A guide to our top five ‘essential’ Essential Oils
November 14th, 2024
Anyone that has been to a Yoga Mara studio class, workshop or escape, knows how much we love incorporating a good quality essential oil to the practice. Not only do they smell delicious and awaken your senses, but on a deeper level, the right essential oils can be used to help ease physical symptoms of stress, anxiety and help bring your body back into a state of balance. Used in a diffuser or directly on the skin, these oils provide instant calm and relief.
Our absolute favourite brand is the renowned doTERRA Essential Oils who pride themselves on providing the highest-quality essential oils to people around the globe. They were the trail blazers who created the CPTG Certified Pure Tested Grade®. This standard ensures you receive only the best essential oils. Check out our top 5 absolute must haves for your essential oil collection at home:
1. Peppermint Oil is one we use on the regular and provides an instant awakening and energising lift. Just a drop on the palm of your hands followed by a deep breath will have you feeling the benefits in seconds. This oil is also a great one to use for tension headaches or neck ache. Place a drop on your index fingers and rub into the temples for instant relief. We like to rub this oil on the nape of our neck as well to ease the strain and stress that can build up there. It also works in smoothies or in a cup of hot water for a healthy spin on Peppermint Tea.
2. Lemongrass Oil is a zesty burst of energy. Lemongrass oil promotes healthy digestion and supports a healthy inflammatory response when ingested, according to preclinical research. Yes, these oils are even ingestible and can be added into recipes. Lemongrass essential oil can tone and cleanse the skin and scalp when incorporated into a hair or skincare routine. It’s also an ideal addition to a post-workout massage. This is one we often use at the end of class when our guests receive a shoulder compression and head massage. If you like the zest, check out the Wild Orange and Grapefruit. These can also be used as a non toxic alternative to household cleaning or yoga mat spray.
3. Balance Grounding Blend The warm, woody aroma of doTERRA Balance Grounding Blend helps create a calming, quieting environment as you consider all aspects of life: relationships, work, fitness, health, and emotional well-being. Add to calming bath or massage, apply to the wrists or neck for instant calm and relaxation, or diffuse in the car during road trips. This oil blends Black Spruce, Ho Leaf, Frankincense, Blue Tansy, Blue Chamomile, and Osmanthus in Fractionated Coconut Oil, creating a tranquil and relaxing aroma. Black spruce was used in Native American wellness and spiritual practices, and the essential oil remains a popular reminder to bring harmony to both mind and body.
4. Lavender Oil is perfect for the nights you’re enjoying a cosy online Yin or Guided Meditation class with us, or relaxing in the bath with a few drops blended into the bubbles. The gentle, relaxing aroma of Lavender promotes a peaceful environment. Lavender is a go-to for reducing the appearance of skin imperfections when applied topically (blend into a carrier cream or oil). You can also add a few drops to pillows, bedding, or the bottoms of your feet to prepare for a restful night’s sleep.
5. PastTense Blend provides a cooling, calming and anxiety releasing effect when applied to pulse points or tight, tense areas in the body. The handy roller bottle makes it easy to use and I use it daily to help me stay grounded and centred and find it particularly helpful when there is something coming up that makes me more anxious/nervous, such as a presentation or pitch. A handbag essential!
We hope you enjoy some of the above oils and blends and get as much benefit from them as we do. Namasté,
Hannah & Rachel x
