Practical guide to the use of essential oils
Article revised and corrected. Originally published in August 2019
Sometimes called the “soul” of plants, essential oils have long been the mainstay for various therapeutic and home applications in prophylactic and even culinary aspects.
Paradoxically, essential oils are not greasy, but rather have a more watery consistency, are highly volatile, concentrated and loaded with a broad spectrum of organic properties.
Essential oils are part of aromatherapy, which is a complementary medicine where plants are used as adjuvants for the prevention and treatment of conditions and diseases.
In general, essential oils are a group of aromatic molecules that are obtained from a part of the plant such as leaves, petals, branches, thorns, resins, seeds, wood and/or bark.
Classification
Absolute oils
They are semi-liquid or alcohol-soluble oils obtained through a solvent extraction process that produces a low yield. For example, 500 kilos of jasmine flowers produce only one teaspoon of jasmine absolute oil and 2.5 kilos of rose petals for one teaspoon of “rose absolute”.
With the distillation process, however, one teaspoon of rose essential oil requires 5 thousand kilos of petals. Therefore, a Damascus rose essence costs twice the price of rose absolute regardless of it being considered one of the most expensive essential oils.
Essential oil blends
Essential oil blends are a recipe or formula that is derived from combining several essential oils. Companies that sell oil blends have pre-mixed formulas, but you can do it yourself. So, learning about essential oils can give you the confidence to make reliable blends when applying as needed.
Carrier oil
Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils and are sometimes referred to as “base” oils. They come from a variety of sources such as nuts, seeds, trees, and vegetables. The most popular carrier oils are coconut, almond, sunflower, and jojoba.
Some essential oils that can be used as carriers are lavender and melaleuca or tea tree.
Most common ways to use essential oils
Essential oils are generally gentle and, due to their characteristics, help the person who uses them reduce symptoms of tension, sore muscles, mental fatigue and many other conditions when applied correctly.
The most common forms are through inhalation, either directly, spread on the palm of the hand, or with the help of a diffuser.
Topically, by applying directly to the area to be treated. As a body massage; combined with bath water and essential oil. Combined with another essential oil for a specific effect such as pain, wounds or burns. Or combined with another skin product (cream, shampoo, facial cleanser, moisturizer, lotion).
In some cases, but not all, certain essential oils can be used internally , that is, by ingestion.
How to choose your essential oils
If you do a little research into essential oils you will notice that the prices are much higher than conventional oils. This is because some are not very common or are more difficult to extract. If a distributor sells the oils at similar prices, it is possible that they are not pure or are not the original.
If solvents in oils cause any adverse reaction or allergic response, you should consider not using essential oils diluted in vegetable oil as there may be residue in the final product. A handy way to detect if essential oil has been diluted in vegetable oil is to place a drop on a piece of paper. If residue remains when you slide the drop off, it is likely that the essential oil has been diluted in vegetable oil.
Therapeutic grade A essential oils are exceptionally pure and should not produce any allergic reaction when used. Pure essential oils should be stored in a dark-colored bottle (blue, green or amber) to better preserve their ingredients. Exposing the product to sunlight deteriorates it and makes it lose its properties if you intend to use it. for therapeutic purposes.
The 8 essential oils that I recommend you take with you
There are about 300 therapeutically relevant oils for aromatherapy. Of these oils, 101 are marketed worldwide. In most cases, each manufacturer, distributor and/or health professional has a list of “top 8 essential oils” that are never the same for anyone due to the specific needs of each person.
So I recommend that you make your own list, according to your own criteria. In the meantime, I am going to propose my personal list, explaining the reasons for each choice.
- Lavender essential oil
Known as the “oil that heals everything,” you’ll see why. Lavender oil is believed to stimulate the activation of the pineal gland in the brain, and thus helps restore some suppressed body functions and emotions.
Lavender is particularly effective because it provides a calming and relaxing effect. It is commonly used in the preparation of skin care products so it is found among the ingredients of many creams, soaps, perfumes and household cleaners.
Lavender essential oil is highly effective and can be mixed with other oils and essences to enhance its effects.
Lavender oil is considered an excellent pain reliever for muscle spasms and headaches. It helps relieve infections, colds, bronchitis and nasal congestion.
Lavender oil provides calming effects against mood swings, anxiety, insomnia and hyperactivity.
- Tea tree essential oil
Tea tree essential oil is pale yellow in color and has a subtle camphoraceous aroma. It is highly active against many infections caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses, making it a very effective first aid ingredient. The healing and penetrating effect of tea tree is felt physically and emotionally.
Thanks to its action and gentleness, it can be used undiluted on the skin in cases of nail fungus, skin rashes, blisters, athlete's foot, herpes, lice, insect bites, acne and abrasions on the dermis.
Vaginal yeast infections can also be relieved by sitz baths with warm water and tea tree oil. This combined with frequent abdominal massages of tea tree oil mixed with a carrier oil.
For cold and sore throat symptoms, tea tree oil can be used in gargling and vaporizing. It can also be used to improve resistance to sinusitis, bronchitis and laryngitis.
- Lemon essential oil
Lemon essential oil is used to detoxify the respiratory, circulatory and lymphatic systems. It is useful for cleansing wounds and can be used for sore throats and colds due to its antibacterial properties. It balances acids, relieves gout and neutralizes excessive stomach acidity. It can be used to complement the treatment of rheumatism.
Lemon can be used on the skin (but not before sunbathing) against dull and oily skin, clears dark spots and varicose veins.
Rinsing your hair with lemon essential oil after washing enhances its shine.
A bath with this oil helps to recover from mental fatigue and vigor after continuous physical activity.
