Essential Oils: A Complete Guide
Essential oils act as aromatizers for environments, components in massages, among other benefits
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Essential oils are well known for their pleasant aromas and therapeutic benefits. Check out:
Possible applications of essential oils
Essential oils are liquids extracted from different parts of plants, through different types of processes. And they are characterized by having large amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOC or VOC in English), such as terpenes, differing from vegetable oils.
Thanks to the different compositions of essential oils, some benefits can be achieved by different applications, including:
- Aromatization of environment;
- In a hurry;
- Massage;
- Inhalation;
- Cleaning;
- Hair;
- Bath;
- Skin;
- Ingestion.
How to use and some necessary care
Ambient aromatization
Essential oils are very concentrated, thus having a very strong aroma when pure. For room aromatization, you can add a drop in the room, every meter, which will be enough. Another possibility is to dilute about 10 ml of pure essential oil in 1 liter of water, moisten a cloth with this solution and pass it into the desired environment; or apply a few drops in a diffuser. Avoid overdoing the essential oil for aromatization, as it has high concentration of VOCs, which can cause nausea and malaise when there is excessive exposure.
In a hurry
When an area of the body is impacted or injured, pain, swelling, and redness soon appear. Many people use compresses to relieve and speed up recovery from this impact or injury, but did you know that some types of essential oils can further aid this recovery? Some oils have analgesic and peripheral circulation stimulant properties and can therefore be used to treat muscle injuries. Two to three drops of essential oil in the compress is enough to increase the effect and contribute to muscle relaxation.
Massage
Essential oils are widely used in massage, thanks to their analgesic, relaxing and stimulating properties for peripheral circulation. It is good to remember that the essential oil, as it is very concentrated, must be diluted in some carrier oil, such as vegetable oil, to avoid possible skin irritation and adverse reactions. About 35 drops for every 100 ml of vegetable oil is a good proportion for massage application.
Inhalation
Some essential oils can improve the respiratory system (in situations of colds, for example), in addition to providing possible psychological relaxation. Adding a few drops of the oil (about four drops) to a container of hot water can help the person who is inhaling to breathe.
- Aromatherapy is a natural remedy for rhinitis. Understand
Cleaning
Several types of essential oils carry compounds that have antiseptic action. Therefore, they can be used for cleaning, killing different microorganisms. A few pure drops can be applied to a cloth that is wiped over the desired area, however, the drops should be well spread out so the aroma is not too strong.
Hair
Essential oils can also be used in hair treatment, mixing a few drops (ten) in shampoo (100 ml) or vegetable oil (100 ml) and massaging the mixture into the scalp. They can be used to treat dry hair (essential oils of cedar and sage), oily hair (oils of cedar and lemon), treatment of dandruff (rosemary and tea tree) and hair loss (rosemary and cedar).
Bath
In the bath, essential oils are effective in calming the mind and improving the respiratory system through inhalation. In the shower, three drops can be applied to just one corner of the shower box, because if more than that is added, the moisture generated in the bath can concentrate too much aroma and cause discomfort and nausea. In the bathtub, about ten drops can be added, as they will be well diluted by the large amount of water in the bathtub.
Skin
As with massage, some types of essential oil must be diluted in vegetable oil to avoid irritation and high concentration on the skin. Depending on the type of application desired, do not exceed 35 drops for every 100 ml of vegetable oil.
ingestion
Some essential oils can be ingested and provide health benefits, but safety depends a lot on each type of essential oil, application and reaction of the person's body. Never ingest essential oil without being sure about its safety and recommended amount, as they are extremely concentrated.
Some essential oils, their properties and applications
We have made a list of the main essential oils and their properties to help you choose and research the type you are looking for
Main properties:
| Essential oil | Analgesic, Refreshing | Antiseptic | Anti-inflammatory | Healing | Peripheral circulation stimulant | Tonic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rosemary | x | x | x | x | x | |
| Chamomile | x | x | x | x | x | |
| Cinnamon | x | x | x | |||
| Globulus Eucalyptus | x | x | ||||
| Anise | x | x | ||||
| Mint | x | x | x | x | ||
| Lavender | x | x | x | x | ||
| Orange | x | |||||
| Lemon | x | x | ||||
| melaleuca | x | x | x | x | x | |
| mint | x | x | ||||
| Red rose | x | x | x |
Some applications:
| Essential oil | Deodorant, Skin | Muscle Injury Treatment | Soap | Bath salts | Flavoring |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rosemary | x | x | |||
| Chamomile | x | x | x | x | |
| Cinnamon | x | ||||
| Globulus Eucalyptus | x | x | x | x | x |
| Anise | x | x | x | ||
| Mint | x | x | x | x | |
| Lavender | x | x | x | x | |
| Orange | x | x | x | ||
| Lemon | x | x | x | ||
| mint | x | x | x | x | x |
| Red rose | x | x | x |
Where to find and what precautions to take when buying
It is very important to verify that the product is 100% natural and pure, free from components that could be harmful to health. Usually, products that contain essential oil can also have harmful substances, such as parabens, in order to improve some physical aspect of the product and even its lifespan.
Another important feature that should be noted is that essential oils are normally photosensitive, that is, they degrade when exposed to light, so, normally, they must be stored in a dark container in order to prevent their contact with external light. Understand more about in "What are essential oils?".
Some essential oils are not recommended for use in certain cases. Rosemary, for example, should be avoided for pregnant women. So always seek a doctor's recommendation before using essential oils. It is important to make sure that there is no possibility of adverse effects such as allergy and even more serious effects occurring.You can find 100% natural and pure essential oils at eCycle store!
