The Ultimate Guide to Mood-boosting Essential Oils

The Ultimate Guide to Mood-boosting Essential Oils

We’ve all had those days where we feel a little bit flat and in need of some TLC. There are numerous ways to boost your mood; from exercise to some laughter right through to a little choccy muffin. But did you know that essential oils can also give you an instant pick-me-up? Essential oils are nature's mood booster - these oils pack a powerful punch with just a single drop or a sniff!

We’ve highlighted 6 essential oils that you should be keeping in your purse for those times when you need a quick mood booster.

So what exactly are essential oils?

Essential oils are concentrated liquid extracts from plants. They are extracted through steam or water distillation, or mechanical methods, like cold pressing. After being extracted, they are added to a carrier oil to become a ready to use product. Each essential oil contains the plant's scent, its ‘essence’.

Don’t be quick to judge these oils by their tiny little glass bottles, what’s inside is a powerful botanical medicine! On average, it takes three pounds of lavender flowers to produce just 15ml of lavender essential oil and a whopping 242,000 rose petals to distill approximately 5ml of rose oil! That’s a whole lotta plant goodness.

How do I use essential oils?

Essential oils are pretty freaking amazing. By simply massaging a small amount onto your wrist, or a light inhale of the aroma, these oils can improve your mood instantly. Amazing, right? 

Essential oils don’t just smell delicious; they are very powerful, potent elixirs that can help manage your emotions, hormones, moods, and much more!

Since essential oils are so powerful, we need to be mindful about why and how we’re using them. The 2 most common ways are through aromatherapy and topical application.
Professor Louise Bennett says that “Aromatherapy under particular conditions is reported to consistently enhance emotional health, including lowering anxiety and depression.” (ref)

Aromatherapy involves smelling essential oils to help with your mood and stress levels. A quick sniff of the dreamy scents can instantly boost your mood.
Studies show that inhalation of essential oils can communicate signals to the olfactory system and stimulate the brain to exert neurotransmitters (e.g. serotonin and dopamine) thereby further regulating mood.

So basically, as you breathe in, the little scent molecules stimulate your central nervous system, triggering an emotional response in your brain. It can reduce anxiety and stress response in a few minutes!

Your skin can also absorb the oils, so a small amount massaged directly onto the skin can have you reaping the benefits. Before applying to your skin, make sure you have purchased a diluted essential oil, or add it to a carrier oil to avoid irritation.  Remember, these little bottles of oil pack a powerful punch! 

What plant oils can give me a mood boost?

We’ve picked out 6 of our favourite plant based essential oils that can help give you an instant lift. Keep 'em close by for those times of need!

Kanuka

Kanuka oil, a New Zealand botanical extract, has a clear, fresh, and floral aroma. Known for being protective, calming & relaxing. Studies show that while not only good for your mood, but Kanuka oil also has antimicrobial and healing activity, making it a powerful oil for minor wounds, acne, and fungal conditions of the nails or skin.

You can find Kanuka Oil in our Tailor Oil Cleanse gem, perfect for a relaxing facial massage, deep cleanse, and to help heal acne and scarring over time. 

 

Lavender

The Lavender herb has a long history of being a calming and balancing herb and the essential oil is no different. Many people all over the world use Lavender for the positive effects it has on their mood, stress, depression, and anxiety.

Frankincense

Well known as the “king of oils,” frankincense can help with inflammation, mood, and sleep. Frankincense has a sweet, woody aroma that many people adore. It is known to ease irritability and balance emotions. 
Did you know that Tailor Illume Facial Oil contains Frankincense Oil? It’s an incredible oil for ageing skin, as it stimulates regeneration and healing. The unique, calming scent is perfect for promoting relaxation. Gently massage into your skin, focusing on your temples for a pick me up, inside and out.

 

Rosemary

You might recognise this as an essential herb in many recipe books, but did you know it is also an effective essential oil? Known to help perk you up, ease stress and much more. Rosemary, as you might know, smells divine, so you might like to inhale this one, but it also works by applying topically.

Ylang Ylang

Ylang Ylang is a stunning yellow flower that grows on the Cananga tree. It has a fruity, flowery scent, you might recognise this as a top note in popular perfumes!

Ylang Ylang has been found to boost your mood, alleviate anxiety and some people even say it works as an aphrodisiac! Often found in massage oils, it is super relaxing and lush.

Jasmine Oil

Popular for its romantic and sweet fragrance, also found in luxe perfumes, including Chanel No.5. Jasmine oil in aromatherapy massage is known for helping to improve mood and relax you. It is also another good oil for inhalation, promoting positive vibes and energetic and romantic feelings.

You can also find Jasmine in Tailor Illume Facial Oil, it moisturises and protects your skin while the unique scent is calming and uplifting. 

Whether you are trying to transform a bad mood or enhance a good one, you can rely on these little bottles of magic to help you out. 


NB: Be careful when using essential oils in children, people with weakened immune systems or plant allergies, pregnant women, and seniors. Use sparingly and with care. Please consult with your GP first. 
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