6 Staple Essential Oils I Charu Naava
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are from distilling or extracting the different parts of plants, including the flowers, leaves, bark, roots, resin and peels.
These oils have been used for thousands of years in various cultures for medicinal and health purposes. Essential oil uses range from aromatherapy, household cleaning products, personal beauty care and natural medicine treatments. Essential oil benefits come from their antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. I have been using a few essential oils for almost 3 years and with consistent use I have seen wonderful changes in my skin and hair. I will be adding a few more essential oils to my beauty care soon and I cant wait to see the results.
Here are my 6 Essential Oils staples and their benefits:
1. Rosemary Essential Oil - Rosemary oil extracted from the leaves of the culinary herb Rosmarinus officinalis has a strong minty and woody aroma. It is an invigorating oil packed full of antioxidants that help combat premature graying and thinning of hair. It encourages blood circulation in the scalp and stimulates the hair follicles.
I love adding this oil to my oil mixture when doing hot oil treatments on wash day and oiling my scalp once a week in between my wash days.
2. Peppermint Essential Oil - Peppermint oil when applied on the skin, it improves blood flow to the area. Peppermint oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids, iron, magnesium, calcium, Vitamins A and C, minerals, potassium, manganese and copper. This property is very useful for rejuvenating hair follicles and promoting hair growth. Its cleansing action opens up clogged pores and encourages normal flow of skin oils, making it ideal for people with dry scalp. It also helps control dandruff associated with dry skin. I add the few drops of peppermint oil to my oil mixture which includes rosemary oil.
For skin care, peppermint oil brightens the skin, controls the secretion of excess oil and prevents clogging of pores and outbreak of acne. Excellent as a toner and I apply a few drops to my homemade toner and store it in a cool, dark dry place or Store it in the refrigerator in a spray bottle.
3. Lemongrass Oil - Traditionally, lemongrass parts as well as its oil have been used to remedy digestive disturbances, circulatory issues, acne , headaches, scalp conditions, infection fighter and menstrual irregularities. In some cultures, it is known as fever grass due to its ability to bring down a fever. It is loaded with Vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6, Vitamin C, Calcium Copper, Folate Iron, Magnesium, Manganese ,Pantothenic acid, Potassium, and Protein. It is a true natural multi-vitamin.
I add this oil to my oil mixture for hot oil treatments and to my natural toner mix with peppermint oil.
4. Rosehip Oil - Rosehip oil, the musk rose (Rosa moschata) vitamin C-rich fruit plant is becoming extremely popular. When it's organic and cold-pressed to preserve the naturally-occurring vitamins and essential fatty acids it contains, rose hip seed oil has a long list of uses to promote healthy hair, skin, and nails. It Reduce signs of aging, Smooth Scars, Eliminate Blemishes, Nourish Scalp and Hair, and Heals Environmental Damage with consistent use.
I mainly use this oil at night after I cleanse and tone my face, neck and chest area and then follow up with my moisturizer.
5. Argan Oil - Argan Oil, often called ‘liquid gold’, Argan oil is an organic product extracted from the kernels of the Argan tree, which is native to Morocco. It is extremely rich in beneficial nutrients including fatty acids and vitamin E. Its properties make it particularly beneficial for the hair and skin. It helps with acne, scalp conditions, moisturizer for hair and skin and helps heal scars.
Agran Oil is the most expensive of the oils I have listed. I use this oil only when I need a serious treatment for my hair and skin. I love mixing this oil with my Rosehip for a double impact. Make sure you get cold pressed and/or organic only.
6. French Lavender Oil - Lavender Oil, is a long time favorite that I have used since my 20's. It is the oil I'm out of and not picture. There are different species of the Lavender plant which will produce different types of oils. However, this variety has narrower leaves with small dark flowers and is more fragrant and aromatic.
The oil has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can fight the bacteria that cause acne and inflammation. It relieves itching and reduce the symptoms of eczema. Also, contains powerful antioxidants that can fight against the harmful effects of pollutants on the skin and helps treat Alopecia areata, which is an auto immune disease characterized by hair loss in patches. Heal wounds and is a great conditioner for the hair and skin.
The fragrance of this oil is popular for calming, relaxing the mind and body as it helps with headaches and depression. I particularly love using French Lavender for my skincare. I add a few drops to certain body washes, my homemade body butter, oils and my nighttime oil serum along with Rosehip and Argan Oil.
I have added a picture of the French Lavender Oil I typically use. With consistent use all these amazing oils can be life changing. Remember to purchase cold pressed, organic and/or unrefined oils for real benefits.