Ideal before meditation as it frees the mind from thoughts that prevent concentration.
Precautions : It is particularly sensitive to light, therefore it should not be applied 24 hours before sun exposure. People with particularly sensitive skin should avoid it.
Use in minimal quantities: No more than three drops in the bath; either the carrier oil or massage cream should contain no more than 1 ml of lemon essential oil.
- Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint essential oil is virtually colorless and has a strong, penetrating odor. The characteristic pungent smell comes from menthol, which is dominant in amounts ranging from 50 to 80%. Mint is very refreshing, energizing and provides a feeling of relief. It is mainly used to relieve headaches thanks to its analgesic properties.
Several stomach complaints respond well to abdominal massage combined with peppermint oil. Some of these conditions include diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, flatulence, motion sickness, colon spasms, and nausea.
Arthritis pain, leg spasms, muscle pain, menstrual cramps can improve with the application of peppermint oil through massage.
Applying it to the chest relieves bronchitis, colds, coughs, asthma and sinusitis. Peppermint oil is also a reliable antiviral and helps eliminate herpes and flu.
When used as an antiseptic, the essential oil can be helpful in preventing tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease.
Inhaling this oil improves mental clarity and concentration.
Precautions : Allergic reactions may occur when used on sensitive skin. In this case, always use with a carrier oil or dissolved in water.
Peppermint should not be used by children under five years of age due to the likelihood of reaction to high levels of menthol.
- Oregano essential oil
In traditional medicine in many cultures, different species of oregano are used against asthma, indigestion, headaches, rheumatism and as a disinfectant.
The active ingredients of oregano can act in one or more of the stages of the oxidative sequence. Polyphenols are responsible for this action and it is influenced by their molecular structure, in particular the degree of hydroxylation and the position of the oshydryls.
Although its antioxidant activity is associated with several mechanisms, its high reactivity against active free radicals is considered the main mechanism.
Precautions : Some people with very sensitive skin may experience irritation so test on a small area of skin or combine with a carrier oil.
- Rosemary essential oil
Due to the widespread use of rosemary essential oil in traditional remedy preparations, science is exploring its potential health benefits.
Proven benefits include:
- Improves brain function. Research indicates that inhaling rosemary oil helps prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, an important chemical for concentration and memory ( study ) and ( study )
- Stimulates hair growth. Experiments have shown that rosemary oil helps in the treatment of androgenic alopecia by preventing a residue of testosterone from attacking the hair follicles, which is the cause of this condition that also affects women.
It was reported that after applying rosemary oil to the scalp twice daily for 6 months, treated subjects not only experienced thickening of the hair, just like those who used minoxidil (Rogaine), but also less itching than minoxidil, suggesting that rosemary oil is more tolerable than minoxidil.
- It can help relieve physical pain in both humans and animals.
- Repels some insects, including black-legged ticks, red mites and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are the carriers of the Zika virus. ( report )
- Helps reduce stress.
- Increases circulation
- Helps reduce inflammation
Precautions – Avoid applying rosemary essential oil and other essential oils to damaged skin or near sensitive areas such as the eyes and inner ears.
- Protective mix
The combination of oils to achieve the protective blend is made up of powerful oils such as clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus and rosemary.
Some of the protective properties of this blend include antimicrobial properties, strengthening the immune system, promoting respiratory and cardiovascular health, stimulating mood and attention, and reducing feelings of stress or anxiety.
This mixture is often used inhaled or topically when the first symptoms of a cold or flu are detected.
Add a few drops to water to use as an all-purpose cleaner.
Combine a few drops with a little fractionated coconut oil and use to wash hands.
Precautions :
Irritation to very sensitive skin
Keep out of reach of children
If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor before use.
Avoid contact with eyes, ears and sensitive areas.
Avoid direct sunlight for up to 12 hours after applying this oil topically.
- Digestive Blend
This essential oil blend has the ability to soothe occasional upset stomach and maintain good digestive health. Some ingredients may vary by brand, but in general, they contain fennel, coriander, anise, mint, tarragon, and cumin seeds that lighten digestion and allow you to maintain a healthy intestinal tract.
You can take a few drops directly or dissolve them in a little water. You will immediately feel relief thanks to the proportions of each of the oils used in the mixture.
Uses:
- To relieve stomach upset
- To relieve motion sickness during air and/or road travel
- Take the digestive blend when traveling or trying a new food in case of an upset stomach.
- To maintain good gastrointestinal health.
Precautions :
Possible skin sensitivity
Keep away from children
If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor's care, consult your doctor.
Avoid contact with eyes, ears and very sensitive areas.
There are a number of oils to choose from when you want to relieve stress, pain, improve your mood, and other conditions. The extract varies in its purpose due to its components, and so while some are used to heal skin breakouts, others are used more as an adjuvant for some pain or discomfort.
I encourage you to explore and experiment with essential oils as they are a natural alternative with multiple applications for you, your family, your home and your environment.
How to buy good quality essential oils
Unfortunately, there are no stores or warehouses that sell the products directly, but you can do so in several ways:
The distribution of essential oils from both the DoTerra and Young Living brands is done through associate consultants. So you can order it by contacting me or through another person who distributes them.
The price of the oils is high, especially because they have to be imported. You can check the following link to learn more about them at http://www.mydoterra.com/johannakoelle
Three applications
- Headache: Applying peppermint essential oil with lavender essential oil behind the ears and neck helps relieve migraine.
- Superficial wounds and burns: Together with melaleuca (tea tree), it is used on the affected area to speed up the healing process.
- Throat infection or flu: dilute 1-3 drops of oregano essential oil in half a glass of water and drink. Do not ingest directly as it may cause burning.