Meet the Oily Witch!
We like to think outside the box when creating an optimal English language learning space.
The recent redesign of our hub, including adding live plants into our teaching space, got us wondering if there were more ephemeral changes that could have a positive impact on your language learning.
I reached out to the Oily Witch, Claire Ottewell, to ask her for recommendations on essential oils for language learning.
This blog is her best advice, which I’m passing straight on to you.
Read on for an English language exercise at the end!
“I am Claire, The Oily Witch, a holistic wellbeing consultant and self-care expert, qualified in aromatherapy, medical astrology, nutrition and herbs.”
Claire Ottewell, 2021
Why Use Essential Oils for Language Learning?
Learning a foreign language as an adult should be really enjoyable, but there’s no doubt it can be taxing on the brain.
There is the joy of expanding your personal horizons, building your confidence to travel and perhaps rekindle a spiritual connection to a previous incarnation of yourself.
But expanding your little grey cells and asking them to retain often complex information can become stressful and emotional.
Any simple hacks that can make this journey easier, like essential oils, are worth using.
“For English language learners, essential oils can smooth the learning passage and maintain mental wellbeing”.
Claire Ottewell, 2021
A Language ‘hack’!
“Finding yourself in a different country can be a fairly daunting experience. To deal with all the stress and excitement I recommend using essential oils before you travel. Find your favourite blend and set your journey intentions. The power of the aromas in this bespoke essential oil blend will then help you to feel at home once you land and settle in, acting as a gorgeous reminder of why you are doing this”.
How Do we Use Essential Oils?
“I would recommend using your bespoke essential oil blend on your pulse points and lymph nodes for speedy action.
The ones I favour are located on your neck behind your ears, throat, wrists and Thymus Gland, which is just between your breasts.
I would also recommend using a diffuser, this helps to scent your personal space with something divine and familiar.
It has the added benefit of allowing you to inhale your essential oils gently into your brain – which then sees them cascade down into your entire body, influencing your hormones and nervous system”.
How do Essential Oils Work?
“The beauty of essential oils is that they work on your mental, physical and spiritual well-being.
They are complex chemical compounds extracted from the immune system of plants. So, they are a true and potent plant medicine. They work naturally upon us human beings because we’re part plant, so what they do for the plants they can do for us. Only five percent of the world’s plants carry essential oils we can use and of that five percent we’re really talking just one percent actually used”.
Which Essential Oils Would Help with Language Learning?
“Your nose is really your guide when it comes to essential oils, you are your own doctor.
Essential oils have lots of similarities and lots of different therapeutic actions, one size does not fit all. So, I can give just an idea of which essential oils may help with learning because what works for one may not work for another. We are all as unique and as complex as an essential oil.
Rosemary essential oil is excellent for creating clarity, focus and boosting memory. If you’re not a fan then I suggest Peppermint essential oil. As well as clarity and focus, peppermint gives access to more stamina and removes tension headaches.
For brightening your mood and energising your vibe you can’t beat Lemon essential oil or Wild orange. These citrus essential oils are extremely volatile so their gifts do not last but they certainly count.
If you find yourself disappearing down a well of self-loathing because you’re struggling with learning a foreign language, I recommend Rose, Lavender or Geranium essential oil. Any of these essential oils speaks to your heart and nourishes self-acceptance”.
“Similarly, if you find yourself set upon by anxieties, I recommend a blend of Rose, Lavender, Peppermint and Lemon to calm your senses and to earth to your worries. This means a pleasant way to get rid of them”.
Claire Ottewell, 2021
Further Information for Language Learners
If you would like a bespoke essential oil blend to help you feel at home, boost your learning abilities and improve your experience, you can get in touch with Claire here.
For anyone wishing to learn more about the benefits of using essential oils, you can read Claire’s blog on Understanding Essential Oils. Or book yourself on a workshop here.
Your Alternative Language School
We hope you’ve enjoyed hearing from expert Claire – The Oily Witch – about using essential oils for learning a foreign language.
We cover a broad range of topics in our language school blogs – some a lighthearted look at Scotland, others an in-depth look at art and culture.
If you enjoyed this blog, you might want to read about one of our English language school’s English immersion experiences:
English Experiences | Autumn Wreath Making
Your Blue Noun English Language Challenge is:
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