Which Essential Oils Are Best For Massage?
Do you love essential oils?
At Ripple we do, which is why we use them in all our oil blends.
Here are just a few of our favourite essential oils that we use in our aromatherapy massages.
Jasmine Essential Oils
In China the jasmine flower symbolizes the sweetness of women while in India it symbolizes divine hope.
Uplifting Effects: The aroma of the oil stimulates the body to release hormones like serotonin that make you feel happy – boosting mood and energy.
Aids Sleep: Just like the oil can help make you feel better, it can also help you sleep better too. It behaves like an expectorant, sedative and antispasmodic.
Antiseptic Properties: The oil also works as a disinfectant. The compounds that make up the oil’s composition prevent wounds from becoming septic and can effectively eliminate bacteria, and fungi.
Fighting Illness: If you have a cough or cold, using this oil in a vaporiser can help you stop coughing and clear congestion of the nasal and respiratory tracts.
Skin Health: It excellent is excellent for treating dry and mature skin, and has also been known to effectively treat eczema and dermatitis.
Healing Scars: It is good for reducing the appearance of scars.
Orange Blossom
Orange Blossom Essential Oils (Neroli) comes from the bitter orange tree which was first cultivated in the Mediterranean by the Arabs in the 10th Century.
Neroli is named after the 17th century Italian Princess of Nerola, Anna Maria de La Tremoille, who wore the oil in her gloves. Neroli is considered highly effective as a sedative and antidepressant and is recommended for the treatment of insomnia.
It is distinctive as it blends well with any citrus oil and floral absolutes, and is non photo toxic.
Mandarin Essential Oils
Mandarin is native to China and Indo China and was first introduced into Europe in the eighteenth century.
This essential oil has a tonic effect on the digestive system and helps regulate the metabolic processes. It is also considered the “children’s remedy” and great for soothing restlessness especially in hyperactive children.
It is also good for preventing stretch marks during pregnancy.
Sandalwood Essential Oils
Sandalwood Essential Oil is one of the oldest known aromatic materials and has at least 4,000 years of history of use.
Sandalwood’s common name is derived from the Sanskrit ‘chandana’. Sandalwood is known as a relaxant and is great for insomnia and tension.
The essential oil comes from a small evergreen tree. This oil can not be extracted until the tree matures which takes approximately thirty years.
In India the temples are built from sandalwood, because it seems to ward off white ants. It is used also in meditation ceremonies.
The Hindus use it also in their ceremonies as a cleansing agent for the peoples sins. The Egyptians used it in their embalming process.
In ancient and present Chinese medicines it is used to treat stomach aches, vomiting, and skin complaints.
Sandalwood’s essential oil has a deep, fruity aroma. In aromatherapy it is often blended with bergamot, cypress, jasmine, lavender, lemon and vetiver.
Lavender Essential Oils
Lavender Essential Oil is often referred to as the mother of essential oils and is one of the most popular oils used in aromatherapy. It is known for its calming and relaxing properties and has a harmonizing effect on the nervous system.
It is very beneficial for the relief of muscle aches and pains and can also be used for the relief of rheumatism, sciatica and arthritis.
It has antiseptic qualities and can be used to treat insect bites. Ripple uses true lavender (L. angustifolia) in its oil blends, a pure highly effective (and more expensive) lavender essential oil.
Here are some other properties that make it one of our favourite oils to use
Calming and Relaxing: Lavender oil is widely used for its soothing aroma which can help reduce stress, anxiety, and promote relaxation. It is often used in aromatherapy for its calming effects.
Sleep Aid: Due to its relaxing properties, lavender oil is commonly used to aid in sleep. You can diffuse it in your bedroom or add a few drops to a warm bath before bedtime.
Skincare: Lavender oil is also known for its skincare benefits. It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help soothe skin irritations, burns, and insect bites. It is often used in skincare products for its healing properties.
Pain Relief: Lavender oil may help alleviate minor aches and pains when applied topically. It can also be used in massage therapy to promote relaxation and reduce muscle tension.
