Aromatic oils: properties and applications

Now you can see aromatic oils on store shelves, in pharmacies and at specialized points of sale. Not everyone knows why they are needed, how they differ and what is included in their composition. In order to use them correctly and for their intended purpose and at the same time receive benefits, you need to understand them well, know the properties of each product and recommendations for their use.

Essential oils have a very wide spectrum of action and help with a wide variety of problem situations. Among the main properties of aromatic oils can be distinguished:

• acts as an antispasmodic;
• helps to reduce headaches;
• may be an antiseptic;
• has a calming effect;
• may have an exciting effect;
• stimulates the work of mental activity.

Before using essential oil, you need to know exactly the indications for its use, because it can have a strong effect, which can not always be positive. To know exactly what oils need to be taken in a particular situation, it is worth considering their purpose.

• Anise used for colds, tonsillitis and bronchitis, also has a positive effect in case of weakened immunity.
• Bergamot refers to oils that are best avoided in the sun, as the effect will be unpredictable. In itself, the oil is used for problems with the immune system, for insomnia, fatigue and depression, in addition, it helps with burn injuries, and contributes to intensive care of the skin and hair.
• Valerian It effectively fights against severe headaches, and also helps those who suffer from insomnia fall asleep, soothes the nervous system in cases of a depressed state and helps to increase working capacity.
• Verbena effective in case of severe headache, helps to cope with insomnia, depression and fatigue. It also copes well with wounds and burns and is used for rheumatism, osteochondrosis and radiculitis.
• Clove can help cope with colds, tonsillitis and bronchitis. Also, this ether effectively heals wounds and burns, helps in the treatment of rheumatism, osteochondrosis and injuries of varying severity, in addition, it is used as a skin and hair care product.

• Geranium It helps to fight colds.
• Grapefruit refers to those oils that are better not to use in the sun. Effectively helps with sleep disorders, fatigue and depressive states, helps to increase the body's resistance to viral diseases.
• Oregano, Ylang Ylang and Jasmine help save the skin after burns or in case of injuries, give proper care to the skin and hair.
• Ginger It helps with colds, sore throats and bronchitis, eliminates headaches, improves the state of immunity, provides skin and hair care, reduces manifestations of osteochondrosis, radiculitis and rheumatism.
• Lavender fights against burns, improves the condition of the skin and hair, helps relieve fatigue and sleep problems, normalizes the activity of the nervous system.
• Marjoram effective for colds, weakened immunity, migraines and malfunctions of the musculoskeletal system.

This is not a complete list of all the components of which essential oils are made, which have both cosmetic and therapeutic effects. Having an idea of ​​what and in what cases you need to take, you can protect yourself from undesirable consequences.

Since essential oils exist in large quantities, it is important to understand how they differ and what types of these compounds can be.

By plant source:

• from berries - cloves, allspice;
• from wood - camphor, sandalwood;
• from seed - nutmegs, sandalwood;
• from rhizomes - ginger, galangal;
• from pitches - myrrh, frankincense;
• leaf-based - basil, eucalyptus;
• from inflorescences - chamomile, jasmine.

By the method of obtaining:

• by distillation - procedures for the evaporation of liquids;
• thanks to extraction - the process of combining raw materials with an extractant, which is then removed, leaving a pure essential oil;
• thanks to pressing - the use of mechanical extraction.

By the effect on the body:

• have a refreshing effect - orange, lavender, mint;
• stimulating - verbena, clove, rosemary;
• purifying - orange, lavender, nutmeg;
• harmonizing - vanilla, jasmine, cedar, pink, sandalwood;
• relaxing - orange, lavender, chamomile;
• soothing - vanilla, jasmine, dill;
• reinforcing - verbena, angelica, cedar, nutmeg, rosemary;
• anti stressm - bergamot, geranium, jasmine, coriander, lavender;
• sensual - orange, bergamot, jasmine, cardamom, tangerine, pink, sandalwood.

Essential oil is obtained due to the natural squeezing of components from one or another raw material.Aromatic oils of a completely different origin, they are made artificially thanks to knowledge and experience in the laboratory. To get the essential oil, you can use the following raw materials:

• flowers
• leaves;
• roots
• stalks;
• bark.

It is this oil that is prescribed as a medicine or a potent substance, because it has a therapeutic effect. They are also used for aromatherapy. With the help of ethereal compounds, you can soothe pain, accelerate wound healing, protect the integument from bacteria and viruses.

Despite the fact that aromatic oils are made in laboratory conditions, but they contain at least one of the components of the essential oil, they are made according to its formula. This species has no therapeutic effect on the body, because their composition is much simpler and intended for other purposes. Flavored liquids will not be prescribed as an aid in some problem situations, they are often used for aromatherapy.

To understand what exactly you purchased, which of the oil options, you can conduct a comparative analysis:

• The raw materials for essential oils are flowers, roots, bark and other organic compounds;
• essential oils have a therapeutic effect, but aromatic oils do not;
• the cost of essential oils is much more expensive than aromatic;
• from the essential oil there is no greasy trace on the paper or fabric, but from the aromatic it will be visible;
• the composition of essential oils is much more complicated than aromatic due to the method of their preparation.

