By adding essential oils. Essential oils - properties and uses

Incense has been known to people since ancient times. In different centuries they were used for various purposes, had their own special purpose. But it is safe to say that oils have always been considered a noble remedy. Today there are many varieties. The range of their application is relatively wide.

Essential oils are potent. It is necessary to strictly follow the dosage and recommendations. Pregnant women and people with allergies should be especially careful.

Types of essential oils

Many people have a question about what essential oils are and how to choose the right one for a particular procedure. The existing types of oils can be divided into several groups.

Floral

This group includes oils of rose, jasmine, lavender, geranium, chamomile, lotus.

Actively used by leading perfume companies. They have a bright, persistent, sweet smell. In addition to aroma, extracts have other useful qualities.

• Helps to get rid of migraine, headache.
• They have a calming, relaxing effect. They have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, help fight stress and depression.
• Jasmine is an exception, the oil has a tonic, invigorating property.
• Used in hair care. Tone, restore, add strength, relieve split ends.

Citrus

These include:

• Orange;
• lemon;
• mandarin;
• grapefruit;
• bergamot;
• melissa.

Citrus oils are actively used by cosmetologists. A feature of the fragrances of this group is their relatively low cost. Raw materials for the production of oils are quite simple to obtain. Basic properties:

• Support immunity, help fight viral, colds.
• They have a tonic, activating, invigorating property. Often used by drivers on long-distance routes so as not to fall asleep at the wheel.
• Stabilize blood circulation, have a positive effect on brain function.
• Raise the mood.

Additional groups

woody

Based on the name, it is clear that they are extracted from wood. These are cedar, frankincense, camphor, benzoin. Essential oils of this group have a thick, viscous odor. They have the following properties:

• Stabilize the pulse, improve blood circulation.
• Lower blood pressure.
• They have a calming, relaxing effect.
• Actively used in the care of dry skin, have a moisturizing effect.

herbal

This group consists of sage, tea tree, eucalyptus, laurel, basil, thyme. Most often used in medicine. They do not always have a pleasant smell, but are very useful.

• Used in the provision of medical care, especially instead of antiseptic drugs.
• They have anti-inflammatory properties, are used for compresses.
• Often used to boost immunity during illness. Inhalations are especially useful.

Spicy

The oils of this group have very bright, pungent odors. Made from cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, cloves. They have the following properties:

• Exciting effect on the nervous system, people use them to cheer up, activate the brain.
• They lift your spirits and help you deal with depression.
• They have a warming effect, are used to treat joints.

refreshing

This group includes oils from mint, pine, cypress. Applications:

• used instead of antiseptic drugs;
• instead of an air freshener;
• have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract.

Application methods

Each oil has its own characteristics. Some calm the nervous system, others excite. Some species are used for inhalation for colds. Others serve as an excellent tool for rejuvenation, they are actively added to creams and masks for skin and hair care.

There is no clear answer to the question of what scents essential oils have. Their diversity is great, it is easy to find almost any pleasant smell that exists in nature:

• sweet aromas;
• sour;
• floral;
• spicy;
• calm;
• bright and varied.

Not a single essential oil is used in its pure form, does not mix with water. In medicine and cosmetology, there is a so-called base for oils. The base can serve as honey, milk, wax, cream, olive oil. It all depends on the way of use and the area of ​​application.

Bath and bathroom

Taking a bath with an incredible aroma after a hard day is a great way to relax, relieve tension, fatigue, stress. Relieve muscle tension after exercise.

During a cold, use a lemon or pine scent. To relieve stress or psychological tension, rose, geranium, lavender oil is recommended. Muscle tension will help relieve juniper.

Bath Rules

• before taking a bath, you must take a shower;
• the water temperature must be within 36–39 degrees;
• do not use additional means - gel, shampoo, foam;
• the base for the oil is often milk, honey, salt, kefir;
• the duration of the procedure is 5–20 minutes, no more than three times a week;
• after the procedure, you do not need to rinse, wipe dry.

Features of the use of oils in the bath

Used to improve breathing, prevent respiratory diseases. The most popular are eucalyptus, spruce, cedar oil. They are added to a ladle with water, the heater is watered with the composition or brooms are moistened.

