential oils can help to reduce the likelihood of experiencing weight gain while dealing with menopause.
Some of the best essential oils for managing weight during menopause are:
Juniper essential oil has been proven to have both anti-obesity and antioxidant properties. Although more research needs to be done on its effectiveness when it comes to weight loss, juniper essential oil could be beneficial when it comes to maintaining your body weight during menopause.
Peppermint essential oil is great for reducing sugar cravings, as it helps to suppress your appetite. This means that you're less likely to crave unhealthy foods, making it easier to stick to a healthy diet during menopause.
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During menopause, many women experience sexual dysfunction and/or loss of libido. Whilst it’s completely normal for sexual desires to vary throughout your life, for some women a loss of libido can be a frustrating symptom of menopause.
Essential oils can be extremely useful for increasing libido and restoring sexual desire.
Some of the best essential oils for libido during menopause are:
Citrus-based neroli essential oil has been proven to increase sexual desire in menopausal women, as well as reduce blood pressure and relieve some of the most problematic menopause symptoms.
Many women experience difficulty sleeping during menopause, which can lead to restlessness and irritability throughout the day. The lack of sleep and rest can also worsen symptoms and make it harder for you to cope with other symptoms like hot flashes and low mood.
Fortunately, there are a range of essential oils that can help to promote healthy sleep patterns and ensure that you get a restful night's sleep.
Some of the best essential oils for sleep during menopause are:
Chamomile essential oil has been used as a natural treatment for insomnia and restlessness throughout history. This is because it's such a powerful relaxant, helping to calm your mind and body before you go to sleep.
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There are many different ways in which you can use essential oils to ease menopause symptoms. The most appropriate method will depend on the symptoms that you are dealing with and the type of essential oils that you choose to use.
Let's take a look at some of the different ways in which essential oils can be used during menopause.
One of the easiest ways to use essential oils to treat symptoms of menopause is by adding a few drops of your chosen oil to a diffuser. This will release a continuous stream of aroma into the room, allowing you to inhale your essential oils as you go about your daily life. If you're experiencing ongoing symptoms such as irritability, mood swings or weight gain, using a diffuser is a great way to add essential oils into your daily routine.
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Massage has been proven to reduce stress levels, and combining this with essential oils can heighten the benefits. Studies have shown aromatherapy massage to help balance mood during menopause, and that aromatherapy massage is more effective than massage alone.
Essential oils can be diluted with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or sweet almond oil to create your own massage oil. You can then massage this into your skin, or enlist a partner to give you a relaxing aromatherapy massage. Try combining different essential oils together to create a massage oil that is tailored to your unique needs.
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If you're having trouble sleeping, creating an aromatherapy pillow mist could help. Simply add a few drops of your chosen essential oils (we recommend lavender and chamomile) to a clean spray bottle and top it up with distilled water. Then, spritz the mixture over your pillow and bedding to help you to drift quickly off into a peaceful sleep.
Many women find that the hot steam of the bath helps to ease menopause symptoms, including irritability and low mood. You can create your own refreshing bath oil by mixing a few drops of your favourite essential oils with a tablespoon of carrier oil. Simply pour this into your bath water, then soak up the benefits of aromatherapy as you relax in your bath.
Menopause is a time of transition in a woman's life and often comes with many symptoms, from hot flashes to mood changes. However, there are a range of effective treatments available to ease the symptoms of menopause, including essential oils.
If you're looking for a natural way to ease menopause symptoms, using aromatherapy can be incredibly beneficial. It can also be used to complement pharmaceutical treatments such as hormone replacement therapy.
In this article, we've explored some of the best essential oils for menopause, from soothing lavender to uplifting geranium. At volant, we stock all of these essential oils and more. What's more, all of our essential oils are 100% pure and organic, so you can rest assured that when you purchase from volant, you're receiving only the highest quality essential oils.
Read more about the benefits of palmarosa essential oil.
Contrary to the phonetic sound of the plant, the palmarosa is not a descendent of the rose family; it is in fact connected to the lemongrass flora. Palmarosa is a tall, grassy and tufty plant, and the scent is soft, rosy and gives off hints of citrus.
It is a perennial herb that thrives in humid conditions, and it was used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat coughs, bronchitis and other respiratory issues due to its powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties. Palmarosa has since made its way to the western world where it is used as a soothing and supporting essential oil in daily routines. You may be surprised to learn that the plant is already in some products you already use.
✅ Latin name: Cymbopogon martinii
✅ Also known as: Indian geranium, ginger grass, rosha grass
✅ Country of origin: 🇮🇳 India
✅ Scent note: Top
✅ Popular uses: Skin care, anti-aging, mood, antimicrobial, insect repellent
Palmarosa is cropped and harvested before the flower on the plant turns completely red from green. They are then left to dry, and the oil is extracted from the stem through steam distillation. Steam distillation is one of the most common forms of oil extraction where steam evaporates the oil, which is then condensed, separated and collected.
Palmarosa essential oil has a wide range of benefits. Some of the main benefits of palmarosa oil include the following:
Let's look at each of these benefits of palmarosa oil in more detail.
Palmarosa oil is high in antibacterial, antioxidant, and antifungal properties, and because of this, it certainly helps in preventing infection, especially of the skin and nails. It has even been found more potent than some antimicrobial drugs!
Palmarosa and its components have also been found effective in preventing food-borne pathogens and could probably be used similarly to lemongrass as a DIY cleaning agent (although it might not be the most economical option).
Enjoy the myriad of benefits from palmarosa essential oil. The oil itself holds antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties, and your skin will thank you for it. It can help reduce infections of the skin, improve acne, and reduce inflammation. Palmarosa also acts as a natural anti-aging treatment for your skin because the oil’s antioxidants may reduce the free radicals, DNA damage and cell damage that lead to wrinkles. Who’s ready for a glow-up?
Palmarosa is also thought to promote healthy hair and may strengthen hair follicles.
Imagine that a sweet, rose-like scent could help lower depression and anxiety… Well, the good news is that you don’t need to imagine it because the relaxing aroma from palmarosa has shown a significant effect on the nervous system which includes a mood boost. It’s been clinically shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Keep pesky insects away, especially mosquitoes, when you’re trying to sleep or going on a little vacation in the great outdoors. Palmarosa essential oil is high in limonene, citronellal and geraniol, which are natural repellents. As a bonus, you won’t smell unpleasant like conventional bug spray - instead, you’ll smell rosy!
Palmarosa essential oil can be used in a variety of ways, depending on its intended purpose. Here are some of the most common ways to use palmarosa essential oil:
Let’s look at each of these uses of palmarosa essential oil in more detail.
The scent of palmarosa is simply beautiful; it is soft and rosy and can be used in aromatherapy either on its own or blended with other uplifting or relaxing oils to create a soothing blend which can reduce stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression. Add them to your diffuser to scent your space and change your atmosphere.
To boost your mood, try blending palmarosa essential oil with grapefruit. To help you relax, try blending palmarosa essential oil with lavender or ylang ylang.
Since palmarosa oil is considered safe (unless you have highly sensitive skin), the oil is amazing in every way for your skin. It fights bacterial and fungal infections, reduces inflammation, fights acne, protects against free radical damage, and provides anti-aging benefits for your skin. No wonder many beauty products already contain palmarosa!
For your daily skincare routine, add some palmarosa to your lotion or dilute with a carrier oil and gently massage the oil into the skin to improve the texture, elasticity and the moisture content of your skin.
Although there’s little clinical evidence on palmarosa’s hair health benefits, it’s commonly used to this end. Whether or not it’s effective for hair health, it’s safe and will provide an antioxidant and antimicrobial benefit to your scalp. Add a few drops to your shampoo and massage your scalp. The massaging action will stimulate the hair follicles to make them thicker and help dilate the blood vessels beneath the scalp to encourage hair growth. It will also make your hair smell amazing and give you the aromatherapeutic effect of palmarosa oil for hours!
Applying the oil topically (when diluted with a safe carrier oil) can also help keep mosquitoes away!
And finally, an aromatherapy massage with palmarosa essential oil is a wonderful way to boost your mood and help ward off symptoms of anxiety and depression. It’s the perfect combination to really beat your blues.
Because it’s safe and effective in many ways, adding palmarosa essential oil to your bath is a great way to use it. It’s perfect for a bath at the end of a long day to help you relax, boost your mood and set you in the right state of mind for a good night’s sleep. Or, treat yourself to a spa day and include palmarosa oil on the agenda!
Palmarosa has a surprising amount of clinical evidence and has been the subject of a tremendous amount of research. There doesn’t seem to be a whole lot palmarosa can’t do. It deserves to be better known around the world! Below are some of the most striking studies and discoveries about palmarosa essential oil.
Among 143 essential oils studied for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, the main bacteria responsible for most skin infections, palmarosa was among 7 that showed the highest activity at the lowest concentration.
Palmarosa was also among 9 essential oils that were more effective than tosufloxacin, a drug given to help resolve drug-resistant bacterial infections. This demonstrates palmarosa’s powerful antibacterial effects and its benefits for skin health.
One kind of bacteria known to cause acne is known as Cutibacterium acnes. A recent study showed that palmarosa killed the bacteria and reduced inflammation and was also safe for topical use, meaning that palmarosa is a safe and effective skincare product for acne.
Because palmarosa has been found to have powerful antimicrobial effects against bacteria, viruses, yeast and fungi, it was investigated for its protective properties. This research found that palmarosa had powerful antioxidant effects on human cells, protecting DNA and lipids (or cell walls) from free radical damage. This confirms palmarosa’s benefits as an anti-aging skincare ingredient on top of its antimicrobial skincare benefits.
Several studies have been done to prove the mental health benefits of palmarosa essential oil. In particular, a 2011 study found that palmarosa inhibits monoamine oxidase, a common target for drugs that treat depression (ie. MAO inhibitors).
In menopausal women, the scent of palmarosa was found to reduce the psychological symptoms of mood swings, anxiety and depression in the short term.
In 2020, research was done on the effectiveness of keeping insects away and using palmarosa essential oil as a natural repellent. The study found that the oil contained limonene, geraniol and citronella which repel insects, mainly mosquitoes. This confirms field research from 1995 which found that palmarosa was among three plants most effective in repelling mosquitoes.
Palmarosa essential oil is considered safe since it is a non-irritating, non-sensitizing and non-toxic substance, but it can cause skin irritation if you have highly sensitive skin. If you do have sensitive skin, you may experience a burning sensation or a rash when applied topically. Always be sure to dilute the oil with a safe carrier oil or lotion before you apply it to your skin, and always carry out a patch test before applying it more liberally.
Essential oils should never be taken orally unless diluted with water and measured at the right dosage. If you plan on doing this, you should speak to a doctor before ingesting any oil. Palmarosa oil is suggested for external use and can provide great benefits when used correctly. At volant, we do not recommend ingesting essential oils.
Palmarosa essential oil is widely available online and in stores. When purchasing palmarosa oil, be sure to look for a 100% pure essential oil - not an extract. This ensures that you're getting an authentic product with all the therapeutic benefits of palmarosa. If it’s organic, even better!
Here are some of the places where you can purchase palmarosa essential oil.
At Volant, all our essential oils are produced using only the highest-quality plants, which are harvested and distilled with the utmost care. You can enjoy Palmarosa in Volant's essential oil blends: Relax and Sleep along with our other favorite scents. Rest assured that you'll receive 100% pure and organic essential oil with no additives or synthetic ingredients. This ensures that you receive the greatest possible benefit from your palmarosa essential oil.
Amazon is a popular place to shop for essential oils. It's important to note that Amazon is a marketplace rather than a store, so there are many different businesses selling essential oils through Amazon. For this reason, we'd recommend checking the ingredients and reviews of any essential oil that you choose to purchase through Amazon, as not all essential oils sold on the platform are pure, organic and trusted.
If you prefer in-person shopping and holding the product in your hand to get a better idea of what you’re buying, then you will find that your local pharmacies may have what you’re looking for. However, palmarosa is a less well-known essential oil and may be harder to find. As always, check that the oil you're buying is an essential oil rather than an extract and that it is 100% pure.
doTERRA is a company that manufactures organic essential oils, including palmarosa essential oil. If you’re looking for a 100% pure palmarosa oil, purchasing from doTERRA will guarantee quality.
You can use the oil in bathwater and soak up all the lovely benefits of the oil while also inhaling the aroma, which also gives wonderful mental health benefits. You can also use it on your skin or in your hair as part of your beauty routine. Your skin will take in all the antibacterial and antifungal properties but will also soothe and protect your skin, while the oil’s aroma will help calm the mind. It’s also a great natural mosquito repellent!
Palmarosa oil has a beautiful light, rosy scent, and this makes it a stunning oil that blends well with lavender, Roman chamomile, rose, neroli, jasmine, ylang ylang and other floral oils. Palmarosa essential oil also blends well with citrus oils like bergamot, grapefruit and mandarin.
Palmarosa essential oil is related to the lemongrass family, but it is an economical substitute for rose otto essential oil because of its scent.
Palmarosa essential oil has wonderful properties that not only help fight off nasty bacteria but also has an uplifting effect on your mood. There have been many studies on the oil to confirm its health benefits.
Another great benefit is that if you choose to diffuse the oil in your home, your space will be filled with a lovely feminine, rosy scent. But you can also add the oil to your beauty routine and your skin will glow with delight, not to mention the benefit of beautiful, strong, healthy hair if you add it to your shampoo or simply use the oil to massage into your scalp.
You can benefit greatly from palmarosa essential, no matter how you use it or what you use it for. The only thing left to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the aroma, and let the oil do its work.
We’re here to help if you have any questions about palmarosa essential oil. You can contact our support team at support@volantaroma.com and we will be more than happy to assist you with any questions you may have.
But not everyone likes to reach for pharmaceuticals when there are natural options to consider, which is why more and more people are turning to essential oils for their cough-combating fix.
Both a wet cough and dry cough can be extremely uncomfortable for people of any age, but there are some essential oils that contain potent natural properties capable of soothing, relieving and reducing respiratory distress.
So what essential oil is good for cough relief? Well, there are several. Essential oils are as diverse as nature itself, and there are plenty of different types you can use to help fight back against coughs and a scratchy throat of various causes.
Let’s take a look at how you can safely use Volant’s essential oils for coughs and which oils have the healing properties your body needs.
Essential oils can be absorbed by the body in a number of different ways: topically, or through the skin; internally, through the mouth and digestive system; and aromatically, through the olfactory system.
The olfactory system is the most popular entry point for essential oils, mostly because it feels natural to sniff and inhale their fragrance via aromatherapy. However, inhaling essential oils is also one of the most effective ways to receive their many benefits. Using a stylish high quality diffuser for this purpose is an excellent idea as it creates the ideal balance of oil in the air.
When you inhale an essential oil, the particles filter into your respiratory system, nervous system, bloodstream and amygdala (the emotional centre of the brain). Whatever natural properties that particular essential oil possesses can then begin to take effect.
Take lavender for example. This is an oil that has scientifically proven sleep-inducing and anti-anxiety effects. By inhaling this oil, you allow for fast transmission of its soothing compounds that take effect within a few minutes to an hour.
When it comes to soothing coughs, you can use oils that enhance breathing, soothe throat scratchiness and promote strong immunity to expedite the healing process. If the cough is related to a viral infection, you can also use an essential oil for cough relief that has antimicrobial properties.
Let’s take a look at what essential oil is good for cough relief, as well as essential oils that help with dry cough relief as opposed to a wet cough. We’ll also explore which oils can protect the lungs, help prevent issues that cause coughing and provide immune support for prevention and recovery.
These days, we have the luxury of having access to all kinds of essential oils without needing to gather or distill them ourselves. If you are experiencing a respiratory illness that causes wet or dry coughs, you can use these essential oils to help soothe soreness, reduce inflammation, break up mucus, enhance breathing and attack infections.
You can use single essential oils or create a blend that is specifically tailored to your health needs. Even if you just have one of these essential oils, they can provide natural support that feels good, smells good and provides some relief at the same time.
Let’s take a look at how to use these various oils for coughs.
Eucalyptus essential oil Originally cultivated in Australia, eucalyptus leaves are still the primary food source of koala bears. But this herbaceous tree leaf is packed with powerful natural compounds that humans have been using for respiratory support for centuries.
Volant’s pure, organic Eucalyptus Essential Oil has a cooling, menthol-like fragrance that uplifts the senses. The chemical compounds found in eucalyptus oil, such as 1,8-cineole (aka eucalyptol), break up mucus membranes, both reducing the amount of mucus that builds up in the lungs and loosening it for more effective elimination.
In a 2020 review on eucalyptus oil for respiratory support, the authors discussed its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, bronchodilatory and mucolytic properties. They suggested that eucalyptus is helpful for those suffering from asthma, bronchitis and COPD.
A 2013 study also determined that eucalyptus essential oil can reduce pain and inflammation, making it good for not only respiratory support but also for pain relief.
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If you or your children are struggling to breathe due to a tight cough, our refreshing, uplifting Peppermint Essential Oil can deliver the breathing support you need. Not just that, but it can also help bring relief to nasal congestion or sinusitis.
Menthol is one of the principal active compounds in peppermint oil. Several decades ago, it was discovered that smelling menthol triggers cold receptors in the airway, which is partly responsible for the sensation of easier breathing. Recently, a study in COPD patients found that smelling menthol significantly reduced physical and psychological breathing effort, breathing discomfort, anxiety and fear during restricted breathing times.
Another 2013 study found that peppermint essential oil helps relax the bronchial muscles, making it easier to breathe. It is for this reason that athletes and singers sometimes inhale peppermint or menthol before a big performance.
Inhaling both menthol and eucalyptus together has also proven to reduce coughing during a cough challenge in healthy subjects. And using menthol and eucalyptus together topically may help with decongestion and improve sleep quality.
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Sandalwood is probably one of the most used essential oils worldwide. The fragrance can be found in many everyday products such as perfume and air fresheners. Sandalwood comes from the wood and roots of the Santalum album tree, also known as East Indian sandalwood, or Santalum spicatum which is Australian sandalwood. Although many other types of trees are also considered “sandalwood”, East Indian sandalwood has the highest content of santalol, sandalwood’s main distinctive compound.
Sandalwood is considered one of the most valued trees in the world with various uses around the globe. Sandalwood is considered a holy tree and traditionally, the wood and oil were used as incense in religious rituals such as weddings and births in India and many Eastern countries. Today, the oil is used to treat a number of health issues and is used in perfumes, cosmetics and aftershave.
🪵 Latin name: Santalum album, Santalum spicatum
🪵 Also known as: Chandana, candrah, East Indian sandalwood
🪵 Countries of origin: 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇦🇺 Australia
🪵 Scent note: Base
🪵 Annual production:15,000 tons
🪵 Popular uses: Aftershave, health care, cosmetics
Sandalwood oil is extracted from the wood and roots of the Santalum album tree through a steam distillation process. Santalol and santalene are the main active compounds found in sandalwood essential oil, along with dozens of other minor sesquiterpenoids such as linalool, nuciferol, nerolidol and eugenol, among others.
Steam distillation is the most common form of extraction as it collects the oil in its most natural and purest form. Steam vaporizes the plant material’s volatile compounds and eventually goes through a condensation and collection process which is the point where the oil is then bottled as pure essential oil, infused into soaps, perfumes, cosmetics and more.
Sandalwood essential oil has a wide range of benefits, which is why it is one of the most popular essential oils in the world.
Some of the main benefits of sandalwood oil include:
Let's look at each of these benefits of sandalwood oil in more detail.
Sandalwood essential oil is often used to induce relaxation and relieve stress, anxiety and depression. A small amount of sandalwood essential oil can help calm anxious and restless nerves.
Sandalwood has been used for thousands of years for religious purposes, and it is still highly prized today for its use in spiritual practices and for its grounding effects during prayer or meditation.
Sandalwood has chemoprotective properties (it protects the cells against abnormal growth) and is widely used in facial remedies. The alpha-santolol in sandalwood acts as a tyrosinase inhibitor, reducing skin hyperpigmentation and making it useful for lightening the skin. Dry, itchy skin can also be soothed and moisturized with sandalwood essential oil.
The antiviral and antiseptic properties found in the oil have been found to prevent replication of common viruses like the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores. It’s also an antifungal agent, fighting Candida which causes various nail and foot fungus and helping get rid of common warts. Sandalwood also fights skin bacteria that are often responsible for skin infections. It also reduces inflammation from mild skin irritations; so, it’s a good idea to pack some into your travel bag.
Sandalwood has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which can help protect the skin, reduce age-related skin damage from free radicals and soothe irritated skin. Interestingly, even just smelling sandalwood can help reduce age-related hormonal changes which affect muscle mass!
The common cold is a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract and sandalwood is great when it comes to fighting respiratory pathogens like a cold as it contains high levels of antiviral, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties. Sandalwood may also help those with seasonal allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergies or hay fever) to breathe better.
Man, do we love a man that uses aftershave. Sandalwood is an earthy scent that men and women alike love as an aftershave scent. Not only will the scent be a great substitute for cologne, but the antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the oil will keep your skin healthy and free of irritation.
Sandalwood essential oil can be used in a variety of ways, depending on its intended purpose.
Here are some of the most common ways to use sandalwood essential oil:
Let’s look at each of these uses of sandalwood essential oil in more detail.
Aromatherapy is the oldest method of using sandalwood. They used to burn the wood, but today, you can transform your spiritual practices by adding a few drops of sandalwood essential to your diffuser and turning it on.
If you just want to relax, diffuse some sandalwood, then grab a book or put on your favorite movie, sit back and relax while you enjoy the calming effects of the oil. Apart from calming the mind, using sandalwood essential oil in aromatherapy is known to have sedative effects which means you’ll get all the beauty sleep you need. It’s the perfect therapy for those who suffer from insomnia or who just need help winding down after a busy day. Diffuse it in your bedroom as you get ready for bed or throughout the night to help you sleep.
If you don’t have a diffuser, you can inhale sandalwood essential oil by rubbing a drop or two between your palms and cupping your hands over your nose and mouth, inhaling deeply several times. This might be a quick fix to reduce stress and anxiety on the fly when you’re at work or out and about. Keep a bottle handy in your handbag if this is your preferred method.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies or have a cold, try either of the above methods to help open your lungs, kill germs, reduce stuffiness and enjoy the calming effect of the oil so that you can recover properly.
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The antiviral and antiseptic properties found in sandalwood make it a popular choice to use in household cleaning products. You can add a drop or two to your products before any household chores. And that’s not all, you’ll enjoy the glorious woody scent of the oil as it fills your living space, making your home feel like a grounded haven.
Make the most of the antiseptic and protective effects of sandalwood essential oil by diluting a drop or two into your lotion or cleansers.
Using sandalwood essential oil topically is a great way to soothe and moisturize dry, itchy skin, soothe eczema, acne, psoriasis, or help treat warts. Dilute your sandalwood essential oil to about 1.5% (that’s about 2-3 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil) in a non-comedogenic carrier oil such as jojoba oil and massage it into your skin.
