Essential Oils within our Products
Essential oils have an extensive range of properties and application, as denoted in aromatherapy literature. The oils have many of the same therapeutic properties and applications but it the aromatherapist's skill that identifies which oil is the most appropriate and the synergy of combinations. I highlight the main properties for each oil based on my professional experience as an aromatherapist of 25 years.
Benzoin - Therapeutic properties - a natural expectorant, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Great for inflamed and irritated skin. Renowned for its respiratory application (asthma, coughs, bronchial conditions) and release of nervous tension.
Personal view - this brings a lovely warm spicy, vanilla and chocolate scent to this blended soap which is warming and calming at the same time.
Bergamot - Therapeutic properties - anti-depressant, wonderful for de-stressing, anxiety and as an astringent. Great for skin complaints, acne, eczema, psoriasis and oily skin.
Refreshing and uplifting quality, combined with Geranium gives a real, spa like smell.
Personal view - this is one of my to go to oils for clients who are stressed and anxious.
Black Pepper - Therapeutic properties - good for the immune system, muscular aches and pains, poor circulation. Naturally analgesic (pain relieving), antimicrobial, antiseptic and antispasmodic. Among other things, it's even an aphrodisiac! See our Rosemary, Black Pepper and Lavender soap here.
Personal view - fantastic spicy scent. This is the oil I use for sore muscles, joints and poor circulation.
Frankincense - Therapeutic properties - used for colds and flu, asthma, stress-related conditions, great for meditation. Helps stimulate skin regeneration. The ancient Egyptians used it as a rejuvenating oil as it is known to heal blemishes, scars and wrinkles.
Personal view - I use this oil extensively for my work in the hospital as it is known to help people with trauma and break emotional links with the past.
Oriental, spicy scent. One of my favourites.
Geranium - Therapeutic properties - excellent for supporting hormonal problems and the nervous system - very good antidepressant. As a natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic it is useful for skin problems such as acne, eczema, dermatitis, poor circulation and broken capillaries. See our Geranium & Bergamot soap here.
Personal view - lovely and calming with a rose and minty scent. Combines delightfully with Bergamot (in one of my soaps).
Juniperberry - Therapeutic properties - antirheumatic and antitoxic (i.e. removes the toxins that build up with arthritis, cellulite and gout). Excellent for rheumatoid arthritis (especially with Lavender and Rosemary). Also helpful with stress. Another aphrodisiac!! See our Juniper & Lavender soap here.
Personal view - I came across this oil when treating a couple with recurrent cystitis and gout and fell in love with its warming, deep, resinous woody smell - such a multi-layered scent.
Lavender - Therapeutic properties - generally regarded as the most versatile essential oil, has applications across all body systems. In particular wonderful for headaches, migraines and insomnia. Useful for eczema, psoriasis, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, stress-related conditions, sciatica and lowering blood pressure. See our natural Lavender soap here.
Personal view - fresh, clean smell. Very relaxing. Light years away from the old, purple coloured soap that some of us grew up with. Some of my clients put the soap under their pillow to help sleep; others place the soap in their clothes drawers to infuse the smell and keep the bugs at bay.
Lemon - Therapeutic properties - very strong antimicrobial. Good for cleaning hands. Good for the immune system - traditionally used for colds, flu and infections. Good for poor circulation, cellulite and high blood pressure. See our Hand Oil here.
Personal view - light, fresh and of course, lemony scent.
Lemongrass - Therapeutic properties - natural antimicrobial, antiseptic, deodorant and fungicidal properties. These properties are good for common foot conditions of sweaty feet and athletes foot and we use within our Foot oil.
Personal view - herbal, lemony, fresh, oriental scent. A real pick me up, especially when combined with Peppermint (as in our Foot oil).
Orange, Sweet - Therapeutic properties - a natural antidepressant, antiseptic and lymphatic stimulant. Useful as a mood lifter, helpful with fluid retention and assisting with colds and flu.
Personal view - lovely fresh yet warm scent that rounds the Sandalwood and Benzoin soap off perfectly.
Peppermint - Therapeutic properties - Strong, natural antiviral and antimicrobial (these properties are good for common feet problems such as sweaty feet and athlete's foot). Cephalic (helps with headaches, fainting and mental fatigue). Also good for the digestive system. See our Foot Oil here.
Personal view - fresh, vibrant, minty smell. Just perfect for feet as so refreshing and stimulating.
Rosemary - Therapeutic properties - cephalic (aids concentration). Antimicrobial and a great pain reliever. Good for poor circulation. Stimulates hair follicles. Avoid during pregnancy.
Personal view - I use this oil extensively due to its great range of therapeutic properties particularly as a boost to circulation, easing muscular/rheumatic pain. Can boost the immune system and helpful with many respiratory (asthma/bronchitis/coughs/sinus) complaints (great for a steam inhalation).
Sandalwood - Therapeutic properties - a natural anti-depressant and sedative making it useful for conditions such as depression, insomnia, tension and anxiety. Also a powerful natural urinary and pulmonary antiseptic that combined with its bacterial and expectorant properties make it a powerful respiratory aid for bronchitus, catarrh and asthma. See our Sandalwood soap here.
Personal view - I use for the nervous and respiratory system. I use this extensively in my hospital work as clients love the exquisite woody/oriental/sweet smell; and many find it a great mood leveller.
Tea tree - Therapeutic properties - naturally powerful - anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and immunostimulant. Strong oil for use with the likes of acne, athlete's foot, boosts the immune system helping with colds, flu and viral infections.
Personal view - powerful, spicy scent. A very useful oil for specific problems.