Massage

Properly done massage in itself has healing properties, and with the use of essential oils it has a simply amazing effect. Massage oil is chosen based on the desired result;

• to relieve joint pain recommend the aroma of nutmeg;
• to break down fatty tissues - citrus fruits;
• for warming up and improving blood circulation, cloves are well suited;
• lifting effect is achieved with rose or jasmine oil;
• the base is most often oils for the body or face.

When choosing a product, you need to focus not only on its properties, but also on the smell. It must be pleasant to the person who is being massaged. After the procedure, you can not go outside for about an hour.

Inhalations

Inhalations with the addition of essential oils are a great way to get rid of colds, flu, bronchitis. Often used to cleanse the face, strengthen immunity and just for prevention.

People with serious respiratory diseases should do inhalation only with the permission of the attending physician.

Inhalations are cold and hot. If the procedures are carried out regularly, it is better to purchase a special inhaler.

With cold inhalations, it is necessary to apply a few drops of the essential agent on a napkin, handkerchief or piece of cloth. Inhale the scent for 5-10 minutes.

Hot inhalations pass over a pot of hot water. A few drops of fragrant oil are added to the water, when heated, useful vapors are released into the air. When the compounds are inhaled, the respiratory tract is cleared, immunity is strengthened, and the skin is cleansed.

Compresses are used for joint, muscle pain, as well as back pain. Compress oil is selected based on the desired result. This may be the removal of inflammation, pain relief or the removal of spasm.

Compresses, like inhalations, are of two types - cold and hot. Cold is used for bruises, sprains, tumors. And warming compresses are recommended to relieve inflammation, treat chronic diseases such as rheumatism, sciatica, osteochondrosis.

Cosmetical tools

Very often, essential oils are added to professional cosmetics. Based on the properties of the oil, cosmetics have various indications for use. When choosing a hood, you should consult with a beautician.

There are many recipes that are prepared independently with the addition of essential oils. It can be face or hair masks, body lotions. Hair masks are very popular.

Oil nourishes hair, removes dryness, brittleness, restores color. When cooking on your own, you must follow all the instructions very clearly so as not to harm your body.

aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is an art. There are special lamps, candles, stones and other devices. This procedure requires careful selection of oils and timing. For example, if you pour tonic oil into a lamp at night, it can interfere with sleep. And a soothing oil in the morning often leads to a sleepy day.

There are special bags, with the addition of essential oils. They are usually placed on a shelf with linen or on a bedside table so that sleep is healthy and sound.

Essential oils are useful if only all instructions for use and dosage are followed. Thanks to new technologies, it is possible to constantly explore, extract new oils. The range of their application is constantly expanding.

Video: My favorite essential oils

About unique properties essential oils known thousands of years ago. Long before the advent of our era, the ancient Egyptians discovered them to the world. They used plant extracts not only during ritual ceremonies in temples, but also treated various diseases with their help, and used them in cooking. Somewhat later, the experience was adopted by the Greeks and Romans, who began to mix olive oil with essential oil, thereby inventing healing ointments.

Now essential oils are very widespread:

• In medicine;
• In cosmetology;
• In the food industry;
• And also in everyday life, when the aroma lamp is turned on at home, and the air is filled with pleasant, fragrant notes.

How essential oils are obtained

Essential oils are the plant power of nature. Extracts are obtained not only from flowers or leaves, but from seeds, seeds, wood or resin. The process is very time-consuming and costly, so 2.5 liters of lavender oil comes out of 100 kilograms of lavender, and 0.5 liters of rose oil comes out of 100 kilograms of rose petals.

Each drop contains a unique chemical composition. Essential oils properties and applications are endless. It all depends on the goal and the desired result. Some extracts are excellent antiseptics, others have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, others help in the fight against cellulite, allergies, and muscle pain. The spectrum is wide. Even if we take cosmetology, here each skin type has its own remedy.

• Suitable for oily: chamomile oil, bergamot, geranium, lemon, cinnamon;
• For dry: rose, lavender, orange;
• When irritated are ideal: cedar and lavender;
• In the fight against wrinkles will help: avocado oil, jojoba, wheat germ.

Ways to use essential oils

There are many ways to use essential oils. The most common:

1. Inhalation. Very good for inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. The only thing is that not every nebulizer can add oil. This nuance must be clarified when buying a device.
2. Aromatherapy. A few drops in an aroma lamp or aroma medallion will help relieve tension, invigorate or, on the contrary, soothe, it all depends on the type of oil.
3. Aromatic bath and aromatic massage.
4. Compress.
5. Trituration.
6. Adding to cosmetic cream or shampoo.
7. Ingestion. Here you need to be careful and consult a doctor. After all, not every oil is suitable for internal use.