Aromatherapy: Lavender oil is a popular choice for aromatherapy due to its pleasant scent and calming effects. It can help improve mood, reduce stress, and create a relaxing atmosphere.
Household Uses: Lavender oil can also be used for household purposes such as a natural air freshener, linen spray, or in DIY cleaning products due to its pleasant fragrance.
Lime Essential Oil
This is one of the most uplifting of essential oils, lime is often used in massage blends as a lymphatic stimulant and may be used for the treatment of fluid retention and cellulite.
It acts as an astringent and is especially useful for oily skin and in the treatment of acne. It is often used to stop drowsiness.
Lime essential oil is cold-pressed from the rind of ripe lime. It is believed to have originated from northern India and adjacent areas of Burma.
Tangerine Essential Oil
This oil is cold pressed from the peel of the ripe fruit. It is recommended for acne and congested and oily skin.
It has a tonic effect on the digestive system and is often used in massage blends for pregnant women from the fifth month onward.
Frangipani Essential Oil
This one is originally derived from India and has a heady, sweet scent. It is a refreshing oil and is often used for deep cleansing.
Frangipani is known as the Tree of Life in India as a branch cut from the tree will continue to blossom and will grow into a new tree when placed in the ground. Frangipani was the favourite flower of Lord Krishna.
Grapefruit Essential Oil
Grapefruit Essential Oil is known as stimulating to the lymphatic system and therefore great for a detoxing routine.
It is indicated for the treatment of cellulite, obesity and water retention. It has an uplifting and reviving effect which makes it valuable for treating stress, depression and exhaustion.
Peppermint Essential Oil
The Greeks and Romans crowned themselves with peppermint at their feasts and used peppermint to flavour their sauces and wines.
It is good for the digestive system, nausea and relieving travel sickness. It is also useful in the relief of muscle and joint pain and insect bites. Because it is an antiseptic, it is often used in foot treatments.
There are many different uses for peppermint essential oils, such as
Invigorating Scent: Peppermint oil has a refreshing and invigorating aroma that can help increase energy levels, improve focus, and promote mental clarity.
Relief from Congestion: Peppermint oil is known for its ability to help relieve symptoms of congestion and promote easier breathing. It can be used in a diffuser or added to hot water for steam inhalation.
Headache Relief: Some people find relief from tension headaches or migraines by applying diluted peppermint oil to the temples or forehead.
Digestive Aid: Peppermint oil is commonly used to help relieve digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, and gas. It can be taken internally (make sure it is safe for internal use and follow proper dilution guidelines) or applied topically on the abdomen.
Natural Insect Repellent: The strong scent of peppermint oil can act as a natural insect repellent. It can be used to deter mosquitoes, ants, and other pests.
Muscle Pain Relief: Peppermint oil has a cooling effect that can help soothe sore muscles and reduce inflammation. It is commonly used in massage therapy for its pain-relieving properties.
Alertness and Focus: Inhaling peppermint oil can help increase alertness, improve focus, and boost cognitive performance. Some people use it during study or work sessions to help focus.
Lemongrass Essential Oil
This oil has cleansing, antibacterial properties and its scent is uplifting and energizing. Lemongrass is often used as a skin tonic and is used in cleansing lotions.
It has the following properties
Antimicrobial: Lemongrass oil has antimicrobial properties that can help fight against bacteria and fungi.
Anti-inflammatory: It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Antioxidant: Lemongrass oil contains antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Sedative: It has a calming effect that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Antiseptic: Lemongrass oil's antiseptic properties may help in wound healing and prevent infections.
Antifungal: It can help fight against fungal infections due to its antifungal properties.
Geranium Essential Oil
The geranium plant originated in South Africa, and was first introduced to Europe in the 17th Century, where it was planted extensively for the French perfume industry in the 1800s.
Geranium oil is a diuretic and has a stimulating effect on the lymphatic system. It is beneficial for treating cellulite, fluid retention and is useful for treating bruises.
Well known for reducing scarring, it is often used in skin lotions. It has a positive effect the nervous system and for relieving stress and headaches