Aromatherapy is a powerful way to use what has been provided to us in nature, to greatly benefit our mind and body. It is derived from plants and specifically uses the organic oil compounds found naturally in these plants, which are utilised through being inhaled or applied diluted to the skin. Generally, when we refer to aromatherapy, it is most commonly known by the term ‘essentials oils’. These essential oils have been extracted from plants, and are harnessed for their psychological and physiological effects on the mind and body. Many components of these essentials oils have been studied extensively over many years, and this field of aromatherapy remains a reliable health-promoting support for many.

Inhaling Essential Oils

Diffusing or inhaling essential oils is a popular way to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the following essential oils. If using an ultrasonic diffuser, care should be taken to use the recommended number of drops, which will be provided on the user manual. While drops of essential oils can be used in a bowl of hot water, using an ultrasonic diffuser if by far and away the safer and easier option, as it allows for a steady continuous release of misted water and essential oils into the air, without loss of therapeutic activity by heat. Nebulizing diffusers seem to be another option, however these produce undiluted, waterless mists of essentials oils, and therefore use up essential oils faster and are far more potent in action. For new users of essential oils, I would suggest ultrasonic diffusers as they provide a diluted mist and are more versatile, economical and better suited for use around children.

The most important thing to consider when choosing essential oils, is to make sure you are purchasing pure essential oils and not fragrance oils, which are often synthetically derived and lack the same therapeutic properties. It would also be prudent to purchase from a reputable company, to be sure you are getting 100% pure oils.

Also, please note that using essential oils should be researched thoroughly as to their applicability or use during pregnancy, or with infants and young children.

Lastly, if using an ultrasonic diffuser, it is best to use filtered water as it contains less impurities, along with cleaning the bowl after each use, which prevents oil from building up on the ultrasonic plate and prolongs the life of your diffuser.

1. Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil has excellent anti-microbial properties and along with it’s clean fresh citrus aroma, diffusing this essential oil can be a great way to purify or refresh the air, particular in the living and kitchen areas. There does also seem to be some evidence for lemon’s ability to promote a more alert or positive frame of mind, as well as reduce anxiety, and could be a great essential oil to diffuse or inhale to promote mental clarity and focus.
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2. Orange Essential Oil

Extracted from the rind of the orange fruit, orange essential oil has a wide array of therapeutic actions, such as reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. It is also a natural anti-microbial, similar to lemon essential oil, and has a warm, sweet citrus aroma. Sweet orange oil can be blended with other essential oils, such as lemon or citronella, to help freshen a room or promote a calm focused state of mind. It could also be diffused in a blend with lavender oil at the end of the day, to help reduce anxiety and encourage restfulness.
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3. Citronella Essential Oil

Citronella is often regarded as a natural mosquito repellent, with one study suggesting that it is more effective in diffuser form, rather than in candle form. It showed that diffusing citronella oil caused a mosquito repellency rate of 68%, compared with 14% from candles. It also mentioned that diffusing linalool, one of the main compounds found in lavender essential oil, ‘repelled mosquitoes by 93%’. During the warmer months, especially when mosquito numbers are high and doors are wide open, diffusing essential oils of citronella and lavender may be a simple and effective way to repel mosquitos. Citronella’s bright citrus scent can also be used in a diffuser with a blend of other essential oils, as a natural air freshener, perhaps best suited to the kitchen or living areas and can be enjoyed all year round.
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4. Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint oil is widely used in many applications, known for it’s incredibly fresh and minty aroma. Used in a diffuser form, it can help to purify the air due to it’s anti-microbial properties, as well as help relieve stuffy noses and airways congestion due to it’s high menthol content. It also has powerful anti-nausea actions via inhalation of the oil, and can be a great car or travel sickness remedy. It is important to note, however, that peppermint oil should not be diffused close to or inhaled by babies or very young children, as it mentioned here and here.
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5. Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus oil is another well known essential oil, known for it’s powerful decongestant activity, along with having healing antibacterial properties. Eucalyptus oil can be used in a diffuser with other essential oils, such as peppermint and lavender to promote healing and clearing of the airways in the case of a cold, flu, and even hayfever. Due to the cineole-rich content of eucalyptus oil, care and caution is advised with regards to use around babies or very young children, with helpful information here and here.
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6. Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender oil has long been known for it’s wound healing and antimicrobial abilities, even being used during World War I as a healing antiseptic to dress wounds, along with it’s profound ability to calm and promote quiet relaxation through inhalation of the essential oil. This has been studied quite extensively with one study showing that inhalation of this oil caused individuals to be ‘significantly more relaxed, had decreased anxiety scores, better moods and showed increased alpha power in their EEGs (an indication of increased drowsiness)’. To help with sleep, one or two drops of lavender oil can be applied to the lower corner of a pillowcase or bedding, taking care to avoid being close to the eye area, or it can be diffused into the air before bedtime.
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7. Ginger Essential Oil

Derived from the ginger root plant, commonly used in cooking, ginger essential oil has potent effects, similar in action to the whole ginger root. It has anti-nausea properties, which can help to soothe motion or car sickness if the essential oil vapours are inhaled. One study commented that, ‘results suggest that the inhaled vapor of peppermint or ginger essential oils…reduced the incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting’.
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