Similar instructions go for men using sandalwood as a DIY aftershave. Add a few drops to your aftershave and dab a little on your face as a little facial treatment. Not only will the scent be a great substitute for cologne, but the antibacterial and antioxidants in the oil will keep your skin healthy and free of irritation. Just be sure to do a patch test first to make sure your freshly shaved skin will react positively to it.
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Essential oils are volatile, active oils extracted from various parts of aromatic plants. These oils are used in aromatherapy to support health and well-being. These days, people around the world are choosing natural and organic oil products rather than relying on synthetic or pharmaceutical alternatives, and magnolia essential oil is becoming increasingly popular.
Magnolia essential oil is known for its numerous health and relaxation benefits. It has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where the plant originates.
The magnolia was named by the famous Swedish botanist Carl Linneaus in 1737 in honor of the French botanist, Pierre Magnol (1638-1715). Magnolias are, however, one of the most primitive plants in evolutionary history, and fossil records show that magnolias were present in Europe, North America and Asia over 100 million years ago.
Today, magnolias are indigenous only to southern China and the southern US.
The earliest western record of Magnolias in cultivation is found in Aztec history where there are illustrations of what we now know are the rare Magnolia dealbata. This plant survives only in a few places in the wild, and, although climate change is largely to blame, the Aztecs cut the flowers for festivals, and this prevented the plants from seeding. The plant was found by a Spanish explorer called Hernandez in 1651.
There are about 80 species of Magnolia, of which about half are tropical. In their native countries, magnolia trees can grow up to 80 feet tall and 40 feet wide. They bloom in spring, with the flowers reaching their peak in summer.
The petals are traditionally hand-picked, and harvesters have to use ladders or scaffolds to reach the prized flowers. Other names for magnolia include white jade orchid, white champaca and white sandalwood.
Interestingly, the closest genetic relation to the magnolia is the buttercup.
💮 Latin name: Magnolia alba / Michelia alba
💮 Also known as: White jade orchid, white champaca, white sandalwood, bailan
💮 Countries of origin: 🇨🇳 China, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇹🇭 Thailand
💮 Scent note: Top
💮 Annual production: 1,200,000 kilograms of flowers in China
💮 Popular uses: Aromatherapy, relaxation, anxiety, skin care
The magnolia flowers are harvested, washed and then crushed. After drying, the flower crush is then subjected to steam distillation, from which the volatile oils are obtained. Steam distillation is used in China, and France uses the fractional distillation method where the chemical compounds are separated by heating and distilling. The oil’s color can vary from a citrusy yellow to a warm amber color. Magnolia essential oil is produced in China, India, France and the US.
Magnolia flower essential oil contains about 73% linalool and small amounts of α-terpineol, β-pinene and geraniol. Magnolia essential oil has a floral, sweet, champagne-like and herbal scent.
Magnolia essential oil is commonly used in skincare products, perfumes, cosmetics and as food flavoring. It has a wide range of benefits for beauty, relaxation and well-being. Magnolia essential oil has been found to have tyrosinase inhibition, photoprotection, anti-stress, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-gout and antimicrobial activities. Linalool, the major component of magnolia essential oil, has been shown to have beneficial effects on cellular growth, inflammation, nerve health, blood pressure, mood, skin health, and more!
Due to its properties, this oil is fast becoming one of the most sought-after essential oils for health and skincare globally. Some of the main magnolia essential oil benefits
Let's take a look at these magnolia essential oil benefits in more detail.
Many subspecies of magnolia have been used traditionally as a natural sedative thanks to its content of α-pinene and β-pinene. As magnolia essential oil has a high linalool content, it offers potent soothing and relaxing benefits to your emotions. Experimental research suggests inhaling magnolia essential oil may help to promote feelings of calmness and relaxation, reduce stress and have antidepressant effects.
As magnolia essential oil promotes relaxation, restores calmness and acts as a mild sedative, it aids in regulating your sleep cycle.
Magnolia essential oil is very nourishing for the skin. Containing various compounds including beta-caryophyllene, magnolia oil shows powerful anti-inflammatory properties, reducing redness and puffiness. It leaves the skin luminous and more even.
Alpha-terpineol, a component of magnolia essential oil, inhibits tyrosinase and melanin production, making it useful to lighten the skin. It’s also a powerful antioxidant, protecting the skin from free radical damage.
The polyphenols in other types of magnolia extracts also offer powerful sun protection for the skin and boost collagen production and skin quality; however, polyphenols are not found in magnolia essential oil.
Magnolia essential oil also has powerful anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal activities, offering additional protection for your skin.
Finally, magnolia’s high linalool content makes it helpful in treating psoriasis, calming inflammation of the skin and reducing severity.
When you are feeling anxious, use a drop of magnolia essential oil on your wrists and pulse points mixed with some carrier oil.
As a perfume, it can be used on the pulse points, wrists, throat, behind the ears and inside your elbows.
When your skin needs some tender loving care, especially for psoriasis, use magnolia essential oil for skin diluted in a carrier oil. Use magnolia essential oil in your daily skincare routine to help keep your skin youthful and protected.
And last but not least, pamper yourself and your feet by smoothing magnolia essential oil on the soles of your feet to benefit from magnolia’s antibacterial and antifungal benefits.
Since magnolia essential oil is good for your skin, helps you relax and smells amazing, why not use it in your massage oil? Simply dilute a few drops in a tablespoon of carrier oil like jojoba oil and massage it into your skin. You’ll enjoy both the psychological and physical benefits of magnolia essential oil.
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Promote relaxation while you’re preparing for bed by warming the oil in your palms and inhaling the beautiful scent. Or even simpler, put some in your bedside diffuser while preparing for sleep, or even after a long day to help you de-stress and relax.
What could be better than melting into a luxuriously sweet, floral-scented bath with magnolia essential oil? It will melt away the day’s stress, boost your mood, help you prepare for a good night’s sleep, treat your skin to an anti-aging lather and fight off any impending skin infections. Simply dilute a few drops of magnolia essential oil with a carrier oil and add it to your hot bath and enjoy!
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Many magnolia species are used in Asian traditional medicines and have been shown many benefits in modern research. However, research on the flower essential oil of the specific species of Magnolia alba, or Michelia alba, used in essential oils and fragrances is limited.
In recent years, there has been more research on compounds found in magnolia essential oil. Let’s take a brief glance at some of this groundbreaking research.
A study in 2020 observed the brain wave effects of subjects after they had inhaled either magnolia essential oil or pure linalool. Both oils reduced beta brain wave activity associated with alertness and increased fast alpha wave activity associated with relaxation, showing the magnolia oil has sedative effects and can help reduce stress, likely due to its high content of linalool.
When a group of subjects with and without carpal tunnel syndrome inhaled linalool or a carrier oil, the linalool group experienced reduced blood pressure and pulse rate, showing its anti-stress effects. More impressively, simply inhaling the linalool also enhanced antioxidant activity in the blood.
In one study, magnolia essential oil was found to have antifungal effects against various species of fungus and mold including Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Fusarium and Cladosporium.
Another study looked at the effects of magnolia oil vapor on both mold growth and human brain activity. Like the studies above, this study found that magnolia oil vapor reduced mold growth and also enhanced alpha brain waves in human subjects, enhancing pleasant feelings of relaxation.
To use magnolia safely and effectively you need to ensure that you follow a few simple guidelines. Suffering from side effects from magnolia oil is extremely rare, but as with any oil, there can be some risks.
Always dilute magnolia essential oil in a carrier oil before using it on your skin to dilute its potency and avoid irritation.
Consider talking to your doctor before using any essential oil, especially if you are on chronic medication or have an ongoing illness. A medical practitioner may be able to advise you if there are any contraindications you need to be aware of.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it is best to avoid using this oil topically for the time being.
Because of its respiratory risks, magnolia oil should not be used in infants. In fact, essential oils in general shouldn’t be used on babies under 3 months.
These days, magnolia essential oil is widely available to buy online and in stores. Just remember that when purchasing magnolia essential oil, you should always look for a 100% pure essential oil ̶ not an extract. This guarantees you're getting an authentic product with all the therapeutic benefits of magnolia essential oil. Of course, organic magnolia oil would be the best natural choice.
Here are some of the places where you can purchase magnolia essential oil.
At Volant, you’ll find only the purest essential oils produced using high-quality plants. These plants are harvested and distilled with care to make 100% pure, organic oils that have no synthetic ingredients or additives. Due to its calming and respiratory benefits, Volant’s Breathe Essential Oil Blend contains magnolia oil.
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Amazon is home to a vast number of online sellers that stock magnolia essential oil. However, when you shop at Amazon, you always need to ensure that the oil you’re buying is pure and organic, as different sellers stock varying qualities of products. Always read the reviews and check the ingredients list before purchasing.
If you prefer to see and hold what you’re buying beforehand, purchasing magnolia essential oil at a pharmacy may be a possibility. Most pharmacies stock at least a small range of essential oils, and as magnolia is popular, it shouldn't be hard to find. Just be sure to check that it is pure.
doTERRA manufactures organic essential oils and is a reliable supplier of high-quality products. You can purchase magnolia oil from doTERRA with peace of mind.
The gorgeous scent is calming and can help ease worry and tension in both the mind and body. Magnolia oil is a super-nourishing tropical flower oil with emotionally soothing benefits. It is frequently used in aromatherapy and perfumes to soothe anxious feelings and in natural perfumes for its desirable smell. It’s also amazing for the skin, having anti-aging, protective, anti-inflammatory and skin lightening properties.
Oils that blend well with magnolia include bergamot, jasmine, melissa, lemon, ylang ylang, coriander, wild orange, grapefruit, lavender, neroli and rose.
Jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, fractionated coconut oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil and rosehip oil.
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No, do not use it on children or pets. Do not ingest magnolia essential oil, and store it in a dark and airtight container out of the reach of children.
No, this oil will not become phototoxic when exposed to sunlight so it cannot cause blisters, burns or pigmentation of the skin. In fact, it may protect against UV damage and help lighten the skin.
Magnolia essential oil has stood the test of time and is still used in Traditional Chinese Medicine thousands of years later. It’s one of the most beneficial and indulgent oils around with a wide variety of benefits and therapeutic properties. These include relieving anxiety, inducing calm, relieving menstrual cramps, aiding asthma and other respiratory problems and detoxifying and nourishing your skin. Many of these properties have been backed by scientific research, and some studies have even shown promising anti-cancer properties.
Magnolia essential oil is a must for your collection, and Volant stocks only the purest, organic products such as our Breathe Essential Oil Blend containing magnolia oil.
If you have any questions about this oil or any other essential oil-related queries, contact Volant at support@volantaroma.com.
Before we delve into the best and worst essential oils for dogs, here is a refresher on what essential oils are in general.
Essential oils are pure plant extracts made from a variety of plant materials, including flowers, leaves, stems, roots, resin and other constituents. They are processed and distilled into concentrated oils with robust aromas and a variety of health benefits. They do not contain fatty acids like most oils do but rather volatile organic compounds that are potent and therapeutic.
Essential oils for dogs are essential oils that have been proven safe to use on and around dogs. Not all essential oils are safe or suitable for pets. So, if you plan on using essential oils for your dogs, make sure that you only choose oils that are non-toxic to them.
Some essential oils are indeed safe for dogs, as long as you use them responsibly and correctly.
Before you use any essential oils on your dog, it’s recommended that you consult with a veterinary expert to minimize the risk of potential complications.
Remember to inform your vet of any other natural supplements or remedies you are giving your dog so that they can assess whether or not any interactions will occur. If you do use essential oils for your dog, they should always be diluted and never applied in their concentrated form.
Many pet owners have reported positive improvements in their dogs’ health after using essential oils that are safe for dogs. According to Dogs Naturally Magazine and various studies, the most suitable essential oils that are safe for dogs include:
🐶 Cardamom essential oil
🐶 Cedarwood essential oil
🐶 Chamomile essential oil
🐶 Citronella essential oil
🐶 Fennel essential oil
🐶 Frankincense essential oil
🐶 Geranium essential oil
🐶 Ginger essential oil
🐶 Helichrysum essential oil
🐶 Lavender essential oil
🐶 Lemongrass essential oil
🐶 Marjoram essential oil
🐶 Oregano essential oil
🐶 Peppermint essential oil
🐶 Spearmint essential oil
🐶 Valerian essential oil
When it comes to what essential oils are bad for dogs, it’s important to check carefully before exposing your pets to any essential oils, even if you plan on diffusing them. Many essential oils can be detrimental to your dogs, even in small doses. Paws Insider notes that you should avoid using any of these essential oils on or near your dogs:
🐶 Birch essential oil
🐶 Cinnamon essential oil
🐶 Clove essential oil
🐶 Juniper essential oil
🐶 Pennyroyal essential oil
🐶 Pine and spruce essential oils
🐶 Tea tree (melaleuca) essential oil
🐶 Wintergreen essential oil
🐶 Yarrow essential oil
🐶 Ylang ylang essential oil
🐶 All citrus essential oils, including bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime & orange
If your dog is accidentally exposed to any of these essential oils, seek the advice of an experienced veterinarian as soon as possible.
According to Veterinarians.org, there are many potential benefits to using essential oils that are safe for dogs. These include helping them to cope with stress and anxiety, getting rid of infections, staving off mosquitoes and fleas, reducing inflammation and itching caused by seasonal allergies, and reducing the impact of arthritis. Let’s look at these benefits in a bit more detail.
One of the most prevalent benefits of using essential oils safe for dogs is their potential to address stress and anxiety. Just like humans, dogs can experience anxiety for a number of reasons, ranging from separation anxiety to traumatic events like cross-country moves, long car rides, visits to the vet or salon and exposure to unfamiliar environments. Lavender, chamomile and valerian oil have proven calming properties that may help to reduce your dog’s anxiety and improve their quality of life when diffused into their environment.
Certain essential oils also have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may help to address skin itching, inflammation and infections. Lavender oil has strong anti-inflammatory properties, and helichrysum oil may also offer skin healing benefits. Rosemary, lavender, chamomile and peppermint may also be able to reduce itchy skin and soothe skin-related inflammation and infections in dogs.
Some essential oils may even offer benefits when used as arthritis treatments for dogs, although care should be taken when using these oils in senior dogs. Many pet owners have seen improvements in their dogs’ arthritis when using ginger, lavender and frankincense essential oils.
Oral Boswellia serrata (a type of frankincense) resin extracts have been found safe and effective in dog arthritis, however, expert advice should be obtained from a vet before giving a dog frankincense essential oil orally as it is more potent.
Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) might make for a useful topical spray to repel ticks. Other oils recommended to repel ticks include lemongrass, geranium and lavender. Lemongrass are also mosquito repellents, as is citronella. Lemongrass and rosemary essential oils may also help repel fleas.
There are many ways to use essential oils for dogs, including diffusing them and adding them to shampoos, ointments and topical treatments. When using any of these methods, it’s essential that you dilute any essential oil to a safe concentration.
You can dilute one drop of a dog-friendly essential oil in 50 drops of a neutral carrier oil such as olive oil, fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil or sweet almond oil. Always ensure that your essential oil concentration is suitable for your dog’s size, age, breed and general health condition. Topical applications with a carrier oil may be the most appropriate treatment for skin infections on your dog’s ear where the skin is exposed and they can’t lick it off.
You can also use hydrosols on your dog, as long as the herbs used to create the hydrosols are safe for canine use. This method might work best when trying to keep fleas, mosquitoes and ticks away from your dog.
You can also add a couple drops of essential oil to your dog’s bath water when giving your dog a bath. This is generally best when dealing with a widespread skin condition or fleas. Just be sure to rinse your dog very well afterward.
If you plan on diffusing essential oils for your dog to inhale, it’s important to choose only the purest, best quality essential oils and a quality diffuser to match. Volant’s 100% pure, organic essential oils will bring your dog all of the health benefits of safe plant extracts without any added chemicals or toxins.
Since dogs have more sensitive noses than we do, simply one drop of your chosen essential oil in a diffuser filled with distilled water should be sufficient to have the desired effect.
Diffusing lavender or chamomile essential oils might help your dog remain calm and relaxed in stressful situations or calm an overanxious dog. Diffusing cedarwood might help repel pests from your home, keeping them away from your dog.
Note that diffusing peppermint or rosemary essential oils might make your dog less relaxed and more vocal!
Our sleek Scandinavian-designed diffusers will also help to diffuse our oils into the air while bringing a touch of minimalist style to your home. Remember, when using a diffuser for your dogs, keep the diffuser safely out of reach and leave a door open to ensure that your dog has a way to exit the room if they wish.
If you’re using an essential oil-based product you bought at the store indicated for canine use, be sure to follow the instructions on the label, but better yet, consult your vet first. It’s important to note that essential oil-based products for pets are often not regulated, and even when used according to the label, adverse reactions can still occur. One report showed that in 77% of adverse reactions, the products were used according to the directions on the label.
Essential oils should not be given to dogs orally unless indicated by a veterinarian.
There is a growing body of research on the safety and efficacy of essential oils for a wide range of uses in dogs. Some of the most notable research is included below.
A paper published in the Journal of Medical Mycology in 2014 studied the effects of essential oils on Malassezia dermatitis, a yeast infection of the skin that causes chronic itching in dogs. The blend of oils used included a mixture of lavender, marjoram, oregano, peppermint, helichrysum and bitter orange oils mixed with coconut and sweet almond oils. The dogs were treated for a month with the essential oil blend, and the study found similar clinical improvements in these animals as those in the group who received conventional antifungal medication. Both groups of dogs displayed the same level of improvement during follow-up consultations 6 months later with no adverse effects in the essential oil group.
Another study looked at the effectiveness of various essential oil blends for otitis externa, a yeast infection of the ears in dogs. They found that a blend of lemon, rosemary, chamomile and clary sage was the most effective after two weeks of use. However, the authors suggested a multifactorial approach of both conventional medication combined with topical essential oil application for full resolution.
Like humans, dogs are prone to getting urinary tract infections (UTIs). A 2018 study isolated UTI-causing bacteria and yeast such as E. coli, Enterococcus and Candida, from dogs and cats and tested the antimicrobial effects of various essential oils against these strains. The essential oils of thyme and oregano proved to be most effective and are suggested for potential use as an external or intravesical wash for UTIs in cats and dogs.
In 2019, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked by the European Commission to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of oregano essential oil used as a flavoring agent in animal food. For dog food, 106 mg/kg was found to be safe.
An additional similar report was done on the safety of ylang ylang essential oil in animal feed. It was reported that 5 mg/kg of ylang ylang essential oil is safe for use in dog food.
A similar report on ginger in animal feed noted that ginger essential oil is safe in dog food up to 20 mg/kg.
In an effort to reduce chemical antioxidants in dog food as preservatives, a recent study looked at the effects on replacing them with vitamin E and essential oils of clove, oregano and rosemary. Not only did the essential oils help preserve the dog food, but the dogs who ate the food also had higher antioxidants in their blood and less oxidative stress, meaning they were healthier.
The first study on a dog food-based supplement for flea prevention was released in 2021. The supplement contained extracts of thyme, rosemary, melissa, fenugreek, absinthe and lemongrass. While the control dogs eating standard food had an increasing number of fleas until the fourth month, the dogs consuming the supplement had a reduced number of fleas from months 2-5.
Some dogs are prone to malodor of the skin or bad breath (aka halitosis). One study found that a gel containing peppermint and thyme oils helped improve dog breath compared to a placebo.
A study from the University of Belfast found that dogs that had been exposed to chamomile and lavender essential oils spent less time moving around and more time resting than when exposed to other olfactory stimuli. These essential oils were also found to reduce vocalization and barking in animals who were caged. These symptoms are common in dogs that are stressed, anxious or suffering from separation or other anxiety.
While a spray bark collar doesn’t reduce anxiety or stress, it can help reduce barking. And when citronella is added to the spray, it becomes even more effective, reducing barking in three quarters of dogs according to one study.
A paper published in Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases also found promise in using essential oils to reduce tick attachment to dogs. The study found that the number of ticks attached to the legs and bellies of dogs who had been sprayed with a turmeric oil preparation was significantly less than the number of ticks attached to unsprayed dogs. The paper suggests that turmeric essential oil may form a valuable part of a tick management strategy for domestic dogs.
Juniperus virginiana, a type of cedarwood essential oil, has also been found effective at controlling ticks in dogs, according to a 2019 study.
If you suspect that your dog is reacting negatively to essential oil exposure, it’s important to know and be able to identify all possible side effects. If your dog displays any of these signs after being exposed to essential oils, stop use immediately and contact a veterinary expert for advice:
🐶 DroolingAdditionally, if your dog appears to be acting strangely in any way after being exposed to essential oils, watch them carefully and check on their progress to ensure that they are not having any negative reactions. If this behavior does not improve, consult your vet as soon as possible for guidance and treatment options.
Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with chronic health conditions should not be exposed to essential oils without the approval of an experienced veterinarian. These oils should also not be used in pregnant or nursing pups, even in diluted concentrations.
Some dogs may also naturally avoid essential oils, likely due to the fact that they find their strong scent overwhelming. If this is the case, avoid applying essential oil dilutions to your dog, and allow them to leave the room freely whenever you are using a diffuser.
Essential oils are growing in popularity due to their range of unique health benefits, which has made them widely available both online and in stores. If you’re looking for essential oils that are safe for dogs, Volant is an excellent option.
We offer 100% pure, natural and organic essential oils that are sustainably sourced and produced. The superior quality of our essential oils makes them suitable for use in dogs, as long as you use the correct concentrations and dilute our oils according to the advice of your vet. We also offer a range of stylish, Nordic-made essential oil diffusers that enable you to expose your canine companions to essential oils in a safe and effective way while adding a timeless piece of decor to your home.
Some essential oils are safe for dogs, but others can be harmful, even in small doses. Note that dogs can still have reactions to essential oils considered safe and used appropriately. Be sure to only use essential oils that have been proven safe for use in dogs, and in their safe concentrations and methods. It’s always best to check with your vet before using essential oils on your dog.
Many essential oils are bad for dogs and can be toxic to them, even in small amounts. Avoid exposing your dogs to bergamot, birch, cinnamon, clove, grapefruit, juniper, lemon, lime, orange, pennyroyal, pine, tea tree, wintergreen and yarrow essential oils.
Some of the essential oils that are safe for dogs when diluted include cardamom, cedarwood, chamomile, citronella, eucalyptus, fennel, frankincense, geranium, ginger, helichrysum, lavender, lemongrass, marjoram, oregano, peppermint, spearmint, valerian and ylang ylang essential oils.
The best way to use essential oils for dogs is to apply them topically to the ears (or exposed skin that they can’t lick) when diluted in a carrier oil to fight an infection or dry skin, to bathe them in water with a few drops of essential oil to fight off fleas or a widespread skin infection, to spritz them with it to repel ticks, fleas and mosquitoes, or to diffuse them to ward off pests or relax your dog. Diffusing low concentrations of essential oils can provide a host of benefits, including calming your dog and alleviating anxiety and stress.
