At ES Best we’re no strangers to the wonders of aromatherapy.
From electric and reed diffusers to pressure point rollers, scented candles and incense burners, we’ve just about covered it all. However, we’re yet to focus on the specific power of essential oils, and how they can be used alongside your favourite diffusers to achieve the maximum when it comes to aromatherapy benefits.
It’s worth noting that you need not purchase an (often expensive) essential oil diffuser in order to fully experience the wonders of aromatherapy. You can simply get a hold of a selection of essential oils that you feel will target your specific areas of concern – whether that be anxiety, concentration, stress, or difficulty sleeping – and incorporate the use of these oils into your morning and evening routines.
We feel it necessary to warn readers of the fact that you should never apply 100 per cent concentrated essential oils directly to the skin. We learned this ourselves the hard way – tea tree oil burns are no joke. If, for whatever reason, you wish to use essential oils topically – such as using rosemary oil therapy for hair regrowth – always dilute it first with water or an emollient.
Morning and evening routines can nevertheless be elevated with essential oils. Our favourite way to use them without an electric diffuser is by pouring a few drops into a bowl of very warm, but not too hot, water. Then, either with a towel over both your head and the bowl for a full steam effect, or without a towel in the equation at all – hover your head comfortably over the bowl and inhale the wondrous aromas. If you’re feeling the need for ultimate relaxation, we recommend engaging in a short guided or self-guided meditation.
What are essential oils and how do they work?
Created by extracting compounds from plants, essential oils capture the unique aromatic qualities of a specific plant species. The compound is extracted through a distillation method, or sometimes cold pressing. Once extracted, the pure compound is combined with a carrier oil.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, when inhaling essential oils for aromatherapy purposes, the scent molecules travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain where they interact specifically with the amygdala – otherwise known as the emotional centre of the brain.
Why are essential oils beneficial?
Beyond the amygdala, essential oils have also been said to help promote the proper functioning of the entire limbic system – which refers to all the parts of the brain involved in behavioural and emotional responses.
Though there is little science-backed evidence to support these claims, many proponents of aromatherapy have extolled the benefits that the practice has had on their general mental health.
If you’re interested in introducing essential oil sets and blends into your self-care rituals, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best on the market. Keep scrolling for more.
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Wellbeing Essential Oil Blends Collection
NEOM is widely considered the master when it comes to aromatherapy. Founded by trained aromatherapist Nicola Elliott, NEOM is known for producing wonderfully effective, organic and pure aromatic blends. The natural fragrances are designed to specifically target certain areas of wellbeing, and it certainly helps that they smell delightful.
This gift set includes four different essential oil blends targeted toward sleep, stress, energy and all-round happiness. Though you can use these oils with NEOM’s Wellbeing Pod, the brand also recommends popping a few drops into your evening bath, or even using an oil as the base for a therapeutic massage.
Buy now £72.00, NEOM
This Works Deep Sleep Superblend Diffuser Oil
No one does sleepy scents better than This Works. We’re personal fans of the cult-favourite Sleep Superblend diffuser oil, which combines 100 per cent natural essential oils including lavender, camomile and vetivert to relieve tension, calm nerves and relax both the body and mind. Pop five drops into your electric diffuser and relax as the aromas gently fill your bedroom, lulling you into that precious beauty sleep.
Buy now £19.00, Amazon
Spa Retreat Fragrance Oil
It’s all in the name. If you’re looking to escape to a spa but don’t quite have the time or the funds, this little bottle of aromatic goodness will help you at least imagine that you’ve been transported to a dedicated relaxation centre. With notes of pink petter, petitgrain, geranium, lavender and cedarwood, this warming scent works to induce relaxation no matter the season. The White Company also suggests adding a few drops to your pot pourri to give it new life.
Buy now £7.00, The White Company
OTO 2,400mg CBD essential oil collection 3x4ml
If you’re looking for a more potent essential oil, OTO sources natural scents and flavours from across the globe and combines them with cannabidiol. Though these 4ml bottles might seem tiny, they’re certainly mighty – and packed full of a perfectly measured concertation of CBD to help calm your nerves and relax your muscles. This travel set includes three scents, named Focus, Amplify and Balance.
Buy now £109.00, Selfridges
Anatomē sleep essential oils discovery set
Specifically designed for topical application on pressure points using a rollerball applicator, this discovery set from AnatomÄ has been created with the perfect night’s sleep in mind. Vegan and cruelty free, the set includes a Cornish Lavender scent for the tired body, Somali Frankincense for overactive minds, Blue Chamomile for when you’re feeling overwhelmed and Japanese Seaweed for light sleepers.
Buy now £35.00, Selfridges
Daphne Lavender, Jasmine & Bergamot Fragrance Oils Set Of Three
This starter set by Daphne Lavender includes three wonderfully fragrant common blends to help you along if you’re at the very beginning of your aromatherapy journey. The Bergamot and Mandarin, Jasmine and Cedarwood and Lavender and Sage scents are effectively refreshing without overwhelming the senses.
Buy now £20.00, Oliver Bonas
Neal’s Yard Aromatherapy Rituals - De-Stress
For a little more than essential oils alone, this fantastic value set from the masters over at Neal’s Yard Remedies has got you covered. It includes three of your classic, pure essential oils – Frankincense, Lavender and Mandarin – as well as a ‘Remedies to Roll’ relaxation blend for your pressure points.
What’s more, this set includes a deeply relaxing bath oil and nourishing massage oil. We wouldn’t use all of these products at once, for fear of overwhelming your senses. Interchange the use of each product depending on what you fancy on any given night, and whether you can convince your partner to give you a massage.
If you’re well and truly just getting started, you might also want to pick up a copy of the Neal’s Yard aromatherapy book.
Buy now £70.00, Neal’s Yard
Nikura Ylang Ylang (Complete) essential oil
Called the ‘flower of flowers’, ylang ylang is a powerful floral scent that will help to relax the body and mind. Nikura’s blend is delicate and subtle, so perfect for burning over a long period before bed, perhaps while winding down with a book or some evening yoga.
Buy now £5.65, Amazon
