Nature's Miracle Elixir

From the earliest evidence of essential oils in 3000 BCE to this day, we have come a long way in the multiple ways we use this liquid "gold" filled with aromatic, cosmetic, and healing properties.

In these 3000-something years, the usage of essential oils varied from medicine, worship, perfumery, skincare and even cooking.

The essential oils by NamoMonk are derived from plants that are ethically sourced and distilled to perfection with 100% purity. Since essential oils are volatile and highly potent, sometimes even just a single drop of the oil should be enough for the desired effect. With the help of our curated guide, you should be able to bring out the goodness of our essential oils at home.

Essential oils for Skincare

From acne to ageing, there is always an essential oil that can help you combat your skin concerns. For example, Tea tree oil is a popular choice to help combat acne with the added benefit of the aroma. However, before you get into it, you should keep in mind that pure essential oils are extremely powerful and can cause irritation when applied directly to the skin.

Essential oils are usually added to carrier oils, usually oils like jojoba or sesame oil. Similarly, a few drops of essential oils added to a homemade face mask can enhance the effects of the mask double-fold.

Essential oils for Haircare

Oiling one's hair is a cherished Indian practice passed down many generations through gentle hands and love. It does not just promote hair growth but also improves overall well being.

The best way to use an essential oil for your hair is to mix a few drops of it into your base oil which is usually coconut or almond oil. The ideal amount of essential oil one should add to their base oil is usually 3% or somewhere around 5-6 drops. The results include stronger hair, better hair growth, and blood circulation. Rosemary oil is one of the best-known essential oils for conditioning hair.

Essential Oils for Massage

A widely used practice in Ayurveda - aromatherapy massages, otherwise known as Abhyanga have been a solution to many ailments and diseases such as indigestion, lethargy, anxiety, etc. You don't always need a professional for Abhyanga. With the help of our essential oils, these therapeutic massages can be a part of your daily or weekly routine at home.

You will need a small oil burner, a carrier oil, essential oil of your choice, and towels. A simple rule of thumb you can follow is to massage the limbs with long strokes and the joints with gentler, round strokes. Focus on any areas of pain or discomfort to maximise the effects of the massage.

Essential oils for Baths

There is nothing that can relax you like a long soak in the bath. Soaking in warm water is known to relax muscles and improve blood circulation. Adding about 10 drops of essential oil to the water can enhance the healing effect of the bath. Aromatic baths have been one of the most popular forms of aromatherapy since the Greeks discovered it.

The bath will leave you with supple and moisturised skin. It can be a soothing part of your self-care routine. Chamomile and Eucalyptus oils are some of the best essential oils you can use in a bath. 

Hot and Cold Compress

Heat therapy is a highly effective technique that works wonders when you have muscle pain or inflammation. Adding essential oils to the process can help relieve the pain and discomfort faster as the oils get absorbed through your skin and into your bloodstream. You will need a bowl of hot water, 4 to 5 drops of essential oil, and a cotton cloth or towel. Target the affected area and repeat the process until you gain relief.

A cold compress works similarly - a bowl of cold water, a few drops of essential oil, and a cotton cloth. Cold compresses are known to help with headaches, sprains, and muscle strains.

Essential oils for Diffusers

A heaven scent (pun intended) way to make your room smell delightful, similar to incense, only without the smoke. The vapours from essential oils can stimulate our olfactory nerve which directly connects your surrounding environment to the parts of the brain that process emotions. Lavender, chamomile, and jasmine oils are known to reduce stress.

Diffusing can also help with congestion, snoring, and breathing difficulties. Add a few drops of an essential oil of your choice to a diffuser to create an ambience in your room. There are multiple types of diffusers that you can use - electric, candle, reed.

Essential oils as a Perfume

The idea of using an essential oil as a perfume originated in the Middle East, from a Persian physician to be accurate. Attar, as they call it, can soothe skin dryness and irritation while also acting as a perfume. A small dab on your wrists and neck will help you smell pleasant all day long.

Essential oils tend to last longer than the average perfumes we find in the market. Not all essential oils can be directly applied to skin; however, sandalwood, jasmine, and rose are milder on the skin and can soothe dry and irritated skin.

Essential oils for Steam Inhalation

A bad cold and a blocked nose can make even a monk cranky. Steam inhalation helps alleviate the effects of sinus and chest infections. Add about 5 drops of a minty essential oil such as Peppermint or Lavender oil to a bowl of steaming hot water, cover your head and the bowl with a towel, and breathe in the steam deeply for a minute.

Repeat the process until you feel at ease. While it also helps you find some comfort from congestion, the anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties of the essential oil will offer support to your immune system.

Essential oils for Cleaning

With all the anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and disinfectant properties that essential oils offer, it is no surprise that they can be used for cleaning. You can make a spray by adding 10 drops of your favourite essential oil to water and use it to clean kitchen surfaces or to keep your carpet smelling fresh.

Squeeze in a drop or two of essential oils into your laundry to keep them smelling fresh longer. Lemon, Tea tree, and Lavender are great essential oils with both aromatic and disinfectant properties that will help you get rid of germs.

Each Essential Oil, like a prism, contains a rainbow of possibilities

-Dr. Valerie Ann Worwood