5 easy ways to incorporate aromatherapy in your routine
Plant power: the comeback of aromatherapy and 5 easy ways to incorporate it in your routine
When we think about aromatherapy, we typically associate it with an aromatic massage or a special bath in a spa or another professional facility administered by a qualified aromatherapist. Aromatherapy is defined as a complementary and alternative therapy by the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and falls outside mainstream healthcare. Perhaps, it is the term ‘therapy’ that implies longevity of treatment or that is for certain ‘conditions’ or ‘ailments’ or the fact that we associate it with something only a professionally qualified aromatherapist may administer. Maybe we are caught up in some of the many myths surrounding essential oils and can find essential oils confusing and daunting.
But thinking about it essential oils are simply distilled extracts from plants – most of which we use in our daily cooking, such as herbs – e.g. peppermint, rosemary, basil, lemongrass or citruses – sweet orange, grapefruit or lemon to name a few examples. Without wanting to get too science-y, humans and plants have evolved together over multiple millennia and through our olfactory system and sense of smell passing the blood-brain barrier, the beneficial effects of plants are ingrained in us biologically.
Essential oils are highly concentrated but following a few simple safety rules [check our article on safe uses of essential oils], we can use them for many other purposes in our daily lives. There is a whole body of research on the myriads of benefits of essential oils – from pain management to easing behaviour problems and disorders to improving sleep quality. At the same time, we have become increasingly disillusioned with the conventional cosmetics and well being sector – from toxic scented candles to fruit-scented body lotions with artificial and dubious chemicals, we are turning to Eco-friendly living, sustainability green beauty and wellbeing and rediscovering the power of plants.
With everything that 2020 has brought upon us, we are in a dire need for more wellbeing, mental health awareness, positive vibes and tuning in with ourselves, nature and our communities. So no surprise that true plant power is making a comeback! And without further ado, here are 5 easy ways to incorporate aromatherapy in your routine
- Herby and citrusy oils in the morning
To kick start your morning, ditch the caffeine and incorporate light and refreshing essential oils that will gently wake you up – such as herby essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint alone or in a combination with citrusy oils, like lemon, grapefruit or sweet orange.
If you practice yoga or meditation in the morning, a dot of herby-citrusy blend on your yoga mat will nicely accompany your morning practice. Alternatively, your diffuser is your friend in the morning and a couple of drops of essential oil blend will help purify and scent the air to boost your vitality for a productive and positive day.
Our Energy Boost blend containing rosemary, peppermint and sweet orange will lift any brain fog and will help you feel refreshed and energised.
- Pulse Point Roll On
If working from home or from an office, you can keep a pulse point roller on your desk for frequent aromatherapy boosts throughout your day. If out and about or working on the go, you can simply carry a roll on in your bag, pocket or in the glove compartment.
You can mix and match different scents depending on your mood. Check out Clarity Blend’s collection of pulse point roll-ons.
- Air freshener/anti-bacterial spray
Create your own multipurpose spray by mixing an essential oil blend with alcohol such as 70% rubbing alcohol or you can use vodka as it is odourless. You would need a 50 ml spray bottle. Just mix 10 drops of your essential oil blend with the alcohol, stir and pour in the bottle. That’s it, it’s simple! You can use it as anti-bacterial spray as the alcohol will kill bacteria or you could use it as air or fabric freshener.
- Scented paper
If you are a stationary fanatic, keep a diary, morning or evening pages and have a favourite notebook, an easy and a charmingly old-fashioned way to scent the pages is to put a few drops of your favourite essential oil blend onto a cotton ball and squish it between the pages the notebook for a few days. The paper will absorb a good deal of the fragrance. It may leave a slight residue but you could simply tear the page or put a nice sticker on. The added fragrance will be worth it!
You can try this technique with our Mind Spa™ essential oil blend which contains eucalyptus, lemongrass and floral notes of patchouli.
- Moisturising massage before bed
After showering or bathing in the evening, you can use an aromatherapy body oil to massage any tense areas of your body, such as arms, legs, back and neck. You can apply it yourself or ask your partner to massage you. Apply with gently flowing strokes to boost circulation working towards the heart.
Clarity Blend’s Sweet Dreams body oil is your perfect massage companion. Formulated with sweet almond oil and jojoba oil, it is moisturising without being greasy. We use highland organic lavender from France with a hint of frankincense, geranium and clary sage for a perfect night’s sleep.