From The Straits Times    |

Vanessa Lin, Best, tips, ways, how to, use, essential oil, Zvi Fine Oils, massage oil recipe, stress relief EMBED
Photography Frenchescar Lim Art Direction Clare Chan
Styling Karin Tan Hair & Makeup Antonio Cheng (9363-5145)
Location Do.main Bakery

Vanessa Lin, founder of Zvi Fine Oils, is one half of the mother-daughter team behind the company, which specialises in essential oils, used to bring natural relief to common ailments and to support overall well-being. They hand-blend small batches of foot soaks, lip balms and spritzers, as well as create customised perfume oil blends as gifts. We get Vanessa’s tips on how to best use essential oils.

1. Put a few drops on a cotton ball and inhale it

“Put three or four drops of the essential oil on a cotton ball, then take two or three deep breaths. Repeat this two to three times a day. This method is best when used to address or support respiratory or congestion issues. You can also put a few drops on your palms, rub, and cup over your face to inhale.”

2. Apply it on your skin only if it’s been pre-blended

“Essential oils can be extremely potent in their purest form, so exercise caution when applying them topically. Those that have been pre-blended with a carrier oil, like sweet almond oil, fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil, are safe to apply directly on the skin.”

 

Also read: 8 best herbs for women according to TCM

 

3. Use it as a foot soak

“Combining essential oils and Epsom salts in a warm foot bath can make for a very relaxing home foot spa or scrub. It not only lets you enjoy the aromatic benefits of essential oils but also helps relax tired feet, quell foot odour and soften calloused areas.”

Vanessa adds that magnesium present in Epsom salts can be absorbed into skin to help with stress relief. “It regulates enzymes in the body and encourages energy production in cells,” she adds.

4. Buy the highest quality

“The key to safe, effective aromatherapy is to use only therapeutic-grade essential oils that have been diluted with a high-quality carrier oil to make topical application safe.”

 

Also read: 8 best herbs for women according to TCM

 


NATURAL HELP

Vanessa recommends these five oil blends from Zvi Fine Oils to help relieve discomfort caused by common ailments.

  1. For insomnia: Luna – camomile, lavender, vetiver and frankincense
  2. For muscle aches: Apollo – rosemary, peppermint, marjoram, basil and Idaho balsam fir
  3. For stress and anxiety: Sage – patchouli, cedarwood, lavender, ylang ylang and bergamot
  4. For nausea and motion sickness: Isla – peppermint, ginger, lavender, patchouli and fennel
  5. For flu and cold: Blaise – eucalyptus, peppermint, clove, lemon, rosemary and cinnamon

 

Also read: The best time to exercise to lose weight

 


MAKE YOUR OWN STRESS-RELIEVING MASSAGE OIL

Blend these together:

  • Six drops of bergamot essential oil
  • Two drops of geranium essential oil
  • Two drops of frankincense essential oil
  • 30ml of your favourite high-quality carrier oil (sweet almond, jojoba or fractionated coconut oil)

Store in an airtight, dark glass bottle to avoid damaging the oils. For diffuser use, omit the carrier oil.

 

This story was originally published in the May 2016 issue of Simply Her.