• Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Watches & Jewellery
  • Culture
  • SUSTAINABILITY
  • Female TV
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Watches & Jewellery
  • Culture
  • SUSTAINABILITY
  • FemaleTV
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
Subscribe Now!
  • Also available at:
Privacy Menu 1
  • About Us
  • Advertise with Us
  • Contact
  • Conditions of Access
  • PDPA
  • Privacy Policy
SPH Media

MCI (P) 032/12/2022. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No. 202120748H. Copyright © 2023 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.

  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Watches & Jewellery
  • Culture
  • SUSTAINABILITY
  • Female TV

Culture

The Best Essential Oils To Breathe In, Relax And Repeat

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Culture

The Best Essential Oils To Breathe In, Relax And Repeat

Breathe in deep and gain some balance in your life with these beneficial scents.

by Nicola Watson and Anna Brewster  /   March 8, 2019

There’s something about stress that causes great damage to your immune system and general health. A body that is not under stress has a more robust immune system which would make it less prone to infections and illnesses.

If you are feeling anxious and depressed or suffering from poor sleep, you might want to try getting into essential oils. Essential oils, which are natural extracts made from flower, herb, and tree parts like bark, roots, peels, and petals, can help with stress reduction and relaxation.

Of course, good health is a holistic effort that requires good nutrition, exercise and even meditation as well, but research has shown that aromatherapy can activate certain areas of your brain, like your limbic system, which plays a role in your emotions. Essential oil scents could also have an impact on your hypothalamus, generating feel-good brain chemicals like serotonin.

We’ve all heard of chamomile, jasmine and lavender — they are the most commonly known beneficial oils for encouraging relaxation. But do you know what others do? We spoke to Anna Brewster from The Natural & Organic Co, who looks after aromatherapy and natural body products, to give us the lowdown on the best essential oils for our health.

Read the below and get yourself a few. We suggest adding drops to your diffuser or on the floor when you’re having a hot shower. Or add some to a carrier oil and use the blend to massage your hands and feet. Then…just relax.

Related Articles

Forest Bathing: The New Way To De-Stress

5 Ways To Love Yourself In 2019

Will 2019 Be The Year You Get In Shape? Try These New Fitness Classes For Size

https://www.femalemag.com.sg/gallery/culture/best-essential-oils-destress-wellness-health/
The Best Essential Oils To Breathe In, Relax And Repeat
1. Tea tree
image

This is very widely used and for very good reasons. It is versatile and can be used in several areas, from treating acne to fungal infections to the prevention of the spread of flu bugs. It is one of the rare oils that has combined anti-bacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties, and is also a very powerful immunostimulant which makes it excellent for immune function.

2. Lemon
image

Not only does it give a cheery and uplifting fresh scent, lemon is also known for its important ability to stimulate the body’s defence mechanism against infection, as well as being a powerful bactericide which makes it another great oil for the immune system. A strong and robust immune system is essential in warding off illnesses, from simple infections to cancers.

3. Clove
image

For centuries, clove oil has been known for its anti-infectious properties and for the prevention of contagious illnesses, especially the plague. It’s a powerful antiseptic and also a ‘hot’ oil which means great care needs to be taken when using the oil. In some cultures, clove oil has been traditionally used as an antiseptic in midwifery.

4. Eucalyptus
image

As a strong immunostimulant, eucalyptus oil is great for those who are run down and prone to frequent colds and sinusitis. It is commonly used in formulations for the flu and respiratory infections as it is known for its powerful antiviral and bactericidal actions, which make it an effective treatment for colds by easing nasal congestion and preventing the spread of the virus. It is also a good insect repellent.

5. Thyme
image

Well-known for its use in cooking thanks to its amazing flavour, it is also known to slow down the proliferation of bacteria on meat, especially before the days of refrigeration. It is also an intestinal antiseptic, which fights against gastric infections. Thyme is useful for all forms of infections as it stimulates the production of white blood cells which strengthens the body’s natural resistance.

6. Frankincense
image

Frankincense has been used since biblical times and has been valued not only for its highly calming effect on emotions, but also its usefulness in respiratory infections. It is an oil that encourages slow and deep breaths — this cleanses the body and increases oxygenation, which promotes health and boosts the immune function. It is also known an a ‘spiritual’ oil and is often used in meditation. Incidentally, it also a tonic for skin, slowing down the appearance of wrinkles which makes it highly sought-after in skincare. Some research have shown frankincense may be promising for the treatment of cancer.

7. Lavender
image

The most versatile and popular oil is undoubtedly lavender. The antiviral, antiseptic and antibiotic properties of lavender make it a valuable oil for the treatment of coughs and colds during a flu bout. Lavender also reduces inflammation and restores the mind and body to a balanced state, so that natural healing can take place. Among others, it can relieve headaches and muscle pains, and soothe various skin conditions while stimulating the growth of new healthy cells, which makes it popular in skincare formulations.

8. Lemon Myrtle
image

A native plant of Australia, lemon myrtle gives off a vibrant fresh scent. It is a potent oil with antibacterial, anti fungal and germicidal benefits, and has been said to be even more powerful than tea-tree oil. A great oil to diffuse when there’s a flu bug in the home to promote quick recovery and to prevent the spread of infection.

9. Ravensara
image

Known for its antimicrobial properties, ravensara prevents and fights bacterial and viral infections. Besides boosting the immune system, this oil is also uplifting and induces relaxation, which is overall very beneficial to the immune system.

10. Oregano
image

Studies have shown that oregano is power-packed with compounds that fight various infections, promotes detoxification and are loaded with antioxidants as well as antihistamines. It is a fantastic immune booster and is very helpful in treating infections and allergies. This is a very ‘hot’ oil and great care is to be taken when using it. It is never to be used undiluted on skin.

  • TAGS:
  • beauty
  • essential oils
  • lifestyle
  • wellness
SHARE THIS ON

Trending

Culture

A Final Hurrah For Golden Mile Complex

Culture

Best Parties In March To Hit Up

Culture

Photographer Badsoju On How Female Style Rebels Inspired His Upcoming Book

Culture

14 Chic Hotels In Japan To Stay In For The Sakura Season

Culture

Things To Do In Singapore: An Art-Meets-Rave Party & More

Culture

Things To Do In Singapore: Check Out A Van Gogh Experience & More

Culture

Things To Do In Singapore: A Women-Centric Film Festival & More

Culture

Things To Do In Singapore: A Queer-centric Rave & More

Sponsored Highlights
  • Fashion This Coach Bag Is On Its Way To Achieving Iconic Status
  • Fashion How To Breathe New Life Into Your Old Clothes And Get Paid While Doing It
Editor’s Picks
  • Culture A Final Hurrah For Golden Mile Complex
  • Culture Best Parties In March To Hit Up
  • Culture Photographer Badsoju On How Female Style Rebels Inspired His Upcoming Book
  • Culture 14 Chic Hotels In Japan To Stay In For The Sakura Season
  • Culture Things To Do In Singapore: An Art-Meets-Rave Party & More
  • Culture Things To Do In Singapore: Check Out A Van Gogh Experience & More
Female Newsletter
Sign up for one of our free newsletters to receive the latest news, commentary and fashion features straight from FEMALE.

By signing up, you indicate that you have read and agreed with our Privacy Statement
Footer Menu
  • About Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • Conditions of Access
  • PDPA
  • Privacy Policy
SPH Media

MCI (P) 032/12/2022. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No. 202120748H. Copyright © 2023 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.