Natural essential oils have long been used for medicinal purposes , although there are many other possible applications. It is believed that the first successful process of extracting essential oil from a plant was conducted by Avicenna, a Persian physician and philosopher who lived at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are volatile mixtures of dozens or hundreds of compounds extracted from specific parts of a given plant —leaves, stems, flowers, fruits, seeds, or roots. There are approximately 2,000 oil-producing plants worldwide. Essential oils are most often extracted through steam distillation, cold pressing, or alcohol.
Natural essential oils in aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses them to influence the human body and mind through the sense of smell. The therapy helps relieve various ailments and promote relaxation. This natural method dates back to ancient times – Egyptians, Romans, and Arabs used plant extracts and scents to embalm corpses, care for injured skin, and freshen the air.
What are their uses?
They are used to treat upper respiratory tract infections, colds, flu, headaches, joint and muscle pain, digestive problems, reducing skin inflammation, and alleviating allergy symptoms, among other things. The specific properties of an essential oil depend on the plant from which it was extracted.
A popular method for using essential oils is to use a ceramic aromatherapy burner. Oil (often mixed with water) is added to the top of the burner and a candle is lit in the bottom. Alternatively, it can be added to a humidifier or a special oil diffuser.
You can add a little oil to your bath to make it more relaxing and regenerating. Compresses can also be applied directly to the skin or as an addition to a massage. They also work well in saunas.
Properties of essential oils for aromatherapy
- Lemon oil – has antibacterial and toning properties, is used in acne cosmetics, and also slows down the skin aging process.
- Eucalyptus oil has a fresh and slightly camphoraceous scent. It has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It can help fight colds and upper respiratory tract infections. Used in massage, it helps soothe tired muscles and joints.
- Geranium oil – characterized by a floral scent with a light citrus note. It has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Chinese geranium oil is used for inhalation to treat upper respiratory tract infections and colds, as well as for skin conditions such as fungal infections and acne.
- Clove oil – has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It relieves rheumatic and toothache pain and freshens breath. It also repels insects.
- Lavender oil – has a calming, relaxing effect, and aids sleep. It helps relieve colds, sinusitis, and the flu. Applied externally, it helps combat skin inflammation, such as eczema, acne, and athlete's foot.
- Peppermint oil – has analgesic properties and helps with digestive issues. It has a fresh minty scent.
- Orange oil – relieves nervous tension, relaxes and helps you sleep.
- Rose oil – has a pleasant rose and floral aroma. It relieves mental tension, promotes relaxation, and aids sleep. It can alleviate headaches and support the healing of wounds.
- Pine oil – helps with upper respiratory tract infections and boosts immunity. May cause allergy symptoms in more sensitive individuals. Has a fresh, forest-like scent.
- Tea tree oil – has a strong herbal scent. It has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It is used to treat colds, sore throats, and upper respiratory tract infections. It is effective in combating fungal infections and other skin conditions.
- Lemongrass oil (lemongrass) – has a strong, lemony aroma. It has refreshing and antibacterial properties. Inhaling lemongrass oil helps combat colds and upper respiratory tract infections. It also aids in the treatment of certain skin conditions. It repels insects, including mosquitoes.
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