As Valentine’s Day draws closer, we are celebrating essential oils associated with matters of the heart – but which ones are best known for their natural properties said to encourage love for others and ourselves?
From intimacy to inner beauty, it’s time to explore essential oils d’amour!
History of Essential Oils and ‘Amour’
When asked to name a historical female icon epitomising natural beauty, many would say Cleopatra.
The last active ruler of ancient Egypt, Cleopatra, is renowned as one of the most influential female rulers who lived - but just as much for her legendary looks and allure. Perhaps not surprisingly, essential oils were central to her self-care routine, a practice deeply rooted in ancient Egyptian culture.
Historical evidence suggests that Cleopatra used a collection of natural ingredients to maintain her youthful appearance and enhance her charm, with Rose and Geranium her favourites.
Rose Oil, often called the "Queen of Flowers" in ancient Egypt, was extensively used in skincare for its luxurious and aromatic properties. Cleopatra is believed to have indulged in rose petal baths infused with milk, a ritual to soften and rejuvenate the skin.
Geranium Oil, known for its sweet, floral scent, was used by the Egyptians to calm sunburn and heal the skin from minor irritations. Additionally, this oil effectively washed oily hair and dandruff – potentially the reason behind Cleopatra's infamous lustrous locks!
But legend goes that Cleopatra didn't leave it there. She incorporated other essential oils into her beauty rituals, such as Myrrh, Frankincense, and Lavender, which were prized for their rejuvenating, anti-aging, and calming properties. The use of these oils not only contributed to her physical beauty but also played a role in her confidence and presence, enhancing her mood and well-being. It seems that Cleopatra's beauty rituals were as much about inner allure as they were about outward appearance.
Today, these essential oils are still highly valued for their therapeutic benefits and confidence-boosting properties. Alongside other oils, they are captivating those of us seeking natural ways to nurture both our inner and outer radiance.
If you want to replicate that wonderful balance of self-care, confidence and allure as Cleo did, read on!
Essential Oils for Zen
Modern life can be incredibly hectic, leaving many people searching for inner peace. Thankfully, lots of essential oils offer a natural way to calm the mind and nurture the soul. Their soothing aromas, derived from nature’s purest sources, have the power to centre your thoughts and create a sense of Zen.
Whether used during meditation to deepen focus and quiet the mind or diffused in your space to create a tranquil ambiance, essential oils can transform your environment into a sanctuary of peace and help you find balance.
Lavender Essential
Oil
Frankincense Olibanum Essential Oil
Sandalwood Essential
Oil
How to Use Essential Oils for Zen
- Meditation: Add a few drops of your favourite calming oil to a diffuser and allow the gentle scent to create a serene atmosphere, leaving you feeling grounded and enhancing your focus.
- Topically: Dilute your essential oil with a carrier oil (like Jojoba Oil) and apply to pulse points, like your wrists or behind your ears, to carry their calming aroma throughout your day.
- Grounding Practice: Dilute with a carrier oil and rub a grounding oil like Sandalwood onto the soles of your feet or the base of your spine before practicing yoga or mindfulness.
Essential Oils for Confidence
To date, there is limited clinical research directly linking Castor Oil with nerve pain relief. That said, it's worth considering how the general anti-inflammatory effects of Castor Oil work elsewhere in the body when applied topically, and could be beneficial when massaging the oil into areas where nerves are impacting you.
Essential oils can be a powerful tool for boosting confidence and self-esteem, helping you tap into your inner strength and embrace positivity. Used mindfully, they serve as a reminder to approach challenges with optimism and a can-do attitude.
Whether you’re preparing for an important event or want to grow in confidence for everyday purposes, using natural essential oils topically or in a diffuser can help centre your focus, build resilience and leave you feeling empowered.
Orange Sweet Essential
Oil
Grapefruit Essential
Oil
Jasmine Essential
Oil
Looking for an uplift? Orange Sweet, Grapefruit and Jasmine Essential Oils are known for their natural energising properties, making them ideal for those times when you need a confidence boost.
How to Use Essential Oils for Confidence
- Diffuse: Add a few drops of your chosen oil to a diffuser to fill your space with an uplifting aroma, creating an atmosphere of positivity and encouraging self-assured thoughts.
- Topically: Add 4-6 drops of essential oil to a 15ml roller bottle and top up with a carrier oil (like Fractionated Coconut or Almond Oil). Apply to your wrists, temples, behind your ears & bottoms of your feet regularly for an all-day confidence boost.
