How to Create a Spa-Like Atmosphere at Home Using Natural Scents

Why Scent Is Central to the Spa Experience?

Step into any spa and the first thing you notice isn’t the décor — it’s the scent. Aroma sets the tone before anything else, signaling calm, freshness, or warmth.

Creating a spa-like atmosphere at home doesn’t require a full renovation. With the right natural scents, you can transform everyday spaces into places of intention and relaxation.

Choosing the Right Essential Oil Scents

Different aromas create different moods. Popular spa-inspired essential oils include:

• Lavender – soft, herbal, calming
• Lemongrass – fresh, citrusy, uplifting
• Rose – rich, floral, elegant
• Eucalyptus – clean, cool, refreshing

These scents are commonly used in spas because they feel clean, grounding, and timeless.

Room Sprays vs Diffusers: What Works Best?

While diffusers are popular, room sprays offer instant results and greater flexibility:

• No electricity or water required
• Easy to control scent intensity
• Ideal for fabrics, linens, and shared spaces

A few sprays can refresh:

• Bedrooms before sleep
• Bathrooms before guests arrive
• Yoga or meditation spaces
• Living rooms in the evening

Creating Simple Spa Rituals at Home

You can introduce spa-like rituals into your day with minimal effort:

Evening Wind-Down

• Lightly mist pillows or curtains with lavender room spray
• Dim the lights and unplug from screens

Morning Refresh

• Use citrus or lemongrass spray in living areas
• Open windows to let fresh air circulate

Bathroom Reset

• A few sprays before or after a shower help refresh the space naturally. We recommend citrus scents like pink grapefruit or mandarin orange for this.

Keeping It Natural

Natural, essential-oil-based sprays allow you to scent your space without relying on heavy synthetic fragrances. Look for products made with plant-derived aromatic ingredients and transparent formulations.

For more on how scent influences spaces and mood, see this overview on scent psychology:
https://www.healthline.com/health/smell-and-emotion

Top Lavender Essential Oil Benefits and Uses to Enrich Your Quality of Life

Lavender essential oil is loved and respected in the aromatherapy arena. It’s versatile and equipped with naturally occurring chemicals to soothe a wide range of ailments.

To date, lavender essential oil is one of the most researched and tested plant essences. If you’re looking to dive into the wonders of lavender, including its benefits and uses, this article highlights a few from a scientific perspective.

Relief for Migraine and Headaches

 

Lavender essential oil imparts more than just ‘feel-good’ vibes. With its rich calming and pain-relieving profile, lessening the effects of a migraine is one of the many benefits that lavender lipids tout.

Around forty-seven individuals identified with migraine headaches participated in a controlled trial to determine how lavender oil’s purported analgesic properties could be of benefit. Through a pain rating scale, participants of the lavender group saw an average reduction of 3.6 ± 2.8, in comparison to the placebo group that didn’t use lavender with a reduction rate of 1.6 ± 1.6

This pain rating score showed a significant reduction. Where there were 129 cases of migraine attacks, it was revealed that 92 of these attacks showed positive responses to lavender EO.

Applying our lavender oil roll on to affected areas could lessen the intensity and frequency of the migraines and headaches you deal with.

Soothes Other Types of Pain

 

Headaches and migraines aren’t the only painful conditions lavender oil assuages. Sore and painful joints and muscles are common occurrences people living with diseases like arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders have to contend with. Lavender used in a blend of oils to massage stiff and painful areas may provide relief for these individuals.

People undergoing dialysis and are often left in pain because of needle insertion may use lavender EO to help reduce discomfort.

For diabetics with neuropathic pain, using lavender EO may improve their quality of life through pain reduction. This was demonstrated through a study spanning from 2019 to 2020. Seventy-five neuropathic patients participated. Those in the lavender group received light massages on their feet using a 3% solution each night before reclining to bed for 10 minutes. This intervention was administered for up to a month.

Compared to the pain rating score of the control and placebo groups, recipients of the lavender foot massage showed a considerable reduction in neuropathic pain.

Massaging affected muscles and joints with our lavender massage oil could provide similar results when used consistently, as shown in the studies above.