Studies have shown that some essential oils have the power to reduce stress and anxiety in dogs, treat fungal skin conditions like Malassezia dermatitis, and even repel ticks and fleas.
Essential oils that are safe for dogs can offer your canines a variety of benefits, from treating skin conditions and itching to reducing tick or flea attachment and soothing anxiety. The key to using these oils to aid your dog’s well-being is to use them at the appropriate dilutions and to only use pure and natural essential oils from a trusted retailer.
Volant’s essential oils are pure, 100% natural and organic, allowing you to give your dogs all of the benefits of essential oils without exposing them to unnecessary toxins. Browse our range online to find quality dog-friendly essential oils for all of your furry friend’s needs.
Every woman’s wellness needs are different. They’ll depend on her physiological makeup and what stage of life she’s in. What works for women going through puberty is vastly different to what a menopausal woman will find helpful. With the increase in popularity of holistic practices and the rediscovery of how effective essential oils can be medicinally, more women of all ages are turning to them to help with various issues.
Self-administered abdominal and arm aromatherapy massage with geranium essential oil during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle was shown in a study to drastically improve both the physical and mental symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in university students compared to massage therapy alone or the control.
A similar study using Damask rose helped improve physical and mental symptoms as well as social symptoms.
According to another study, even just inhaling lavender essential oil for 5 days before your cycle starts can help to lift your mood, reduce pain and bloating and help you keep living your life normally during this time!
If you’ve been diagnosed with dysmenorrhea, you’ll know that it’s more than just annoying menstrual cramps! It’s a debilitating pain just before and during your cycle that can stop you from living your life.
Massaging your abdomen with a 3% concentration of a 2:1:1 ratio of lavender, clary sage and marjoram essential oils diluted in unscented cream from one cycle to the next may just be what the doctor ordered. But according to the study, fake fragrances won’t cut it - it has to be the real thing.
If you need a quick solution when the pain strikes, directly inhaling rose oil might provide help too!
Pregnancy is a very sensitive time since whatever is put onto or into the mother’s body will end up affecting the foetus. Many essential oils can adversely affect the growing baby, according to this study.
During pregnancy, diffusing essential oils might be the safest method of use. However, some oils can be used in aromatherapy massage or in the bath too. Here are some safe ones:
Clary sage and jasmine essential oils are not to be used until you want to deliver your baby because they can encourage and strengthen contractions.
Aromatherapy has been shown to reduce pain and anxiety during labour, may reduce the need for pain medication and may make for a smoother delivery, according to research.
Lavender is the most common essential oil used during labour, according to a review of studies. It has been used in inhalation, massage, footbath, birthing pool, acupressure and as a compress.
Inhaling lavender and Damask rose essential oils after a Caesarean delivery may also help reduce anxiety and C-section pain. A foot massage with orange oil might help with anxiety too.
And if you’ve had an episiotomy, one study found that applying diluted lavender essential oil to the incision site seems to be more effective in helping with healing than conventional medications.
According to a study, inhaling bergamot oil for 15 minutes a day may help stave off postpartum depression, something that many women struggle with after the birth of their baby.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, again, lavender can improve sleep quality in the postpartum period, a time when sleep is so precious. Lavender also helps with postpartum depression, a double bang for your buck.
Frankincense is another grounding and powerful healing essential oil that can be used during delivery and after delivery to reduce anxiety and promote healing.
If you’re low on breastmilk and are looking for natural help to increase it, there are certainly natural solutions, such as fenugreek, blessed thistle and mint. However, because we don’t recommend ingesting essential oils, we recommend getting this advice from your doctor, midwife or lactation consultant.
On another note, you may experience more sexual satisfaction while breastfeeding if you inhale bitter orange and lavender essential oils!
Speaking of sexuality, if you need some help in the area of libido or desire, some essential oils that may help put you in the mood include ylang ylang, vanilla and frankincense, to name a few. Read more on this further down.
Menopause is a time full of change and can affect your mood, sexual desire or function, and you can experience symptoms such as hot flashes. Research shows that inhaling essential oils like lavender, bergamot, bitter orange and neroli can help improve mood, sexual function and hot flashes.
Lavender can also help improve sleep during menopause, as always, and aromatherapy massage may be even more effective.
Essential oils are very versatile, so you can tailor which ones you need according to your particular woman wellness needs. You can also choose how to use them for the best effect.
One of the many reasons essential oils are such popular gifts for health-conscious women is that they’re excellent bath products. Not only will you gain their physical benefits as the essential oils are absorbed through your skin, you’ll also enjoy their psychological benefits as the particles rise with the steam and are inhaled, leaving you feeling refreshed.
Just make sure you’ve properly diluted them before they come into contact with your skin.
With all the benefits that a hot bath can offer for period cramps, back pain, aching breasts, feeling bloated and even a low sex drive, essential oils in the water will add their own effects.
It’s not advised that you store them in your bathroom, however. The heat and humidity can affect their efficacy, but adding them to your water, shampoo, conditioner and even your body wash can be a brilliant way to enjoy their benefits.
Compresses can be incredibly effective for a range of complaints. Hot compresses will relax tired muscles and tissues, treat joint and nerve pain, soothe muscle aches and injuries and can treat localised infections.
Cold compresses constrict blood vessels, reduce swelling, soothe inflammation and reduce pain, conditions which affect many women before, during and after their periods.
While compresses work extremely well on their own, you can boost their therapeutic power by infusing them with certain essential oils. The water will draw out the healing constituents of the oils you’ve chosen and make it easier for your skin to absorb them, too.
Ultrasonic diffusers are a top choice, partly because the scent they release is subtler than other types of diffusers generate.
Choosing the right essential oil and allowing your diffuser to turn it into a regenerative mist after you’ve mixed it with water is a fabulous way to harness its power for your every woman wellness routine.
Simply add between 10-20 drops of high-quality essential oil to your diffuser, replace the lid and cover and choose a timer setting. The diffuser will shut off automatically when it’s empty.
Diffusing may help mitigate menopausal symptoms like mood changes and sleep problems and those shared by menstruating women, like mood changes, weight gain and a slowed metabolism.
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Another way to use essential oils for women's wellness treatments is to simply open the bottle up and inhale deeply a couple of times. Just be sure that you don’t allow the undiluted oil to come into direct contact with your skin.
You could also use your oils as part of a steam method. For this, you’ll need to fill a bowl with hot water, grab a towel and add a few drops of your oil to the bowl. Then place the towel over your head and lower your face to the bowl, closing your eyes and inhaling deeply.
Using this method is highly recommended if you suffer from depression, irritation, anxiety, stress and feelings of being overwhelmed at any point during your menstrual cycle.
After you’ve diluted your oils with an A-grade carrier oil, you can safely apply this mixture to your skin. Focus on areas where you feel pain, tension and tightness, or get someone to massage it into the affected area.
Massage tender areas like your lower back, shoulders, belly, breasts and feet with an essential oil dilution to gain the pain-reducing or inflammation-relieving benefits of the oil you’ve chosen.
You could also gently rub your diluted essential oil mix into important pressure points. Experiment with putting it behind your ears, on your wrists, onto your temples, to the bottom of your feet and even your third eye.
Traditional treatments get a lot of criticism because they tend to treat the symptoms rather than the cause of a given health issue. More recently, alternative therapies have increasingly been preferred because they can help target both the symptoms and the cause.
Holistic aromatherapy is a good example of this trend and is a favourite with people interested in every woman’s wellness because it gives us control over what we’re putting into our bodies. Rather than relying on potentially dangerous drugs, many people are turning back to Mother Nature as they create healthier environments for themselves in their pursuit of good health.
Essential oils get absorbed through your skin into your bloodstream as well as by your smell receptors linked to the limbic system, which in turn controls blood pressure, breathing, heart rate, stress and the flight-or-fight response.
Every plant’s essence has its own unique chemical makeup. This affects what it smells like, how quickly it gets absorbed and what effect it has on us. No two oils are alike, and some are better at treating certain problems than others.
In terms of women's wellness, let your condition guide you in conjunction with your personal reaction to every oil.
Bergamot essential oil has a bright, citrusy scent that’s fruity, spicy and sweet. It’s good at easing general symptoms of anxiety and stress due to the α-pinene and limonene it contains.
It also has sedative properties, and getting enough sleep can help with women's health issues like migraines, mood swings and fatigue caused by shifts in our hormones.
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Famous for its herbaceous, sweet aroma and subtle, fruity notes, clary sage essential oil cultivates peaceful, relaxing environments that may ground you and balance your emotions.
It’s also useful because it may ease PMS symptoms and the intensity of menstrual cramps.
With a reputation for being able to lower mental and physical stress levels, geranium essential oil may help foster focus and help you keep calm even when you’re distressed.
It’s also an excellent addition to your wise woman wellness treatment programme because it can help soothe menstrual and menopausal symptoms.
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Lemon essential oil is a natural extract obtained mainly from the rind of the lemon and is characterized by its sweet, sharp fragrance.
The lemon tree is a small evergreen tree that can reach up to five meters high. It is thought to have originated in the southern region of India, although some argue that it originated in China.
Initially the lemon was merely used as a decorative piece. However, after its multitude of healing powers were discovered, lemon oil has been noted and used for centuries by many cultures across the world.
The process used to extract lemon essential oil is rather interesting and unique. Lemon is one of the few oils that is cold pressed rather than steam distilled.
Historically, many citrus oils were extracted using a process called sponge pressing, which involved pressing the rinds by hand. Today, cold pressing is the most effective way to extract essential oils from the waxy peel.
In cold pressing, the fruit’s rind is pierced by rasping cylinders. During this process, small sacs in the rind containing the essential oils burst open. Water is then sprayed over the fruit, which results in a mixture of fruit flesh, water and essential oil. This mixture is then filtered and centrifuged to separate out the pure essential oil.
While the process to extract an oil using cold expression is labor intensive, it is well worth the effort. When done properly, cold pressing produces quality oils with a beautifully potent fragrance.
Lemon essential oil has a variety of uses and benefits for your home and health.
Some of the most common uses and benefits include:
Unpacking this further, you’ll find an abundance of uses for lemon essential oil in your daily self-care routine, for other health benefits or around your home.
Lemon essential oil acts as an astringent and detoxifier, and its antiseptic properties help in restoring the skin’s natural balance. If you suffer from breakouts, diluting lemon essential oil with a carrier oil and applying it to your face can help eliminate any bacteria caught in your pores and causing breakouts.
Use lemon oil to sanitize your home or use it as a natural remedy to invigorate your health. Try adding a few drops to your laundry cycle to freshen up and disinfect your linen. As a bonus, your washing machine will smell clean too!
Lemon essential oil is often called liquid sunshine, and for good reason! Diffuse in the room or place a few drops in your hands, rub and inhale. Lemon activates the pleasure hormone dopamine. It also stimulates creativity, memory and learning. No wonder we love it so much!
If you’re looking to ward off pesky insects like mosquitoes in the summertime, lemon essential oil can make for a good DIY insect repellent. All you have to do is dilute some of the oil with a carrier oil and rub the product on your skin, and those little critters will bother you much less.
Lemon oil is a common ingredient in many brands of wood polish because it helps nourish the wood and makes it shine. But you can make your own DIY wood polish with lemon essential oil and olive oil or mineral oil in a spray bottle. Just get a soft cloth and polish away, enjoying the fresh, inspiring scent in the process!
Because lemon essential oil is so versatile, how you choose to use the oil is entirely up to you. Consider adding a few drops of oil with your cleaning products for a citrus fragrance. Its zesty and fresh notes are delightful in the warmer months and provide a calm and soothing atmosphere.
Because lemon naturally contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps reduce skin damage and premature aging, it might be wise to consider adding some lemon drops to your nighttime skin care routine.
Let’s look at other ways you can put this zesty and joyful scent to use:
Let’s take a look at each of these uses of lemon essential oil in more detail.
One of the most effective ways to use the oil is to add a few drops to your diffuser and simply inhale the citrus aroma. If you need a pick-me-up before a busy day ahead, switch on the diffuser and breathe in deeply.
Inhaling lemon essential oil can also help reduce stress levels, stimulate concentration, boost immunity, and improve your mood.
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Adding lemon essential oil to an aromatherapy massage has a cleansing and protective effect on the body. It helps to defend the body against harmful pathogens and promotes detoxification through the blood and liver. The natural oil also stimulates lymphatic drainage, which helps the body to clear itself of wastes and toxins.
Lemon oil works as a natural relaxant. So, you may want to run a warm bath and add 4 to 6 drops of the lemon essential oil to your bath water along with a carrier oil, then sit back and relax for a bit to allow the aroma to work its magic.
Lemon essential oil works as a natural disinfectant because of its natural compounds; limonene and b-pinene. Clean your home with lemon essential oil by adding 2-8 drops to a spray bottle filled with water. You can use this to free your space from invading and harmful bacteria.
Lemongrass is one of the most popular essential oils in the world. The plant is a stalky grass with a fresh, zesty scent and flavor that could be described as smoky citrus and is also known as silky heads and citronella grass, among other quirky terms.
In the past, lemongrass was mostly used in Asian cuisine, but its purpose now extends beyond the culinary arts and has made its way to aromatherapy practices because of its powerful antioxidants and other health benefits. Lemongrass is often found in beauty products, soaps and personal care products.
The oil from lemongrass is extracted through a steam distillation process. After the fresh or partly dry leaves have been steamed and distilled, the water and oil portions are separated, and the oil is collected. The crude oil is manufactured into what we know and use as lemongrass essential oil. The oil color ranges from yellow to amber and exudes a fresh, grassy and smoky citrus-like aroma.
Lemongrass essential oil has a wide range of benefits, which is why it is one of the most popular essential oils in the world.
Some of the main benefits of lemongrass oil include:
Let's look at each of these benefits of lemongrass oil in more detail.
Life can be stressful, and if you find yourself saying, “I wish there was something that would take my stress away…” we may just have the remedy you’ve been looking for. Inhaling the scent of lemongrass essential oil calms and relaxes the mind and body and reduces stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression.
Lemongrass essential oil contains many antibacterial properties, and this makes it great in fighting off bacteria, whether on your skin or in your home. You can choose to add the product to your home cleaning products, skin care or hair care products while enjoying the lemony fragrance.
If you have a fungal infection of the skin and are looking for a home remedy, lemongrass has amazing antifungal properties. The oil has been found to be effective against various types of fungi. You can dab some of the infected area to treat it, but if the area is highly infected you will need to consult a physician. NB! Do not add the oil to an open wound.
Because lemongrass essential oil contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties, you can reduce redness, inflammation, fungal infections and itching of the skin. Not only will your skin feel refreshed and soft, you’ll also smell amazing and get the aromatherapeutic effects of lemongrass throughout the day!
If it's a hair washing day, then you’ll want to get your hands on lemongrass essential oil. The oil promotes hair growth and strengthens the roots. Dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil and gently massage the combination into the scalp. You can also ward off dandruff and scalp itchiness because of the properties found in the oil.
There is a compound in lemongrass called eugenol that has similar powers to that of aspirin. For headaches, either blend a few drops of lemongrass oil with a safer carrier oil and dab some on your temples, or you can try the inhalation method which we will unpack further in the article.
Lemongrass contains citral, a compound known to relieve pain and inflammation. If you’ve been exercising and arms day or legs day was a little tough on the muscles, you can give yourself a gentle massage by diluting the essential oil with a carrier oil and rubbing it on to help relieve muscle pain.
Lemongrass essential oil can be used in a variety of ways, depending on its intended purpose.
Here are some of the most common ways to use lemongrass essential oil:
Let’s look at each of these uses of lemongrass essential oil in more detail.
Experience the wonderful benefits of lemongrass essential oil as an aromatherapy treatment. Add 5-10 drops to a diffuser and allow the smoky citrus-like aroma to fill your space. The fragrance itself is grassy, lemony, earthy, and sweet and will help boost your mood and create a peaceful and stress-free zone.
Alternatively, you can add a few drops to a bowl of warm water and inhale the steam. This is a great method to help alleviate a headache or migraine.
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Aromatherapy massage is a great way to help reduce stress, anxiety and depression or ease sore muscles. The scent alone will help you feel more relaxed, but massage also promotes relaxation and relieves pain from sore muscles. You can also dab some on your wrists, neck or temples to soothe the mind, soothe headaches or use the oil as an alternative to perfume.
If you do choose to use lemongrass essential oil as a massage oil, be sure to dilute it with a safe carrier oil. A safe carrier oil includes jojoba oil as this absorbs easily into the skin and doesn’t clog pores. You can also use sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil, and fractionated coconut oil. Before using it topically for the first time, always do a patch test.
When diluting lemongrass essential oil with a carrier oil, you can use 1 teaspoon of carrier oil to 1 drop of essential oil. Before massaging the oil into the skin, make sure the solution has been mixed well. Pour some of the mixture into the palm of your hands, rub your hands together to warm up the oil and then massage the oil into the skin to enjoy the soothing benefits of lemongrass.
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There’s nothing quite like relaxing in the bath. Try adding some lemongrass essential oil to your bath water and soak up all the benefits already mentioned. If you have a headache after lengthy meetings, dealing with the kids or it’s just “one of those days”, allow the lemongrass to get to work in every way while you relax in the tub.
In 2015, a study was done on the benefits of lemongrass and aromatherapy massage in reducing stress and anxiety and it was found that the combination of lemongrass essential oil and sweet almond massage oil lowered blood pressure and stress levels and had a harmonizing effect on the nervous system.
A 2016 study found that lemongrass could potentially fight off a bacteria known as Acinetobacter baumannii, a type of bacteria that causes urinary tract infections (UTIs), blood infections and pneumonia. In 2012, lemongrass essential oil also stopped the growth and activity of Staphylococcus aureus, the bacteria that causes most skin infections.
A study in 1996 found that lemongrass oil is an effective deterrent against four types of fungi, and 2.5% of the solution you use must be lemongrass oil for it to be effective in treating the area. Another study conducted in 2014 found that the oil is effective against Candida albicans, C. tropicalis and Aspergillus niger fungi. But more research is still being done on its effectiveness and fight against fungi.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study tested a lemongrass essential oil hair tonic on people with dandruff. They used it twice daily for 14 days. The tonic with 10% lemongrass oil showed the greatest benefit, reducing dandruff by a whopping 75% by day 7 and by 81% at day 14.
Topical application of lemongrass has been found effective in relieving pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients, says a 2017 study. The oil decreased the pain levels by 50-80% within a matter of 30 days. More studies are being done to determine its long-term effects.
As with any essential oil, lemongrass is highly concentrated and should be used carefully. Some may experience stronger side effects than others and some may not experience side effects at all.
You may experience an allergic reaction or skin irritation when used topically, and this is why a skin patch test is essential before using it topically for the first time.
Lemongrass has a high in citral content and is photosensitive. This means that once you have applied the oil topically, it is best to stay out of the sun for a couple of hours as lemongrass oil may sensitize the skin to UV rays.
It is wise to consult a medical practitioner before using lemongrass essential oil for therapeutic purposes.
Avoid lemongrass essential oil if you:
It is advised to consult your doctor if you want to use lemongrass essential oil.
Be sure to keep lemongrass essential oil away from children and pets, as essential oils can be toxic when ingested.
Pregnant and nursing women and those taking prescription drugs as well as those with liver or kidney disease are especially advised not to use the oil without medical advice.
Lemongrass oil must never be used near the eyes, inside the nose and ears, or on any other particularly sensitive areas of skin.
Lemongrass essential oil is widely available online and in stores. When purchasing lemongrass essential oil, be sure to look for a 100% pure essential oil and not an extract. This ensures that you're getting an authentic product with all the therapeutic benefits of lemongrass. If it’s organic, even better!
Here are some of the places where you can purchase lemongrass essential oil.
At Volant, all our essential oils are produced using only the highest-quality plants, which are harvested and distilled with the utmost care. You can rest assured that when you purchase lemongrass essential oil from volant, you'll receive 100% pure and organic essential oil with no additives or synthetic ingredients. This ensures that you receive the greatest possible benefit from your lemongrass essential oil.
Amazon is a popular place to shop for essential oils. It's important to note that Amazon is a marketplace rather than a store, so there are many different businesses selling essential oils through Amazon. For this reason, we'd recommend checking the ingredients and reviews of any essential oil that you choose to purchase through Amazon, as not all essential oils sold on the platform are pure, organic, and trusted.
If you prefer in-person shopping, holding the product in your hand to get a better idea of what you’re buying, then you will find that your local pharmacies may have what you’re looking for. Always check that the oil you're buying is an essential oil rather than an extract and that it is 100% pure.
doTERRA is a company that manufactures organic essential oils, including lemongrass essential oil. If you’re looking for a 100% pure lemongrass oil, purchasing from doTERRA will ensure the high quality you want.
Lemongrass essential oil certainly can be used for cooking, and some people also add it to beverages. However, at volant, we do not recommend ingesting essential oils to err on the side of safety.
Lemongrass oil can potentially repel some pests and insects like mosquitoes. It is also known to kill various microorganisms carried by pests as well bacteria and fungus that cause infections of the hair and skin.
Lemongrass essential oil has calming properties and can be used to induce sleep. If you suffer from sleep difficulties, diffusing it or using it for aromatherapy massage before bed may help.
It is suggested that lemongrass tea can increase the metabolism and aid weight loss, although the evidence here is not solid. You might want to consult with your physician or dietician if you want a good weight loss plan.
Lemongrass essential oil has a variety of benefits and is a powerful antioxidant. The scent alone will freshen your home and boost your mood and the atmosphere in your home, lowering stress and anxiety levels.
There is more than one way to use the oil and still access the abundance of value the oil provides. It can be inhaled to boost your mood, used topically for enhancing hair and skin health, added to your bath or used as a cleaning agent to kill germs. It can also be used as a natural remedy for headaches and sore muscles or joints.
We’re here to help if you have any questions about lemongrass essential oil. You can contact our support team at support@volantaroma.com and we will be more than happy to assist you with any queries you may have.
Your home is a place that is personal to you. Your safe place, where you relax and let your guard down. A place where your personality shines through and you are proud to call your home.
The smell of your home is one of the first things that people notice when they walk through your front door. Getting the aroma right helps you to make a lasting first impression of your home, setting the atmosphere from the second your guests arrive.
Read on to discover how you can create the perfect aroma throughout your home.
We all have different tastes when it comes to our favourite aromas. Some people enjoy the relaxing scent of lavender whilst others prefer the invigorating smell of sweet orange. The scents you enjoy probably also depend on the mood you’re in and what you’re doing.
Whatever scents you love, we have the perfect essential oils for you. We’ve put together our recommendations for each room of your house, to enhance your living experience and give you pride to welcome guests into your home.
The hallway, porch or entrance foyer is the first room of your home that guests experience. It’s important to get the aroma in your hallway right so that you can leave a lasting impression.
A fresh and pleasant scent is perfect for your hallway, welcoming your guests to your home without overpowering them. Keeping the aroma neutral and bright means that everybody will love it, whatever their personal tastes.
