Essential Oils or essence of living plants are oils derived from the actual plant, root, fruit, herb, leaf, bark, etc usually through various methods of distillation. Essential oils are known for their therapeutic properties and are used in natural remedies and aromatherapy.

The interaction of healing scents from essential oils through the olfactory sense has a profound influence on the nervous or limbic system which is responsible for emotions, behaviour, motivation and memory. In fact, the olfactory system is the only sense out of the five human senses that has a direct link to the brain and therefore has a profound influence on the physiological and psychological well being of humans including the production of hormones.

In a simplistic way, it’s easy to imagine why healing scents from essential oils used in aromatherapy can relax, sedate, stimulate and even invigorate and regenerate the body and mind.

Aromatherapy can be defined as both an art and science which utilises essential oils, the fragrant and therapeutic essences distilled from plants and other botanical extracts. Essential oils are highly concentrated; containing natural vitamins and hormones with therapeutic, regenerative and healing properties. Used in aromatherapy diffusers, aromatherapy blends, aromatherapy massages and through inhalation, it is a natural and non-invasive preventive and in some cases, active treatment.

Essential oils can enter the body in a number of ways they include:

• Massage.  Absorption through the skin and through olfaction.
• Olfaction (smell). Inhaling
• Ingestion

Essential oils a wonderful aid in relaxation and there are a number of essential oils that are very useful in treating insomnia and other sleeping problems.  The first that I’m sure would come to mind for many is Lavender essential oil however Roman chamomile, Neroli, sweet/Spanish marjoram, petitgrain are also very effective in relieving sleeping disorders. Try any of the essential oils on their own or a combination of them in your vaporiser before going to bed.  If you don’t have a vaporiser try putting a couple of drops of your chosen essential oil or oils on a tissue, place it on your pillow and breath in the vapours or take a warm relaxing bath before bed with your chosen essential oil.  Most important you need to try and understand why this sleeping problem is occurring and symptoms persist see a doctor.

Absolutely not; all products and samples are tested but not on animals, trialled and monitored to make sure that product performance, stability and integrity are not compromised. Quality Assurance is a process taken seriously at the Natalie Group. Stringent method is applied before any products are released to the marketplace. None of our products are tested on animals but our formulas are inspired by centuries-old traditions and research from scriptures and recipes which have been the powerful 'beauty secrets' of the most beautiful women throughout history.

Aromatherapy is considered one of the best ways of treating and preventing stress. As well as creating calm and tranquillity in our lives it is used to relieve menstrual disorders, lift depression, assist our body’s detoxification processes, improve our energy levels, relieve respiratory disorders, alleviate skin conditions and treat muscle and joint problems. The therapeutic value of essential oils in aromatherapy works though the limbic system of the body.

ECO. modern essentials are stocked at Coles (see our stockist list) and other specialty stores.

Essential oils are generally considered to be safe but we  a certain amount of precaution needs to be taken as essential oils are highly concentrated.  Skin irritation can be common on individuals with sensitive skin with some oils and may result in a localised red patch of skin or a rash and can result in allergies in some individuals. Hence, you need to always careful read safety warning on essential oils and always use a directed to maximise the benefit you will receive when using essential oils.