Soothes Menstrual Cramps

 

Do you get terrible, cinching cramps during your menstrual cycle? Menstruation affects women in different ways. However, a  whopping 80% of women will experience period pain at some point in their lifetime.

If you fall within this category (or know a loved one with serious cramps), massaging the lower abdominal region a few days leading up to your menstrual cycle with lavender oil roll on may lessen the intensity of cramps.

Some forty-eight women diagnosed with dysmenorrhea (painful periods) were asked to participate in a double-blinded, randomized trial. These women were then assigned to different groups, some to a synthetic fragrance group and the other to an EO group.

A mixture containing clary sage, marjoram, and lavender essential oil was combined in an unscented cream and applied to the abdomen. Each participant applied the mixture after their last period leading up to the beginning of the next. Each outpatient saw a significant reduction in menstrual pain.

All the essential oils used in the blend contained up to 79.29% analgesic compounds. The primary components of each EO responsible for this activity included eucalyptol, linalyl acetate, linalool, and β-caryophyllene. As mentioned before, lavender essential oil contains mainly linalool and linalyl acetate. No doubt the intensely sweet aroma added to the effectiveness of the blend, as it’s rich in the aforementioned compounds.

Nursing students with dysmenorrhea also benefited from the pain-relieving properties of lavender essential oil. An assessment carried out from October 2010 to January 2011 in the Faculty of Nursing at Mansoura University in Egypt used 100 students to test the effectiveness of lavender on period cramps. Each participant had to meet strict requirements for consideration, and those who had hormonal treatment done during the past 6 months and married weren’t included.

The group using aromatherapy received 10-minute abdominal massages using a combination of lavender, clove, rose, and cinnamon essential oils in a carrier. This was administered by the researcher once every day for up to a week before the participant’s menstruation.

The study revealed that students who participated in the aromatherapy group saw a decline in pain and its duration after the third application. Outstandingly, side effects weren’t reported for this assessment.

While lavender’s potency is heightened when used in a blend consisting of other oils, simple inhalation of the floral essence is also effective, according to another study.

It could help suffering women stave off some of the excruciating pain encountered during their cycle.

Our lavender massage oil was designed to provide pain relief for women who need it most.

Eases Premenstrual Symptoms

 

Women also have to contend with emotional issues as their period draws nigh. Some of these emotional symptoms include mood swings, which could induce a measure of anxiety, irritability, and sadness.

A small study showed that inhaling lavender oil for up to 10 minutes may improve lowliness of spirit and the blues leading up to a woman’s period. The study hinted that this positive effect could be as a result of “improvements in the parasympathetic nervous system activity”, which increased after inhalation.

Repel Adult Ticks

 

If you and your family go into panic mode during tick season, research shows that lavender may help you resist them for up to 2 hours when used in a solution between 10 to 20%.

Wind-Down After a Long Day 

 

If relaxation is the game, lavender is the name. The oil is deep-rooted in aromatherapy for its ability to soothe the mind. Think about a baby being lulled and assured in the arms of a nurturing mother. Perhaps that’s how many feel after using lavender essential oil.

The chemical profile of the oil imbues it with sedative and relaxing properties. About 50% and 45% of lavender essential oil consist of linalool and linalyl acetate, respectively. These compounds are largely responsible for the aromatic’s calming impact.

Research showed that the essence of lavender caused a considerable decline in blood pressure and heart rate, which are all indicators of the oil’s ability to relax autonomic arousal. Recipients of lavender also touted how “relaxed” and “fresher” they felt after inhaling the sweet, floral essence.

After a long, bustling day at the office or running errands, a soothing massage using Positive Essence’s massage oil or lavender oil roll on could be a fine treat to gift yourself. Another option is to add a few drops of our lavender essential oil to a diffuser and drift the day away.

May Improve Sleep Quality

 

A growing number of people have shared how lavender extract has contributed positively to their sleep quality on online forums, especially in Facebook groups.

Is there any research available to substantiate such?

Absolutely.

In a pilot study conducted in the Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU), with some 50 participants, lavender essential oil was administered through inhalation. A container with 3 ml of the sweet-scented extract was placed along the bedside of these volunteers for 8 hours, from 10 in the night to 6 in the morning.