Citrus-scented oils such as lemon, lime, grapefruit or bergamot work well in the hallway. You can pair a citrus-based oil with a floral scent such as geranium or lavender to uplift your guests, putting them in a great mood for their visit.
The first thing to consider when choosing an essential oil blend for your kitchen is what type of atmosphere you want to create. Do you want a clean and invigorating scent or something that creates a warm and cosy ambience?
If you’re looking for something that gives a clean and hygienic vibe, we recommend the Volant Energy blend. This organic blend of essential oils contains grapefruit, juniper, bergamot and lime, evoking a feeling of fresh energy in your kitchen. If you want to create an invigorating and energetic vibe, Volant Energy is the aromatherapy blend for you.
However, if you’re looking for something a bit warmer to give your kitchen that cosy feel, cinnamon essential oil is a great choice. The cinnamon aroma invokes a feeling of comfort, warmth and wellbeing. It could easily be mistaken for freshly baked bread or cakes, making it an ideal choice for your kitchen.
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The lounge is a room where you might gather with friends or sit down at the end of a day to relax in front of the television. It’s also a room where you might like to show off your personality or experiment with different scents depending on your mood.
If you’re entertaining friends in your living room, you might choose a warm and welcoming scent such as vanilla, pine or sweet orange. These scents are great for greet your guests warmly and making them feel at home right away, without being overpowering.
If you’re retiring to the living room at the end of a tough day, you’re looking to unwind. The Relax blend of essential oils contains grapefruit, ylang-ylang, palmarosa and eucalyptus – the perfect combination for ultimate relaxation.
If you’re hosting a dinner party, you’re likely to be using your dining room and you want to be sure that it smells great. You need to choose a scent that will welcome your guests, stimulate conversation and set the atmosphere without overpowering the aroma of your food. It can be a difficult balance to maintain.
The key here is making sure that you avoid strong odours that could divert the focus away from the food, so avoid scents such as peppermint or gingers.
Essential oils such as bergamot and sweet orange appeal to most people without being overwhelming. Diffuse these scents around the room to bring a bright and happy atmosphere to the room and get your guests talking.
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Your bedroom is the place where you relax and sleep. It’s probably the room of the house where you spend the most time, so it’s important to get it right. Not only do you want to choose an aroma that smells good, but you also want a relaxing oil to get you ready for a good night’s sleep.
Volant’s organic Sleep blend is perfect for using in a bedroom. This blend of essential oils combines bergamot, lavender, frankincense and chamomile - perfect for helping you to achieve a restful night of sleep. You can add the essential oil to a diffuser or mix it with water and use a spray bottle to spritz the blend over your pillow.
Learn more about how you can use essential oils to relax here.
If intimacy and romance is what you’re looking for, try essential oils such as jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang and sandalwood. These sweet, intoxicating aromas are perfect for creating a sensual mood and inducing romance.
The main goal when it comes to your bathroom is to keep it smelling fresh and clean. This is why so many people choose to have air fresheners in their bathrooms. However, you can move away from the synthetic fragrances of air fresheners and choose natural and organic essential oils to scent your bathroom instead.
Essential oils such as lemon, eucalyptus and tea tree have antibacterial properties whilst ensuring that your bathroom stays smelling clean and hygienic. You can also opt for scents such as pine, fir or grapefruit for a natural aroma which keeps your bathroom feeling fresh.
If you’re planning a calm and relaxing bath after a long and tough day at work, lavender essential oil may be the right choice for you. You can add lavender oil to a diffuser in your bathroom to fill the room with a relaxing aroma. You can also choose to mix a few drops of lavender essential oil with a carrier oil and add it directly to your bath water for a calming scent which will prepare you for a peaceful night of sleep.
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When you’re working in your home office or study, you need to focus but it’s not always easy when you’re working from home. There can be many distractions in your home from the children playing loudly to the fridge calling your name.
However, there are many essential oils to choose from to boost your productivity and help you to focus, whether you’re trying to put the finishing touches on a presentation for an important meeting or getting your accounts in order.
Essential oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary or basil can help to raise your mood and clear your head. These oils will also help you to focus, giving you a boost in concentration and productivity when you need it the most.
Learn more about how essential oils could boost your productivity here.
If you’re entertaining your guests outdoors or having a candlelit glass of wine on the terrace, you might be looking for a scent to set the mood.
You can complement the seasons by choosing a corresponding scent. In spring and summer, choose floral aromas such as geranium, lime, lemon, rose or lavender essential oils. These scents are light and uplifting, ideal for those warm summer evenings.
In the autumn or winter, choose more sturdy aromas such as orange, nutmeg or frankincense. These scents will give you the feeling of warmth when the weather is cooler.
Volant’s Cabin blend is also ideal for use outdoors, especially if you live in an urban area. This essential oil blend contains spruce, pine, fir and thuja oils, creating the aroma of untouched Scandinavian nature.
There are many different ways that you can bring aromatherapy into your home. From diffusers to candles and room sprays to humidifiers, there is a perfect solution for every home.
Diffusers are designed especially for use with essential oils. There are many different types of diffuser, including diffusers which are heated by a candle, reed diffusers and electrical diffusers. The general advice is to add between three and five drops of essential oil for each 100ml of water that you use.
Diffusers are ideal when you want to continuously disperse an aroma around the whole of your room.
Find out more about diffusers here.
If you want to target specific areas with your essential oil, for example your bed or sofa, you can add a few drops of essential oil into a spray bottle and top it up with warm water. The solution can then be sprayed onto your furniture, carpets or around your room.
This type of spray is perfect for keeping in the bathroom as an air freshener or for spraying lavender oil over your pillow every night before bed. However, it’s always best to do a patch test before covering your best carpets or furniture to ensure that a negative reaction doesn’t occur.
You can also add pure, organic essential oils to your favourite candle. Light the candle and wait until the wax begins to melt. Add a drop of essential oil into the hot wax, avoiding the wick and wait for the aroma to be released. Never add alcohol-based ingredients such as perfume or air freshener to a candle as these can be extremely flammable.
If you have a humidifier in your home, you can add a few drops of your favourite essential oil into the humidifier water. This will disperse your favourite aroma around your home, leaving it smelling great.
Although essential oils can make your home smell amazing, there are also a few safety precautions that you should be aware of before getting stuck in.
Some aromatherapy essential oils are contraindicated for use during pregnancy or for people who have certain health conditions such as epilepsy or high blood pressure. It’s always best to check with your medical provider or a qualified aromatherapist before deciding on the right essential oils for your home if you have any medical issues.
It’s also important to take care when using essential oils in your home if you have pets or children. Certain essential oils can be harmful if ingested, so be sure to keep your diffuser out of reach of your pets and your children.
Make sure you don’t leave burning candles unattended as they can be a fire hazard. For this reason, it’s best to choose diffusers or room sprays in your bedroom to reduce the risk of falling asleep whilst a candle is burning.
Essential oils can leave your home smelling fantastic, whilst contributing to the atmosphere. You can choose an aroma to complement each room of your house, giving your guests a lasting impression of your home.
To allow your personality to shine through, you can try blending your favourite scents together to create your own personal aroma for each room. Continue to experiment with different essential oils until you find your perfect scent.
If you need help or advice with choosing essential oils to complement your home, you can contact an aroma expert at support@volantaroma.com or assistance.
Stop.
It’s time to bring back some peace and tranquillity to your life.
It’s not good for your body, mind or soul to always be on the go and there’s a reason why slowing down is good for you. You’ve heard the expression take time to smell the roses but we’ve got something even better.
Peace and calming essential oils.
If you’re looking for a natural way to bring a bit of zen back into your life - and keep it there - we can help. This guide tells you everything you need to know about using essential oils to bring a bit of tranquillity back to your days.
A recent survey revealed that nearly 80% of UK adults feel stressed monthly. However, this isn't something that we should simply accept as being the norm, especially not when there are ways to combat this feeling.
Essential oils are a brilliant, natural way to help us alleviate the stress and chaos we handle daily. The best part is that there are several ways you can use them, and each offers its own benefits.
Diluted essential oils can take your massage and skincare regimens to the next level. You could make a roller blend so that you always have oils on hand, no matter where you are, and use it directly on areas where you feel pain or tension.
You could gently rub a calming essential oil blend recipe into pressure points like your temples, wrists, or third eye. Or you could place some around your nose so that you inhale them for longer.
Dilute your oils with a high-quality carrier oil and use them to massage your feet or hands when you’re stressed out. Or enlist the help of someone else to give you the kind of back rub that will go that much further in relaxing you.
You could also add a combination of carrier and essential oils to your favourite cosmetic products, whether these are lotions, muscle rubs, serums, or toners.
Diffusers disperse essential oils directly into the air of whatever room they’ve been placed in. This means that you can inhale them more efficiently and absorb them into your body, where they can get to work doing what they’re intended to. This is one of the best ways to use essential oils for anxiety.
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Add a few drops of essential oil to a piece of dry material, like a cotton ball or a swatch of fabric. Then you can inhale the scent directly from the material or allow the aroma to disperse naturally by adding the oil-soaked item to your pillow, the vents in your car, or even your shirt collar. However, this method will result in your essential oil evaporating more quickly, shortening the duration of its effect and causing you to go through it faster. But in a pinch, it might be worth it!
This is one of the easiest ways to gain the benefits of essential oils. All you need to do is open a bottle and inhale a few times, ensuring that the concentrated oil doesn’t come into contact with your skin. Using essential oils for calming anxiety in this manner will yield immediate results.
Although it’s not recommended that you store your essential oils in the bathroom because of how hot and humid it gets, you can use them here in many ways:
The soothing scent of essential oils enters your body through your nose and travels to the limbic system in the brain, the part where emotions are processed. When you’re regularly exposed to essential oils for anxiety, you’ll start enjoying extended periods of time when you’re feeling more hopeful, optimistic, and peaceful.
Aromatherapy is famously beneficial in treating a range of mood disorders, particularly anxiety, depression, and stress. Using essential oils will reduce how often you feel these negative emotions while calming your thinking and bestowing physical benefits like ensuring you’re getting quality sleep.
You can increase your energy levels, improve your ability to focus, and may even end up feeling more motivated when you start using calming essential oil blends or individual oils on their own.
While each of the essential oils outlined here offers a multitude of benefits, they’re particularly good for bringing more calm and peace into your home.
The wonderful scent of bergamot essential oil will balance your hormone levels, calm you down emotionally, and support the organic release of anxiety, stress, and tension. Bergamot supports our central nervous systems and may encourage a more positive outlook as it helps stop rumination in its tracks.
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One of the most popular oils around for many purposes but especially to help you relax, lavender essential oil can be used in many different ways. It’s one of the basic building blocks for many peace and calming essential oil blend recipes and is safe to use even if there are children in your household.
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An excellent choice to diffuse in the morning because of its ability to calm as much as it energises, preparing us for our day ahead, lemon essential oil is a must-have for your household. Lemon oil is invigorating, stimulating, and may foster a deep sense of well-being - not to mention refreshing your space so that it feels clean and fresh!
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Neroli is on this list because it’s actually one of the oils that the Ancient Egyptians relied on to support the natural healing processes of the body, mind, and spirit. The American Botanical Council acknowledges its common use to soothe anxiety. Use it as part of a calming essential oil blend recipe to centre your emotions and promote awareness, confidence, focus, and peace.
Centering and grounding, patchouli oil has a high sesquiterpene content. This is why it is so powerful when it comes to relaxing the emotional centres of your brain, supporting your emotional equilibrium and rejuvenating your mind.
The stimulating scent of spearmint essential oil belies its ability to calm our nervous and respiratory systems down. It’s an excellent option if you feel like you’re always running on empty as it slows your breathing, a potent way to force your body to relax.
You may also find that it helps open up and release emotional blocks while making you feel more balanced overall, making it an excellent choice as one of the top essential oils for anxiety.
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This oil covers all the bases: it will calm you down, relax your nerves, relieve feelings of stress, reduce anxiety levels, and support creating healthy sleep patterns. Ylang ylang essential oil balances female and male energies as it supports relaxation, and you may even find that it restores your equilibrium and boosts your sense of confidence.
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Essential oils are not new, but the scientific world’s interest in them is. Clinical studies are not only revealing that our ancestors were correct in what they believed these oils could do for us but also that there’s much more good news regarding their potential.
Along with proving that using essential oils for anxiety is not such a wild idea, these studies have shown that they can do a lot for animals too.
A meta-analysis designed to have the final say on lavender’s effects on stress involved at least 90 studies and over 9,000 participants. The results are as we might expect: lavender helps reduce stress and anxiety.
The effects of diffusing bergamot essential oil was compared with the effects of inhaling just water vapour or just resting on stress markers in 41 women. Bergamot oil was found to lower cortisol (the main stress hormone), increase parasympathetic nervous system activity (an indicator of rest and repair processes), reduce fatigue, and improve mood. No wonder bergamot is one of our favourite mood-boosting essential oils!
If you have to cram for an exam, lemon might be just what the doctor ordered! Nursing students who smelled lemon essential oil for 15 minutes before a test not only had better cognitive and physiological scores, but their test anxiety was reduced by almost half that of the controls!
Research on mice revealed that sweet basil oil relieved their levels of anxiety and additionally had a mild sedative effect on them, making it a lighter option than the prescription medication diazepam.
A closer look at rats’ response to jasmine extract found that low doses had a significant impact on anxiety in the animals, lowering it considerably.
The effect of chamomile supplements on people with GAD was investigated in a randomised clinical trial. It was found that this plant mitigated symptoms of mild to moderate GAD.
Women who suffer anxiety and pain before, during, and after their menstrual cycles were found to be positively impacted by massaging themselves with certain essential oils.
As efficient as using essential oils on their own can be, you may find that you like the way blends work too. Not only do blends allow you to bring the benefits of several different oils together and experience better results, but creating or experiencing brand-new scents is also a very pleasant process.
A wonderful mix of bergamot, clary sage, and roman chamomile, our Organic Unwind Blend is designed to help you relax after the stress of the day or during your self-care time. It will revitalise you and leave you feeling refreshed and renewed.
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Mix together 3 drops of patchouli with 2 drops each of bergamot and cypress. Although the citrus scent of bergamot is usually associated with stimulation, it has an array of calming capabilities that make it a wonderful option when you’re angry, frustrated, or stressed.
Create a combination of 3 drops each of frankincense and lavender with a drop of lime essential oil for calming and you may feel your heart soar! As incredible as it sounds, lavender may indeed help bring happiness and joy into your life as it offers a dose of serenity, while frankincense grounds you spiritually and lime gives you a boost.
Mix 3 drops each of bergamot, lavender, and tangerine oils together and settle those butterflies in your stomach. Tangerine oil will relax you and help you let go of whatever troubles are currently taking up space in your mind with its happy scent while lavender and bergamot offer you their tranquil, floral aromas.
Bring the outdoors inside when you use Volant Aroma’s Organic Relax Blend. This expert combination of essential oils for calming nerves like eucalyptus, grapefruit, palmarosa, and ylang ylang will turn whatever room you’re using it in into a beautiful garden in full bloom.
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You can use calming essential oil blends to create peace in your home. The right oils also have a myriad of emotional, mental, and even physical assistance to offer.
Sometimes referred to as base or vegetable oils, carrier oils dilute essential oils before they come into contact with your skin to make this process safe as well as making their aromas and effects last longer.
Always dilute essential oils properly if they’ll be coming into contact with your skin, and make sure they’re safe for children and pets if you have either in your household.
Whether you’re using essential oils for calming or anything else, you have multiple options. Diffuse them, bathe with them, apply them topically, inhale them, or create a room spray, to name a few of the most common methods.
This will vary from oil to oil. It’s advised to replace them at least every three years or so to be safe, however. You’ll know whether an oil has gone rancid if you notice a change in its usual smell.
It’s common knowledge that stress is extremely bad for your health and can increase and/or worsen debilitating conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
The good news is that there’s a lot you can do about it, and using calming essential oil blend recipes is an amazing way to begin.
The power of high-quality plant extracts like those in the 100% organic and all-natural essential oils available at Volant allows them to do their magic using a multitude of methods. Whether you diffuse or inhale them, blend them or use them singly, your emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical health may improve if you do it right.
Start your journey towards a more tranquil life and allow Volant to guide you on your path.
Before you start learning about which single or essential oil blends for nausea can help to alleviate this unpleasant affliction, it’s important that you know what this condition actually is.
Nausea is a symptom and can have a variety of causes. Some people experience it as a result of motion sickness or anxiety. Others may have it triggered when they're exposed to a specific food or particular scent. It can also accompany a stomach upset, migraine, or any other illness. And of course, we know that pregnant women often feel nauseous.
When you feel nauseous, you’ll experience a feeling of discomfort in your stomach and you may feel like you need to vomit. In many cases, nausea precedes vomiting, but it can also hit you in waves and pass without causing you to retch.
Once you know what essential oil is good for nausea, you won’t have to fear this feeling anymore. Whether it’s from a smell, a viral infection, a side effect of certain medication or as a result of a gastric ulcer, you’ll have the tools to deal with it.
There are many reasons you may be feeling nauseous and if it’s persistent, it’s always recommended that you check in with your doctor. Chat with them about using essential oils for nausea if it’s a chronic condition or if you’re pregnant and make sure that you know all the possible side effects this type of treatment entails.
Diffusers are by far the most popular way to use essential oils for nausea. If you choose the right diffuser, you not only make it easy to release essential oils into the air, but you can also add an element of style and beauty to your home.
Set your diffuser up near a wall outlet and fill it with water. Add your oils and adjust the settings as you require. Then you’re all set and can let the oils do their work to help you feel better.
When you know what essential oils help with nausea, you can also add them to your bath, create a massage oil using a carrier oil to dilute them, or experiment with blends to create a mist or room spray that you like. You can even rub diluted blends onto your pressure points to help fight feelings of sickness.
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Because nausea is so uncomfortable and sometimes unpredictable, you’ll want a quick remedy when it strikes. Once you know what essential oil is good for nausea, make sure you’re stocked up with a selection of oils so you can nip this feeling in the bud at once.
Cardamom’s unique scent is often used to help people relax. When nausea is a result of feelings of anxiety, this essential oil can work wonders.
Chamomile essential oil has been one of the answers to the question of what essential oil helps with nausea for hundreds of years now. One of its most significant properties is how quickly it can relax you, making it another good option for anxiety-induced nausea.
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Looking for a fail safe suggestion for the pickiest people? You cannot go wrong with our picks, designed to surprise and delight even the most discerning individuals. Trust us, this is the perfect gift set for those who seem to have it all.
You can’t go wrong with the Volant Stone Diffuser in white! There’s a reason it’s graced the pages of Vogue, Elle and GQ magazine. Even those who have everything, want this!
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Obtained from the Mentha spicata plant, spearmint is so-named because of the shape of its leaves. You may also know it as Garden Spearmint, Green Mint, Our Lady's Mint, or Spire. It’s popular as a flavoring agent for a range of oral hygiene products like dental floss, mouthwash, dental picks, dental sticks, and toothpaste…and yes, even chewing gum. This is because it leaves you with a cool, tingling sensation in your mouth that makes it feel clean.
Spearmint is thought to be the oldest of the mint plant family with evidence of it being used to treat a range of conditions dating back thousands of years. A popular option is using spearmint essential oil for headaches, to relieve indigestion, bloating, gas, nausea, and to clear the voice.
Herbalists and physicians such as Pliny the Elder of Ancient Rome prescribed mint to revitalize the body. It was when spearmint was introduced into Britain in the 5th century that it became more officially known for its medicinal properties. These days we know that you can use spearmint essential oil for hair growth as well as to deal with respiratory issues, and even combat the common cold.
🍃 Latin name: Mentha spicata
🍃 Country of origin: 🇨🇳 China, Europe, 🇮🇳 India, and the Middle East
🍃 Scent note: Top. Cooling & refreshing with a peppery slant
🍃 Annual production: 110,000 metric tonnes (mint oil)
🍃 Popular uses: Congestion, headaches, stress relief, focus, relaxation
Spearmint essential oil is extracted via steam distillation from the plant’s flowering tops, leaves, and/or stems. Extracted essential oils from this plant range in color and can be anything from clear to pale yellow or even pale olive. However, no matter what its color, its scent remains the same and is always fresh and herbaceous.
Steam distillation can be described as a separation process that purifies temperature-sensitive materials, which is what natural aromatic compounds are. Dry steam gets passed through plant material and these vapors then undergo condensation before being separated and collected in receivers.
Spearmint essential oil has a wide range of benefits. Some of the main benefits of spearmint essential oil include:
Let's take a look at each of these benefits of spearmint essential oil in more detail.
Spearmint helps reduce inflammation in the airways, allowing for easier breathing. It is commonly used for respiratory conditions such as colds, coughs and asthma.
Spearmint essential oil is very commonly used to relieve the symptoms of gas, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. This is due to its carvone compound naturally found in the plant, which inhibits digestive tract muscle contractions.
Spearmint is thought to help reduce androgenic or male-like characteristics in women, including excessive hair growth or hirsutism. In addition, its tingling after-effects will feel nice on an itchy scalp, and like many essential oils, it has antibacterial and antifungal activities, making it useful for a healthy scalp.
Spearmint essential oil was used in traditional Iranian medicine for various health concerns including headaches. Spearmint has also been recently found to enhance cognitive functions such as attention, memory, improved mood and even enhanced sleep.
Spearmint essential oil can be used in a variety of ways, depending on its intended purpose.
Here are some of the most common ways to use spearmint essential oil:
Let’s take a look at each of these uses of spearmint essential oil in more detail.
Inhaling spearmint essential oil is one of the best and safest ways to enjoy its advantages. Do this by adding a few drops to a diffuser or to a bowl of hot water that will then emit a scented mist or steam.
Not only will you be able to reap the benefits of the revitalizing aroma of spearmint essential oil for better attention, focus and mood, but you’ll be able to relax better as well.
Aromatherapy is also the best way to use spearmint essential oil for congestion if you have a cough, cold, asthma, or other respiratory issue.
Don’t forget you can blend spearmint with other essential oils too. Experiment with aromas like basil, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, or rosemary until you find something you like.
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When wondering if oil diffusers are safe for your lungs, it’s important to understand how diffusing essential oils actually works.
An ultrasonic oil diffuser has a small ceramic plate on the inside that creates a cool, odourless water mist when vibrating - similar to the mist around a waterfall! When you add essential oils to your diffuser, the vibration breaks down the essential oil into tiny particles, and the diffuser spreads this fine vapour of essential oil and water into the air. This is what creates the refreshing scent in your home!
Essential oils are different from synthetic perfumes and fragrances because they are completely natural. Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids extracted from plants or resins. They are very potent, so a little goes a long way. But how do you use them safely? Here are a few key safety points to remember:
Because a diffuser spreads the fine particles of the essential oil into the air, it is a great way to safely enjoy the benefits of essential oils.
Essential oils have been used for centuries in traditional practices like Ayurveda or Chinese medicine. Traditionally, essential oils, herbs and plants have been used in steam inhalation, saunas, warm baths and massages. People have been aware of the benefits of aromatherapy for thousands of years. But it’s not until recently that there have been scientific studies on the effectiveness and benefits of aromatherapy.