Properties and uses of essential oils

Experts identify about 500 types of essential oils. All of them have a different spectrum of actions, focus, method of obtaining. Let us dwell in detail on the 30 most popular and popular plant extracts.

Tea tree essential oil

Tea tree is extracted mainly in Australia, by evaporation or cold pressing. During World War II, the essential oil was widely used as an antiseptic and pain reliever.

• Color: dark green.
• Aroma: sharp, tart with a fruity note.
• Properties: anti-inflammatory, antiviral, soothing, immunostimulating, antifungal, bactericidal.
• Application: in medicine it is recommended for colds, skin, oncological, gynecological diseases. Can be used as an antiseptic instead of brilliant green or. In cosmetology, it fights acne, dandruff, and is ideal for owners of oily skin.

Essential oil of lavender

Lavender grows in Europe, Russia, Africa, Australia. Inflorescences are harvested when they are half open, then the flowers, leaves, stems are well dried. Lavender essential oil is obtained by steam distillation. The best is considered an extract mined in France.

• Color: white to yellow-green.
• Aroma: strong, specific, with a floral base and woody notes.
• Properties: , regenerating, analgesic, antiseptic, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory.
• Application: used in medicine in cardiology, inflammation of the bladder, kidneys, hypertension, neuralgia. In cosmetology, it is part of anti-aging creams and masks, essential oil fights scars, scars and stretch marks, and is effective in the treatment of dandruff.

essential oil of orange

Orange essential oil is obtained from the peel of citrus fruits using cold pressing or hydrodistillation. The best essential oil is from Latin America.

• Color: from yellow, bright orange, to brown.
• Aroma: depends on the variety of oranges, sometimes with a bitter tint, or, conversely, with a sweet taste.
• Properties: antidepressant, antitoxic, sedative, regenerating, antiseptic, bactericidal.
• Application: in medicine, it has proven itself in the fight against colds, the oil also normalizes the work of the gastrointestinal tract, removes toxins. It is a diuretic and choleretic agent, reduces pressure, relieves muscle pain. Essential oil of orange is effective in the treatment of periodontal disease. Has a calming effect.

Peppermint essential oil

Peppermint oil is obtained from the dried leaves, stems and flowers of the plant, and the essential oil is obtained by steam distillation.

• Color: colorless to light green or light yellow.
• Aroma: Herbaceous, sweet, with hints of freshness.
• Properties: tonic, antiseptic, sedative, stimulant, antiviral, antipyretic.
• Application: in medicine, it is effective in the fight against acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections, reduces temperature, eliminates muscle pain. Improves the work of the vestibular apparatus and blood circulation in general. Eliminates . Baths with peppermint oil relieve stress and. In cosmetology, it treats inflammation, redness of the skin, fungal infections.

essential oil of lemon

Essential oil of lemon - this type of extract began to be mined in the 16th century in France. Sailors with his help fought scurvy, and representatives of the upper classes whitened their faces. The best essential oil is hand-extracted.

• Color: yellow to light green.
• Aroma: with pronounced citrus notes.
• Properties: deodorizing, tonic, immunomodulatory, bactericidal, antiseptic.
• Application: in medicine helps in the fight against viral and colds. It thins the blood, strengthens the vascular system, normalizes blood supply and liver function, and improves brain function. It has a choleretic, diuretic and analgesic effect. In cosmetology, acne, dandruff,. Has a whitening effect.

Essential oil of ylang ylang

Ylang Ylang is a tall tropical tree. The essential oil is obtained from fresh flowers by steam or water distillation.

• Color: pale yellow.
• Aroma: very sweet, floral, with hints of candy.
• Properties: antidepressant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, sedative.
• Application: in medicine helps to cope with various viral and colds. Indispensable in the fight against dermatitis and eczema, gives the skin a velvety feeling. In cosmetology, essential oil fights acne, oily skin,. Baths with ylang-ylang are recommended in winter, during the season of colds. Also, the extract is considered a strong aphrodisiac.

rose essential oil

The healing properties of rose oil were originally known in the East, after which the fame spread throughout the world. Now roses for oil are grown mainly in Bulgaria, France, Morocco. The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the petals. Considered one of the most expensive.

