Essential oils have been cherished for centuries, but many people don’t realise the depth of their power beyond just a pleasant scent. At Ánemos, our candles are crafted with these oils not only for their beautiful aromas, but for the holistic benefits they offer. Whether you’re new to aromatherapy or a long-time believer, in this article, we’ll uncover a few things you may not know about essential oils and why they’re at the heart of everything we do.
1. What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are concentrated 100% natural plant extracts that capture the essence, or "spirit," of a plant. They are derived from the flowers, leaves, stems, bark, or roots, giving them their distinct scents and therapeutic properties. These oils can enhance the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health of an individual.
Whether it’s the calming properties of lavender or the refreshing zest of citrus oils like lemon and grapefruit, each essential oil has unique benefits, which is why they’re at the core of all Ánemos candles.
2. How Are Essential Oils Extracted?
The process of extracting essential oils is both an art and a science. There are two main methods:
- Steam distillation: The most common method where plant materials are heated with steam, releasing the oils.
- Cold pressing: Used mainly for citrus oils, this process involves pressing the peel to release the oils without the use of heat.
Both methods ensure the oils remain as close to their natural state as possible, which is why essential oils are highly valued for their purity. This purity is a key reason why they’re preferred over synthetic alternatives in wellness products.
3. Five Things You Didn’t Know About Essential Oils:
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Not All Oils Are Created Equal: Essential oils are much more than just fragrant extracts. Therapeutic-grade essential oils, like those used in Ánemos candles, are made to retain the highest concentration of natural benefits, which is why they stand apart from synthetic fragrance oils.
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They’ve Been Used for Thousands of Years: Essential oils have a long history in ancient cultures, from Egyptian rituals to traditional Chinese medicine, where oils like frankincense and myrrh were valued for their healing properties.
"There are virtually no people known to anthropology – however remote, isolated, or primitive – in which some form of doctoring with plants was not practised."
— Barbara Griggs, The Green Pharmacy (Barbara was a journalist and prolific writer in the field of Herbal Medicine) -
They Interact Directly With Your Brain: When you inhale essential oils, they interact with your olfactory system, which directly connects to the limbic system—the part of your brain responsible for emotions and memory. That’s why a familiar scent can instantly transport you to another place and uplift your mood.
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Essential Oils Can Help You Sleep Better: Oils like lavender, cedarwood, and marjoram are well known for promoting relaxation and better sleep. Lighting a candle infused with these oils, like Ánemos’s Peaceful Moments blend, creates the perfect atmosphere for unwinding at the end of the day.
- They Can Elevate Focus and Productivity: Certain oils, such as rosemary, eucalyptus, and peppermint, are known to enhance mental clarity and focus, making them perfect for boosting productivity. The Fresh Focus blend from Ánemos, for example, is ideal for those moments when you need to clear your mind and concentrate.
4. Why Essential Oils Are Powerful in Candles
When used in candles, essential oils offer more than just a pleasant fragrance—they release therapeutic benefits into your space. Unlike synthetic fragrances, which are often designed to simply mimic smells, essential oils interact with your body’s systems, helping to reduce stress, uplift your mood, or even energise your space.
"Why natural oils? Why not anything that smells nice whether it is natural or synthetic? The answer is simply that synthetic or inorganic substances do not contain any 'life force'—they are not dynamic."
– Robert Tisserand
At Ánemos, we only use 100% pure essential oils, ensuring that each candle not only smells beautiful but also nurtures your wellbeing. From the Uplifted Energy blend’s vibrant citrus notes to the Inner Strength candle’s grounding combination of patchouli and black pepper, these scents are designed to support your emotional and mental state.
5.The Role of Aromatherapy in Self-Care
Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils to improve your physical and emotional health. It’s a holistic approach that taps into the powerful connection between scent and emotion, helping to calm your mind, lift your spirits, or restore balance when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Incorporating essential oil-based products, such as candles, into your daily routine allows you to create small, intentional moments of self-care. Lighting a candle like Radiant Hope, which is designed to boost emotional wellbeing, or Divine Balance for hormonal support, can turn any space into a personal retreat.
I hope this has given you a little insight into the power of essential oils. If you would like guidance on choosing a blend for your emotional needs, feel free to email us at hello@anemosaroma.com or DM us over on Instagram (anemosaromatherapy). I am more than happy to offer suggestions.
– Stephanie Mosa, Founder of Ánemos Aromatherapy