Although this is quite a new field of study, there are a few studies that investigate the benefits of diffusing essential oils for the respiratory system.
Here are some of the most popular oils that have been studied for their health benefits!
Eucalyptus is a calming aroma that has an airy and fresh scent. Eucalyptus blends well with citrusy scents like grapefruit or lemongrass for an uplifting and energising blend. It also works great on its own and it’s often used in spas to create a calming atmosphere.
Eucalyptus essential oil is a common treatment for symptoms of the common cold such as coughing or a stuffy nose. Studies show that Eucalyptus may be a safe and effective way to treat certain respiratory symptoms.
Try diffusing Eucalyptus essential oil to reduce the symptoms of a winter cold!
Frankincense has been used for centuries in religious and spiritual ceremonies. Used to create a sense of peace and relaxation, frankincense has a warm and spicy aroma that can be described as clean or fresh.
Traditionally (before there were diffusers), frankincense was used in steam inhalation, baths and massages to treat respiratory issues. The boswellic acids found in frankincense have been shown to reduce and prevent inflammation in chronic inflammatory diseases like asthma, with no reported severe side effects.
Try diffusing this oil blend for a refreshing aroma to support clear breathing!
3 drops Frankincense
2 drops Eucalyptus
1 drop Rosemary
1 drop Spruce
We spend a lot of time in our cars and often, we have other people along for the ride. Whether you’re a busy professional or a soccer mom, your car fulfills numerous roles other than just getting you from A to B. It's a place to grab a quick drink or snack, store your groceries and any other shopping, stow your gym bag or even transport your pets.
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That new car smell is sadly the end result of hundreds of chemicals and sanitizing agents. While certain chemicals, like those that work as flame retardants, aren’t that bad smelling, many of them are not ideal for breathing in. They’ve been linked to everything from cancer to memory loss.
It’s not just new cars that are problematic either. Older cars can release toxic dust into the air, so you’re not much better off there.
In both cases, using essential oils in your car’s interior is an excellent and healthy idea.
You can even use certain essential oils for car sickness. Lavender essential oil, ginger, peppermint, cardamom and spearmint are all very effective anti-nausea agents. Create your own blend and tailor it to your needs and preferences!
It’s up to you to ensure that the environments you and your family regularly spend time in are as healthy as possible. Using essential oils for car freshness is one of the easiest ways to do this.
Not only will the oils keep your car smelling great, but they are also an excellent way to combat bacteria and viruses on interior surfaces.
Even if your diffuser wasn’t built for a car, there are several options if you want to buy one that is. But there are other ways to use a car air freshener with essential oils, too:
When you start using essential oils for car freshness, let your nose be your guide. Make sure that you know enough about the oils you’ve chosen to use them safely and to provide the maximum benefits.
These are some of the most popular essential oils for making your car smell amazing:
Balsam fir has a rich, sweet scent that brings to mind the gorgeous smell of a day spent in the woods. It also has a soothing and cleansing effect, so you can create an energizing, uplifting environment while getting rid of harmful bacteria.
With its sweet, warm, fresh, floral, crisp scent, basil essential oil can be characterized as airy, vibrant and uplifting. It stimulates the mind, clarifies your thinking process and calms your mood and fortifies it. It will leave you feeling energized and ready for anything.
Bergamot is not known as the Prince of Citrus for nothing. It has a sunny, pleasant aroma that’s refreshing and rounded. It’s a wonderful choice if you suffer from anxiety when driving, and it will boost your mental alertness.
However, before you can apply essential oils topically, you will need to mix the essential oil with a carrier oil. Not only will this help dilute the essential oil (a little goes a long way!) and disperse it evenly across your skin, but the carrier oil will also nourish your skin, leaving it feeling soft and silky. A carrier oil also helps keep the essential oil from evaporating too quickly from your skin, prolonging its therapeutic effects!
There are many different carrier oils to choose from, and each of these oils has its own unique properties and benefits. The best carrier oil will depend on your skin type, as well as your individual preferences.
In this article, we'll talk you through some of the best carrier oils for use with essential oils, including the properties of each.
Jojoba oil is one of the most popular carrier oils because it is full of beneficial nutrients, including vitamins A, D and E, making it great for your skin.
In fact, jojoba oil is known to be the carrier oil that is closest to mimicking the natural oil secretions in human skin. This makes it an excellent moisturizer for use on the face and neck that can otherwise feel greasy with other carrier oils.
The oil is extracted from the seeds of the jojoba tree and has a slightly nutty aroma. Jojoba oil is a natural fungicide and works well when combined with essential oils that also have fungicidal properties and are used for local fungal infections.
With its ability to resist oxidation, jojoba oil has an exceptionally long shelf life of up to five years. This long shelf life combined with its high absorption rate makes it one of the best carrier oils for use in aromatherapy!
💡 Top tip: Struggling to sleep? Try combining jojoba oil with lavender and chamomile essential oils, then add the solution to a hot bath before bed.
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Fractionated coconut oil is the most popular carrier oil for essential oils, and for good reason.
Coconut oil, extracted from the fruit of the coconut tree, is a super-oil full of natural antioxidants and is in itself an excellent antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory oil. This carrier oil nourishes the hair, nails and skin, leaving your skin feeling smooth and soft.
This is a heavy carrier oil, meaning that it is best used on dry skin. It has natural moisturizing properties, so it's suitable for use on skin conditions such as eczema.
Be sure to use fractionated coconut oil, which is liquid at room temperature. This is because regular coconut oil is solid at room temperature and can block drains, causing problems in your household. Fractionated coconut oil is ideal for use in aromatherapy massage, as well as for mixing with essential oils to add to your bath. It has a shelf life of up to two years, meaning that you won't need to replace it soon after opening. This makes fractionated coconut oil an economical option for aromatherapy massage.
💡 Top tip: If you suffer from dry skin, try combining fractionated coconut oil with lavender essential oil and frankincense essential oil and massaging the mixture into the affected areas.
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Blueberry seed oil is extracted from the seeds of blueberries, making it a natural source of vitamins A and E. These vitamins are essential for healthy skin, hair and nails.
This carrier oil is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to be beneficial for the skin. The oil has a light, nutty aroma and is easily absorbed by the skin.
Blueberry seed oil is ideal for use in hair and nail products, as it helps to strengthen hair and nails while also preventing breakage. It is also suitable for use on sensitive skin, as it is non-irritating.
💡 Top tip: To help your hair retain moisture, try adding blueberry seed oil and bergamot essential oil to your conditioner. You can also add a few drops to your bath for a luxurious, moisturizing experience.
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Before we begin looking at detox baths, we’ll first explore the meaning of the word ‘detox’ to give you a deeper understanding of the detoxification process.
So, what does detoxification mean? To put it simply, detoxification is a medicinal term and refers to the natural removal of toxins from the body to improve overall health and wellbeing. On a day-to-day basis, the body's internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, intestines and lymphatic systems work tirelessly to eliminate potentially harmful chemicals from our bodies, without ever getting the chance to rest.
Our bodies are exposed to a high volume of harsh chemicals on a daily basis from the food we eat, the air we breathe and the products we use on our bodies and around our homes. Whilst some of these are harmless, others can potentially damage our bodies if they’re not dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Whilst our organs do a fantastic job of removing toxins from the body, we can give them a little helping hand to help them to perform their best. That’s where the modern-day ‘detox’ comes in.
Our bodies are extremely intelligent creations, and you may find yourself suffering from a few conditions if it’s calling for a detox. These may include unexplained tiredness, allergies, acidity, bloating, lack of focus, emotional instability, irritated skin or a lack of enthusiasm and zest for life. Should you experience any of these, it’s time to listen to your body and allow it to self-heal and cleanse by providing it with the best fuel, opportunities for rest and a little extra TLC. Essentially, how you treat your body will be reflected in your physical and mental health.
Just the same as your house needs a thorough spring cleaning once in a while, your body works just the same. One of the most harmful toxins for your body is actually stress, as it significantly alters the way the body functions and thrives. A detox allows you to rid your body of whatever is weighing it down, enabling your body to absorb important minerals and nutrients.
This is where a detox bath becomes so useful as it simultaneously allows the body to rid itself from harmful toxins and stress while absorbing the goodness from the essential oils in the water, leaving you feeling replenished and revived.
After detoxification, you may notice numerous physical and mental benefits. These may include increased energy levels, relief from muscular pain, reduced headaches, an improved immune system, better sleep, clearer skin, improved concentration, better general health and lower stress levels.
The great news is, all of these benefits can be achieved in the comfort of your own home by creating a detox bath, without the hefty price tag that often comes attached to other commercial detox plans. There are no strict rules to follow, and you can quickly and easily decide to detox on the spur of the moment at your own convenience, giving yourself no added stress and more flexibility.
Timing is critical when it comes to your detox bath. Try to plan for when you have plenty of time so that you can fully immerse yourself in relaxation. This will enable you to relax and unwind, without the pressures of everyday life getting in the way.
The minimum time we’d recommend is 40 minutes, but you’ll find the greatest benefit if you can give yourself an entire evening to unwind and forget about the stresses of everyday life.
To create your detox bath, simply fill your bath with warm water and select your essential oils. You’ll need to mix your chosen essential oils with a carrier oil before adding them to your bath. This allows them to disperse through the water more effectively and helps to reduce the risk of skin irritation. We’d recommend sweet almond oil or jojoba oil for this.
How much essential oil you choose to add to the bath is down to personal choice, and it may take some experimentation to find your perfect strength. Most people find between 5 and 20 drops of essential oil mixed with a tablespoon of carrier oil perfect for a detox bath.
You may choose to select a single essential oil with a particular property if you’re looking to focus on one specific area. Alternatively, you might choose to blend a few different essential oils together to create your own custom detoxing experience that is tailored to your needs.
Add the essential oil mixture to your bath just before you get in, and swirl the mixture through the water. By leaving it until the last minute to add your essential oil, you’ll reduce how much has evaporated, helping to maximise the effects of the essential oil.
To increase the absorption of the oil into the skin, try rubbing the essential oils combined with a carrier oil onto your skin either before getting in the bath or mid-way through your soak to really experience the benefits.
Now that you know how to create a calming detox bath, you might be wondering which essential oils are most effective in detoxing the body. At volant, we have a wide range of essential oils to choose from, each with its own individual properties and benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular detoxing essential oils.
If you’re looking to rid your mind and body of stress and pressure - and we know stress is a major source of toxicity - lavender essential oil is ideal. With a gentle scent, this essential oil promotes balance and relaxation of the mind whilst helping to reduce stress. Not only that, but lavender oil has been proven to aid sleep, helping you to have a more restful night.
If you’re looking for the ultimate relaxation experience, combine lavender oil with frankincense essential oil. Frankincense is a calming scent that helps to ease anxiety and calm your nerves. Along with lavender oil, this is a powerful combination that will leave you feeling calm, relaxed and serene.
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If you’re feeling under the weather, Eucalyptus oil is a great choice for your detox bath. Eucalyptus oil has been proven to be antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial and analgesic, making it a powerful detoxing tool for purifying your body and getting you back on track when you’re feeling run down.
The antibacterial properties of Eucalyptus oil make it ideal for when you’re suffering from a cold or flu, helping to open your airways, relieve your blocked nose and ease your respiratory symptoms. That’s why you’ll find Eucalyptus oil in many commercial cold and flu remedies.
Not only that, but Eucalyptus oil can also help to soothe irritated skin and treat conditions such as dandruff, fungal infections and lice. Eucalyptus also boosts skin ceramide production, and ceramides are important for retaining moisture and protecting your skin!
The refreshing and invigorating scent of Eucalyptus oil helps to stimulate and awaken your senses, leaving you feeling energised and recharged when you need it the most. You’ll find your mind transported to a Bali beach which you’ll want to enjoy for hours. Be sure to play some calming music, and choose your favourite book to enjoy as you lay back and soak up the benefits of Eucalyptus oil.
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You could be struggling to sleep because of a physical issue like high blood pressure, you may be suffering from full-blown insomnia, or your everyday life may be causing you the kind of stress that prevents sleep. Whatever the cause, when you learn how to use essential oils for sleep, you may find that the other issues you’re experiencing are alleviated too.
All of the essential oils outlined here have numerous benefits, so you’ll give your health and well-being a boost every time you use them.
The good news is that it’s very easy to start using essential oils for relaxation and sleep and all the other good things they offer. Here are some easy ways to put them to work for you:
The easiest and most effective way to reap the benefits of essential oils is by using an aroma diffuser. Just fill the container with water and then add drops of essential oil before choosing your time setting. Volant’s diffusers have an 8-hour setting with a switch to turn the light off, meaning your diffuser will be silently working all night to ensure you stay sound asleep.
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Spray a fine, luxuriously scented mist over your linens whenever you need to unwind and relax. Remember to let the fabric dry before you come into contact with it and don’t forget to breathe deeply. This is a great option for when you are away travelling with little space to pack your diffuser or when you want to change up your usual diffuser scent on a dime.
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Once you’ve diluted your essential oils with carrier oil, mix a few drops into a hot bath just before you get in. You’ll get the benefits of inhaling the delicious scent as well as absorbing it through your skin in addition to the warmth relaxing your muscles, helping you unwind before bed.
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You can apply a mix of carrier oil and essential oil to your skin, focusing on pressure points for sleep or massaging tight muscles. Or if you have a partner, ask them to do this for you. Get double the effect of the right oils by diffusing them while you get a rubdown, too!
Whichever option you choose, the number of sheep you count will soon reduce dramatically!
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If you’re ready to swap tired for energised and inspired, read on to find out more about the best essential oils for sleep.
Bergamot essential oil is an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agent that can reduce blood pressure and heart rate, both of which are good for insomniacs. It can also help reduce stressful thoughts, one of the most common enemies of a good night’s sleep.
What the science says: In a sleep study, one set of patients was exposed to a placebo and the other to a scent made of lavender, ylang ylang and bergamot oils. Those in the second category reported a major increase in the quality of their sleep.
Bergamot is a brilliant calming essential oil for sleep and anxiety, and it maintains important neural pathways in the brain.
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Cedarwood is another fantastic essential oil for relaxation and sleep. Its woodsy scent is good for alleviating stress and can help take the edge off a difficult day.
What the science says: Studies have shown that the cedrol in cedarwood lowers anxiety by boosting certain chemicals in the brain and by reducing cortisol, the main stress hormone. Cedarwood may help lower blood pressure and slow your rate of breathing. This will help you relax and could make getting to sleep a lot easier.
Inhaling cedarwood essential oil also triggers the release of serotonin, an important chemical for bone health, sexual desire, sleep, wound healing and even blood clotting. It’s famous for its sedative qualities, too, which is why it’s on this list!
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If you think your inability to sleep may be linked to feelings of depression, clary sage essential oil may be the perfect choice for you once you’re more practised on how to use essential oils for sleep.
Many people find that clary sage oil is very effective at combating ruminative thoughts and use it to soothe their bodies and minds.
What the science says: A study confirmed that when this oil was inhaled by women undergoing stressful medical procedures, it relaxed them and reduced their blood pressure and respiratory rate.
This natural sedative may help you fall asleep more easily and help you rest the entire night. It reduces cortisol levels, one of our stress hormones, so it’s an excellent way to prepare your body for slumber.
One of the most famous essential oils for sleep problems and many other ailments, lavender essential oil is so well known with good reason. It lowers our heart rates, brings our body temperatures down and reduces blood pressure. Not incidentally, these are precisely the processes that our bodies need to go through when we want to get to sleep!
What the science says: Studies have shown that repeatedly exposing mice to lavender causes them to fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep longer.
This oil is also incredible at combatting anxiety, a state that is linked to sleeplessness more often than not.
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As is the case with bergamot, people are often surprised to learn that peppermint essential oil is one of the best essential oils for sleep. It works by clearing your head, literally!
As relaxing as its pleasant scent is, if you’re at all sensitive to dust or suffer from allergies of any kind, peppermint oil is a wonderful way to ease your symptoms. As your nasal passages find soothing relief, you’re much more able to relax enough to fall asleep. It also soothes your muscles, helping you relax.
What the science says: Research tells us that aromatherapy treatments with peppermint and other essential oils certainly do improve sleep quality, making it an effective non-pharmacological treatment for sleeplessness.
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One of the better-known treatments for restlessness, Roman chamomile essential oil may help calm and relax your mind enough to help you get to sleep. Its fresh fragrance with a hint of apple could be an ideal remedy if you suffer from anxiety in general, or specifically around bedtime.
What the science says: Roman chamomile has been used for sleep and anxiety for hundreds of years now and scientists’ findings are proving what our ancestors believed. This oil can safely be used to promote sleep in people of all ages, so it’s a great option for a diffuser in a restless little one’s bedroom.
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Sandalwood essential oil’s rich scent may come in very handy next time you’re applying your knowledge of how to use essential oils for sleep. Its ability to promote deep rest is legendary due to its mood-balancing effects.
What the science says: Sandalwood oil’s sedative effect on the nervous system has been shown to decrease waking time in sleep-disturbed rats significantly. This same study also revealed an increase in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep in these animals.
Many people find that sandalwood oil evens them out emotionally, making it the perfect choice when you need to unwind and relax. The nice thing with sandalwood is that it
Extracted from Asian tropical trees, ylang ylang essential oil’s soft, fruity scent lowers blood pressure and slows our heart rates down, setting our bodies up for sleep naturally.
What the science says: College students exposed to either ylang ylang essential oil reported a marked improvement in the quality of their sleep compared with sweet almond oil in one study.
It’s believed that ylang ylang oil helps balance out both sides of the brain whilst simultaneously working to process and release negative emotions like fear and anger. Combining it with bergamot before bedtime is recommended because the two oils together will normalise your blood pressure, even out your pulse and reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress. They’re both marvellous essential oils for relaxation and sleep.
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Along with restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy and insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common ailments affecting adults between the ages of 30 and 70 years old in the United Kingdom.
Defined as intermittent airflow blockage during sleep, OSA can be found in all age groups, but it is also linked to obesity and age. As many as 25% of Britons - nearly 10 million people - have mild, moderate or severe OSA.
As is the case with almost everything, if you have sleep apnea, it’s as important to treat the cause as it is the symptoms. This means that, along with using recommended essential oils for sleep apnea, if you decide to go this route, you should also address possible causes. Possible culprits include asthma, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, polycystic ovary syndrome and type 2 diabetes, so be sure and see a doctor to determine why you’re dealing with OSA.
Recently, using essential oils for sleep apnea has become a more relied-on remedy. Scientific research is confirming that essential oils can do us a lot of good, and one of the areas in which they can help us tremendously is in our sleep.
Apply them topically or inhale them, using a diffuser or spray. You can also apply a mixture of essential and carrier oils to a hot towel and place this on your face or body as a scented, soothing compress.
Once you’ve properly diluted your oils, rub a few drops on your hands, neck and chest. You can also put them in your diffuser, on a piece of tissue, spray your linen and/or room with them or add them to a pre-bedtime bath.
Bergamot, clary sage, peppermint, sandalwood, lavender, chamomile, cedarwood and ylang ylang essential oils are all highly recommended essential oils for sleep.
Essential oils don’t necessarily go off in the same way that food does, but they change and may lose their effectiveness. This process makes it difficult to determine how safe they are to use, so adhere instead to expiry dates as a general rule.
You can expect to start feeling essential oils’ effects in less than three minutes! However, if you don’t, more is not necessarily better. Try a different method of use or a different essential oil if it isn’t working yet for you.
Try eucalyptus essential oil, lavender and peppermint essential oils if you or someone you know suffers from sleep apnea. This will help open up the airways and promote relaxation all at once.
It can’t be denied that certain scents have particular effects on us. The olfactory nerve receptors in the mucosa of our nasal cavities relay sensory data to our brains, and when we smell certain aromas, these can send calming signals to the brain. Using the right fragrances can give us the help we need in getting some sleep in many circumstances.
However, whether you’re using essential oils for sleep apnea or for any other reason, it’s vital that you bear in mind that they’re adaptogens. This means that different people adapt to them...differently. An essential oil for sleep that calms you may have a stimulatory effect on someone else.
Do your research before you choose essential oils and blends and take notice of how they make you feel when you use them. They’re packed full of powerful properties and should be treated responsibly if you’re going to get the best benefits from using them.
Last but not least, always use high quality, organic, pure essential oils. Volant has an incredible range of essential oils that are 100% pure and organic, ensuring that every whiff is packed full of sleep-enhancing benefits. All you need to do is choose your favourites and use them before bed.
If sleep has been eluding you, now’s the time to try a natural remedy. Essential oils could be the secret that stops you from counting sheep for good.
First things first.
Diffusers are electric devices that turn the liquid of essential oils into fragrant aromas. They’re designed to safely emit a gentle scent that you can inhale and absorb, benefiting your body, mind and soul. Not only can they aid relaxation, but they also work wonders on your senses too, so they tick several boxes at once.
When you put an essential oil diffuser in your bathroom, you’ve just created a way to curate your day or wrap up your evening in just the right way. Everything from taking a bath to showering after a long day can now be done in a far more healthful environment.
You’re going to get a lot of use out of your bathroom diffuser. Think about it: this is the place where you bathe, brush your teeth, shower, use the toilet and wash your hands. You may even get ready in this room in the morning and complete your preparations for sleep in the evening there. Consider for a moment just how much of your time is spent in the bathroom and how making it a more beneficial place to be will impact your life.
Your bathroom diffuser can offer the following benefits:
When your ultrasonic bathroom scent diffuser is doing its job, it may work to purify the air in this part of the house. Certain oils can actually remove impurities from the air, making your bathroom a more hygienic place as well as a gorgeous-smelling one.
No matter how large or small your bathroom is, a quality diffuser will be able to scent it to your satisfaction. Volant’s handmade diffusers are created using high-quality, sustainable ceramic and are as much as 10 times more cost effective than reed diffusers or scented candles. It will run for between four and eight hours at a time without your input and turn off automatically so you don’t have to worry about it burning out.
The fragrance that electronic bathroom scent diffusers create is the most powerful of all the aromatherapy options. The very concentrated ingredients help you to reap the best benefits of aromatherapy.
Using your diffuser in the bathroom will turn this room into one you can truly relax and rejuvenate in. Whether you hate using the toilet anywhere except at your own house, crave a hot shower or bath at the end of a long day or need to decompress, the bathroom will become the place you can get all this done with maximum enjoyment and benefit.
Electronic bathroom diffusers are much safer than incense and candles. You won’t have to worry about spillage, wax ruining a favourite garment or bathroom accessory, or anything catching fire when you use them. They’re also chemical free, which is always a concern when using incense and scented candles.
On the topic of chemicals, diffusers provide a 100% all-natural way to scent your bathroom for an extended period. Traditional aerosol air fresheners not only last for about 30 seconds, they also fill the air with all kinds of chemicals. Every spritz is laden with aerosol propellants, solvents such as 2-butoxyethanol and mineral oil, all of which you inhale.
