What are essential oils? 

Essential oils are liquid, odorous and volatile elements that exist in aromatic plants and are found in their specific cells or organs, such as in plants, leaves, woody tissue, fruit, seeds, root, rhizome, in resin, in gum and sometimes in more than one part of the plant.

The lavender essential oil is, for example, taken from flowers and leaves, and the orange tree has the particularity of containing 3 different essences, each having its own aroma and different therapeutic properties. Essential oils are a way for the plant to survive, serving its growth and reproduction process, to attract pollinating insects, to repel predators and as a defense against disease.

The quality of the essential oil will depend on several factors that will interact with each other, the soil conditions, the climate, the altitude and the harvest time, which is recommended in summer, when the concentration of essential oils is highest . The harvest of plants producing essential oils must be done in a few days so that the true essence is not lost, and their quality also changes from one year to the next.

The price of essential oils varies according to the quality that it is possible to obtain in the plant, so the more ducts or glands the plant has, the cheaper the oil is. Despite their high price, these substances are very concentrated and only a few drops are needed to obtain the desired therapeutic effect.

How are they obtained?

Obtaining essential oils requires a certain precaution because many oils are on the market that are not 100% pure, containing substances to enhance their aroma or to dilute it so that it spreads more. Others contain pesticide residues or traces of chemical solvents used in the extraction process.

There are currently several methods of extraction, the most classic being direct distillation, which is an improved version of the clay pot method used in Egypt.

The material collected from the plant is placed in an alembic where it is in direct contact with the water that is heated and the steam drags the essential oils to the condenser, which will then be transferred to the separator.

The most efficient method is steam distillation, which is quite similar to the first one but prevents the distillate from burning, because in this case the plant material is not in contact with water, only the steam will pass through it.

Aesthetic use

Here are some examples where aromatherapy is used for aesthetic purposes where it works very effectively:

  • anti-cellulite oils;
  • Prewash oils for dry or damaged hair;
  • anti-dandruff and hair loss hair tonics;
  • Face masks for dry, oily or acne-prone skin;
  • facial and body creams;
  • cleansing milk;
  • Perfumes for the skin;
  • Facial and body scrubs;
  • Baths;
  • Massages.

Use in some pathologies

Anxiety - We should use oils that have sedative properties in conjunction with massage or baths. We can use BergamotChamomile, Cedar, Cypresses, Geranium, JasmineJuniperthe, lavender, magerona, MelissaNeroli, Rose and Ylang Ylang.

Acheon the back - Massage is the best way to reduce pain. Oils that can help reduce muscle pain and tension are: LavenderMarjoramAbsolute Roseblack pepper or Ginger.

Depression - We can use oils for both massage and inhalation. To improve the mood and mood, use Geranium, Melissa adn Rose, to help sleep and improve irritation and rest is used Chamomile, Lavender, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang.

AcheOf Head - Apply near the eyebrows or make hot compresses and apply to the forehead or behind the neck. The most effective essential oils are Lavender, chili which can be used separately or together. O Absolute Rose can also be used.

Insomnia  To help calm and relieve anxiety, the most effective oils are LavenderChamomile e Can be used in the bath or even a few drops on the pillow to ensure a good night's sleep.

Premenstrual tension - The best form of treatment is through massage or baths, it helps to reduce depression and irritation we should use Bergamot, Chamomile adn Rose,, to prevent fluid retention use essential oils Geranium and Absolute Rose.

Leave a Reply

Social media & sharing icons powered by UltimatelySocial
en_GBEnglish