Popped into Neal’s Yard Remedies today for an essential oil mix.

Often one of the most underused senses, the sense of smell is highly powerful and when utilised by the stimulation of essential oils can be healing as well.

What are essential oils? “The natural fragrant essence extracted from flowers, bark, roots, fruit peel and berries” (Neal’s Yard Remedies).

Overlooked as a natural alternative medication- most people would not think to grab an oil to treat a headache or cough or to relieve sinus pressure or insomnia. Yet, essential oils can do all this and more.

The right combination (lavender and chamomile) can aid relaxation or stimulation and focus (black pepper, rosemary and peppermint). Neils’s even produces the travel essentials in easy roll-on applicators in Relaxing, De-Stressing, Study (for mental focus and clarity) and Travelling (to help fight jet lag).

You can also use essential oils to treat those pesky allergies that are creeping up right about now. Before you dump loads of anti-histimines into your body and dry yourself out- give the essential mixture a go to alleviate those itchy eyes and running noses naturally.

There are many other uses of the essential oils, and one that I am currently psyched on is the creation of my own fragrance. You respond to what your body needs, so if you go whiff different essential oils you will find the ones that you like and that make you feel good. I recently selected the Relaxation blend, not feeling necessarily that I needed to relax but knowing that if I was attracted to it I probably needed it.

So, next time you want to purchase a product to treat or aid you in, really, any way consider the essential route. It is a wonderful exploration and your body will thank you for its natural and pure form.

(Note that seeking advice on which essential oils to use is advisable and there are many methods for using the oils and in what dosages.  Neal’s staff and others trained in essential oil knowledge can help you ;) ).