A bathroom that always smells great isn’t just a welcome relief for you, it’s a bonus for guests too. If you use a diffuser, you can rest assured that anytime you have guests over you won’t have to worry about less-than-pleasant smells, and neither do they. Your bathroom will always smell good, even if you’re throwing a party!
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Essential oils and bathroom diffusers go hand in hand, so take as much care choosing the one as you do the other!
We’ve put together a shortlist to get you started, but remember to pay attention to how each oil makes you feel. This should be applied to your physical, emotional and mental wellness levels at all times. And don’t be afraid to blend! The benefits of certain scents are amplified when they’re paired with others.
If you or anyone in your home suffers from breathing issues, eucalyptus essential oil may be just what you need. It’s long been associated with its ability to protect us against infections and relieve certain respiratory conditions. Sufferers of sinusitis and even asthma may find inhaling steam infused with eucalyptus oil beneficial, and it's also antibacterial and a natural disinfectant. These qualities make it the perfect choice for your diffuser for the bathroom.
Eucalyptus oil offers a host of other benefits, too. Using it in the diffuser in your bathroom will keep this part of your house free of mosquitos and can clear a stuffy nose. It may also help ease the pain of arthritis and any discomfort you’re feeling after surgery as well as calm your nerves if you’re scheduled for an operation.
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There’s a reason so many bath products contain lavender. This plant has a soothing effect on your psyche, and using lavender essential oil in your ultrasonic bathroom scent diffuser is an excellent way to enjoy its calming fragrance and improve your overall relaxation.
Lavender is also a natural antioxidant that can protect against disease and reverse some of the effects of oxidative stress. It may help mitigate anxiety, and adding a few drops to your bathroom diffuser just before you jump into a hot bath or shower may help with insomnia. If you’re subject to allergies or asthma, using lavender oil regularly in the bathroom may soothe your symptoms, and it has serious power in terms of reducing and managing anxiety and stress levels.
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Along with its amazing scent, grapefruit essential oil has been shown to have a long list of healthful properties. These include the ability to curb cravings and reduce hunger, fight obesity, promote your body’s ability to cleanse itself, as well as possessing antibacterial and antifungal properties. Using it in your bathroom diffuser may also help improve your skin, and you may find your mood balancing out when you’re regularly exposed to its refreshing scent.
Lime essential oil has many benefits for us to enjoy as well. It can help relieve symptoms of arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, and the common cold, and may also be useful in weight loss programmes. Let’s face it. We spend a lot of time in our bathrooms, and when you consider that lime oil’s bright, sharp scent can lift your mood, it’s a no-brainer for use in this part of the house!
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Putting sweet orange essential oil in the essential oil diffuser in your bathroom is one of the best ways to energise your morning and get you ready for the day. Its uplifting scent will help ensure that you get those items on your to-do List done.
This oil can also help improve the appearance of your skin, reducing acne and unclogging pores. It offers antimicrobial properties and has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression in certain cases. Its scent can help with pain relief and it has powerful antioxidant effects.
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We’ve waxed lyrical about diffusers, but what about reed diffusers? Don't they do the same thing? In a nutshell, no. Here’s why.
A reed diffuser typically contains rattan sticks or reeds inserted into the mix of a base solution and fragrance oil in a glass bottle featuring a narrow neck. The reeds take in the liquid, diffusing them via the stems sticking out of the glass bottle. The diffusion continues until the reeds reach the limit of their lifespan or the oil evaporates completely.
Obviously, you can’t control the power of the scent a reed diffuser emits. On the one hand, the fact that everything happens automatically is a bonus. You put the reeds in the bottle and you’re all set. The constant scent, however, can get a bit much. Your bathroom is not constantly occupied, so the aromas being dispersed will be wasted a lot of the time, and the fragrance may even become overpowering in smaller spaces.
When you use ultrasonic bathroom scent diffusers, essential oils are first diluted with water and then added to the machine. Ultrasonic vibrations then kick in, breaking up the scent molecules into a fine mist. Although they’re more expensive than reed diffusers, they don’t need replacing and you’ll be able to fine tune how and when you want the air fragranced. You’ll have far more control over the duration and intensity of the scent you’re sending into the room, which is why most people prefer this method of diffusion.
The fact of the matter is that these days, you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy the spa treatment of your dreams. The simple addition of a gorgeous bathroom diffuser can freshen up the look of your space while rejuvenating your body and soul when you use the right scents!
Volant’s award-winning diffusers have it all: the modern, minimalist Scandinavian design delivering functionality and practicality. You can reap the benefits of using a diffuser for the bathroom with nature-inspired products that will brighten your home as they elevate your mood. We’re willing to bet that they will inspire calm and connection in a space that will become a haven for you and the ones you love.
The first item to check off your to-do list before deciding on an aromatherapy diffuser is to understand exactly what it is.
Aroma diffusers make it possible for you to reap all the benefits of aromatherapy through inhalation in a safe and convenient manner. They work by dispersing essential oils into the air around them as a fine mist. You inhale the mist, absorbing the oils via your nose and sending the scent particles directly to your brain, where all their goodness kicks in.
But the best aromatherapy diffusers do more than just perfume the air around us. Not only can a diffuser help you to sleep better, reduce your stress levels and boost your concentration and focus, but they also add a certain je ne sais quoi to your interior decor!
As with most things, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to the design, model and price point of your diffuser. There are several features you’ll need to consider but let’s outline the different kinds of diffusers you get first.
Taking your scents with you on the road just makes sense! Car diffusers are typically clip-on air vent gadgets that make your vehicle smell great.
With the right calming essential oils in your car diffuser, you can reduce the frustration of a traffic jam, mitigate the stress of your daily commute, mentally prepare you for your day or evening ahead or help you unwind afterward. If you spend a lot of time on the road, a car diffuser may be exactly what you need.
Get your car diffuser working by putting a drop or two of essential oil into the gadget. They’re usually equipped with a porous material of some kind, an absorbent pad or a wooden lid that first absorbs the oil and then emits it gradually into the air.
Reed diffusers have become popular functional home decor items in the last few years. These diffusers are made up of a bottle or jar that you can add carrier oil and essential oil to, and rattan sticks or reeds then soak up the liquid and diffuse it into the room.
These diffusers are not very long-lasting and they may give off an incredibly strong scent at first. They do work well in high-traffic areas or bathrooms but they often end up getting put outside for a bit when they become too pungent.
If you need an intense fragrance fast and don't want a long-term investment, a reed diffuser is potentially a good choice.
Cool air atomising essential oil diffusers break down the essentials into minuscule particles without affecting their ability to benefit you. This type of diffuser uses air pumps which release cool air through the atomiser into the essential oils. The oils then get dispersed into the air around the diffuser without their chemical composition being changed in any way.
This may be the best essential oil diffuser for you if you want to fragrance a particularly large area such as your office or for a special event like a date, wedding, party, graduation or reception. Keep in mind that these diffusers are not designed with aesthetics in mind and certainly don’t count as functional decor. They tend to look like mini air conditioners and are not something you’d want on display. They’re often more expensive, noisy and are intended for commercial rather than day-to-day use.
Heat diffusers have largely fallen out of favour with people looking to enjoy the many advantages essential oils offer our health and well-being. This is because they work by heating the oils until they evaporate. This process alters the chemistry of the oil, possibly compromising its health benefits.
A candle diffuser is a type of heat diffuser. They are often stylish, and it can be very calming to watch the flame, especially in dim light.
However, if you want to use essential oils to better your life and improve your well-being, they’re not the optimal choice. You also need to be aware of the danger the heating process poses if you’ve got pets or small children in your environment or you yourself are particularly clumsy! Hot oil is incredibly dangerous and can do lasting damage, not just to pets and people but to your floor and furniture too. In addition, candle diffusers pose a fire hazard and cannot be used overnight or left unattended.
Once again, it’s all in the name with ventilating aromatherapy diffusers: they use tiny fans to disperse particles of essential oils into the surrounding environment. They’re on the cheaper side and don’t affect the chemical composition of oils but they’re not good in large spaces. This is the best essential oil diffuser for you if you want to scent a small room and don’t mind if the mist disperses quite quickly.
Because the oil particles they diffuse are larger, they don’t stay in the air for very long. The oils are also not as readily absorbed by our bodies because of this, so be prepared to compromise on the health benefits essential oils offer and settle for mainly the scent. In our opinion, this is not a good use of your hard-earned money.
Ultrasonic diffusers are undoubtedly the future of home scenting. These aromatherapy diffusers use water and essential oils. They’re powered by electricity that sends ultrasonic vibrations across a ceramic plate (or other similar material) to break the oils and water down into a fine mist of tiny diluted particles. This mist is then emitted from the diffuser and into the surrounding space.
Ultrasonic diffusers also act as humidifiers - this means they don’t dry the air out but actually add moisture. They have many amazing extra features, including being available in a range of stylish shapes, they may feature timers, and they automatically shut down at preset intervals or when out of liquid. They’ve been designed to not only fragrance your home but to beautify it too. They give you the most control when it comes to distributing the aroma of essential oils throughout whatever space you’re going to be spending time in.
If you decide to go with the most popular choice which is an ultrasonic essential oil diffuser, keep the following features in mind before you purchase yours:
A good diffuser should automatically shut down after the water and oil mixture in it runs out. This will stop it from running dry and makes it safe.
Choose an ultrasonic aromatherapy diffuser that isn’t too high-maintenance and needs only minimal cleaning every now and then.
Find a diffuser that complements the space you’re going to use it in. Minimalist designs in neutral colours work best.
Make sure that your ultrasonic diffuser is as big or as small as you want it to be.
Some diffusers can run for hours on end and others can do this while also giving you the option to have them diffuse in shorter periods of time in more intense bursts. When you have a Timer feature, the choice is yours in how strong you want the aroma to be and how long you want it to run for.
Harnessing the power of aromatherapy is becoming a trending field. Not only are people noticing how essential oils affect them but scientific research is backing up anecdotal evidence.
Now that you know how to choose an aromatherapy diffuser, it can’t hurt to get excited about what using it offers you!
If the fact that Volant won Vogue’s ‘Scent Innovator of the Year 2022’ doesn’t move you, how about a guarantee that each diffuser is unique and handmade from the highest-quality porcelain? Volant fuses Scandinavian design principles with state-of-the art-technology to deliver a diffuser that is both elegant and effective.
With ultrasonic waves at 2.2 million vibrations per second, you’ll be able to scent up to 40 square metres of your home - while doubling up as beautiful decor. It’s no wonder over 100 000 homes worldwide have specially selected this world-class option.
Whether you want to recreate your favourite spa’s ambience at home, get ready for the day in a more energetic fashion or try natural solutions for better sleep, knowing how to choose an aromatherapy diffuser is the first step to a more healthy lifestyle overall.
Volant’s stylish Scandinavian-inspired handmade porcelain ultrasonic diffusers are the perfect choice for making your home or office smell amazing, benefit you and improve your life overall. Not only are they an elegant addition to your decor, but they’re also extremely effective too.
All you need to do is plug one in, add the oils that enhance your life and enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy in a safe, natural and satisfying way.
The use of aromatherapy using berries, florals, leaves and roots of specific plants dates back to at least 4500 BC and has appeared throughout the history of very diverse cultures and places. It was practised to cure illness, elevate mood and even instigate spiritual experiences.
Written records tell us that the Babylonians and Sumerians who inhabited Mesopotamia were using plants medicinally 5000+ years ago. We know that the Ancient Egyptians were fond of perfumed oils, resins and scented barks at least as far back as 3000 BC. We’ve also got evidence that aromatherapy was practised by the Ancient Greeks 2000+ years ago, with their preference being for aromatic massages and baths as well as scented products.
While essential oils were applied topically in the olden days and an aromatherapy massage is still a great option, modern technology makes it so much easier to reap the benefits of oils via diffusion. Diffusers work to disperse the oils as a fine mist across large areas, making them easy to absorb whilst still transforming the smell of the room they’re in.
The benefits of an ultrasonic essential oil diffuser are numerous, and they include:
Aromatherapy can be defined as the practice of using essential oils therapeutically. When we inhale the scent, molecules from the oils, they travel from our olfactory nerves directly to our brains. More specifically, they travel to the amygdala, where our emotions are processed.
It’s estimated that we can detect somewhere between 10 000 and 100 billion different odours. And the reason it’s important to carefully check your own personal response to essential oils is that each one of us has a different combination of odour-detecting cells in our noses. This means that people vary greatly in how they respond to certain smells. What works for Amy from Accounting or John next door may do nothing for you!
When you diffuse essential oils, the air around you will smell better. Plus, your brain will be able to access the fine mist the oils get turned into in the diffusion process far more efficiently. When you compare diffusion to dabbing oils on a piece of cotton wool and holding it up to your nose, diffusion comes out on top. The tiny molecules the diffuser creates makes it much easier for our bodies to absorb essential oils, which, in turn, makes it easier for them to do their good work.
A wonderful and chemical-free alternative to scented candles, diffuser benefits are many and include helping us to feel calmer, de-stressed and relaxed or refreshed, stimulated, uplifted and energised, depending which ones you choose. They can even help us with certain physical ailments.
Essential oils provide relief for a number of ailments. If you're struggling to sleep, you could add lavender, vetiver, frankincense or cedarwood essential oil to your diffuser and reap some of the benefits this oil offers. If you’re fighting off germs, diffusing clove, peppermint, eucalyptus or mandarin essential oil may help keep you healthy.
Your ultrasonic diffuser is portable, so it’s easy to move it around wherever you need it. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to use. Ultrasonic diffusers don’t use heat. Instead, they rely on ultrasonic vibrations, so there’s no chance of a nasty accident involving a clumsy child or a wayward pet. The oils are diluted with water and then dispersed in the form of a fine mist. This means you won’t have a diffuser with a clogged spout or build-up that needs cleaning, there’s no overwhelming smell, and you can control the strength of the aroma at all times too.
There are four different kinds of diffusers:
The most popular essential oil diffuser is, by far, the ultrasonic diffuser. These diffusers contain a ceramic disc which vibrates, creating ultrasonic waves that break down the oils into microscopic particles without changing their chemical composition. These then blend with water and get dispersed into the air as a fine mist, ready for your body to absorb through the nose. These particles are then absorbed into the bloodstream or into your brain, specifically the amygdala, where memories and emotions are processed.
The ultrasonic diffuser is thought to be the best essential oil diffuser because it’s easy to use, incredibly effective and super safe. Because there are no pads or wicks to worry about and no heating element, the scent can travel much farther than it would with other types of diffusers.
Along with being the most effective way to disperse smells, water-based diffusers like ultrasonics also function as makeshift humidifiers, working wonders for those who live or work in dry environments.
Let’s talk about the olfactory system. It includes all the physical organs and cells that either relate to or contribute to the sense of smell. When you inhale through your nose, airborne molecules come into contact with the olfactory system and, almost at once, your brain.
When your essential oil diffuser is emitting these molecules, you inhale them and they also interact directly with your respiratory system, which includes your airways, blood vessels and lungs.
Now we’ve established the pathways and systems by which essential oil molecules enter your body. Next up we have to examine their interplay with the limbic system, your emotional brain. Its structure is a collection of areas of the diencephalon, midbrain and cerebrum, and it's where your emotions get processed and their effects begin to take place.
As you inhale, odour molecules affect the brain via a range of receptor sites located in your limbic system, some of which are directly connected to other parts of the brain that control blood pressure, breathing, heart rate, memory and stress levels.
This relationship between the nose, the brain and the rest of the body is why smell can so instantly trigger emotional responses and physical reactions. It thus stands to reason that essential oils can have some deeply profound effects on us physiologically as well as psychologically!
While there are 100+ essential oils out there, you don’t need to have them all to start using them to benefit your lifestyle! Start off small with these four oils to immediately start enjoying the benefits of essential oil diffusers.
Frankincense essential oil is created from the aromatic, hardened gum resin obtained by tapping the Boswellia tree. It’s a natural astringent and has anti-inflammatory properties that may help you deal with pain and inflammation.
Frankincense oil benefits include that it can help you breathe more easily and it can boost your immune system, helping to keep you from getting sick. It can also help you balance your hormones and it protects the skin, possibly preventing many of the signs of ageing.
Fun frankincense oil fact:
Frankincense has played an important role in many processes throughout history. The Ancient Egyptians used it in embalming and recommended it for wound healing, and the Hebrews and Christians used it in religious ceremonies.
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Produced through the process of steam distillation, the harvest of blooms to create lavender essential oil sees the cut flowers and stems compacted into a still to reduce polar compound loss.
Lavender essential oil diffuser benefits include its ability to relieve nausea and headaches and, because it’s a decongestant, it can promote easier breathing.
Fun lavender oil fact:
The Ancient Egyptians also used lavender oil during mummification as a way to perfume the recently deceased. The Ancient Greeks were among the first in history to spot lavender’s medicinal properties. They used the oil to treat indigestion and headaches as well as other ailments.
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Taken from the flowers and leaves of the plant that also bears its name, peppermint essential oil diffuser benefits include alleviating feelings of stress and tension, boosting your energy levels, clearing your respiratory tract, soothing feelings of irritability and stimulating your circulation. It can also help relieve fatigue, fever, flatulence, muscle spasms and muscle tension.
Respected clinical trials tell us that inhaling certain essential oils such as peppermint oil may also treat colds and coughs.
Fun peppermint oil fact:
Mentha piperita is the scientific name for peppermint. Minthe, or Mentha, was a nymph in Ancient Greek astrology who was transformed by Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, into a sweet-smelling plant.
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When it’s used in aromatherapy, rosemary essential oil can lower your levels of stress, relieve fatigue, and soothe nervous tension. It also boosts mental activity, encourages clarity, and promotes insight while it supports smooth respiratory function.
Many people also swear by it for improving alertness, eliminating negative moods, and enhancing the retention of information by increasing concentration levels.
Recent research indicates that inhaling rosemary oil assists in the prevention of acetylcholine breakdown. This is the chemical in our brains that plays a vital role in concentration, the formation of new memories, the safeguarding of established ones, and clear thinking in general.
Fun rosemary oil fact:
We’ve now proven how it works scientifically, but the Ancient Greeks and Romans used rosemary to strengthen their memories.
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As with anything, there are some risks associated with using a device as safe as an ultrasonic diffuser. However, these risks are more related to what you’re putting in them than the devices themselves.
If your household includes children, make sure that you choose essential oils with this in mind. The list of oils that are not recommended for use around kids includes eucalyptus, fennel, peppermint, rosemary, and verbena.
If you live with pets like dogs, cats, birds, fish, or even reptiles, avoid using essential oils like cinnamon, citrus, pine, tea tree oil, and wintergreen. These are incredibly toxic and will affect your animals negatively whether they’re applied to their skins, licked up in the case of an accidental spill, or used in your ultrasonic diffuser.
Interestingly, while it may seem counterintuitive, diffusing essential oils is actually a great way to deal with seasonal allergies. If this is something you struggle with, then you should try lavender, lemon, frankincense, sandalwood, and tea tree to help you decongest and breathe easier. However, just be careful if you’re asthmatic, as you could trigger an attack.
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If you’re looking for a diffuser that does a whole lot more than just smell nice, Volant has what you need. Our award-winning, handmade diffuser sends ultrasonic waves out at 2.2 million vibrations per second, so it can scent up to 40 square metres of your home. Not only that, our diffusers are extremely stylish, and their Scandinavian-inspired design ensures they enhance the decor of whichever room you place them in. Plus, they add to the ambience and add a feel-good factor everyone loves.
If you’re ready to use the best essential oil diffuser that has proven scientific benefits, look no further. A simple, stylish and effective option is within reach with Volant!
You can think of holistic health as a method of wellness that doesn’t limit your treatment or support to the symptoms alone. Instead, it addresses our many-faceted selves in all our glorious complexity, treating our mental, physical and spiritual facets that each contribute to our overall health.
You cannot be healthy if you’re physically fit but mentally exhausted and spiritually desolate. However you approach your overall well-being, aromatherapy can help you get to a good place in terms of holistic health care. And it may be as simple as adding the right essential oils to your routine.
Holism is the theory that all parts form a whole and each one is intimately interconnected. This hypothesis tells us that to study just one part, or even to study them separately, is a mistake.
Learning how they work together and affect one another is the key to wisdom. Holistic health thus takes the whole person into account rather than reducing them to the physical manifestations of a particular injury or disease.
Holistic health care asks you to take careful consideration into how your body, mind and spirit coalesce because these aspects significantly affect your health outcomes and overall well-being.
As you start taking the holistic health approach, you’re urged to examine your body, mind and spirit.
To start practising holistic health care, you’ll need to determine your physical needs as far as exercise, nutrition, rejuvenation and sleep are concerned. If you’re suffering from physical pain, what could the underlying cause be? What steps can you take to ameliorate these aches? Or do you need to find the best way to live with them?
What actions can you take right now to prevent disease, illness and/or injury?
Begin your holistic health journey by exploring your need for creative expression, curiosity, mental stimulation and wonder. What information and lessons is your current emotional state offering you? What does an embodied account of the physical and the mental look like for you?
How are you intellectually connected to others and the space you’re in?
Last but certainly not least for holistic health care, think about what rituals and practices you follow to connect you with something larger than yourself, whatever that means to you. How do you connect with the divine, nature and your ancestors?
Where do you find your purpose and meaning?
Aromatherapy is a popular holistic healing treatment that uses the natural extracts of plants to promote holistic health. It’s sometimes also referred to as essential oil therapy since it uses these oils therapeutically to positively influence the health of your body, mind and spirit.
Regarded as both an art and a science, aromatherapy has been practised for thousands of years by an array of cultures, including the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Recent scientific research is confirming what humans have known for a long time: the world around us—in this case, plants specifically—can have a massive impact on our health.
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Aromatherapy works on us in two ways: either on our sense of smell or via skin absorption. We inhale the scent of certain plants, the smell of which lights up our brain’s emotional centres while being absorbed into the bloodstream via our airways, or we can put them on our skin to absorb them and reap their benefits.
If you’re going the latter route, please follow the guidelines for diluting your oils. These oils are very concentrated, and if they come into contact with your skin in their pure form, they may cause irritation. Always do a patch test first and, in the unlikely event that you have a negative reaction to whatever oils you’ve chosen, discontinue use at once.
When you’ve mastered the art of dilution, you can use your new knowledge to integrate essential oils into your holistic health care routines in a variety of ways.
You could create your own spritzer with a spray bottle, water and essential oils, or purchase a ready-made mist to address whatever issue is ailing you. You can use these on your linen, furniture, as room sprays and, in some cases, as a body or face mist.
While some may not consider cleaning as part of a holistic health care regimen, we beg to differ. If you’re wanting to reduce toxins and chemicals in your home while working in sync with nature, essential oil-based cleaners are not only safer and healthier for you and your family, they’re also an environmentally friendly way to manage your surroundings.
Add them to your spray bottles, scrubs and polishes to get rid of germs (without creating superbugs) and keep things clean and fresh! And your home will smell so good after that you might actually enjoy cleaning more!
