A-Z of ESSENTIAL OILS
Used for thousands of years, from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, and across the centuries in Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine, essential oils (natural plant oils extracted via distillation) are known for their inate abilities to heal, soothe and rejuvenate on many levels. Nyasa has carefully hand-selected the highest quality essential oils from those shown below and created unique blends tailored to enhance the efficacy of each product.
Benzoin – Sourced from an evergreen tree native to Asia, benzoin has been used since ancient times for its sweet vanilla-like scent, which has a calming effect. It has anti-septic, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, and helps to prevent moisture loss, smooth skin, and soothe irritated skin.
Bergamot – Made from a small citrus fruit, bergamot has antiseptic properties and is known as the ‘sunshine oil’. It has a delicate, fruity aroma, that is both calming and uplifting to the senses.
Chamomile – Known for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties, chamomile can help soothe and tone sensitive skin, particularly when it is irritated or dry.
Clary Sage – With a sweet, nutty, green aroma, clary sage is known for its tonifying and masking properties. It is used in traditional aromatherapy to relax and calm.
Coriander – With a herbaceous and slightly spicy aroma, coriander has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties through the alderhydes that are found in abundance within it, and can work well for congested or acne prone skin
Frankincense – Renowned as one of the gifts of the Three Wise Men, frankincense has a gentle spicy, woody aroma. It has anti-septic and anti-inflammatory properties, and works to tone, calm, and rejuvenate all types and ages of skin, and helps to reduce scarring.
Grapefruit – With the refreshing, upbeat aroma of citrus, grapefruit is astringent and anti-septic. It has cleansing properties, helping to tone the skin and clear oil in congested, acne prone areas.
Jasmine – Jasmine has been used medicinally and in ceremonies and rituals in India, China and Arabia for many years. The flowers are carefully handpicked at night when its aroma and properties are at their strongest. It can assist in skin cell renewal and, legend has it, its floral aroma can help bring a touch of confidence and happiness.
Lavender – Renowned for its soothing, calming aromatherapy properties, lavender has a rich, floral aroma. In 1910, the French chemist and scholar, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, noted lavender’s skin healing properties when, after a laboratory incident, he put his burnt hand in the nearest bowl of liquid, which contained lavender oil. His hand healed much faster, and, to his surprise, without scarring.
Linden – With a honey-like, floral and slightly citrus aroma, linden calms the senses and adds an uplifting note.
Mandarin Red – Originally found in China, red mandarins used to be reserved solely for the Emperor to eat. A gentle oil with sweet, citrus notes, red mandarin is clarifying and uplifting.
Neroli – Sourced from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree, neroli can help soothe, rebalance and regenerate skin. It has a gentle toning action that can, in particular, work well for sensitive skin.
Orange – Considered to be uplifting, orange can help tone and brighten skin through its detoxifying properties.
Palmarosa – Used for centuries in both Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine, palmarosa can help moisturise, soothe, rebalance, and regenerate the skin. It is used by aromatherapists to soothe and uplift the mind.
Rose Geranium – Originating in South Africa, rose geranium has anti-septic properties and is used to sooth and calm. It can work with all skin types to re-balance sebum production, which is especially useful in oily or dry skin.
Spearmint – Used for centuries in Ayurvedic Medicine as well as Ancient Greece, spearmint was brought to the UK by the Romans. With an uplifting aroma and astringent, anti-septic and anti-fungal properties, it helps decongest and soothe problem skin conditions such as dermatitis.
Ylang Ylang – With a sweet, exotic aroma, ylang ylang is known as ‘the flower of flowers’ and has been used in Ayurvedic Medicine for centuries. It is soothing and relaxing, and helps to balance over dry or over oily skin. It is traditionally used by aromatherapists to uplift mood.