A quick and practical guide to getting started with essential oils

The information below is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure medical conditions or diseases. Any illness or injury should be treated by a physician or alternative medicine practitioner.

Sometimes called the “soul” of plants, essential oils have long been the mainstay for various culinary and therapeutic preparations. Paradoxically, essential oils are not greasy, but rather more watery in consistency, highly volatile, concentrated and loaded with a broad spectrum of organic properties.

Classification

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.

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 flowers produce just one teaspoon of jasmine absolute and 5 pounds of petals for one 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 whether it is considered one of the most expensive essential oils.

Mixed oils

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.

Ways to use essential oils

The most common forms are through topical application, inhalation; some are for internal use (ingestion) but not all.

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.

Improper use can cause allergies or other undesirable side effects. For example, oregano oil is very healing, but to relieve a throat infection, two or three drops should be diluted in half a glass of water, since drinking it directly causes burning and irritation.

Essential oils should be avoided from getting into the eyes, nose or ears as they can cause severe irritation. Some oils are sensitive to the sun (lemon, grapefruit and bergamot) and should not be applied before tanning.

Inhalation : Direct sniffing, through a diffuser, spread on the palm of the hands.

Topical application: Massage into body, bath water combined with essential oil, combined with other skin product (cream, shampoo, facial cleanser, moisturizer, lotion).

Diluted: Three to five drops of an essential oil in one teaspoon of lotion or carrier oil. For baths, dissolve the oil in milk, honey, or vegetable oil so that it disperses evenly.

Blending: As you get to know essential oils you'll realize that they can be blended together to serve specific purposes. For example, blending lavender and melaleuca for burns and cuts on the skin; or lavender and peppermint (applied to the right parts of the body) to combat a headache.

How to choose essential oils

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.

You should know that the prices of essential oils may be different and this is because some are not very common or their extraction is more difficult. 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 cause 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 when used for therapeutic purposes.

Your Top 10 Essential Oils

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 10 essential oils” that are never the same for anyone due to the specific needs of each one, in fact, some time ago I published a list of the 10 essential oils to cure the most common diseases.

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

Lavender’s popularity and widespread use has earned it the title of the “cure-all oil” and it is not hard to see why. The oil is highly effective and can be mixed with other oils and essences to enhance its effects. Lavender oil is believed to stimulate the activation of the pineal gland in the brain, and thus help restore some suppressed body functions and emotions. It 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.

Babies and small children can also use this oil, but it is best diluted in lotions or carrier oils.

Lavender oil is considered an excellent pain reliever for muscle spasms and headaches. It helps relieve infections, colds, bronchitis and nasal congestion.

Together with melaleuca (tea tree) it is used on wounds and burned surfaces to speed up the healing process.

Lavender oil provides calming effects against mood swings, anxiety, insomnia and hyperactivity.

Precautions : It is recommended that mothers in the first months of pregnancy do not use lavender oil.

Melaleuca or tea tree

Tea tree essential oil is a pale yellow in color and has a subtle camphoraceous aroma. This oil 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 infection can also be relieved by sitz baths with warm tea tree water combined with frequent abdominal massages with this 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.

For the immune system, baths and massages with this oil together with aloe vera are recommended.

Precautions: Do not overuse. A few drops in bath water is sufficient. 2% in lotions or massage oils should also not cause any adverse effects.

It may have irritating effects on some sensitive skin.

Lemon

The peel of the lemon fruit produces the essential oil when cold pressed. Lemon oil is used for making perfumes, personal care products, fragrances and household cleaning products. It is also used as an addition to food flavorings and is relevant in medicine.

Its essential oil is used to detoxify the respiratory, circulatory and lymphatic systems. It is useful for cleaning wounds and can be used for sore throats and colds due to its antibacterial properties. It neutralizes 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.

Mint

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%. Peppermint 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.

Applied with a carrier oil on the temples, behind the ears and neck, it helps relieve migraines. Arthritis pain, leg spasms, muscle pain, menstrual cramps can all be improved by applying 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.

Also, against yeast infections and athlete's foot.