The pulse rates, blood pressure, respiration rates, and temperatures of each participant were taken at specific periods and recorded. Through an assessment of each participant’s vital signs and questionnaires completed, results revealed that the sleep quality of the group using lavender was higher. This was in comparison to the group that lavender essential oil was not administered to.

A similar study saw 31 young adults, between the ages of 18 to 30, rise with greater enthusiasm and energy after exposure to lavender essential oil. During an overnight session, the oil not only increased the general percentage of participants’ deep sleep but slowed down rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and wake time. This meant that volunteers slept for longer periods, with fewer waking moments.

The research highlighted lavender essential oil’s “practical application” as a way to encourage “deep sleep in young men and women.”

If you struggle to initiate and stay asleep at night, you can test out our lavender room spray to help improve your slumber and wake up feeling refreshed in the mornings.

Decrease Irritable and Aggressive Behaviour

 

Lavender essential oil has a way with emotional issues. Its strong sedative properties act much like a tranquilizer for the emotions. If you’re feeling on edge, perhaps anxious or irritable, lavender could be the soothing touch you need to keep calm and collected.

A randomized controlled study conducted using dementia patients showed lavender positively influencing aggressive behavioral tendencies of the elderly. This was after a concoction of the oil was administered via hand massage for up to 2 weeks.

In a similar study with severe cases of dementia, results showed that 60% (9 patients of 15) experienced positive emotional improvements, 33% (5 persons) saw no change, while 7% were more agitated.

In general, lavender is one of those oils people flock to when they need to feel better, settle uneasiness, and reduce bouts of sadness.

Lavender essential oil isn’t a miracle drug or one-size-fits-all treatment. However, its primarily calming and pain-relieving constituents create a powerful aromatic that’s easy to work with and can be used across a wide array of age groups. If you’re just jumping onto the lavender oil bandwagon, please take a look at our lavender collection. We have lavender linen and room sprays, lavender roll ons, lavender essential oils, and lavender massage oils that you can try.

Peppermint Essential Oil Roll Ons Are Loaded with Benefits: Here’s What to Expect and How to Use Them

You’ve heard wonders about peppermint essential oil. Perhaps you’ve used it on multiple occasions but didn’t know what to expect.

That’s understandable.

Peppermint is a versatile aromatic with much to offer. However, you’ll miss out on its benefits if you don’t know how to use it or how it can help you.

What simple method of application can you explore, and what benefits can you expect from applying peppermint EO this way?

Peppermint Essential Oil Roll Ons: A Simple Method of Application

 

A roller bottle is a safe and practical way to apply peppermint essential oil. This method takes the guesswork out of things, as peppermint essential oil roll ons are prediluted. You won’t have to go through the hassle of calculating or assuming what EO drops are sufficient, or if you’ve used too much (or too little) carrier oil.

For beginners, a pre-diluted roller bottle is a great way to dip your foot in the water, without it being bitten off by sharks (In this case, without you suffering from an adverse reaction to the oil).

Our new line of essential oil roll ons are skin-friendly, easy to apply, and loaded with aromatherapy goodness.

Let’s consider from a scientific perspective by looking at a few advantages of using peppermint extract.

Takes the Edge off Tension Headaches and Migraines

 

Headaches and migraines are infamous for dampening social gatherings and the overall quality of one’s life. These impairments make it difficult to concentrate and carry out daily tasks.

Headaches and migraines are far from exciting, but peppermint essential oil may be a worthwhile aid to ease some discomfort.

One study highlighted that peppermint oil may be used to reduce the intensity of migraines. This was 42.1% of participants who used peppermint as an intervention, in comparison to 40% and 41.5% in the peppermint-lidocaine group and lidocaine group, respectively. For perspective, lidocaine is a local anesthetic.

To supplement, another study showcasing the benefits of peppermint combined with ethanol for ‘headache sensitivity’ reduction was successful. Just after 15 minutes of cutaneous application, there was a reported reduction in “headache intensity”.

Peppermint oil also provides similar results to paracetamol and aspirin--drugs for pain relief--when used for tension-type headaches. In some professional societies, 10% peppermint oil in ethanol is licensed for easing tension-type headaches in some individuals.