• Color: From bright yellow to yellow-green.
• Aroma: very tart and rich. To feel light floral notes, the oil must be diluted.
• Properties: antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, tonic.
• Application: improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system and the gastrointestinal tract. In dentistry, he successfully fights periodontal disease and pulpitis. Copes with gynecological diseases, is used in the treatment of migraines,. Perfectly nourishes the skin of the face, smoothes wrinkles, including under the eyes.

Essential oil of rosemary

The extract is obtained from the flowering tops of the plant, by steam and water distillation.

• Color: colorless to yellowish.
• Aroma: soft, woody with spicy notes.
• Properties: analgesic, bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, tonic, sedative, tonic.
• Application: essential oil eliminates muscle pain, normalizes blood pressure, helps in the fight against vegetative-vascular dystonia. Improves cerebral circulation and memory. Promotes the regeneration of skin cells. Effectively copes with cellulite, scars, makes hair silky.

Eucalyptus essential oil

It has a rich chemical composition, combining more than 40 elements. The Australian Aborigines call the tree the "tree of life". The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of young leaves.

• Color: transparent to yellowish.
• Aroma: tart, resinous, with hints of pine needles.
• Properties: antiviral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immunomodulatory, antiseptic.
• Application: prevention and treatment of viral diseases, increase, treatment of sinusitis, rhinitis, otitis media. Essential oil fights acne, eliminates dandruff, strengthens hair. Suppresses streptococcal and staphylococcal infections.

patchouli essential oil

Patchouli is a perennial herb, about a meter high. It grows mainly in Asia and also in Latin America. The essential oil is obtained from the leaves by steam distillation. From one ton of shoots comes out from 3 to 5 kilograms of oil.

• Color: from light yellow to brown.
• Aroma: sweet, with pronounced notes of musk. Over the years, the smell of the oil becomes stronger.
• Properties: antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, soothing.
• Application: helps with gout and arthritis, copes with viral infections, reduces fever, ideal for sore throats. Eliminates hair from dandruff and excessive oiliness. Removes essential oil stretch marks and cellulite. It is a powerful aphrodisiac.

Essential oil of cinnamon

It is obtained from the leaves and bark of the tree of the same name, which grows in Madagascar and Sri Lanka. Leaves and bark are initially soaked in salt water and only then the extract is extracted.

• Color: rich wheat.
• Aroma: characteristic of cinnamon.
• Properties: analgesic, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antiviral, immunomodulatory, warming.
• Application: essential oil eliminates pain in muscles and joints, normalizes the gastrointestinal tract, relieves inflammation in the body, strengthens the immune system. Promotes hair growth.

Essential oil of juniper

It is obtained from wood, needles and berries of an evergreen shrub.

• Color: transparent to green with yellow.
• Aroma: delicate, with subtle notes of needles and meadow flowers.
• Properties: immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, antiseptic.
• Application: improves metabolism, treats pneumonia, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, increases efficiency. Helps in the fight against eczema and psoriasis.

grapefruit essential oil

It is considered a relatively young essential oil, obtained by processing the peel of a well-known fruit. Only 1 kilogram of extract is extracted from 100 kilograms of peel.

• Color: yellow.
• Aroma: fresh, with pronounced notes of bitterness.
• Properties: analgesic, healing, tonic, antiseptic, diuretic.
• Application: normalizes the gallbladder, improves intestinal motility, strengthens hair and nails, tightens pores.

Essential oil of geranium

The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the entire above-ground part of the plant, at the moment when it blooms. Algeria and Egypt are considered the main exporters of geranium oil to the market.

• Color: yellow or yellow-green.
• Aroma: rich warm, with the smell of geranium and notes of rose and mint.
• Properties: antidepressant, antiseptic, stimulant, deodorant.
• Application: essential oil , reduces , used in the treatment of cancer, fights heart rhythm disturbances. Ideal for dry and sensitive skin.

vanilla essential oil

The extract is obtained from the pods of the plant. The composition has not yet been sufficiently studied, it is believed that the essential oil contains more than 100 components.

