Today I want to highlight three simple ways for you to introduce essential oils to your daily routine. I’ve written about the properties and benefits of essential oils before, how they differ from fragrance oils, and what makes them special, but if this is your first time reading Notes of Cedar or if you’re entirely new to essential oils, here’s a quick recap of what they are and how they work.

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are natural compounds that we extract from plants. They’re what gives plants their unique smell and flavour. 

How do essential oils work?

Essential oils can be applied to the skin or inhaled. They have a distinct aroma, like a personality, and each aroma invokes a physical or emotional response in us, hence the term ‘aromatherapy’. Essential oils can be endlessly combined to produce a wonderful array of scents, but it takes a lot of patience and know-how to get the blend right.  

Where can I find essential oils?

They’re used in all kinds of skincare, perfumery and homeware products. Every Cedar candle is made with essential oils, and I also offer a bespoke collection of essential oil blends.

Want to know more about essential oils? Click here.

You can explore Cedar’s collection of candles and blends here

THREE WAYS TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS AT HOME

1. THE MORNING SHOWER

Trust me, essential oils can revolutionise a morning ritual. When you use them in the shower, it’s a really refreshing way to start your day. I have a couple of neat methods for you to try. The first is adding 8-10 drops of an essential oils blend to a damp wash cloth that you place on the shower floor. The second is to add 3-5 drops to a cup of water; just set this inside, out of the way of the water and your feet. As the temperature in the shower rises and you’re surrounded with all that lovely steam, the essential oils work their magic, creating a dreamy spa effect.    

Recommended blend: Sulis

Perfect for clearing the airways and leaving you energised. Sulis is a light, cleansing combination of eucalyptus, lavender and mandarin.

2. THE MIDDAY PICK-ME-UP

In the afternoons I find that my concentration levels can drop. This is where essential oils come in super handy. I add a few drops of a zesty citrus or fresh conifer blend to an oil burner or diffuser, and let the scent fill my workspace. It really stirs the senses and improves my focus. You can also experiment with some drops of eucalyptus to detoxify the air.  

Recommended blend: Taiga

A blend of juniper, eucalyptus, Siberian fir and vetiver that brings the freshness and clarity of a mountain forest to you, especially great if you’re working from home.    

 

3. THE BATH

A long soak in a hot bath is an ideal way to relax, but when you factor in essential oils it takes the experience to the next level. Because oil and water famously don’t mix, you’ll need to use a carrier oil such as jojoba, apricot or even olive oil. Add a couple of drops to the carrier oil and you’re good to go. I’d recommend adding essentials oils to the water once the bath is full rather than beforehand. This way you can get the full aromatherapy benefits before any scent dilutes.                                                                                                  

Recommended blend: Selene   

A gentle combination of lavender, bergamot, frankincense and patchouli, Selene is designed to relax and soothe. It always helps me wind down and drift off to sleep.    

These are just three of the ways in which essential oils can improve your wellbeing whether you’re relaxing or working. Bringing peace and tranquillity to your home. If you want to keep experimenting, you could try personalising some of your other beauty products such as odourless body oils or shower gels. A few drops and you have a personal range that works for you.                

Aromatherapy is such a personal thing. It’s all about finding the scents you respond to then making work your way.                                                             

If you want to know more you can always reach me via @cedarlifestyle.

Lizzy

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