5 Ways to Heal With Nature Using Essential Oils and Natural Skin Care

Have you ever thought about what your relationship with nature is? The idea that you have a relationship with nature has broad context and is subjective. It begins by acknowledging that, no matter how you approach it, everyone has a relationship with nature.

Your place in nature

Putting this into perspective, think about the fact that we evolved on this planet, surrounded by its nature. Who we are as human beings is a result of the earths contribution to our development - or beyond when we think about the sun and entire Universe. Consider biology and, simply stated, we are nature. To dismiss or ignore the nature that surrounds, and is, us may have health and emotional consequences. 

Nature heals

It has been proven that periodic visits into the natural world, such as fields, forests and coastal ocean areas, has healing potential. Evidence shows that a disconnect from the natural world, especially in the urban lifestyle, may be disruptive to health and emotions. The awareness of a human need to connect or communicate with nature comes from the concept of biophilia - meaning the love of life or living systems and refers to the human need and innate desire to seek connections with nature and other forms of life. This theory has demonstrated truth using the system of healing in Japan called Shinrin-yoku or Forest Bathing; emotional and physical healing derived from spending time in the forest. 

The scent of the natural world

The scent and feel of the forest and other plant rich environments partially comes from the saturation of volatile compounds called phytoncides. Plants release these compounds for protection and communication with other plants. Phytoncides have been researched for their benefit to human health, summed up in the title of this 2009 study, “Effect of phytoncide from trees on human natural killer cell function.” The compounds being discussed are the very same we find in essential oils. This would translate to the ability of essential oils to perform a similar function when used outside of their natural environment.

5 Ways

essential oils, skin care and the scent of nature

Using this information, here are 5 ways to have a daily healthy connection with the natural world.

1. Diffuse oils that are reminiscent of the forest air: 

   1. Cedarwoods: Atlas (Cedrus atlantica) or Virginia (Juniperus virginiana)

   2. Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens),  hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa), Alaskan yellow cypress (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis)

   3. Black spruce (Picea mariana) , Douglas fir  (Pseudotsuga menziesii),  pine (Pinus sylvestris)

   4. Sanctuary Fragrance Therapy (rich forest and herbs scent), Forest Bathing (spruce, hinoki, other forest trees)

2. Daily use of botanical facial care with the feel and odors of natural extracts:

   1. Ingredients may include shea butter, green tea, cocoa butter, sea buckthorn, astaxanthin, many vegetable and fruit seed oils; rosehip seed, olive, avocado and more

   2. Essential oils for facial care such as cedarwood, neroli, lavender, ylang ylang, helichrysum, cistus, rose and others known for both cell regeneration and healthy emotional balance. 

   3. Shea Butter Plus and Natural Scent Face Cream; base formulas for DIY.

   4. Perfect Skin Serum and Perfect Skin Cream are specifically designed with botanical authenticity and connection to nature’s healing and beauty care.

3. Massage with botanical based oils and lotions using essential oils that promote physical and emotional health

   1. Immune Support Massage Oil, Lymphatic Detox Massage Oil

   2. Olive oil, shea butter, sunflower and many other nourishing fruit and vegetable seed oils

   3. essential oils like cedarwood (altas or Virginia), citruses, bay laurel, ylang ylang and needle trees.

4. Bathe in essential oils reminiscent of fresh springs, fields, woods and flowers

5. Use essential oils in an area of mediation yoga or quiet contemplation. 

   1. Inhale essential oils from their bottle or drop on a tissue or other padding. 

   2. Transcend Fragrance Therapy, Active Peace

   3. Any essential oil that helps you connect with nature or the “spirit” of the forest