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Essentials oils are a simple, gentle way to ease what ails you. Read on to learn which oils to shop for and how best to use them. Then breathe deeply and say, “Ahhhh.”
 he dark glass vial is reassuring, its contents pure, its origin old-fashioned but its purpose more
relevant than ever as we seek out alternative methods for calming minor complaints. An essential oil sets to work immediately, but it’s more than just a pleasant scent. “The most exciting part of essential oils is that they may go beyond the skin,” says Bryce Wylde, a Toronto-based natural health care practitioner who specializes in botanical medicine. “Fragrance (the volatile oil or essence) enters the nasal cavity and
hits 50-plus receptors in the brain where it accesses emotions, behaviour and accentuates the mind-body
connection, prompting the body to heal itself.”
What may sound complex is actually quite simple to achieve. “It’s a much more gentle approach to health care than changing your diet, getting a prescription or popping pills,” says Jennifer Pottruff, a registered herbalist in Brantford, Ontario. “You can do it on your own easily and quickly: it’s very empowering.” We’ve asked our experts for the best essential oils and methods for treating common concerns so you can sniff, rub and diffuse your way to wellness. |
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YOU HAVE
stress + anxiety
YOU WANT lemon balm, ylang ylang, lavender,
rosemary, chamomile
WHY Better studied than lavender, the go-to relaxation oil, lemon balm has been shown to reduce agitation in those suffering from severe dementia, according to Wylde. Ylang ylang can actually decrease blood pressure, while lavender, rosemary and chamomile are sedating.
HOW-TO A warm bath is the best diffuser: add 3 to 4 drops (less if you’re sensitive to smell). | |
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YOU HAVE
dry skin + scalp
YOU WANT calendula,
also known as marigold
WHY Calendula is healing and moisturizing, encouraging skin turnover as well, Wylde suggests.
HOW-TO This oil should be mixed with a carrier – a
neutral, skin-safe oil – before being applied. Mix 2 to 3 drops of calendula with 1/2 tsp sweet almond in your palms and apply to affected areas. For dry, flaky scalp, add a full bottle of essential oil to a regular-sized bottle of hypo-allergenic shampoo (like baby shampoo) and lather, letting suds sit on the scalp and hair for 3 to 4
minutes before rinsing (avoid eyes, nose and mouth). | |
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 YOU HAVE
nausea, upset stomach
YOU WANT peppermint, ginger
WHY The astringent fragrances of peppermint and ginger have been known to quell queasiness (peppermint leaves and ginger root work equally well when ingested as teas).
HOW-TO Mix a few drops of your preferred oil with a carrier and massage onto the stomach or diffuse in a warm bath, Pottruff suggests.
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YOU HAVE
the need for a massage
YOU WANT rose, jasmine, orange, basil, black pepper, cardamom, rosemary
WHY Use rose, jasmine and orange for relaxation and basil, black pepper, cardamom and rosemary for stimulation.
HOW-TO Start with a conservative 1 to 2 drops mixed with a carrier in the palm. Bring your favourite oil to your next appointment with a professional and ask to customize your massage.
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 YOU HAVE
a cut, burn or scar
YOU WANT tea tree, lemon, calendula
WHY “Tea tree oil is the only antiseptic I have for my kids,” Pottruff says. “It has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.” For healing, Wylde likes lemon oil and calendula for their moisturizing potential.
HOW-TO Tea tree oil can be applied directly to fresh cuts at the onset, while lemon oil and calendula (1 to 2 drops) should be mixed with a carrier oil (1/2 tsp) and applied only once a scab has formed, Wylde cautions. | |
 YOU HAVE
muscle soreness
YOU WANT peppermint, spearmint
WHY Castor oil is the ideal vehicle for essential
oils to penetrate deeply beyond the skin. Mint oils are counter-irritants that open up tissues, increase blood flow to sore areas and help with healing.
HOW-TO Create a therapeutic wrap or pack by saturating a piece of clean flannel with castor oil and a few drops of your mint oil of choice. Wrap the area or muscle with the soaked flannel, cover with plastic wrap and then apply a heating pad to the area. | |
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