The use of essential oils in the complementary therapy industry is welcomed standard practice. Massage oils are rich with skin loving essential oils that are added to a carrier oil, and aromatherapy is a popular wellness boosting method loved by thousands of people all over the world. There are many interesting benefits of essential oils, and so many to choose from! At Shea Sassy, we’re big fans of the power of such oils, and we’d like to share with you how you don’t need to be a trained therapist to reap the benefits of essential oils.

What are essential oils?

Stripping it right back to basics (and delivering a quick science class!) essential oils are extracted plant compounds. These unique aromatic plant compounds offer an ‘essence’ of the flower or plant itself, and they are often harvested via a cold pressing or a distillation method. The method of extracting the chemical compound is important for the characteristics (smell, taste) of the plant to be added to a carrier oil that creates a true essential oil.

Do essential oils work?

The practice of using essential oils as part of a wellness routine is considered by many as a ‘pseudoscience’ and it is often subjective as to whether they indeed promise any benefits, mentally or physically. Essential oils work by influencing the olfactory senses - inhaling the scent for a soothing or invigorating experience. Depending on your choice of essential oil, it may have the power to calm you down when you need to relax, or refresh you - and if used in skincare, they may even help to moisturise skin.

How do you use essential oils?

There are numerous ways to introduce your favourite essential oils to your daily life, including;

Add to your bath: A hot bath is the perfect way to enjoy essential oils as the steam will help the scent rise for a gentle aromatherapy experience.

Oil burner: If you’d like a wonderfully smelling room, or if you’re trying to odorise another smell, using a scented oil burner with a tealight is your answer.

Massage oil: Why not create your own beautifully scented massage oil by adding a few drops of a concentrated essential oil to a carrier oil such as jojoba oil (using a ‘neat’ essential oil may be irritating to the skin, so always double check this.)

Add to your pillowcase: If you need a little extra help relaxing at night, drop some lavender oil to your pillowcase to help you drift off for a peaceful sleep.

Fragrance clothing or bed linen: A little known effective use of essential oils is to add them to a small water bottle and spritz over clothes or bed sheets for a subtle scent - ideal if you’ve run out of scented fabric softener!

Essential oil skincare: Skincare brands such as Shea Sassy are harnessing the potential benefits of essential oils in their products, with lavender soaps and peppermint soaps being popular everyday bathing options.

What are the different essential oils?

Here’s a helpful list of just some of the many different essential oils available to help you discover the best kind for your needs;

Lavender: One of the most popular and well known essential oils is lavender, used mainly for its relaxing effect and promotion of calmness. Great to use as a sleep aid or when you need to de-stress after a long day.

Geranium Rose: An obviously floral scent, geranium rose oil is uplifting and may reduce anxiety and aid with depression. It is also an excellent anti-inflammatory so is good in skincare for dry, eczema prone skin.

Peppermint: This oil can have many physical benefits, including relieving nausea and pesky common cold symptoms such as a blocked nose and headaches.

Tea Tree: Another essential oil often used in skincare is tea tree oil as it has antiseptic properties that promotes skin healing - ideal for blemished skin and minor cuts.

Spiced Orange: A grounding blend of citrus and warming cinnamon with ginger and sweet orange makes spiced orange essential oil, well, essential for the cosy winter months.

Lemon: This lemon essential oil is a perfect pick-me-up when that afternoon slump hits. Keep a bottle on your desk for a quick uplifting hit of citrus.

Rosehip Seed: Loved universally for its healing and skin nourishing properties, turn to rosehip seed oil to soothe acne and dry skin.

Vanilla: Another popular essential oil is vanilla which promises a nostalgic scent derived from vanilla beans. Sweet and comforting, it’s a wonderfully calming oil to add to your evening oil burner.

We believe in the amazing benefits of essential oils on the skin and the soul, so in our range of Shea Sassy soaps you’ll find essential oils as a key part of our ingredients. Take a look at our cruelty free soaps today to find the perfect scent for you.

The Benefits of Essential Oils