The smell of essential oil is sharp and strong, because it is a squeeze of a plant, in addition, you can feel the taste of the raw materials from which it is made. They are used in solutions for inhalation, are included in therapeutic ointments and creams, have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. The scope of aromatic oils is much narrower - they should aromatize rooms, for which sticks with different smells, paraffin candles with different aromas are created. Although the composition of both oils is very similar, but the application and basic functions are fundamentally different, it is important to know what and when to use.

Both essential and aromatic oils need to be able to combine correctly. If there is no in-depth knowledge in this area, then it is worth understanding the main rule that it is impossible to combine more than three flavors. The mixing procedure also has its own characteristics. One additional oil must be poured into the main oil, leaving them for at least half an hour to mature, and then continue mixing with another aroma. At each stage, it is important to mix the contents of the bottle well so that the smell and substance become homogeneous.

Another rule concerns the functional purpose of oils. For example, you do not need to combine a tonic and a relaxing substance to relax in the bathroom. If we talk about smells, then it is worth remembering that rose and lavender enhance the aroma of those compounds with which they are mixed, and citrus fruits are well suited for combination with coniferous oils. If essential oils are used, then their effect can be enhanced by the synergy effect, when different substances with the same focus are combined in one bubble. For example, if you combine the oil of myrrh and lavender, you can observe an increase in the painkiller and healing effect inherent in the second component. With the combination of myrrh and tea tree oil, the anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects of the second substance increase.

If the oils have harsh or not quite pleasant aromas, they can be adjusted using the principle of complementarity. Usually this option is used to mitigate one of the main components. For example, lemon oil is perfect for ylang ylang, while lavender and rosemary reduce the pungent smell of mint. It is important to introduce a corrective substance in a proportion not exceeding 30% of the main component.

When combining different oils, one must also think about the tones that each composition has, due to which the degree of preservation of the smell on the surface changes. In order for the mixture to be homogeneous and always exude a pleasant aroma, it is important to choose components with the same weathering period. Floral and citrus aromas can even be used instead of perfumes without diluting them with alcohol, but the duration of the odor on the skin will be quite short-lived.

Aromatherapy at home can be a sufficient number of procedures that have different effects. Aromatic and essential oils can be used for procedures such as:

• baths or baths;
• massage;
• inhalation;
• compress;
• additive to cosmetics;
• use with lamps and stones;
• the use of aroma pendants.

At home, if you want, you can do any of the above procedures, and each of them will be aimed at a specific task. If we talk about baths or baths, they are ideal for relaxing and relieving stress, especially after a hard working day. Best in this case, sandalwood or lavender oil helps, a composition of geranium and rose does a good job. The composition of juniper and verbena is best for muscle relaxation after sports activities. Bath procedures can be useful even for the treatment of colds, if you use lemon or pine oil.

Another way to use aromatic oils is massage. With it, you can relax the body, improve its condition, make it more toned and slim figure, remove cellulite. So that the session brings not only results, but also pleasure, It is important to select oils with a pleasant smell that will not cause discomfort.

Best for massage are coconut, almond, olive oil, which need no more than one spoon, and about five drops of any essential oil. After the procedure, it is important to stay at rest for at least half an hour. It is better to act on the skin in circular motions without causing strong pressure and discomfort. This type of massage should have a relaxing effect.

Another option for using oils is inhalation, due to which it is possible to quickly and successfully cope with colds. Thanks to inhalation, it is possible to improve the state of immunity, carry out an antiviral effect, and also accelerate the healing process. There are two options for the procedure: cold and hot. The first involves applying a small amount of oil to bedding that is removed from the face so that you can freely inhale their aroma. The second method is impossible without a special device - an inhaler, where the liquid is placed, which the person breathes.

Another option for using oils is aroma lamps and stones, thanks to which it is possible to disinfect and aromatize the air. If you need to create an acceptable atmosphere in the room, which is especially true in the presence of children, then you can not do without a humidifier.In each of the listed options, aromatic or essential oils can be used, but only if they are correctly selected and used. It is best to use citrus or floral aromas for a humidifier, so that it is pleasant to be in the room and the air seems fresh and light.

To use the aroma lamp, it is important to pre-ventilate the room where it will be installed, and then choose the right composition for filling, which will depend on the room:

• in the bedroom it is better to use something relaxing and calm;
• stimulating compounds that can cheer up when needed are more suitable in the office;
• in the living room, refreshing aromas that bring a sense of harmony will be most appropriate;
• in the kitchen it is recommended to use cleansing, harmonizing and tonic oils;
• for children it is necessary to choose soothing and harmonizing options.

Another option where you can use aromatic and essential oils is to add them to cosmetics. It is best to use them for creams, shampoos, face masks, baths for hands and feet. If you need to enhance any properties, you need to mix several options for oils.

In the next video you will find three rules of aromatherapy that you need to know about in order not to harm the skin using essential oils.