Essential Oil Box Set

Essential Oil Gift Sets Make The Perfect Gift

Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts from plant seeds, stems, roots, leaves, citrus peels, and flower petals. They have been used throughout history for their numerous medicinal and therapeutic properties and are still widely used today. Essential oils are an integral part of aromatherapy, which is a complementary medicine practice that offers a range of health benefits, including improving mood, calming nerves, clearing sinuses, reducing stress, and scenting a room or a home.

ABCs of Aromatherapy

The popularity of aromatherapy has never been so widespread. It is now offered in many therapeutic practices, including naturopathic clinics, massage centers, yoga studios, spas, and even chiropractic offices. Aromatherapy (also called "essential oil therapy") uses aromatic essential oils via inhalation and/or topical application to the skin to promote health and well-being. 

Essential oils can be inhaled directly from the bottle, diffused into the air with the aid of a diffuser, infused into a warm bath, massaged into the skin with the aid of carrier oils (sweet almond, oil coconut, oil, and many others), or rubbed directly onto the skin. Essential oils can also be added to body lotions, facial toners, shampoos, conditioners, toothpastes, and mouthwashes to multiply their health benefits. Of course, not all essential oils are appropriate for internal use, so make sure you do your homework before using essential oils in DIY recipes. 

Popular Essential Oils & Their Benefits

Lavender: Lavendr is a soothing scent to calm the body and mind. It promotes relaxation and treats anxiety, fungal infections, allergies, depression, insomnia, eczema, nausea, and menstrual cramps.

Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus is a spa staple that can help relieve allergies, ease headaches and pain, ward off mosquitos, combat stress, disinfect the home, and improve skin and hair conditions such as acne and dandruff.

Orange: a zesty and uplifting scent that simultaneously relaxes, calms, and helps reduce pulse rate. It can not only create a warm environment but can also stimulate the immune system and eliminate airborne bacteria.

Frankincense: a warm, woody, spicy, and earthy scent that is used to reduce feelings of anxiety, stimulate the immune system, and slow the signs of aging. It has also been effectively used to improve gut function and respiratory health and tame symptoms of arthritis. 

Clove: is a natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic and has broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects. Clove oil is ideal for dulling pain and improving circulation throughout the body. It is especially beneficial to relieve toothaches and control acne. 

Rosemary: a member of the mint family, rosemary essential oil can be used to relieve a range of gastrointestinal complaints, including indigestion, gas, stomach cramping, bloating and constipation. It also stimulates appetite and helps regulate the creation of bile, which plays a crucial role in digestion. It is also frequently used to relieve the symptoms of stress and anxiety, reduce pain and inflammation, and treat respiratory problems. 

Thyme: has potent natural antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Thyme oil is used to treat various respiratory conditions, ward off infections, kill bacteria, ease stress and anxiety, balance hormones, and is ideal for promoting skin health.

What To Look For In Quality Essential Oils

Essential oil gift sets are a great way to get started with aromatherapy and typically feature some of the most popular single essential oils and blends that cater to some of the most common need states. These include stress relief, insomnia, digestive support, mood balance, energizing, detoxification, and more. These versatile collections come with or without an essential oil mist diffuser and may also feature oil-infused soaps, candles, bath salts, bath bombs, and many other personal care items. 

To ensure you purchase quality oils, select only products marked as 100% pure essential oils. These contain all the beneficial chemical compounds of the plant they’re derived from. Avoid "fragrance oils," which are synthetically made and do not contain any natural therapeutic compounds. Though not 100% foolproof, quality essential oils typically list the Latin name of the plant species they're derived from. If you aren't sure where to start, ask the knowledgeable staff at your favourite health food store or online supplement retailer for some guidance.