For most of the studies conducted using peppermint essential oil to relieve headaches, ethanol was used. This combination in no way suggests that peppermint oil, on its own, is useless when dealing with headaches. Rather, ethanol is used as a solubilizer to ensure the essential oil is safe for administration. Remember, never apply essential oils as is to the skin, as this could cause skin sensitivity or irritation.

Reduce the Severity of Nausea

 

The peppermint plant has seen extensive use in both Eastern and Western medicine because of its ability to relieve nausea. The essential oil is no exception. Although aromatherapy is still a growing field, empirical data suggest that peppermint aroma may be used as an “independent or complementary modality” for nausea and vomiting-related complaints.

In a small clinical trial with 123 participants, the positive impact of peppermint’s aroma on the severity of nausea was demonstrated in patients after undergoing cardiac surgery. The standard nausea rating was capped at around 3.29. After the intervention, however, it plummeted to an average of 1.44, in under 3 minutes.

Outpatients enduring chemotherapy treatment also tasted the powerful effects of peppermint’s aroma on nausea. The study administered on 79 willing participants concluded that peppermint essential oil, when pitched against the control (cool washcloth) proved more effective at reducing the ferocity of nausea.

To use our peppermint essential oil roll ons for nausea, raise the bottle to the nose and take deep whiffs. You may also roll the oil onto the palm, rub both hands together, and then inhale the aroma. An alternative is to massage onto the neck where you can benefit from the aroma.

Relief for Chronic Itching

 

Research has explored the plausibility of using peppermint extract as a viable solution to soothe the itchiness of the skin, especially when it’s hard to deal with. A generalized study purports that the menthol-rich aromatic may be useful for many cases of chronic itching. All participants who used peppermint oil showed positive improvements, in comparison to the placebo. It was concluded that the use of peppermint lipid for itching is an inexpensive, safe, and efficient way to deal with itchiness.

In another study, a concoction comprising peppermint oil and its isolated derivative, menthol, was formulated in a hydrogel that revealed promising results using 2 patients with hypertrophic burns. A subsequent study was then performed using some 74 patients to assess the safety of the application.

The results were tremendous, as only 6 individuals showed adverse reactions in the form of skin irritation. Perhaps this could have been because of the strength of the product or the participants’ sensitivity to a component of the hydrogel. The study didn’t say. Either way, the overall results were favourable, as the oil provided symptomatic relief for said condition.

A Supposed Stimulant for Hair Growth

 

Maybe you aren’t plagued with baldness or thinning edges, but you will agree that as age catches on, our hair needs all the support it can get. Could peppermint be a reliable, non-toxic boost to the follicles and thicken the hair?

Experimental research revealed that topical application of peppermint combined with jojoba oil stimulated hair growth in rats.

Interestingly, the study was conducted across 4 groups, including one consisting of 3% minoxidil, a common treatment used to promote hair growth. After careful observation and analysis, the peppermint essential oil group came out triumphant, as it showed the most noticeable impact on hair growth.

Mental Fatigue, Burnout, and Concentration

 

It takes little to no effort to be met with mental and physical exhaustion. When this happens, it’s simple to relax and watch the days pass by. Using essential oils regularly may add a bit of pep to your step, by aiding with concentration and focus.

A small-scale study conducted by Jane Buckle and Elizabeth Varney showed that peppermint oil may lift you to the challenge in mild cases of burnout and mental exhaustion. Although this study incorporated a mixture of helichrysum and basil, peppermint is just as able to hold down the fort without the aid of other essential oils.

This is demonstrated in another study, where the oil’s aroma seemingly boosted the clerical skills of participants. Peppermint is undoubtedly a promising oil that’s worth investigating further to assess its positive impact on cognitive function and mood.

It sure wouldn’t hurt to add this powerhouse to your regime.

Now that you have a better understanding of how simple it is to use peppermint essential oil roll ons and how you stand to benefit, it’s your responsibility to source pure oils. Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you in the next blog post.

How to Use Essential Oils at Home

A newfound love has spawned in your heart for aromatherapy. You listened to raves from friends about the effective, therapeutic nature of essential oils, and now you’re itching to get the ball rolling.

You want the full experience, but there’s a problem.

You’re not sure how to use essential oils just yet, at least not the right way.

Let’s explore the various applications and ways to use essential oils.