• Color: from light yellow to deep yellow.
• Aroma: Strong vanilla scent.
• Properties: immunomodulatory, antiseptic, deodorizing, antiviral.
• Application: essential oil normalizes metabolism and blood sugar levels, increases the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and metabolism, causes an aversion to alcohol. Reduces stress, improves hair condition, is an aphrodisiac.

Essential oil of cedar

Cedar oil is obtained from peeled pine nuts by cold pressing.

• Color: golden.
• Aroma: with pronounced nutty notes.
• Properties: immunomodulatory, tonic, sedative, antiviral.
• Application: heals wounds, improves blood circulation. Essential oil helps with bronchitis, sore throat, colds. Improves the functioning of the brain and circulatory system. Nourishes and moisturizes dry skin.

Jasmine essential oil

There is one significant nuance in obtaining this extract. Flowers are collected exclusively at night. The process of extracting the extract is very long and laborious.

• Color: intense red.
• Aroma: intense floral.
• Properties: analgesic, antispasmodic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory.
• Application: essential oil helps to cope with colds, reduces muscle pain, improves blood circulation, and is used in insomnia. Invaluable in the treatment of skin ailments. Often found in air fresheners.

neroli essential oil

The extract is obtained from the flowers of the orange tree. Since the process is quite complicated, oil is one of the most expensive.

• Color: Orange.
• Aroma: thin, light, with citrus notes.
• Properties: deodorant, analgesic, healing, antiseptic, sedative.
• Application: essential oil is widely used for heart disease, overwork, neuroses. Strengthens the walls of blood vessels, improves cerebral circulation, removes stretch marks and excessive flabbiness of the skin. Is an aphrodisiac.

Pine essential oil

It is obtained from the needles of an evergreen tree, at the rate of 500 kilograms of needles - 1 kilogram of oil.

• Color: transparent to yellow.
• Aroma: persistent smell of needles.
• Properties: antimicrobial, sedative, healing, antipyretic.
• Application: essential oil is widely used in the fight against colds, inflammation of the kidneys, respiratory diseases, skin problems. Normalizes pressure, reduces stress.

Essential oil of sage

It is widely used not only in medicine or cosmetology, but also in cooking. The oil is obtained from the flowers and leaves of the plant.

• Color: colorless.
• Aroma: tart, with herbal smell.
• Properties: regenerating, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, sedative.
• Application: essential oil is used for sore throat, respiratory diseases. Widely used in cardiology, gynecology. Improves brain function, has a beneficial effect on blood circulation.

Essential oil of iris

Iris oil is obtained from the roots of the flower. Moreover, the roots should be two or three years old. The process of extracting the extract takes place in several stages.

• Color: tan.
• Aroma: floral and light.
• Properties: sedative, immunomodulatory, diuretic, antimicrobial.
• Application: essential oil prevents skin aging, promotes rapid healing of wounds, relieves swelling, improves blood circulation. Is an aphrodisiac.

Essential oil of bergamot

The citrus tree of the same name grows only on the Italian coast. The oil is obtained from the peel, seeds and leaves of the plant.

Clove oil is obtained from the clove tree, which grows in the tropics. The extract requires both fruits and flowering buds.

• Color: almost transparent.
• Aroma: tart, sweet and very strong.
• Properties: regenerating, antiseptic, analgesic, tonic essential oil.
• Application: in dentistry it helps to cope with a number of diseases, periodontal disease, periodontitis, prevents the development of caries. Slows down the aging process, improves appetite. Promotes a speedy recovery, relieves muscle pain, stabilizes blood pressure.

Essential oil of frankincense

This essential oil is obtained from the resin of the boswellia tree, which grows in Africa, mainly in Somalia.

• Color: golden to green.
• Aroma: tart and very sweet.
• Properties: antibacterial, anti-cold, regenerating, sedative.
• Application: ladna oil prevents the development of cancer cells, is used in the treatment of oncology. Slows down the aging process, has a beneficial effect on blood vessels, hair and nails.

Essential oil of sandalwood

Sandalwood oil is extracted from sandalwood wood, which grows in India.

• Color: Brown.
• Aroma: very strong, specific, long lasting.
• Properties: soothing, regenerating, toning essential oil, antiviral.
• Application: removes excess fluid from the body, helps in the treatment of viral and colds, smoothes wrinkles, strengthens blood vessels. Aphrodisiac.