- Personal Inhaler: Use a portable aromatherapy inhaler with your favourite confidence-boosting oil – perfect when you need a quick pick-me-up, like before a meeting or a social event.
- Empowerment Rituals: Blend your oils into a rollerball applicator and use it as part of a daily affirmation ritual. For instance, apply the oil while repeating a positive mantra like, “I am confident and capable.”
- Bath: Add a few drops of Orange Sweet Essential Oil to a warm bath (mixed with Epsom salts) to relax and soak in self-assurance.
Essential Oils for Self-Love
At times, we can all be a little down on ourselves. Essential oils can be powerful tools for cultivating self-love and nurturing a deeper connection within us, with their soothing aromas and therapeutic properties creating a calming environment that encourages self-care and introspection.
Using essential oils, you can set the tone for practices that promote self-acceptance and emotional healing. Whether diffused, applied topically to pulse points or added to a warm bath, these simple yet intentional acts of self-care can uplift your spirit, boost your self-esteem, and help you embrace your self-worth with kindness.
Rose Essential
Oil
Ylang-Ylang Essential
Oil
Geranium Essential
Oil
How to Use Essential Oils for Self-Love
- Diffuse: Add a few drops of Rose, Ylang-Ylang, or Geranium Essential Oil to your diffuser to fill your space with a comforting, heartwarming aroma. This sets the tone for relaxation and self-reflection.
- Massage: Dilute your favorite self-love essential oil in a carrier oil (like Almond Oil) and use it for a soothing self-massage. Focus on areas where you hold tension, like your shoulders or hands, to reconnect with your body.
- Bath: Add 5-8 drops of essential oil, mixed with a carrier oil or Epsom salts, to a warm bath. This creates a luxurious experience that encourages relaxation and self-care.
- Aromatherapy Jewellery: Apply a drop of your chosen oil to an aromatherapy bracelet or necklace and carry the empowering and nurturing scent with you throughout the day.
- Affirmation Ritual: Place a drop of essential oil on to a tissue and inhale deeply. While breathing in the scent, repeat positive self-affirmations, like "I am worthy of love and care."
Essential Oils for Intimacy
Does your love life require a pick-me-up? Essential oils can play a beautiful role in enhancing intimacy by creating a relaxing, sensual atmosphere and deepening the connection between partners.
Ylang-Ylang, Sandalwood and Patchouli are widely known aphrodisiac essential oils, filled with properties that awaken the senses and set a romantic tone. These oils can reduce stress, boost confidence, and encourage emotional openness, all essential for fostering intimacy. Whether through a calming massage or infusing the air with a warm, inviting aroma, essential oils can add an extra layer of mindfulness and care to your shared moments.
Ylang-Ylang Essential
Oil
Sandalwood Essential
Oil
Patchouli Essential
Oil
How to Use Essential Oils for Intimacy
- Diffuse: Use a diffuser to fill your space with sensual scents like Sandalwood or Patchouli and create a relaxed, romantic ambiance.
- Massage: Mix a few drops of essential oil with a carrier oil (like Jojoba Oil) to make a soothing and intimate massage oil, focusing on areas like the back, neck, and hands.
- Bath: Prepare a warm bath infused with a few drops of Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil, paired with Epsom salts for a relaxing soak you can share with your partner.
- Linen Spray: Create a pillow or sheet spray by mixing essential oils with water in a spray bottle to subtly enhance your bedroom with romantic aromas.
Using Essential Oils Safely
- Essential oils are extremely potent and can cause serious harm if used incorrectly.
- In line with the Therapeutic Goods Act, we do not recommend ingesting essential oils without the guidance of a registered Aromatherapist or Naturopath.
- Essential oils should be kept out of reach from children and pets.
- Avoid using essential oils during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
- Essential oils are very concentrated and are likely to cause irritation or reactions if applied directly to the skin. For this reason, we recommend diluting your essential oils before using topically (on the skin).
Topical Dilution Guidelines
Please note that the following guidelines are recommended for healthy adults:
- General Use: 2 – 4% dilution (4 – 8 drops per 10ml)
- Facial Application: 1 – 2% dilution (2 – 4 drops per 10ml)
Where to Buy Essential Oils
While essential oils are generally available to purchase at health, wellness and retail stores, please keep in mind that the quality and purity of these carrier oils will vary. This is why we recommend you buy your oils from a reputable supplier.
Here at AWO, we have a wide selection of essential oils and organic essential oils that are sold at reasonable prices. Because our stock is purchased in bulk quantities, our costs are significantly less - a saving we can pass onto our customers. We are also based right here in Australia!