These 10 Essential Oils Are A Must-Have For Your Wellness Routines

By: Essential Team

We love a good essential oil over here and have been mixing and diffusing them into our skincare and lifestyle routines for years now. These concentrated, plant-based oils have been used for centuries for their aromatic and therapeutic properties and it’s not for naught. And while the jury is still out on scientific evidence behind some of the claims that essential oils can effectively treat certain conditions, many have used these oils to help reduce anxiety, enhance relaxation, act as a natural insect repellant, treat the occasional breakout and promote healthy hair and scalp.

We’ve seen how breathing exercises and meditation have had notable effects on many people’s stress levels, heart rate and even blood pressure, and in the same way essential oils (EO) can be significant when it comes to calming the mind and consequently having a positive effect on your general health and wellbeing.

We recently had the chance to talk to African Agency for Arid Resources (AGAR) Ltd, a Kenya based company dealing with natural resources. As part of their new and exciting launches, they released Essenza by AGAR – a line of 10 pure, organic and therapeutic grade oils. Best part? Their oils are sourced from the continent, some of which include Frankincense and Sweet Myrrh which are sourced right here from our own arid lands, together with 5 more Kenyan made oils!

Essenza by AGAR

But a quick note before using any essential oils: though natural, they call for precaution as the constituent compounds are bioactive. When using topically, always combine with a base oil and if you’re looking to fill your room with the aroma of an essential oil (e.g. through a diffuser), consider others in your environment especially pregnant women, kids and pets. Always discuss with a medical practitioner in case of a serious health condition or under medication.

If, like us, you can’t wait to get your hands on a bottle or two, you can get them from Elixir Health Shop, Village Market, and Fava Herb, Mini Mall.  If you are a small distributor, a spa, a healer or simply an essential oil enthusiast you can buy directly from AGAR with an order of 10 bottles and above, or online on Jumia where Essenza has just opened their webstore.

We’ll also be hosting a giveaway soon on our Instagram page so be sure to keep an eye out for that!

Here are 10 Essenza essential oils that ought to be in your kit.

Frankincense Essential Oil by Essenza, AGAR

FRANKINCENSE

As one of the most widely used oils over the years, frankincense is a great EO to have around. Traditionally, this earthy, spicy oil has been known to uplift mood and clear the mind. Recent studies have also shown it to have positive effects on rats with Alzheimer’s disease.  If you’re looking for a rejuvenating oil,

How to use it frankincense essential oil:To get the best out of this oil, using it in a diffuser is the right way to go. Alternatively, add a few drops to hot water next to you and wait for it to fill the room.

LEMONGRASS

If you love the zesty, energizing scent of lemongrass, then you’ll love this oil. This tropical plant has been used to reduce inflammation and ease indigestion and as an EO, it has been popularly used for its calming effect. Bonus point? It’s said to act as a mosquito repellant too. So goodbye mosquitos!

How to use lemongrass essential oil:When blended with other oils it can make for a great home spray. You can always oil it in your diffuser or add a few drops to boiling water and inhale through your nose. Mix it with your carrier oil for a great massage experience or on your skin as a mosquito repellant.

 

Add a drop or two of lavender essential oil into your daily moisturizer

LAVENDER

This is a great first oil to try and arguably one of the most popular in the market. Although fair warning, with a lot of fakes and diluted versions out there, best to go with trusted brands like Essenza. It’s known for its calming effect and best to use at night for optimal relaxation right before bed. It’s also got antisceptic properties to it so you’ll often find this oil in lots of skincare products.

How to use lavender essential oil:Besides the diffuser, adding a few drops to your bedtime routine is the ultimate pamper session. You can also mix it with a carrier oil (e.g. grapeseed, olive or jojoba) and topically apply to your skin or hair care routine.

SWEET MYRRH

Traditionally, sweet myrrh was used in perfumes, for antiseptic purposes and various symbolic rituals for millennia. Also known as Opoponax, this EO has a rich scent and comes from the same plant family as frankincense.

How to use sweet myrrh essential oil:A couple of drops in your diffuser can go a long way and if you place a hot towel with a few drops of this oil in it, it can aid in respiratory decongestion.

ROSEMARY

You’re almost definitely familiar with this herb and have probably used in many dishes while cooking, but this essential oil was revered in Greek and Egyptian culture for its relaxing, aromatic elements. It may also help to stimulate hair growth and nourish the scalp.

How to use rosemary essential oil:Like all other oils, you can either use it topically or through inhalation. You can also mix a few drops with olive or coconut oil as part of your pre-shampoo oil treatment.

 

TEA TREE

You’ve probably seen this EO on many skincare and hair care products and it’s because it’s known for its powerful antibacterial and cleansing properties. It’s great for fighting acne as it dries out the affected area and removes bacteria. It could also help soothe skin irritation from shaving and fights dandruff.

How to use tea tree essential oil:It can be highly concentrated so be sure to add it to a carrier oil before using it on your hair. To treat breakout spots, you can dab a few drops on a cotton bud and gently rub the pimple.

GERANIUM

This sweet-scented EO is known for its calming aromatherapy use which is great if you needed to relax. Surprisingly, it’s also used as an insect repellant!

How to use geranium essential oil:This would be a great scent for your bath ritual so add a few drops to your bath for a quick pamper session. As usual, a diffuser or hot water steam would be other great ways to aromatically use this oil. You can also add it to carrier oils and moisturize your skin for this fragrant scent or add a couple drops to your moisturizer.

 

Peppermint and Ylang Ylang Essential Oil by Essenza, AGAR

PEPPERMINT

This energizing EO is the ultimate pick-me-up scent if you’re looking for a quick boost. It’s a great choice if you’re going for a massage and need something to help with muscle tension. It’s also been known to relieve nausea and because of the menthol properties in it, it has a lovely cooling effect when used on the scalp.

How to use peppermint essential oil:Because of its potency and much like the other essential oils, it’s important to use a carrier oil when using it topically. And if you’re looking to make the most of its energizing properties, pour a couple drops in your diffuser to perk up your senses.

YLANG YLANG

If you’re looking for a sweet-scented oil to add to your evening bath and pamper session, this would be a great addition to your stash. This EO is known for its delicate floral notes and has been known to act as an aphrodisiac. Fun fact, in Indonesia, newlyweds will often have Ylang Ylang flowers spread across their bed on their wedding night!

How to use Ylang Ylang essential oil:You can opt to add a few drops to an essential oil burner or an electric diffuser and left the sweet scent draft through the room. You can also mix a few drops in with coconut oil and massage into the skin!

EUCALYPTUS

Last but not least, this beautifully scented oil has been known for its medicinal and fragrant properties. The tree is native to Australia and can be a great way of clearing your chest. You’ve probably seen it being advertised as a key ingredient in toothpaste because of its antibacterial elements.

How to use eucalyptus essential oil:If you’re suffering from a cold, mix with a carrier oil and rub a few drops on your chest. If you have a congested chest, try adding it to hot water, placing a towel over your head and steaming.