Essential oil of mandarin

Mandarin oil is obtained from the peel and fruits by cold pressing. Most of the extract is made in Italy.

• Color: yellow.
• Aroma: with characteristic citrus notes.
• Properties: antiseptic essential oil, tonic, antispasmodic, sedative.
• Application: removes toxins from the body, normalizes bowel function and metabolic processes, smoothes wrinkles, fights insomnia.

Chamomile essential oil

For its production, fresh inflorescences are required. For 1 kilogram of oil - 200 kilograms of inflorescences.

• Color: blue to brown.
• Aroma: herbal, with notes of tobacco, spices and fruits.
• Properties: analgesic, immunomodulatory, antiviral.
• Application: essential oil treats diseases of the upper respiratory tract, sore throat, helps with stagnation of bile in the gallbladder. Reduces stress, used for insomnia, nervousness. Copes with a number of diseases of the oral cavity, perfectly moisturizes the skin.

essential oil of wormwood

Wormwood oil is obtained from the dried flowers and leaves of the plant.

The extract is extracted from the rosewood of an evergreen tree - baya, growing in Latin America.

• Color: transparent or pale yellow.
• Aroma: floral, reminiscent of the smell of lily of the valley.
• Properties: antibacterial, antimicrobial, regenerating, antifungal.
• Application: removes essential oil toxins from the body, heals wounds, helps with dry, cracking skin. Increases immunity, is considered an aphrodisiac.

Essential oil of nutmeg

The extract is obtained from the fruits of the plant of the same name.

• Color: pale yellow.
• Aroma: sharp, spicy, sweet.
• Properties: tonic, antispasmodic, laxative, tonic.
• Application: essential oil helps in the fight against diseases of the musculoskeletal system, treats fungal skin diseases. Effective during the cold season, reduces fatigue and irritability, normalizes metabolism. Included in moisturizers and shampoos.

Combination of essential oils

• Tea tree is combined with geranium, nutmeg, pine.
• Lavender is combined with sandalwood, cinnamon, bergamot.
• Orange is combined with jasmine, juniper, rose, lavender, neroli.
• Mint is combined with citrus oils, lavender, eucalyptus.
• Lemon is combined with cardamom, chamomile, ginger, geranium, ginger.
• Ylang-ylang is combined with citrus, patchouli, bergamot mint.
• Rose is combined with fennel, frankincense, cardamom, ylang-ylang, jasmine.
• Rosemary is combined with marjoram, cinnamon, conifers, frankincense, mint.
• Eucalyptus is combined with neroli, rosewood, geranium, cumin.
• Patchouli is combined with sandalwood, rose, pine, sage, carnation.
• Cinnamon is combined with citrus, cypress, mint, eucalyptus.
• Juniper is combined with orange, geranium, cedar, citrus, cypress.
• Grapefruit is combined with basil, cedar, sage, ylang-ylang.
• Geranium is combined with cloves, lime, bergamot, basil, citrus.
• Vanilla is combined with lavender, rosemary, pine, patchouli.
• Cedar is combined with neroli, patchouli, rosemary, pine, bergamot.
• Jasmine is combined with rose, with rosewood, cedar, patchouli, mint.
• Neroli is combined with pine, rosemary, mint, myrtle, lemon, orange.
• Pine is combined with citrus, sandalwood, rosewood, lavender, myrtle, tea tree.
• Sage is combined with sandalwood, thyme, geranium, jasmine, basil.
• Iris is combined with lavender, oregano, cedar, cinnamon, pine.
• Bergamot is combined with citrus, lavender, eucalyptus, chamomile, cypress, patchouli, neroli.
• Carnation is combined with sage, lavender, bergamot, juniper, nutmeg, citrus.
• Incense is combined with bergamot, citrus, eucalyptus, jojoba oil, sandalwood.
• Sandalwood is combined with marjoram, frankincense, lemon, cypress, jasmine, cloves.
• Mandarin is combined with other citrus fruits, bergamot, almond oil, jojoba.
• Chamomile is combined with anise, rose, eucalyptus, marjoram, mint, sage.
• Wormwood is combined with cloves, cedar, ylang-ylang, lemon, frankincense, lavender, pine, citrus.
• Rosewood is combined with cedar, sandalwood, verbena, wheat germ oil and grape seed.
• Nutmeg is combined with tea tree oil, rosemary, lavender, orange, cinnamon.

