5 Classic Essential Oils

Guy Vincent, an aromatherapy expert, spoke with Julee Wilson at The Huffington Post about essential oils and aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy is “the use of concentrated plant-derived aromatic oils for health and wellbeing,” Vincent told The Huffington Post.

By simply smelling various essential oils (or a combination of them), our brains become stimulated and depending on the particular healing powers of the aromatic compound, we can experience a range emotions — from calm to energized.

These natural mood modifiers are what have inspired so many to not only try aromatherapy, but to use it on a regular basis.

Vincent, who says he’s “not a great sleeper,” has found that a nightly routine of stretching, yoga and using the calming effects of lavender essential oil help him relax and eventually head to dreamland.

But harnessing the power of aromatherapy goes beyond mood or room-modifying oils, sprays and candles — there are also beautifying benefits. For example, lavender not only helps to relieve stress but its antiseptic and antibacterial properties also fight mild acne. And rosemary oil will give a boost of energy as well as add volume and silky-ness to your hair.

 For optimal effectiveness, many essential oils can be applied directly to the skin or dabbed on the wrist, back of the neck and temples. And adding drops of the pure oils to your favorite beauty products is yet another brilliant use.

We asked Vincent to tell us about some of the most popular aromatherapy oils and how they can help us improve our moods, minds and bodies. Here are 5 classics:

Lavender

Scent: Herbal and floral

Mood/mind effect: Calming to the mind and restorative in times of stress

Beauty effect: Antiseptic acne treatment, natural hair growth agent

Vetiver (root oil)

Scent: Robust, woody and earthy

Mood/mind effect: Grounding, supporting and centering

Beauty effect: Moisturizing, skin toning, fades and removes scars

Rose Geranium

Scent: Fresh and leafy

Mood/mind effect: Balances out emotions and moods — used when extremes need to be brought back to the center

Beauty effect: Wrinkle reducer, improves dental health and acne treatment

Peppermint

Scent: Strong and minty

Mood/mind effect: Invigorating and empowering

Beauty effect: Anti-fungal nail treatment, blemish spot treatment, moisturizer

Bergamot

Scent: Spicy, sweet and citrusy

Mood/mind effect: Cleansing and refreshing

Beauty effect: Antiseptic properties, natural deodorant, skin toner

Read the full story at The Huffington Post