Different Modes of Essential Oil Application

There are four primary methods of application: inhalation, absorption, ingestion, and internal use.

Inhalation of Essential Oils

Inhalation is touted as the safest and most effective way to use volatile oils at home. When inhaled, powerful chemical compounds travel to the brain through the nasal passage. These components then communicate with the brain by stimulating the release of neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters are important hormones that regulate emotions. These influence whether you experience bouts of sadness or excitement. Essential oils like bergamot and lavender may have a positive effect on emotions, as they stimulate the release of serotonin, a hormone that regulates the mood.

Inhalation also may provide relief for respiratory problems. Essential oil particles access the lungs by traveling along mucus linings.

It's important to remember that it's not an essential oil that enters the brain, lungs, or bloodstream. Rather, it's the chemical compounds that do. Linalyl acetate, for example, is a compound found in the bloodstream after inhalation, not lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia).

Multiple ways exist to accommodate the inhalation of plant essences. These include a diffuser, aroma sticks, an inhaler, steam inhalation, tissue, and others. We get into the nuts and bolts of using a diffuser later in the article. Stick around for that portion, as it's the commonest method adopted today.

How to Use Essential Oils in a Diffuser

A diffuser is one of the most effortless ways to use essential oils. This nifty equipment puts in all the hard work so you can focus on relaxing or restoring your energy, depending on the essential oil used.

Diffusers are ideal when one is feeling anxious, stressed, or irritable.

Do you need to wind down after a busy day at the office? Diffuse lavender essential oil and mellow down.

Are you feeling anxious or overwhelmed with the pressures of life? Allow the citrusy, delicious aroma of neroli essential oil (Citrus aurantium) to bring you peace and vibrancy.

All that’s needed on your part is to add about 5 to 10 drops of your preferred EO to your diffuser and turn it on.

While diffusers disperse oils into your immediate surrounding, some differ in how they transmit essential oil particles. Some of the most common diffusers available are:

• Ultrasonic diffusers: These operate by using water as a base to transmit essential oil components. You'll need to add water to your diffuser for it to work. This diffuser emits EO particles moderately. Different manufacturers will have different usage instructions. Please adhere to these guidelines.
• Nebulizing diffusers: Water isn't required to operate this equipment. Heat or an electrical unit is used to disperse EO particles. A nebulizing diffuser will exhaust a bottle of essential oil in no time and are more expensive in comparison to ultrasonic diffusers.

Diffuser manufacturers are getting creative with their products, so you may encounter various options, including personal diffusers for use on the go.

How to Use Essential Oils Without a Diffuser

If a diffuser isn’t an option, you can still enjoy inhalation by using a tissue or cotton ball. Using a tissue to inhale essential oils may provide immediate results.

Other common ways to use a plant’s essence without a diffuser include room sprays and reed diffusers.

Also, steam inhalation is another way to use essential oils without a diffuser. It may be helpful for respiratory issues such as sinusitis, congestion, and the common cold. As an added benefit, steam intensifies an essential oil's aroma and disperses it more quickly.

To perform steam inhalation at home, bring a pot of water to a boil. Kill the flame and transfer the water to a container that’s easier to work with. Add 3 drops of essential oil to the water. If the vapor isn’t strong enough, you may add more, but try not to go crazy with how many drops you use.

You may form a tent above the head with a towel to retain the steam, but this isn’t necessary. When using steam inhalation with asthmatics, only a drop of essential oil should be used. This is because the aroma may have an adverse effect as it intensifies with the heat.

Topical Use of Essential Oils

A massage oil and essential oil roll-on are often used to apply oils to the skin. Oil lovers prefer these options because of their ease of use.

Essential oils are effective for topical use because their compounds penetrate the skin, intensify the absorption of conventional drugs, and provide little to no risk when used in appropriate doses. Also, they are fat-loving (lipophilic) and integrates well into the skin.

Topical application may help treat localized pain and skin conditions, although a psychological effect may also be produced.

To avoid unnecessary skin irritation, always dilute your essential oils in a carrier oil like jojoba. This may also prevent phototoxicity and sensitization.

