Plants have always intrigued me. I felt a strong connection to their powers, but it wasn't until the early 2000s that I stumbled upon essential oils. At first, it was their captivating aromas that caught my attention, and I only brought them into my life to experience their delightful scents.

I used to burn essential oils in oil warmers, mix them in my bath water and body lotion purely for their wonderful scents. However, over time, I began to observe the significant positive effects that these oils were having on both my mental and physical well-being. Then, I remembered what I had known as a child - the extraordinary powers that exist within nature!

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that are commonly used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation, boost mood, and improve overall well-being. They are extracted from various parts of plants, such as flowers, leaves, stems, and roots, through processes like distillation or cold pressing. These oils have been used for centuries for their therapeutic properties and are believed to have various health benefits. Some popular essential oils include lavender for its calming properties, peppermint for its invigorating aroma, and tea tree for its antibacterial properties.

Frankincense is my absolute favourite essential oil. I have countless tales to share about the ways in which this resin oil has positively impacted my life. However, I'll leave the stories for another time.

Incorporating essential oils into your daily routine through diffusers, massage oils, or bath salts can help create a soothing and calming environment to reduce stress and promote a sense of relaxation. Saturating your homes with the aromas of essential oils daily can have numerous health benefits. These oils can help prevent or alleviate various ailments related to lungs, heart functions, brain functions, muscles, joints, skin, and even hair. It's amazing how the right plants can provide natural remedies for such a wide range of issues.

Here are some ways to use essential oils:

1. Aromatherapy: Add a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser or inhale directly from the bottle to promote relaxation and improve mood.
2. Massage: Mix a few drops of essential oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut or almond oil) for a luxurious massage experience that can help with relaxation and muscle tension.
3. Bath: Add a few drops of essential oil to a warm bath for a soothing and aromatic soak.
4. Skincare: Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil or unscented lotion to create your own customised skincare products, such as facial serums or body butters and creams.
5. Cleaning: Create your own natural cleaning products by adding essential oils to water or vinegar for a fresh and effective clean.
6. Home & Body Fragrance: Create your own signature scent by crafting a personalised fragrance or an all-natural deodorant using plant-based carriers infused with aromatic essential oils. This DIY project allows you to explore different scent combinations and customise the intensity of each note to suit your preference and mood. Enjoy the process of experimenting with different scents to create a product that is truly your own.
   Plants offer various human benefits based on their unique properties and characteristics. Conduct thorough research and seek advice from a botanist to discover which plants will work best for your specific needs and preferences. Remember to always do a patch test before using any essential oil topically and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any underlying health conditions.