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

In traditional medicine, different species of oregano are used against asthma, indigestion, headaches, rheumatism and as a disinfectant. Today, many spices and herbs from the Laminacea family, to which oregano belongs, have been evaluated as antioxidants and food preservatives, thus increasing their nutritional importance as an alternative to synthetic additives.

Its active ingredients 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, especially 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.

For throat infection or flu, dilute 1-3 drops in half a glass of water and drink. Do not ingest directly as it may cause burning.

Incense or Frankincense

According to aromatherapy, inhaling the scent of an essential oil or absorbing it through the skin sends messages to the limbic system in the brain, which influences our emotions and nervous system. This is said to affect a number of biological factors such as heart rate, stress levels, blood pressure, breathing and immune function.

Specific uses of frankincense include:

Acne, anxiety, colds, coughs, indigestion, ulcers. Frankincense essential oil is said to treat dry skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, scars and stretch marks.

Specific benefits of cancer and osteoarthritis

Laboratory research on human cells indicates that frankincense essential oil may possess anti-cancer and immune-stimulating properties that may help protect against pancreatic and breast cancer.

However, it is important to note that these studies were conducted in a laboratory and not in a population so further experiments are needed.

According to a 2016 study published in Complimentary Therapies in Clinical Practice , a combination of essential oils including frankincense was given to cancer patients to inhale to help them sleep better.

Of the patients who used the mixture, 64% had an improvement of at least one level on the sleep scale. The mixture of frankincense ( Boswellia carterii ), mandarin ( Citrus reticulata ) and lavender ( Lavandula aunstifolia ) was found to be quite effective. ( study )

Furthermore, incense appears to have anti-inflammatory properties and several studies have looked at its use in treating osteoarthritis and knee pain.

A summary of studies published in 2018 notes that Boswellia serrata extract shows a reduction in pain over a short period of time. Studies are still lacking to indicate whether pain is eliminated in the long term, but the indications are positive.

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

The rosemary plant is primarily known as an aromatic herb in cooking, but due to its widespread use in home remedy preparations, science is exploring its potential health benefits.

Although research has only recently begun, it corroborates some of the traditional uses of essential oil and possible new uses.

Benefits

• 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.

It is recommended not to use rosemary essential oil if you are pregnant or suffer from epilepsy or hypertension. Rosemary essential oil may worsen these conditions.

Ways to use:

You can inhale rosemary oil or apply it to your skin. Using a diffuser, the aroma and properties of the oil can be distributed throughout the room. If you use the oil topically, you should dilute it in a carrier oil such as jojoba to avoid any skin irritation.

Protective mix

Depending on the company or brand of essential oils, the name varies. For example, the DoTerra brand is called On Guard, while the Young Living brand is called Thieves. The compounds are similar and the purpose is to disinfect, fight bacteria, strengthen the immune system and respiratory function.

Protects you from viruses and other threats in the environment.

Strengthens the body's natural antioxidant defenses.

Stimulates the circulatory system.

It is an invigorating and stimulating aroma.

Uses:

• Pour 2-3 drops into an empty capsule and take to boost the immune system.
• Add a few drops to water to use as an all-purpose cleaner.
• Soak some apple slices in water with a few drops to enjoy an immuno-stimulating snack.
• Combine a few drops with some fractionated coconut oil and use to wash your 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 improve digestion, soothe occasional stomach upset, 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:

• Pour a few drops into some water and drink if you have any stomach upset.
• Massage your stomach before flying or road trips to breathe in a calming aroma.
• Take the digestive blend when traveling or trying a new food in case of an upset stomach.
• Add a drop to water or an infusion 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.

Soothing Blend

This is an enriched blend for massaging sore parts of the body. These blends contain essential oils of wintergreen, camphor, peppermint, chamomile, and helichrysum, among others, to provide soothing relief to tense muscles and body parts, as well as after intense exercise.

Precautions :

Possible skin hypersensitivity

Keep out of reach of children

If you are pregnant or nursing, please consult your physician before use.

Avoid contact with eyes, ears and sensitive areas of the body.

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 associated consultants. So you can do it by ordering by contacting me at my WhatsApp number (310 780 9755) 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