Our top ten aromatherapy oils!

Orange oil is one of our favourite oils to diffuse in the office. It’s so bright and uplifting and it smells incredible. It is thought to help reduce anxiety when inhaled. According to recent studies, inhalation through diffusing leads to slower pulse rates. Participants in the study reported feeling happier and more energised.

Lavender oil is one of the best oils to help you relax. This soothing oil is the perfect scent to help you unwind and drift off into a deep sleep. It can be used topically when mixed with a carrier oil, or it can be diffused in your favourite diffuser. You can also add to homemade bath bombs, bath salts and heat pads for a relaxing spa-like experience.

Tea tree oil is one of those must-have essentials for the bathroom cabinet. This wonder oil can be used in a multitude of ways. It has naturally antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties. You can use it to help treat a variety of conditions including acne, inflammation, fungal infections and more. You can also use it as an all purpose cleaner within your home, as well as an antiseptic on wounds and cuts. Be sure to look into how to best dilute the oil – as with most oils, you’ll need to use a carrier oil. And be sure to check whether this oil is suitable for you, as some people’s skin may be too sensitive.

Peppermint oil is a super familiar smell. It’s present in lots of everyday items like toothpaste, mouthwash and chewing gum. But did you know it’s amazingly good for you? It has antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-fungal and antioxidant properties. This oil is also a great all-rounder for lots of kitchen applications. Our NHR range of oils are all certified as food grade, meaning you can flavour food as well as use topically or in your diffuser.

Citronella acts as a highly effective insect repellent. The scent of citronella works by repelling bugs, masking the scent of their prey and making it hard to locate their target to feed. You can add its natural, DEET-free repellent properties to your clothes and bedding by adding a few drops to your wash. Alternatively make your own insect repellant spray with 10 to 15 drops of Citronella to 30ml of water. Be sure to shake before you spray, as the oil will naturally separate from the water.

Ylang ylang is a yellow, star-shaped flower that grows on the Cananga tree (Cananga odorata), and recent studies have shown its effectiveness as a natural insect repellent. It is also thought to help alleviate stress, aid depression and lower blood pressure. It has also been used throughout history as a natural aphrodisiac. Its sweet, sensual scent makes it perfect for adding to massage oils. For a wonderful, sensual massage blend, try mixing 2 drops of ylang ylang and 2 drops of sandalwood to 10ml of sweet almond oil.

Rosemary has long been thought by ancient civilisations to be beneficial for brain health and memory. Recent studies have shown that there might be actual scientific backing behind this. When we inhale rosemary oil, we don’t break down acetylcholine. This in turn leads to improved memory, concentration and overall improved cognitive capabilities.

Rosemary oil also has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, making it a great all-rounder to keep to hand! Make sure you dilute all essential oils with carrier oils before applying topically though – we offer a superb range of different carrier oils here!

For its clean, fresh scent alone, Lemon Oil is great to have around. But it also has antibacterial, astringent, and antiseptic properties, making it wonderfully practical. It can be added to homemade cleaners and disinfectants, as well as to homemade beauty lotions. In particular, the high concentration of D-limonene is thought to help improve the appearance of wrinkles. We love using citrus oils like lemon to make homemade air fresheners. Its fresh scent is super-uplifting!

Clary sage is a great stress-busting oil. It’s thought to lower blood pressure, reduce stress and promote an overall feeling of calm. If you’re having a stressful day, we recommend adding a drop or two of clary sage to your diffuser. A recent study has also indicated that clary sage oil has antibacterial properties.

Cinnamon leaf oil is another good all rounder to keep in your home. It has antiseptic, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anaesthetic properties. Its sensual, exotic scent has also been touted as a libido-boosting aphrodisiac, making it a great ingredient to add to massage oils. Our NHR oils are all food grade, meaning as well as using topically and in diffusers, you can also add them to food!