Holistic healing

Discover Essential Oils

Harness the healing properties of plants and enjoy their incredible aromas with this guide to essential oils from Neal’s Yard Remedies

Taking a dip into the world of essential oils can be daunting at first. Each essential oil captures the scent and flavour of the plant it’s extracted from, and each one has numerous properties and uses. From headaches and muscle pain to relief from stress and insomnia, the healing benefits associated with using essential oils have been recognised for centuries. Pick an oil with specific medicinal properties, or simply make your choice based on the stunning aromas they produce. Use this guide to discover the characteristics of an assortment of essential oils, and prepare to be amazed by the fragrant powers they hold.

Best for… Relaxing

Chamomile Roman

Relaxing, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory

Use for:

Mind: Insomnia, irritability, and anxiety

Skin: Itchy, inflamed skin

Musculoskeletal: Muscle aches, pains, inflammation

Digestive: Cramps and spasms, IBS

Women’s health: Menstrual cramps, PMS

Best for… A mood boost

Ylang Ylang

Uplifting, calming

Use for:

Mind: Anxiety, depression, irritability, stress

Skin: All types, acne, facial use

Circulatory: Stress-related hypertension, heart palpitations

Safety note: Can cause headaches if sensitive to strong odours

Best for… Balancing

Cedarwood atlas

Balancing, warming, tonifying

Use for:

Mind: Anxiety, depression, nervous tension, exhaustion

Immunity: Lowered immunity, fatigue

Skin: Oily skin, acne

Lymphatics: Sluggish lymphatics

Respiratory: Chronic catarrh, asthma

Best for… Refreshing

Neroli

Relaxing, refreshing, uplifting

Use for:

Mind: Anxiety, depression, insomnia, stress, and tension

Skin: All types, facial use, stretch marks and scars

Digestive: Stress-related digestive issues, including IBS

Best for… Invigorating

Bergamot

Balancing, uplifting

Use for:

Mind: Mood swings, anxiety, depression

Immunity: Aiding immunity

Skin: Dry or oily skin

Digestive: Indigestion, wind

Safety note: Use bergapten free to avoid problems with sunlight exposure

Best for… Cleansing

Lemon

Cleansing, refreshing, uplifting

Use for:

Mind: Depression, irritability, lethargy

Immunity: Lowered immunity

Skin: Oily skin, acne

Lymphatics: Sluggish lymphatics

Digestive: Sluggish digestion

Safety note: Do not use above 2%

Best for… Soothing

Mandarin

Soothing, antispasmodic

Use for:

Mind: Anxiety, insomnia, irritability, stress and swings

Skin: Oily skin, stretch marks

Lymphatic system: Sluggish lymphatics

Digestive: Sluggish digestion, stress-related gut issues

Best for… Toning

Palmarosa

Balancing, toning, cooling

Use for:

Mind: Anxiety, stress irritability, exhaustion, tension headaches

Skin: All types, acne, inflamed skin, facial use

Circulatory: Palpitations

Digestive: Indigestion, cramps and spasms

Best for… Stimulating

Eucalyptus

Antimicrobial, antiseptic, stimulating

Use for:

Mind: Fatigue, poor focus, ‘brain fog’, sinus-related headaches

Musculoskeletal: Muscle and joint pain, arthritis issues

Respiratory: Respiratory tract infections, sinus congestion

Best for… Detoxifying

Juniper

Warming, stimulating, detoxifying

Use for:

Mind: Lethargy, tension

Skin: Oily skin, acne

Musculoskeletal: Muscle and joint pain, arthritis

Circulatory: Poor circulation, cold extremities

Lymphatics: Sluggish lymphatics, water retention

Best for… Energising

Ginger

Warming; stimulating

Use for:

Mind: Exhaustion, chronic fatigue

Musculoskeletal: Muscle and joint pain, arthritis

Circulatory: Poor circulation, cold extremities

Digestive: Cramps and spasms, indigestion

Women’s health: Painful periods

Best for… Inflamed skin

Rose

Relaxing, cooling, tonifying

Use for:

Mind: Anxiety, depression, stress

Skin: Dry, mature, sensitive, or inflamed

skin; facial use

Digestive: Sluggish digestion, especially stress-related

Women’s health: PMS and menopausal symptoms

Best for… Stability

Geranium

Cooling, moistening, balancing

Use for:

Mind: Mood swings, anxiety, depression

Skin: Balancing for all skin types, facial use with acne

Digestive: Stress-related digestive complaints

Women’s health: PMS and menopausal symptoms

Extracted from Neal’s Yard Remedies Complete Massage (DK)

Essential oils available from Neal’s Yard, nealsyardremedies.com

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