Essential oils are true natural cures for a wide variety of physical and mental illnesses. They help to maintain health and heal from many ailments. In addition, they are widely used in cosmetology, massages, added to shampoos, creams, dripped into aroma lamps and heaters in baths (See "Essential oils. Table of applications and properties").

There is a whole science that studies essential oils, draws up application tables and heals people with the power of nature.

Various parts of plants are used for production. Aromatic hydrocarbons are produced by:

• water distillation;
• cold pressed;
• extraction;
• through the use of carbon dioxide.

The production method depends on the plant and is chosen in such a way as to maximize the use of raw materials and preserve all the beneficial substances. For example, citrus zest is usually cold pressed, while lavender is water distilled.
Read more about essential oils and how to get it in ours.
Learn more about the benefits of essential oils below. The application table shows the main medicinal and cosmetic properties of each.

Essential oils. Application table

Essential oils today are very popular and are used in the cosmetology field to improve the quality of the skin, for medicinal purposes and the prevention of various diseases. In addition, they are actively used to aromatize rooms, baths, improve mental and physical health and emotional state (to invigorate, calm, relax, increase potency, etc.). There are many ways to use them, today we will discuss the most popular of them.

Properties of essential oils.
Essential oils should be understood as mixtures of volatile aromatic substances that are isolated from various parts of plants (roots, wood, resin, seeds, bark, fruits, leaves and flowers). It is important to note that the younger the plant, the more essential oils it contains. They are clear or slightly colored liquids with a characteristic aroma and concentrated taste, characterized by the ability to quickly volatilize. Today they are used in various fields of medicine and cosmetology.

The properties of essential oils are directly dependent on the raw materials from which they are obtained. Their unique healing properties and positive effects on our body have been known and used for a long time. I must say that, due to the presence of biologically active substances in the composition, almost all of them have a bactericidal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial and regenerating effect, favorably affect our nervous system, help preserve and restore the beauty of the skin and hair, and also restore mechanism of self-regulation in the body. Some representatives of this group of oils help cleanse the body of toxins and toxins, have a therapeutic effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, have a positive effect on the psychophysical and emotional state of the body, activating blood circulation, relieving overstrain, eliminating discomfort, a sense of insecurity, increasing efficiency, etc. .

Each essential oil has its own unique properties and benefits. For example, chamomile, lemon, bergamot, and thyme oils have powerful antibacterial properties. Tone up and warm sage, cinnamon, nutmeg (used to massage biologically active points, which increases blood circulation and lymphatic drainage), and, on the contrary, mint and lavender cool. Oregano, frankincense, rose, fir and sandalwood are perfect for relaxation, while lemon balm and lemongrass are great stimulants. Rose, pine, as well as geranium, chamomile, myrrh and rosewood oils show powerful regenerating properties. It is these properties that are very effective when using oils in skin care. Just a few drops in homemade masks and creams, and their effectiveness will increase several times.

Among the unique properties of essential oils, one should highlight the ability to regulate the level of hormones in the body, which are responsible for maintaining and maintaining youth. Among them, one can note the oil of myrrh, sandalwood, jasmine, ylang-ylang, rose, neroli, patchouli, etc. The high efficiency of their use is due to the phytohormones contained in the oils, which have a structure similar to human hormones.

Some representatives of essential oils have a powerful antioxidant effect (juniper, rosewood, vetiver, myrrh, rose, etc.), they help restore the oxygen balance in our body, while eliminating the toxic effects of oxygen in its excess, thereby slowing down natural aging cells, enhancing tissue respiration and blood supply.

The uniqueness of essential oils is manifested in the fact that when they are used in each specific case, their healing and beneficial effect is directed precisely to the area that needs it most. That is why it is so important to choose the right essential oil in a particular case. Subject to this condition, a positive effect will appear fairly quickly.

Before using this or that type of essential oil, it is important to carefully read the instructions, paying attention to contraindications and its properties. For example, if the oil is a stimulant of vivacity and activity, then it is better not to use it at night, or, conversely, if it has a relaxing effect, do not use it during your hours of activity. It is also necessary to consider the effect of the aroma of the oil on your body. It happens that the skin from the use of this or that oil becomes magnificent, but at the same time its aroma worsens the condition and your well-being, or you simply cannot stand it.