When you’re putting oils in the bath, remember that they’re not water soluble. Small drops can adhere to your skin, so make sure you dilute essential oils properly first. Then you can enjoy their benefits of both skin absorption and inhalation as you relax in aromatic, spa-like luxury.
Add roughly one drop of essential oil per six teaspoons of carrier oil or lotion before you use it. Then rub it wherever you need it most, keeping clear of openings and sensitive areas. Be sure to use a non-comedogenic carrier oil if you’re prone to clogged pores or if you plan to use it on your face.
Ultrasonic diffusers, the most popular type of diffuser, work using an internal ceramic disc that vibrates, creating ultrasonic waves. These break down the oil inside the diffuser into tiny particles which blend with the water you’ve added to disperse a healing mist.
This mist scents your space which, depending on the oils you’ve chosen, can help purify the air, keep pests away, boost your mood, help you relax, help you focus, help you sleep and so much more. Not only that, but it’ll create an inviting space for you, your family and your guests in which you can create memorable connections.
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For this holistic health care option, you’ll need to fill a bowl large enough to dip your cloth into with very hot or very cold water. Add between 6 and 12 drops of your essential oil and carrier oil dilution to the water and swish it through to disperse it.
Take your clean, absorbent cloth and dip it into your infusion before applying it to the area of the body you want to treat.
You can enjoy a homemade spa session with a clay mask to boost your holistic health with just a few ingredients. Mix two teaspoons of bentonite clay with the same amount of apple cider vinegar and three drops of essential oil. Apply it to your face, avoiding the area around your eyes, nose and mouth and let it dry. Rinse off with warm water and moisturise.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has a helpful definition of good mental health, stating that it is a condition wherein you can handle the normal stresses life throws at you and still work productively while realising your potential.
Let’s have a look at the essential oils that can help get you there.
Steam-distilled from the bark, branches and trunk of the tree that gives it its name, cedarwood essential oil has stress-relieving properties. This makes it a great choice if you have a high-pressure job or experience excessive stress levels at school.
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The fruity, herbaceous, sweet fragrance of Roman chamomile essential oil is from the flowers and stalks of Anthemis nobilis, a type of daisy. Inhaling it helps bind our brains’ benzodiazepine receptors, causing us to experience mild sedation. This makes this oil an excellent choice for an overactive mind.
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Frankincense is categorised as a herb with anti-inflammatory properties, and this is not lost when the hardened gum resins are tapped from the Boswellia tree to make the oil.
Frankincense essential oil contains sesquiterpenes. These are chemical constituents that assist in increasing how much oxygen gets to the brain’s limbic system. Frankincense has been used for thousands of years to enhance spiritual experiences, so use it to ground and calm yourself, enhance your meditation and reduce stress.
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Using a steam extraction process, lemon essential oil is created from the peel of fresh lemons. Being exposed to its scent not only lifts your mood and promotes relaxation but it can also ease anxiety and depression. It also increases levels of norepinephrine, a chemical in our brains linked to motivation and decision making.
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Rosemary essential oil is steam distilled from the twigs, flowers and leaves of the Rosmarinus officinalis herb commonly used in cooking. It can reduce your stress levels and minimise nervous tension. It can also boost mental activity, relieve brain fatigue, and support insight and clarity.
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Physical health is everything from an acceptable level of fitness to the absence of illness or disease. Critical for holistic health, it can be affected by your diet, how physically active you are and other behaviours.
There are also essential oils that can help protect your body and boost your physical health.
Eucalyptus essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the Eucalyptus tree. Ointments with eucalyptus essential oil in them can be safely used to relieve congestion in the chest and nose and can help loosen phlegm, making it an invaluable tool when treating coughs, the flu and even bronchitis.
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Extracted from the oil glands in the peel of the fruit, grapefruit essential oil can help with everything from boosting energy levels to reducing appetite. It’s also amazing when it comes to treating a variety of skin conditions.
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If you have frequent restless nights due to insomnia, lavender essential oil, created by steam distillation from the blooms of the plant, can improve not only the quality of your sleep, but its quantity too.
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Taken from the flowering parts and leaves of the Mentha piperita plant, peppermint essential oil is a brilliant resource for asthmatics and those of us who tend towards severe allergies. It opens airways and relieves congestion.
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Important research has shown the incredible effects of this oil on blood pressure. Steam distilled from the Cananga odorata plant, ylang ylang essential oil also has a calming effect on our hearts and can work as an anti-inflammatory agent.
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Tending to our spiritual selves looks very different to everyone. Maybe you practise a faith or religion, maybe you view nature as more than can be understood with the eye alone, or perhaps you’re contentedly atheistic and are just focused on enjoying the time you spend on earth meaningfully.
Whatever you believe, certain essential oils can help you reconnect with your inner self and the world around you.
Collected from the oil from the rind of the fruit, bergamot essential oil works well when you want to relieve feelings of depression, grief and stress. Its scent is said to speak directly to our higher selves, and you may find it enhances your feelings of strength and joy.
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Steam distilled from the Pelargonium graveolens plant, geranium essential oil will help you get through even the most soul-searing heartbreak - literally and figuratively! It can do this while also deepening your ability to love others and yourself, warts and all. Transporting you to the likes of a flower garden, it will soothe your soul and help you heal.
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Derived from the fresh or partly-dried leaves of Cymbopogon citratus, it is thought that lemongrass essential oil helps to balance the Manipura Chakra, located above the navel. When everything is as it should be here, you’ll find the momentum you may have been lacking to move forward to reach your goals.
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Spruce essential oil comes from Picea abies or Picea mariana tree needles, and it’s believed in many circles since ancient times that it can develop our intuition, enhance our connectedness and instil balance. It may even inspire you, deepen your sense of spiritual belonging and strengthen your trust in the world around you.
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Extracted by cold pressing of the rind of Citrus sinensis, sweet orange essential oil can help us raise our levels of spiritual awareness. Sweet orange oil is very much about innocence and may make it easier for you to connect to your inner child, imparting energy and a positive attitude.
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Taking a holistic health approach means you’ll be addressing the issues causing your problems rather than just managing the symptoms. You’ll need to take everything into account as you take charge of your health and well-being.
Prevention is best, and the only way to offset the likelihood of getting sick in the future is to take care of your holistic health in the here and now. Turn away from band-aid solutions and start appraising situations three-dimensionally to ensure your benefit over the long term.
Incorporating essential oils and their various methods of use into your life can help you begin or deepen your holistic health care journey. And with nearly 100 different oils to choose from, you can select whatever suits your needs at the time. Each essential oil has its own unique set of healing properties, effects and uses. So, be sure to do your homework, and remember that blending them may unlock even more benefits since certain oils can bring out the best in each other!
The rise in popularity of aromatherapy in recent years means essential oils are available more widely, but do yourself a favour and stick to purchasing them from reputable suppliers such as Volant. Our oils are 100% pure and organic, so you can rest assured they don’t contain any chemicals and are packed with goodness.
Let Volant’s diffusers and essential oils get to work for you, and you’ll soon see why holistic health is a practice that an ever-growing number of people are embracing. Inhaling exceptional smells has never felt this good, or been this rewarding.
After a day spent taking care of the family and the household, it can be difficult to relax. It can also be hard to gear up for days like this! If your mum is always on the hustle, a high-quality stylish diffuser is one of the most perfect gifts for mother-in-law or mum.
Diffusers gently release natural aromas into the air that can have remarkable effects on the mind, body and spirit. Depending on the oils added, the recipient of this amazing gift can set up the diffuser to help her get revved up for the day ahead or to find some quiet time to relax at the end of it.
It’s the gift that keeps on giving, with a slew of benefits to discover, which is why it’s in first place on our list of the top 10 Mother's Day gift ideas.
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A must-have for most women, a good eye mask will keep the light out, helping mum get the best-quality beauty sleep she can. It can also help cool this area of the face down, reducing swelling while soothing dryness of the eyes after one too many hours staring at a computer screen.
An eye mask can be a lifesaver after a hectic day or before a long night, and they’re the kind of product that almost everyone lusts after. Because a good eye mask is a luxury item, the woman you’re buying this for may want one but wouldn’t consider getting it for themselves. This makes an eye mask the kind of Mother's Day gift your mum will love.
Eye masks are the perfect gift for the more practical among us. But it doesn’t have to be all utilitarian. You can choose a luxurious eye mask that’s beautiful to match the recipient’s taste, making it gorgeous as well as functional.
Does your mum enjoy doing yoga? Or has she expressed a desire to get into it? If this is the case, a quality yoga mat could be an amazing gift. The best mats protect the joints from impact against hard floors and have a surface with enough grip to keep everything locked in place in sometimes-awkward positions.
If she doesn't do yoga, the mat can be used for stretching exercises, doing floor-based workouts and working on the abdominals. If your mum is active in any way, or wants to become more so, this is the ideal present!
Let’s face it, buying meaningful gifts on a set yearly basis can become a challenge, and you may be running low on interesting ideas. When you give essential oils and/or blends, you’ll be offering a present that’s not just inimitably useful but may even open your mum’s eyes to a brand-new world of healthcare rooted in natural products. And they’re something that you can gift every year, as there are over 90 different essential oils available!
The rise in popularity of essential oils in the United Kingdom and abroad has happened with good reason. These highly-concentrated oils originate from plants and have been used for centuries for medicinal and therapeutic reasons.
They can improve mood, promote a profound sense of relaxation and help treat certain types of pain along with many other ailments or concerns, making them fantastic gifts for mother-in-law, your own mum, or anyone you know with a child pulling at their virtual apron strings.
You could create a special DIY massage oil for that special woman in mind by adding a certain essential oil or a few to a carrier oil, or you could create a few different ones in roller ball bottles for her to use topically for different purposes - think stress, pain, ageing skin, or even as a natural and healthy perfume alternative!
You could also combine essential oils and a diffuser to create a dedicated essential oil kit for your mum. Boxing up a premium diffuser, a selection of essential oils, a couple of handpicked blends and a few mists will not only be fun but will make for truly extraordinary gifts for mother-in-law or mummy!
If essential oils top your list of Mother's Day gift ideas, take some time to really think about what your mum needs most in her life. Is she running ragged and not getting enough shut-eye? Then let relaxing and calming oils take centre stage. Is she suffering through long days and feeling utterly worn out by the end of the week? Then consider energising, rejuvenating oils and blends.
A thoughtful gift, this one will get you points for a long time.
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Giving premium coffee or tea as a gift is another way to give your mum the present of good health. This is the symbolic meaning of the gift of tea in Chinese culture, but it can be taken - and given - literally if you choose carefully what type to give.
Tea or coffee is an amazing item on our top 10 Mother's Day gift ideas for the mum who seems to have everything. You can never have enough wonderful-tasting beverages! You can also expand on this gift idea with cups, mugs, a teapot, a coffeepot or even some home-baked biscuits.
Combine their favourite flavours with your own and you could even make drinking coffee or tea part of the ritual whenever you see each other. Best of all, you know she’ll be thinking of you every time she puts on a pot.
Giving someone an Instant Pot® as a present is handing over much more than just a plain old pressure cooker. The recipient of this brilliant gift can use their new Instant Pot® as a meal warmer, rice cooker, sauté pan, slow cooker and even a yoghurt maker. This is a wonderful gift for your mother-in-law, whether she loves or hates spending time in the kitchen! An Instant Pot® will make her day because it will allow her to do so much more in so much less time.
A journal, or diary, makes a wonderful Mother's Day gift because it speaks to the mental, emotional, and possibly even spiritual health of the recipient.
There are themed journals available, so you can pick one that will really speak to the woman you’re getting it for. You could get a notebook with a beautiful cover by her favourite artist, a gratitude journal to help her remember all the good in her life, or a travel-themed diary to record her adventures.
Journaling has proven to be good for mental health, so it’s a wonderful wellness-themed Mother’s Day gift.
When you give someone the gift of slippers, you’re also offering them comfort. There’s nothing quite like wearing a comfy pair of slippers as you do what needs to be done in the morning or relax at home in the evening. Wondering what might be among the best gifts for mother-in-law or mum who has everything? Look no further!
Slippers are worn all year round, so it’s not as if your present will only be used a few months at a time. And if they look good, even better! Your mum won’t need to rush around putting shoes on when that doorbell rings unexpectedly.
Everyone uses slippers too, so it will simply be a matter of getting a type that you know your mum will love.
A water bottle that can be used repeatedly is not just for the environmentally-conscious. While it will certainly help to combat ocean pollution and minimise plastic waste, everyone needs to stay hydrated, making a good water bottle the perfect Mother's Day gift idea.
Your mum will love carrying around a stylish bottle, and she’ll certainly remember to drink her 8 glasses a day. Plus, she’ll think of you everytime she takes a sip and feel appreciated.
This kind of personalised gift can be an incredible way to kickstart your mum’s healthier lifestyle or reward her for already investing in her physical health.
Giving your mum a weighted blanket for Mother’s Day is a great choice because it helps her to get the rest she deserves. We all need to get quality rest to look and feel our best, and weighted blankets have been designed to promote the most restful sleep possible.
Contemporary research of 2,000+ adults found that almost 40% of them struggled with poor sleeping habits, and women are nearly twice as likely as men to battle getting those ZZZs. As unfortunate as this finding is, the good news is that many mums would benefit from a product that helps them rest properly, making a weighted blanket a pretty perfect Mother's Day gift.
Giving your mum the gift of wellness is easier than you think, and there’s no shortage of gifts that will make her smile.
Whether you treat her to everything she needs for a luxurious at-home aromatherapy spa experience, help her to sleep better, eat healthier or drink more water, Mother’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to spoil your mum in a way that enhances her wellness and improves her life, letting her know how important she is to you.
Use this list of our top 10 Mother's Day gift ideas as inspiration for what to get the mum in your life. Then, add a personal touch with a handwritten card or special message that expresses why it’s the perfect gift for her. Your mum will feel the love!
A loss of libido can affect 1 in 5 men, and even more women. Defined as the biological need for sexual activity, libido’s intensity varies not just among individuals, but within each person at a given time. There are many factors that affect a loss of libido, including professional and personal stress, anxiety, the pressures of daily life, or major life changes. It’s not a one-size-fits-all problem. And it’s not just a mental or physical condition - it’s a bit of both.
That’s why aromatherapy is such a great help.
Aromatherapy’s recent surge in popularity lies to a large extent in that it addresses issues in us on the physical, spiritual, mental and emotional planes. And they don’t stop working when we’re not actively exposed to them, either.
Depending on which oils you’re using, you can also look forward to your anxiety, depression and stress levels waning. You’ll also be more generally relaxed, you may find you sleep better and for longer, and your overall quality of life will improve. Aromatherapy has many advantages to offer us, and scientific research is confirming more all the time.
The best ways to put aphrodisiac essential oils to use are diffusion and massage.
Start the night by setting the mood in your living space or in the bedroom with a portable diffuser. Choose one oil, create your own blend or choose a curated blend like Volant’s Date Night Blend that will help you relax, de-stress and create a desire for intimacy. Remember, foreplay begins before you ever get in bed!
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Create a massage oil by choosing one oil or a blend and diluting it with a carrier oil for topical use. Be sure to choose an oil that won’t clog your pores. Then liberally apply it to each other - externally only - avoiding openings and internal use. When you’ve created a massage blend of essential oils for your sex drive, they’ll work on your bedroom antics for sure, but they’ll also offer other benefits like softer skin, a better sleep, reduced stress and more!
Sensual massage using aphrodisiac essential oils is aimed at stimulating the libido and arousing you and your partner. It’s a lot lighter than other types of massage because it’s not focused on addressing physical pain.
While you won’t be kneading your lover’s muscles that deeply, it’s still a very pleasurable, relaxing experience. It’s a wonderful way for you two to destress together and connect with your significant other on an emotional and physical level.
Don’t just stop at one of these methods. Make use of both! You’ll be doubling up on what your nose can do to get you in the right mood. We absorb essential oils through the skin, which you’ll be covering with a mood-setting massage, and via our noses, which your diffuser will take care of. You’ll have all bases covered and are that much more likely to hit that home run!
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The right essential oils will help you relax, which naturally enhances sexual desire. They may also help with sexual dysfunction like female anorgasmia and male impotence while simultaneously increasing sexual stamina. They may also help to improve your self-confidence and help you get a better sleep - both of which factor into a healthy sex life. Here are some of the best oils to help get you there!
Bergamot essential oil gets extracted from the rind of the Citrus bergamia fruit that grows on bergamot orange trees. The sweet, tangy aroma is very refreshing and can instantly boost your mood.
Its positive, energising vibes can improve your confidence and strengthen your trust in your partner, enhancing your bond with one another. Its fresh scent may stimulate your sex drive and make your lovemaking experience more joyous and enthusiastic.
Bergamot oil can also reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol levels, so it’s an all-around boost to many aspects of your life.
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Derived by steam distillation from the leaves of Pelargonium graveolens, geranium essential oil is a popular choice for sex massage essential oils because it is such an effective relaxant. Excellent at improving blood circulation, this affects the strength of our sexual desire and it’s thus been used for many years as a way to ramp things up in the bedroom.
Its other benefits include its ability to reduce our feelings of anxiety, fatigue, sadness, stress and tension, all of which are instant libido-killers. Geranium oil can also enhance cognitive function, improves concentration, and balances out hormones and emotions.
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Grapefruit essential oil gets extracted from the oil glands of the fruit’s peel by cold expression. It’s an invigorating, uplifting oil that energises, and it may also clarify, cleanse and refresh you.
Grapefruit oil is one of the best essential oils for sex drive because it can help with issues like fatigue, hangovers, headaches and jet lag. Its revitalising aroma will increase your energy levels and enhance your mood, both prerequisites for a little NSFW action!
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Famed for its fragrant blossoms, the plant from which lavender essential oil originates has a range of medicinal properties. Inhaling its scent has been revealed to significantly lower stress and anxiety levels. This means it can truly relax us, making it perfect as an essential oil for sex drive.
Lavender will also improve your sleep, soothe irritated skin and combat fungal infections. It can also help prevent hair loss, heal wounds and fight headaches. So, the old not tonight, I’ve got a headache excuse will no longer apply!
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Lemon essential oil is extracted from the peel of fresh fruit by steam extraction or, less frequently, through a cold-pressing process. Its bright, happy scent is why it’s classed as an erotic massage essential oil because it helps to improve your mood and lift your spirits as it soothes any anxiety.
Lemon oil’s other benefits could make a list as long as your arm. It can clear certain fungal infections and speed up wound healing. Lemon essential oil can also reduce acne and treat an array of other skin conditions as well as fight certain symptoms of depression.
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Derived from the steam distillation of partly dried or fresh leaves of the plant, lemongrass essential oil has a citrus-like, fresh, sweet, grassy aroma and ranks near the top of the essential oils for sex drive list. It’s an excellent stress reliever and will ensure you and your partner can make love without being bothered by intrusive thoughts.
Lemongrass oil can also ease nausea, regulate blood pressure, and it has antifungal as well as anti-inflammatory properties that make it good for relieving certain types of pain.
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Peppermint essential oil is derived from the leaves and flowering parts of the peppermint plant. This oil is known to heighten the effects of sexual stimulation because it increases sensitivity around the erogenous zones, magnifying sexual pleasure in this way. Add it to your sensual massage oil to enjoy all these benefits and more.
Peppermint oil can also help with issues like headaches, itching, joint pain and muscle aches, and it can help treat colds and coughs.
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Probably the best-known essential oil besides lavender for sex massage essential oils, ylang ylang essential oil gets created via water or distillation from the flowers of the Cananga odorata plant. A potent aphrodisiac, this oil’s sultry aroma boosts libido, elevates sense of touch, encourages intimacy and bonding and heightens sexual arousal.
Its other benefits include its ability to alleviate anxiety, boost your mood, decrease heart rate, lower blood pressure and reduce feelings of sadness.
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Frankincense is an age-old scent that has been used in spiritual ceremonies for thousands of years. It was used to purify the air and was a part of sacrificial and thanksgiving ceremonies. Its earthy, musky, woody and spicy scent is grounding. Today, frankincense essential oil is commonly used during meditation practices, in men’s cologne and for healing purposes.
For some people, the sexual experience is a spiritual experience. Putting some frankincense in the diffuser or in your massage oil could be just the thing to heighten desire, fuel the fire and engage in the sweaty, musky ritual of lovemaking. Add a little vanilla to the mix for a heady combination no one can resist!
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You’ll be glad to know that making your own sex massage essential oil is one of the easiest DIY projects you’ll ever undertake! This is even more helpful when you consider the array of benefits, and not just in the bedroom, that these oils have to offer.
Not only can you look forward to relief for sore, tight muscles, but massage will also improve your blood flow and encourage circulation. This brings fresh, oxygenated blood to your body as it rids your tissues of toxins.
Massage is also an amazing remedy for an overactive mind. It offers us the chance to come to the present moment, take a deep breath and let go, as it were. Throw in the sex massage/essential oils combination and you’re looking at having a brilliant time!
You’ve got two recommended options for your homemade massage oil:
You can premix larger amounts when you start your massage with essential oils journey. Or, you can keep experimenting with mixes made on the spot when the mood strikes you and let your nose, body or curiosity be your guide when choosing which oils to include this time.
Just remember that at no point should your sensual massage oil be used anywhere except on external skin. Don’t be tempted to use it as a lubricant, and always use it on the outside of your body only after it’s been diluted with a carrier oil!
Blending several essential oils in your diffuser or sensual massage oil can make each one work more powerfully than it would on its own. Many oils work better together to target specific issues and sometimes, a scent that’s overpowering on its own can be balanced out when added to others.
Feel free to explore and experiment with different DIY essential oil combinations on your own. But, if you’re wondering where to start, check out these bootylicious blends from Volant:
Our Organic Date Night Blend is made up of amber, bergamot, frankincense and lavender and is guaranteed to set a comfortable, seductive mood. Add a few drops to your diffuser or carrier oil and massage into your partner’s skin for a sweet touch that will set the tone for a sexy evening.
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If your partner is feeling worn out, then our Organic Pick Me Up Blend may be just what they need to feel desirable. A combination of lemongrass, sweet orange and ylang ylang, add a few drops to your diffuser or carrier oil to create your own special sex massage with this essential oil secret sauce.
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Perfect to help your partner quickly recover from a long day or a taxing week, our Unwind Blend contains bergamot, clary sage and Roman chamomile. This combination will lift your spirits, help clear your mind and help you relax. Make sure you both leave your stress at the door and stay in the sultry moment with this steamy fragrance.
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Libido remains a matter of interest in the scientific community and there’s plenty of research into what affects it and why. Let’s have a look at what science has to say about the efficacy of using essential oils for a libido boost.
This 2006 study in mice found that lemon oil can be very effective in dealing with the symptoms of anxiety and depression, both conditions that are famous for being a bit of a dampener on our sex lives. It showed the favourable effect that lemon oil had on the dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin receptors in the brain.
And a study in both men and women confirmed these effects where inhaling lemon was found to boost mood and norepinephrine levels.