Some plant extracts like clove bud (Syzygium aromaticum) and cinnamon leaf (Cinnamomum verum) are natural skin irritants. When applied neatly, they could leave a nasty bite or sting, which may result in burns or red blotches. Neat application is a term used in aromatherapy to indicate the undiluted use of essential oils.

Other methods of topical use include the ‘M’ technique and compresses. More information is to come on how to use essential oils on the skin.

Internal & Oral Use of Essential Oils

The internal and oral use of plant essences in aromatherapy remain a controversial subject. Most aromatherapists dare not whisper internal or oral use of essential oils, while others speak about them without restriction.

It’s not a question of ‘can essential oils be ingested?’ or taken in through other internal routes. The million-dollar question is, "Should you ingest essential oils?"

That’s a matter left up to discretion, but it’s important to look at the risks, as these are heightened once you venture into internal and oral use.

Essential oils stand a greater chance of interacting with medications when ingested. The field of aromatherapy is a growing one; hence, the chemical and safety profile of some essential oils are unknown or need more research. However, the little science and clinical data we have on hand reveal that not all volatile oils are safe to ingest.

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia), for example, is toxic when taken in high oral doses, while oils like sage and rosemary may trigger seizures in some individuals (although safe when used on the skin).

The risks are further compounded when a pregnant woman or child is involved. There's also concern about the purity and quality of essential oils.

One simply does not have a complete picture of the scope of internal use and, as such, is best avoided, or at least used under the supervision of a medical professional.

Internal and oral routes of administration of plant essences include suppositories, mouthwashes, gelatin capsules, douches, and honey or other dispersants.

There’s much to learn about using essential oils.

Don’t feel overwhelmed.

At Positive Essence, we aim to add to your fund of essential oil knowledge. We explain all the technical, scientific stuff in terms you can understand and apply.

If you have any questions about essential oils or topics you’d like covered on the blog, we’re only a message away. Please, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Happy oiling. We’ll see you in the next blog post.

What are Essential Oils - An Introduction for Beginners

Essential oils have been used by a growing community for years. For some, their gripe is with conventional drugs. They use essential oils as an alternative medicine to escape products laced with synthesized chemicals.

For others, it’s the beautiful aroma and feel-good component that keeps them hooked.

What’s your story?

What has sparked your interest in essential oils? Whatever the story, you’re looking to learn more about them and how they can benefit your family.

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are plant derivatives.

These are volatile, concentrated compounds extracted from different plant parts through distillation. Citrus oils are exceptions, as these are cold-pressed from the rind of the fruit.

The essential oil is the very essence or aroma of the plant. They are found in the flowers, flower blossoms, seeds, leaves, bark, rind, and other areas of some plants.

Think about the last time you handled an orange. As the rind of the fruit is removed, vesicles or sacs are broken, releasing the essence. This emits a beautiful, vibrant citrus aroma.

Essential oils are produced by plants as a defense mechanism. Plants do come under vicious attacks from bacteria, insects, and temperature change. The plant’s essence protects it.

Since plant extracts have woven their way into many homes, a question worth considering is: What are essential oils made of?

What are Essential Oils Made Of?

Plants produce primary and secondary metabolites.

Primary metabolites are crucial for the plant’s development and growth. These include proteins, vitamins, enzymes, and other phytochemicals (compounds in plants). Essential oils are secondary metabolites and aren’t produced at the primary stage.

Every chemical produced in a plant solves a problem. What does the production of volatile oils solve? As mentioned before, to defend themselves. Plants may not wield a literal weapon to ward of dangers, but they produce chemicals to undertake the work for them.

Secondary chemicals come together to form the essential oils used today. These chemicals include:

• phenolic compounds
• terpenoid molecules
• alkaloids
• coumarins and others

These chemicals play a role in attracting and protecting plants from microbes. But some also have medicinal and therapeutic effects on humans.

Hence, plants are explored today to unravel the science behind essential oils.

The Science Behind Essential Oils

There’s a science behind essential oils and how they work.

Some essential oil may contain more than 100 different chemical compounds. These work in unison to relieve different ailments and make you feel better.

Compounds such as alcohols, aldehydes, phenols, hydrocarbons, terpenes, and others combine to give the oil its rich aroma and therapeutic benefits.

