Essential Oils For Every Mood

If there’s one thing the pandemic has taught us, it’s the importance of self-care for your everyday wellbeing. On the dreariest of days, you owe it to yourself to indulge in a steamy shower, generously lash on your expensive body cream or light your most gorgeous-smelling candle. By no means are we claiming that these relatively frivolous practices are a panacea for the covid blahs. But hey, if it makes your day even 1% nicer, it’s a worthwhile endeavour in our eyes.

Many have taken their self-care regime a step further, delving into the vast and slightly mysterious world of essential oils. Practitioners of aromatherapy swear by their natural healing powers for a host of health-related issues. Essential oils are simply plant extracts in their purest form, derived from the heart of the flower, seed or root. They can be applied topically on the skin (usually diluted first with a carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond), diffused into the air, sprayed on surfaces or in some cases, consumed. 

One of the main reasons that people use essential oils is for their supposed mood-lifting properties. Proponents believe that inhaling them or absorbing them through the skin transmits signals to the limbic system, the part of the brain that regulates emotion and memory. This can induce physiological effects, including an increase in the so-called “happy hormones” serotonin and dopamine. 

Having said that, conclusive research on the efficacy of essential oils is limited, making them a rather controversial topic. If you do decide to find out for yourself, make sure to do so safely. Essential oils can be highly potent and should be used with care and caution. Appropriate doses will depend on a number of factors including age and general health. Make sure to read the instructions closely, and if you have any underlying conditions it’s best to consult your doctor first. Further, we do not advise using alternative medicines as a substitute for standard care.

Different essential oils are known for different qualities. Ask yourself how have you been feeling lately, and how might essential oils benefit you. Here is Inish Pharmacy’s take on which essential oils are best for your mood.

Love them or loathe them, essential oils appear to be more than just another fad. But with so few studies on their effectiveness, much of what we’re told should be taken as hearsay. What’s likely is that everybody’s experience with essential oils is personal. The most important takeaway is to do your research before jumping on the bandwagon. Always consider the potential health risks associated with essential oils first, and follow the instructions on the label to help minimise them. Inish Pharmacy is one of Ireland’s most trusted suppliers of essential oils. To shop the products mentioned above and more, visit our website today.