What are essential oils, and how do they work for your Mental Health?
An Interview with Neal's Yard Remedies independant consultant, Emma Skilton
We have invited Emma Skilton, an independent consultant and wellbeing coach to discover how essential oils can support our mental health.
Essential oils are used in aromatherapy to enhance psychological and physical wellbeing. Many of the oils have been shown to be effective in relieving stress and elevating mood. Neal's Yard Remedies formulation team have used their knowledge of the benefits of the different essential oils to create blends to enhance our wellbeing.
When considering essential oils Neal's Yard Remedies are known for using high quality ethically sourced essential oils and ingredients for their handmade ranges produced in the U.K. This pioneering force has led the way for over 40 years, educating us on how to use their oils safely at home, The world we navigate on a daily basis can cause many people to feel high levels of stress. Using essential oils responsibly can help us feel calmer, more balanced and even energised when we choose the right combination of oils.
The world we navigate on a daily basis can cause many people to feel high levels of stress. Using essential oils responsibly can help us feel calmer, more balanced and even energised when we choose the right combination of oils.
“The world we navigate on a daily basis can cause many people to feel high levels of stress. Using essential oils responsibly can help us feel calmer, more balanced and even energised when we choose the right combination of oils.”Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
1. How do essential oils work and why would we use them?
The natural plant extracts in essential oils work by interacting with systems in our body that affect us physically and emotionally. Most commonly received via skin absorption or inhalation. They have been used for centuries medically and in religious ceremonies. Today they have become increasingly popular in the home as people recognise how the different oils can influence their mood and general wellbeing. I am most commonly asked for oils that will give a sense of calm and balance. There are also many stimulating oils that are great when we want more energy and focus. I love to diffuse oil into my home via diffuser to create a particular mood. Currently I have an uplifting blend that includes Jasmine and Ylang Ylang which helps me with days when I need a mental hug.
2. How can essential oils support your mental health?
Essential oils contain many components that affect the nervous system. Our sense of smell is incredibly sensitive and the aromas in the oils can be used to enhance our wellbeing and mood. For example Lavender contains a compound known as linalool which has been shown to reduce anxiety. Many citrus oils contain the compound limonene that can lift depressive feelings and ease anxiety.
3. How do you absorb and use essential oils?
Essential oils are absorbed via the skin, most commonly via a massage oil, using this method the active ingredients can enter the bloodstream.
They can also be inhaled through the nasal passage where the molecules interact with the brain and lungs. Our brain responds to the smell in an emotional way, the area known as the amygdala is the emotional centre of our brain.
An increasingly popular way to use them is with a diffuser. This method does not use heat so the purest vapour is released from the vessel into the atmosphere.
4. Are essential oils good for insomnia?
Essential oils can be beneficial for insomnia. Adding a blend of essential oils to a bath oil is a great way to relax and prepare for a good night's sleep. Oils that have been shown to induce sleep and relaxation are Lavender, Vetiver, Marjoram and Clary Sage. They are great for calming the mind and promoting a sense of peace. At home I use a pillow mist that smells divine and sends me off to a deep slumber. Neal’s Yard Remedies are masters at blending oils for different moods.
5. Is there anything else you can use essential oils for?
Essential oils are very versatile and can be added to the laundry dispenser when washing clothes. A few drops on the filter of the vacuum cleaner or in your dustbin can make everything feel fresher. Citronella is great as an insect repellant and I have a spray that I take on holiday. Incidentally, spiders hate peppermint oil!
Because essential oils are naturally anti-bacterial, antifungal and ant-iviral, they are great for cleaning surfaces. Neals Yard Remedies organic defence blend is one of the most versatile essential oil blends they offer which contains ingredients from plants such as Lavender, Thyme and Vetiver.
FIND OUT MORE…
We asked Emma what her top resources are for extra insight into understanding essential oils and improving your wellbeing…
FOLLOW: Find me on Instagram for her wellbeing and nutritional expertise. I have been following Davina Mccall and Anabel Kindersley on instagram. They are both passionate women determined to make change. Davina has done a huge amount to raise awareness around Menopause and Anabel is on a mission to save the bees from extinction and protect our natural world.
BEST BOOKS ABOUT ESSENTIAL OILS: I would not be without Neal’s Yard Remedies Essential Oils published by Dorling Kindersley. Plus a classic read The Fragrant Pharmacy by Valerie Ann Worwood.
PODCASTS: Aromatherapy in action Amy Galper and The Book Of Wellbeing are two podcasts I recently discovered.