Once in a yoga class, as we settled into savasana, the instructor went around and applied a dab of lavender essential oil to each of our foreheads and temples. The scent was truly amazing, and I found myself thinking, “I want to smell this forever.” I immediately bought some for myself and, because I had no idea what I was doing, began to do some research about how to use them. I learned that there is a lot more to essential oils than smelling good. Essential oils are incredibly versatile and can be utilized for a wide array of purposes, including aromatherapy, natural cleaning solutions, skincare, and even promoting overall wellness
Essential oils have been used for centuries for their natural healing properties and their ability to promote holistic well-being, as well as their practical uses. Derived from plants, these potent oils have gained popularity for their various therapeutic uses, from promoting relaxation and reducing stress to supporting skin health and aiding in natural healing. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy, but they are often incorporated into other holistic healing modalities like yoga and meditation because of their ability to promote relaxation and mental clarity. In this post, we’ll learn about the benefits of essential oils and how they are made, as well as the basics on how to use them!
How Essential Oils are Made
Essential oils are extracted from various parts of plants, including the flowers, leaves, bark, stems, and roots. There are three main methods for extraction: steam distillation, cold pressing, and solvent extraction, and the method used depends on the type of plant material. Steam distillation is the most common method and involves passing steam through the plant material, causing the essential oil to evaporate and then condense into a liquid. This gentle approach preserves the delicate aromatic compounds of the oil.
Cold pressing is primarily used for extracting oil from citrus fruits. The peel of the fruit is pressed to release the oil, capturing the aromatic essence without the use of heat. Solvent extraction involves using a solvent such as hexane to extract the oil from the plant material. The solvent is then removed, leaving behind pure oil. This method is often used for plants that are too delicate for steam distillation or when a high yield of oil is desired.
Benefits of Essential Oils
Essential oils offer a wide range of potential benefits for physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Many are known for their calming and relaxing properties, making them ideal for reducing stress and promoting a sense of tranquility. The lavender oil I first experienced is known for its soothing aroma, often used to support relaxation and improve sleep quality. Certain essential oils possess uplifting and energizing qualities, helping to improve mood and boost mental clarity. Lemon and peppermint essential oils are popular choices for their refreshing scents that invigorate the senses and enhance alertness.
In addition to their emotional and mental benefits, essential oils can also be used to support physical wellness. Some essential oils exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties that can aid in addressing minor skin irritations, muscle discomfort, inflammation, and other physical concerns. For instance, tea tree oil is renowned for its antimicrobial properties and is commonly used in skincare to help soothe blemishes and support skin health. Another popular oil is peppermint, which contains natural menthol, known for its potential to alleviate headaches and muscle aches.
Other uses and benefits:
- Aromatherapy: Essential oils are commonly used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve mood.
- Skin Care: Many oils have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and analgesic properties that can be beneficial for skin conditions, muscle aches, and minor wounds when used topically.
- Respiratory Support: Eucalyptus and peppermint, are believed to have properties that can ease congestion and support respiratory health.
- Immune Boosting: Certain essential oils are thought to have immune-boosting properties and can be used to support overall wellness.
- Stress Relief: The aroma of essential oils can help to alleviate stress and promote a sense of calm and relaxation.
- Potential Pain Relief: Oils like lavender and chamomile are believed to have pain-relieving properties when used in massage or aromatherapy.
- Antimicrobial Properties: Certain essential oils, such as tea tree oil, are known for their antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which can be beneficial for addressing skin issues.
- Mood Enhancement: Essential oils like citrus oils are known for their uplifting and mood-enhancing properties.
- Digestive Support: Peppermint oil is often used to soothe digestive discomfort and support healthy digestion.
- Sleep Aid: Lavender oil is commonly used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
Essential Oils as a Supplement to Yoga & Meditation
Aromatherapy is often incorporated into things like yoga, meditation, and Reiki because of its ability to promote mindfulness, focus, and spiritual connection. Breathing in the aroma of essential oils can help relax the body and the mind, making it easier to be in the present moment, fully engaged with your practice. While certain oils are known for their calming properties, others help with mental clarity. Whether we’re trying to find focus in a yoga class, access deeper levels of meditation, or enjoying a massage, essential oils serve as an excellent supplement to enhance the experience.
Some common oils and how they can benefit our spiritual practices:
1. Lavender – promotes relaxation and helps in calming the mind during meditation.
2. Frankincense – aids in deepening meditation and enhancing spiritual connection.
3. Sandalwood – supports meditation and helps in achieving mental clarity.
4. Rose – encourages feelings of love, compassion, and gratitude during spiritual practices.
5. Cedarwood – promotes a sense of grounding and stability during meditation and spiritual rituals.
6. Peppermint – known for its invigorating properties, it can help in increasing focus and clarity during meditation.
Using Essential Oils in Your Home
Essential oils are incredibly versatile and can serve as natural, eco-friendly alternatives to the harsh chemicals typically used for cleaning our homes. From disinfecting surfaces to freshening the air, essential oils offer a wide range of benefits. For example, tea tree oil’s antimicrobial properties make it an effective cleaner for mold and mildew.
Lemon oil can be used to degrease surfaces while leaving behind a pleasant, uplifting scent. By incorporating essential oils into our cleaning routines, we can create a healthier living environment for ourselves and our families, while also reducing our overall exposure to harmful chemicals.
Using essential oils in your home doesn’t require that you become an expert. The simplest method is to use them in a diffuser, which only requires the diffuser itself, your oil or oils of choice, and water. You can also add oils to your bath or shower, or put a few drops in a small spray can with water to create a natural room freshener. Some are safe for topical use, and can be applied directly to the skin in place of perfume or cologne. It’s all about finding what works for you and experimenting to discover your favorite ways to incorporate essential oils into your daily routine.
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Essential oils offer a natural and holistic approach to enhancing various aspects of our well-being, from relaxation and spiritual practices to reducing the harmful chemicals in our home. At Inspiring Actions, we sell a locally made essential oil blend, infused with healing Reiki energy, and although the use of oils during group classes is limited to respect people’s unique sensitivities, we encourage their use in your personal practice if essential oils resonate with you. Visit our boutique
If you haven’t visited us yet, we invite you to our studios in Hudson or River Falls, Wisconsin! We have classes for every level of experience, as well as multiple special events per month. Give us a try for free at our twice-monthly Free Karma Yoga classes and if you come to the Hudson location, bring your kids (ages 4 – 9) for Kid’s Yoga held at the same time. Whether it’s a gentle yoga class, a somatic movement workshop, or a healing sound bath, we have something for you at Inspiring Actions!