Menthol, for example, is an alcohol found in peppermint essential oil (Mentha x piperita). This alcohol, along with menthone, gives peppermint essential oil its minty, stimulating, and refreshing aroma. The oil’s chemical structure makes it powerful and useful today. In fact, research hints at its effectiveness in relieving irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive disorders.

Another famous extract is lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia). The chemical structure of this sweet, floral note endows lavender oil with its sedative and calming properties. The oil sports over 100 different chemical compounds, with linalyl acetate making up about 40%. Combined with another chemical, linalool, lavender wears a tall hat as an essential oil for sleep and mood disorders.

The scientific details of aromatherapy oils can become overwhelming, and that’s understandable.

Our goal at Positive Essence is to breakdown information into bite-sized, digestible pieces. We want you to leave feeling confident about your choices, whether you’re looking to buy essential oils for diffuser use or learn about their benefits.

As a takeaway from the science behind essential oils, remember that each oil has its chemistry and uniqueness. The chemistry of an oil will determine its pharmacological effects and possible contraindications to watch out for.

What are Essential Oils Used For?

To experience the healing power of plant-based extracts, they must be used for their intended purpose.

If you’re given a prescribed gel to prevent acne, where would you use it? Would you ingest that product or apply it to the affected area?

Use your volatile oils in a similar manner.

They aren't one-size-fits-all. Determine the problem you're looking to solve and use your oils accordingly. If you want relief from muscle aches, don't apply these concentrated lipids to your bellybutton. Apply them to the affected muscle area.

Practitioners of aromatherapy use plant essences to provide relief for a range of physical, emotional, and physiological symptoms. These include:

• Mood disorders (irritability, anger, anxiety, depression, etc.)
• Insomnia and restlessness
• Tiredness and fatigue
• Exercise performance
• Musculoskeletal problems such as spasms, inflammation, and pain
• Skin dilemmas such as acne, rashes, itching, inflammatory skin conditions.
• Respiratory issues such as coughs, sinusitis, congestion, etc.

This isn’t an exhaustive list, but you get the idea.

Since essential oils can be used for many situations, let’s pinpoint a few popular oils and what they are good for.

What are Essential Oils Good For?

When a woman uses contraceptive pills, it’s easy to conclude what they’re being used for.

Similarly, certain plant-based extracts are well-known for specific conditions. Although a single essential oil like lavender may be best suited for peaceful sleep, it’s also worthwhile for individuals who seek to calm the mind.

Also, neroli essential oil (Citrus aurantium) is big on providing emotional support. This essence is luxurious and blends well when used to create DIY, high-class perfumes.

If you’re big on earthy, musky fragrances, another note to consider is vetiver essential oil (Chrysopogon zizanioides). It’s a rich base to stabilize perfumes, holding its tenacity so that the aroma doesn’t fizz out easily. This is because essential oils are highly volatile (evaporates easily).

How to Buy Essential Oils

You may have concerns about how to buy essential oils that are pure. You’re not alone. Most users of aromatics want to ensure they aren’t using substandard and contaminated products.

So, before parting ways with your pennies, here are a few tips to consider:

• The botanical details of the plant should be listed on the bottle. Be wary of vendors that only list the common name of the plant. This should always be followed by the plant’s Latin binomial.

For example, lavender (true) is the common name, but Lavandula angustifolia is the botanical name of the plant. This is important, as different species (angustifolia) exists of the genus (Lavandula). A bottle only labeled with lavender could also be spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia) or French or Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas). Ensure you know what you're getting.

• Pure oils should not be bottled in plastic or clear containers. Buy them from a vendor who distributes their essential oils in either dark, amber, green, or brown glass-colored bottles. UV rays from the sun may alter the chemistry and aromatics of oils. This process is minimized when appropriate containers are used. As essential oils are highly concentrated, their chemicals may also interact with plastic containers and contaminate the oil.
• Buy plant essences from a company that’s committed to educating their customers on safety and proper essential oil use. You want a company that’ll hold your hands, especially as a beginner to aromatherapy.

At Positive Essence, we aim to take our customers on a life-changing journey. When you use our essential oils, you’re in safe hands. Do you need help choosing an essential oil for a specific situation but are unsure of what to do? Leave us a comment and we’ll try our best to help your situation or point you in the right direction.