When the final treatment in this 2013 study on ylang ylang oil’s effect on women was completed, most of the participants reported a decrease in stress along with a boost in concentration, self-esteem and energy levels, all factors in female desire. This makes ylang ylang a powerful essential oil for sex drive enhancement.
Bergamot is also a mood booster, and it’s been shown to reduce stress levels in a doctor’s waiting room. It also resulted in more people enrolling in clinical trials, allowing us to assume it might help increase confidence and adventurousness and reduce inhibition.
Bergamot, used alone or alongside other medicinal plants, reveals itself as an unusual, totally natural therapeutic option for counteracting erectile dysfunction in men with disorders related to cardio metabolism. In this study, however, bergamot polyphenolic fractions were taken orally, and we do not recommend consuming essential oils. But there’s certainly no harm in experimenting with its scent and topical benefits!
Aromatherapy treatments with neroli or lavender by themselves or a combination of fennel, geranium, lavender and rose oils significantly improved sexual function in the post-menopausal women taking part in this 2018 study.
The results of this 2019 study indicated that olfactory stimulation to essential oils including chamomile increases salivary testosterone, which in turn can have an effect on libido. This puts Roman chamomile essential oil firmly in the aphrodisiac essential oils category!
Scientific research is establishing clear links between essential oils and our experiences of our sexuality. There’s also evidence that some oils can be very effective as aphrodisiacs. The best news is that, as long as you take reasonable precautions like not getting undiluted oil on your skin and not using essential oils internally, there’s very little risk associated with using essential oils to spice things up in the bedroom!
Having a low libido or even just mismatched sex drives can seriously damage your relationship over the long term. A satisfying sex life is one of the many facets of a healthy relationship, and boosting your sexual enjoyment will spill over to other areas of your life. The essential oils we’ve recommended here are the perfect starting point for getting your libido back and keeping it there.
All of Volant’s essential oils are 100% natural and organic, so you can rest assured that every drop offers the maximum benefits for your bedroom activities. Our gorgeous portable diffusers also act as functional decor and will look perfectly at home in your boudoir. The soft light they emit and the soothing waterfall effect they create as they release their scent add to the mood and set the scene for a night of sensual seduction!
Indulge yourself, your senses and your partner and rediscover your sexuality. It’s as easy as breathing if you’ve got the right aphrodisiac essential oils.
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What is the best essential oil for men? Good news: essential oils are not gendered! Although there are some that work better for one gender than the other, you’ll find that most overlap to a degree. Some women will prefer certain traditionally masculine scents, and certain men will like what many deem female aromas more. Let your nose be your guide!
Whether you prefer smelling woody and traditionally masculine or fragrant and floral, there is a scent for every man.
Bergamot essential oil has a citrusy, fresh scent profile, akin to orange but with the floral, round notes of lemon added to the mix. This oil can be an amazing antidote to feelings of depression, grief and sadness because of its compounds. Bergamot contains roughly 30% linalyl acetate and esters, and these can have calming, soothing effects on us whilst still being a brilliant essential oil scent for men.
Bergamot oil is so refreshing it’s sometimes referred to as ‘nature’s Prozac’, and it’s excellent for treating states of nervous tension and mental agitation and can calm you down when you’re feeling overwhelmed emotionally. It’s even effective when it comes to reducing vascular tension, turning it into a weapon in the fight against cardiovascular disease - something that's more prevalent in men than women. And hey, vascular tension is something guys don’t want when the mood is right - you’ll need all the blood supply you can get!
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With a woodsy scent and an undertone of citrus, cedarwood essential oil has balsamic hints and a somewhat camphorous odour, making it a widely used ingredient in many colognes. Along with its brilliant smell, cedarwood oil will do wonders for your skin, priming it for new beard growth to flourish if that’s your aim. It’ll also regulate the amount of oil your body produces, helping to keep the skin underneath your beard free of blemishes. No wonder many beard oils contain cedarwood oil.
What makes it one of the best essential oils for men is that it does all this while encouraging mental clarity and focus too, so you can not only look sharp but be sharp too!
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Frequently described as having a sweet, woodsy scent with an undercurrent of lemon, frankincense essential oil has been used in scents and perfumes for thousands of years. It’s still a common base note in many perfumes and colognes. It has an earthy, spicy scent that is tied to spirituality - which for some, also means sensuality.
Frankincense is popular in aromatherapy for treating tiredness, turning bad moods around and boosting confidence. Use it when you feel like you need a bit of a pick-me-up and need some positivity injected into your day or night.
Add a few drops to your diffuser when you’re feeling anxious or stressed and you’ll soon start feeling much better. It also helps with symptoms of asthma, bronchitis and severe coughing. Research has shown that frankincense is also effective in battling inflammation.
And mixing it with a high-quality carrier oil and your other favourite essential oils before rubbing it into your skin to deal with scars is a popular way to include it in essential oil blends for men you’ll use all the time.
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While grapefruit may seem like a bit of a feminine scent, it offers surprisingly tasteful top notes to many men’s cologne. We get grapefruit essential oil by cold pressing or steam distilling the rinds of the fruit. Interestingly, as bitter as the peels are, the oil is remarkably sweet, citrusy, uplifting and pleasant. This oil is another one that is good at fighting throat and respiratory infections and it can also be a miracle worker in terms of muscle aches and fatigue.
Emotionally, you can use grapefruit oil to balance out your mood and restore a lost connection to the way you’re feeling. It promotes the healthy release of anger and resentment, making it the perfect choice if you’re the strong and silent type, and you may find relief from symptoms of depression and nervous exhaustion after extended use of this unlikely essential oil for men.
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When we hear, see, taste, or touch something, the sensory information is first directed to the thalamus. This is the part of our brain that assists in processing the data that the world around us is constantly emitting. The thalamus then transmits the information to different areas in our brain. This list includes the amygdala, where our emotions are handled, and the hippocampus, which organises our memories.
Smelling something, however, is different.
Aromas bypass the thalamus, heading straight to the olfactory nerve in the brain. This is connected directly to the hippocampus and amygdala, which explains why getting a whiff of something instantly triggers detailed memories and strong emotions. Essentially, it’s like someone turning the olfactory bulb on!
With the olfactory nerve managing our sense of smell and its direct link to the amygdala and thalamus, the idea of using scents for focus and memory is very logical.
Three quarters of all our emotions each day are generated because of smell. Scent marketing is cashing in on this fact, with research showing that people experience a 40% boost in their moods after they smell a pleasant fragrance.
A study by the Sense of Smell Institute found that visual recall of imagery fell to around 50% after just three months. In contrast, the accuracy of smell recall was 65% after a full year. Imagine what this means for retaining study material!
Being exposed to an aroma while studying and then again during the deep sleep cycle may also work for you. Studies conducted by German scientists revealed that adults and students saw a definite improved retention when exposed to the same scent they’d inhaled during the learning process.
Study participants sat at computer screens in rooms fragranced with rose, watching pairs of cards being mixed up. Others were in front of computers watching the same disarrangement, but in rooms that were unscented.
Everyone then spent the night at a sleep laboratory, wearing electrodes on their scalps to monitor brain activity. During the deep sleep and light REM cycles, the rooms were briefly spritzed with the same rose fragrance.
The next morning, everyone took a computerised quiz asking them to find the card pairs they’d seen the day previous. The rose-exposed group fared far better.
There are many different ways of harnessing the power of scent, but essential oils for focus and memory are certainly one of the easiest, most accessible and effective ways of doing so.
In fact, many people personally attest to the amazing benefits of using essential oils for memory and focus.
Try the following experiment to see how well scent can boost your brain power:
You may find that using the same scent makes the same parts of your brain fire up, so you do better recalling the information you learned.
The following oils have many advantages to offer. Using these essential oils for memory improvement is highly recommended because they can help with this specific goal. They’re even a wonderful option if you’re just looking for pleasant scents to start your own memory experiments with!
Famously able to reduce agitation, anxiety, insomnia, mild depression and stress, bergamot essential oil will put you in a calmer frame of mind by lowering your cortisol levels. This is a far more desirable state for creating memories you’ll never forget. Research backs up the positive claims that people have long been making about this fragrance.
How to use bergamot for studying: Put some bergamot essential oil in your diffuser the next time you’re studying and add a drop or two to a tissue in your school blazer the following day. You may find that what you learned previously is brought to mind more easily!
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Chamomile is a very popular oil to use at home to calm down after a stressful day or before a big night out. Its anti-anxiety effects make Roman chamomile essential oil a good home remedy for insomnia and stress.
Studies have also shown that chamomile can also improve cardiovascular health and stimulate our immune systems.
How to use chamomile for studying: Try keeping a tissue with a few drops of chamomile oil on it when you’re going over your homework and then do the same for class the next day.
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This oil will leave you with a refreshed state of mind and a re-energised body. Eucalyptus is also a good choice as an essential oil for memory improvement. Research tells us that eucalyptus oil may be able to notably improve our memories as well as how we perform cognitive tasks. It may even help protect the brain against age-related cognitive decline.
How to use eucalyptus for studying: After proper dilution, put a little eucalyptus oil on the insides of your wrists when you’re studying for an exam. Then follow this same process when it comes time to take the test.
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Thought to help balance strong emotions and calm us overall, lavender essential oil has been used to combat anger, depression, insomnia and irritability throughout history.
It’s one of the best essential oils for focus and memory because it encourages relaxation and rest, which is especially helpful when you need to learn something new or memorise unfamiliar information.
How to use lavender for studying: Spritz diluted lavender oil in the area where you study and then onto some tissue paper. Tuck the tissue into a pocket or the inside of your sleeve the next time you’ve got a class and you could recall the information you learned a lot more quickly.
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Many people love the fresh scent of this citrus fruit, and lemon oil has been scientifically proven to instill calm. It also relaxes us and makes us feel happy.
If you tend to be anxious and struggle with insomnia, you may find that starting to use lemon essential oil can help. It’s also thought to improve memory and ease digestion.
How to use lemon for studying: If you’re finding committing facts to memory problematic, using lemon essential oil in a diffuser when you’re learning may help. When you need to recall information, spritz the air around you with a lemon essential oil spray, or wear it diluted as a topical fragrance.
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Studies suggest that peppermint oil boosts your memory, but this powerful oil does much more. It can calm your nerves whilst stimulating your mind, improving your concentration and making clear thinking more possible.
Peppermint essential oil can elevate your mood and lower levels of fatigue, both important states of mind when you’re trying to memorise anything.
How to use peppermint for studying: Experiment with scenting your study area with peppermint oil and then wearing some on the insides of your wrists or behind your ears for your next exam. Smelling the same aroma may well take your mind back to its learning state and boost your recall.
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In much the same way as peppermint oil, rosemary stimulates our bodies and mind, and it has positive effects on our cognitive activities. Not only that, but it can improve our mood and overall performance.
Rosemary essential oil is also a good choice for you if you suffer from constipation or depression.
How to use rosemary for studying: Create a refreshing rosemary oil mist the next time your homework looms. Remembering important information may be a lot easier if you spray some more of your mist when it’s recall time!
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Deep, exotic and floral, the scent of ylang ylang essential oil combines notes of banana, jasmine and neroli, and may help ease symptoms of depression while encouraging deep sleep. If you suffer from a lack of sleep due to restlessness, it may be worth trying this oil.
Research suggests that ylang ylang can be helpful for boosting memory, too.
How to use ylang ylang for studying: Rub a diluted mix of ylang ylang into your pulse points when you’re studying and do the same when you’re writing your exam - you could see your grades improve.
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Ancient Greek tragedian Aeschylus was right: “memory is the mother of all wisdom”, and the fact that smell and memory seem to be inextricably linked is something you can use to your advantage.
Thanks to state-of-the-art diffusers, it’s easier than ever to get oils to work their magic on our minds, bodies and emotions. You can let their healing fragrance wash over your living room as you unwind in the evenings or, after properly diluting them, you could add them to your bath or face and body lotion.
Volant diffusers operate on systems designed to control the dispersal of essential oil fragrances over a targeted area. They offer broad coverage and efficiency and are very safe and convenient to use at home, in the office or in bed.
With all these tools at your disposal, you should have no problem instituting your own memory-boosting routine. Your new knowledge of essential oils for linking smell and memory can enhance your life and make every moment count - consciously or subconsciously.
When it’s time to get back to the books, a little planning to figure out how you’re going to use aromatherapy to boost your brain power, or how your child, teenager or university student can start doing so, may go a long way!
In this article, we'll talk you through five of the most powerful antifungal essential oils, as well as discussing how each of these can be used on your skin, scalp and nails.
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is one of the most well-known and widely used antifungal essential oils. It has a long history of use in Australia for treating skin conditions and is now popular all over the world.
Tea tree oil is a common ingredient in shampoos, and the reason for this is because scalp itching and dandruff are often caused by minor fungal infections of the scalp.
Tea tree oil contains terpinen-4-ol, the main compound responsible for its antifungal properties. It is effective against a wide range of fungi including:
A recent review of studies found that tea tree oil was equally as effective as benzoyl peroxide in reducing the symptoms of acne. Another study found that combining tea tree oil with aloe vera and propolis further improved the symptoms of acne. This makes tea tree oil a promising treatment when it comes to acne.
But the benefits of tea tree essential oil don't stop there. Another study showed a 25-50% solution of tea tree oil to be more effective than a placebo in curing athlete's foot. In fact, 64% of cases in the study were cured with tea tree oil compared to just 31% with the placebo. This demonstrates the effectiveness of tea tree oil as a natural remedy for fungal skin infections like athlete's foot.
Another well-designed study found that tea tree oil was as effective as a topical antifungal medication in resolving toenail fungus, making it a safe, natural alternative.
Tea tree oil can be used on its own or in combination with other essential oils. It is best applied topically to the affected area. Before doing this, you will need to dilute your tea tree oil with a carrier oil to reduce the chances of skin irritation.
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Many people swear by oil of oregano to treat all sorts of immunity-related issues. Oregano oil is another popular essential oil for treating fungal conditions. It contains both carvacrol and thymol, which have some impressive antifungal and antibacterial properties.
A study in 2015 showed that thymol, one of the compounds in oregano oil, is effective against the Candida strain of fungus. This makes oregano essential oil effective in treating yeast infections and may help with some cases of infected toenails and athlete's foot.
To use oregano oil on a fungal infection, mix a few drops of oregano essential oil with a carrier oil and dab it onto the affected area. But be sure to start small - thymol is very strong, and oregano essential oil is very concentrated and can burn or irritate the skin. Remember: a little goes a long way!
This oil can also be combined with other essential oils to maximize the benefits.
The most popular essential oil in the world, lavender essential oil is renowned for its relaxing properties. Luckily, this essential oil is also effective in treating skin conditions, making your purchase even more worthwhile! This is because lavender essential oil contains linalool, which is responsible for its antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Lavender essential oil has been proven effective against a range of fungi including dermatophytes (fungi that grow in the skin, hair and nails) as well as various species of Candida. More research needs to be done, but this makes lavender essential oil worth a try when looking for safe, natural alternatives to many of the common fungal infections already mentioned.
To use lavender essential oil to treat fungal conditions, mix a few drops of the essential oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil. Then, apply the solution to the affected area.
After a long, hard day of work wearing sweaty shoes, or after a workout, not only will a lavender foot massage relieve stress, feel great and help you sleep, it will also help ward off pesky foot fungus!
You can also add this solution to your bathwater for a relaxing soak that also reduces the risk of fungal infections.
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Clove oil is a popular essential oil for treating dental conditions. It contains eugenol, which is responsible for its antibacterial properties. However, clove oil also has some impressive antifungal properties, meaning that it is useful for treating a wide range of fungal conditions.
Clove oil has been proven to be effective against a range of fungi including Microsporum audouinii, Epidermophyton floccosum, Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
For this reason, clove oil may be an effective natural remedy for fungal infections including skin infections, toenail fungus and athlete's foot.
Clove oil (as well as oil of oregano) has also been shown promising in cases of thrush, and oral fungal infection caused by Candida.
According to a recent study, diffusing clove oil can also help improve your indoor air quality by reducing the growth of environmental fungi!
Clove oil can be used on its own or in combination with other essential oils. It is best applied topically to the affected area but can also be used in a diffuser or added to your bathwater.
Bright, citrusy, happiness-inducing lemongrass essential oil is also a popular essential oil for cleaning as well as treating skin conditions. It contains citral, which is responsible for its antifungal and antibacterial properties.
A study in 1996 demonstrated that a cream containing a minimum of 2.5% lemongrass essential oil had fungicidal effects on a range of fungi. More recently, lemongrass has shown antifungal activity against both Candida and Aspergillus niger.
This makes lemongrass essential oil promising for a range of fungal conditions. So if you already love lemongrass, now you know of even more helpful ways to use it!
To use lemongrass essential oil for a fungal infection, mix 3 drops of the essential oil with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil. Apply the solution topically to the affected area. You can also add this solution to your bathwater or diffuse it in your home.
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Essential oils are powerful natural extracts, and that power can be further intensified by combining different essential oils together to harness their benefits. Here are some of our favorite essential oils recipes for various fungal conditions.
Toenail fungus is a painful condition that can quickly worsen if not treated. If you're looking for a natural remedy for toenail fungus, essential oils are an easy option. Here is one of our favorite recipes for treating toenail fungus:
Blend these oils with 100 ml of your favorite carrier oil. We recommend jojoba oil or sweet almond oil. You can then apply this mixture twice a day onto your toenail fungus.
However, it's essential that you seek medical advice regarding your toenail fungus, especially if you notice the symptoms worsening or if you have any concerns over the condition.
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Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes a red, itchy rash. If you're looking for a natural remedy for ringworm, try essential oils. Here is one of our favorite recipes:
Blend these oils with 100 ml of your favorite carrier oil. We recommend jojoba oil or sweet almond oil. You can then apply this mixture twice a day onto your toenail fungus.
However, it's essential that you seek medical advice regarding your toenail fungus, especially if you notice the symptoms worsening or if you have any concerns over the condition.
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that affects the feet, mostly the skin between the toes. If you're looking for a natural remedy for athlete's foot, you may want to try essential oils. Here is one of our favorite recipes:
Add these essential oils to 100 ml of carrier oil, such as jojoba oil or sweet almond oil. Apply this mixture twice a day to the affected area.
It's important to seek medical advice if you have any concerns over your athlete's foot infection.
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Scalp fungus is a common fungal infection that can cause dandruff, itching and hair loss. If you're looking for a natural remedy for scalp fungus, you may want to try essential oils. Here is one of our favorite recipes:
Add these essential oils to a clean bottle along with 100 ml of carrier oil, such as jojoba oil or sweet almond oil, and mix well. You can then apply this mixture once or even twice a day to the affected area. Of course, you may need to wash it out later to keep your hair from getting too oily!
It's important to note that you should seek medical advice if you have any concerns over your scalp fungus infection.
Each of these essential oils has powerful antifungal properties, has been used in traditional medicines and can be used for a range of fungal conditions.
They can be used on their own or in combination with other essential oils, depending on your needs. They can be used both topically and in your diffuser, and not only will you benefit physically, but you’ll enjoy their scents and mental effects too! Why not try blending different antifungal essential oils together to create a blend tailored to your needs?
While essential oils are a powerful natural remedy for a range of conditions, it's important that you seek medical advice if you have any concerns, or if your symptoms worsen.
Aromatherapy is a medicinal treatment that uses plant aromas or distillations to improve health and overall wellbeing. It’s considered to be both an art and a science, and it has recently been gaining more recognition in the medical field in the search for powerful, natural treatments.
The first records of the use of aromatherapy are at least 5 000 years old. These aromatics were used back then as perfume, medicinal treatments and for religious purposes, much in the same way they are being used today!
Different fragrances’ healing purposes can be traced back to Ancient Egypt, Persia, Greece and Rome, with their specific application varying from culture to culture.
Studies have shown that inhaling certain essential oils can alleviate symptoms caused by radiation and chemotherapy treatment. Diffusing essential oils has been shown to improve sleep quality most of all, as well as appetite, nausea, fatigue, depression, anxiety and overall well-being.
Aromatherapy massage is another common form of aromatherapy for cancer patients. Studies have shown that aromatherapy massage can lower levels of anxiety, depression, nausea and retching and improve overall well-being. It is therefore viewed as a complementary treatment not so much for cancer itself as for its side effects and those of the treatment for it.
Because it feels good, it smells good, it’s nature-based, and it promotes human contact or at least a deeper connection to self, aromatherapy massage is generally recommended in the research as an adjunct cancer treatment.
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Some of the most commonly occurring side-effects of cancer and its treatment include anaemia, dietary issues, drastic changes in weight, fatigue, pain, anxiety, nausea, and problems with the mouth, skin, hair or nails. These are all issues that aromatherapy can help with to some degree.
Cinnamon, ginger and lemon oils can increase your red blood cells and thus help fight anaemia. Peppermint oil can fight nausea, and bergamot can stimulate appetite. Rosemary is an excellent anti-fatigue agent, lavender fights pain, and tea tree oil is often recommended to combat mouth issues. Lemongrass can be a wonderful option to improve the condition of your hair, nails and skin.
When undergoing chemotherapy, your body sees the medicine as a foreign agent. This means that, to fight it, warning signals are set off in your brain and your digestive system. This, in turn, flips the switch on the part of your brain that controls vomiting, making this a very common side-effect of conventional cancer treatment.
The nausea that precedes vomiting can cause significant discomfort and be very difficult to treat. Natural remedies like essential oils can offer relief. If you’re wondering which is the best essential oil for nausea, check out the following suggestions:
A 2020 randomised controlled trial showed peppermint essential oil had a significant effect on the nausea, vomiting and retching experienced by cancer patients who were undergoing chemotherapy. Inhaling it can help stimulate a reduced appetite, and it may help with digestion when massaged on the abdomen. As a bonus, massage it around your body to boost circulation and soothe sore or fatigued muscles.
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Spearmint essential oil, the cousin of peppermint oil, is as effective or more, for some, at soothing nausea and combatting spells of dizziness. Less well-known than peppermint essential oil, it is a wonderful option if nausea is plaguing you.
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Not only is lemon essential oil excellent for your skin, many people find that it aids in digestion as well. One study found that inhaling lemon essential oil was effective in reducing nausea and vomiting in 74% of cancer patients when it was applied to a cotton pad and clipped onto their clothing or given to them to inhale as needed.
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Many essential oils can be used to manage anxiety, which is something that many cancer patients suffer from. While it may depend on your personal preferences, there are some that are tried and tested. Here are some of the best essential oils for aromatherapy for anxiety to support you on your cancer journey.
Lavender essential oil is by far the most popular aromatherapy oil and it can be used to calm feelings of anxiety. Its sedative effect can help with sleep issues, particularly if anxiety or stress are what’s keeping you up at night. A quick search will turn up numerous studies to this effect. Lavender oil may even help relieve cancer-related pain.
Another good choice in this area is Roman chamomile essential oil, well known for how relaxing its pleasant scent is, and some research supports its ability to improve anxiety and well-being during cancer treatment.
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