Each essential oil has specific contraindications, so be sure to consider them before use. Pregnancy and epilepsy are considered absolute contraindications to their use (including for the skin), some types may be prohibited for people with hypertension, etc.

Some essential oils can be phototoxic and cause skin irritation and redness (especially citrus oils) when exposed to sunlight. That is why it is better to use such oils two hours before going out into the open sun, before tanning in a solarium and in the open sun.

The use of essential oils in cosmetology.
It is important to note that essential oils for the skin, as a rule, are prohibited for use in undiluted or pure form (with the exception of some representatives that are applied directly to problem areas), as they provoke severe irritation of the skin. Therefore, before use, they must be diluted in vegetable (base) oils. Basically, they enrich self-prepared creams and masks for the skin of the body and face, as well as hair. But it is not advisable to add them to store-bought cosmetics, because, according to some experts, due to the ability to penetrate deep into the skin tissues, the oil can “deliver” there all the harmful substances (chemistry) that are present in the finished product.

I note that after using essential oils on the skin, slight redness may occur, which quickly disappear. If redness is accompanied by severe itching, discomfort and discomfort, then these types of oils are not suitable for you. Or such a reaction can be caused by the abuse of essential oils (overdose).

In skin care, essential oils have a wide spectrum of action. They are used for any type of skin in order to cleanse, rejuvenate, increase skin firmness and elasticity, to treat irritations, inflammations, redness, acne, post-acne, etc.

For example, in the care of oily and problem skin, oils of rosemary, camphor, grapefruit, bergamot, lemon balm, lemon, orange, tea tree, fir, clove, patchouli are recommended; for dry and sensitive skin - myrrh, blue chamomile, rose, jasmine, patchouli, sandalwood, orange; for any skin type - lemon, ylang-ylang, neroli, geranium, jasmine; for withering, aging, haggard, flabby and sluggish skin - orange, rose, patchouli, neroli, anise.

Myrtle, lemon, marjoram, lemon balm, ylang-ylang, rosemary, grapefruit are ideal for cleansing the skin and narrowing the pores. To relieve irritation, lavender, blue chamomile, jasmine, patchouli, geranium are excellent. If you want to saturate the skin with vitamins and give it a tone, effectively use the oil of verbena, orange, spruce, rosewood.

Essential oils such as neroli, verbena, sandalwood, bigardia, ylang-ylang, orange, jasmine, incense, rose have a rejuvenating effect. Myrrh, sandalwood, patchouli, rose, fennel, neroli have a tightening effect (lifting).

To restore or regenerate the skin, it is effective to use the oil of geranium, ylang-ylang, rose, lavender, myrrh, chamomile, clove, jasmine.

Limetta, rose, mint, neroli, verbena oils will help restore the skin to a healthy and fresh complexion, give natural radiance.

You can eliminate swelling with the help of lemon oil, limette, myrrh, juniper, chamomile, pine, and cajuput, geranium, orange, lemon, juniper will help relieve inflammation.

To combat rosacea, it is effective to use neroli, myrtle, cypress oil.

For the treatment of various types of dermatitis, juniper, geranium, rose, lavender are used. For the treatment of cracks and seizures in the corners of the mouth, jasmine, lemon balm, and citrus oils are recommended.

I will describe the action of several of the most popular representatives of essential oils that are used in facial skin care.

Essential oils for facial skin.

Fir oil.
Due to its high antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, rejuvenating and smoothing properties, it is recommended for excessive oily skin, pustular skin lesions, as well as in the care of fading and aging skin.

Camphor oil.
Eliminates acne, regulates the process of secretion by the sebaceous glands, eliminates excessive sweating of the skin of the face. Can be used for brightening purposes (pigment spots, freckles).

Lemon oil.
It has a rejuvenating effect, slows down the processes of withering and aging of the skin. In addition, it has the ability to regulate the production of sebum, contributes to the narrowing and cleansing of pores. In addition, it has a brightening effect.

Orange oil.
Normalizes the secretion of the sebaceous glands, has an anti-inflammatory and whitening effect.

Rose oil.
Accelerates tissue regeneration, recommended for mature and aging skin, smoothes wrinkles, has a lifting effect, significantly increasing skin firmness and elasticity. Also recommended for use in the care of the skin around the eyes.

Rosemary oil.
Recommended for oily skin with blackheads and comedones. It has the ability to smooth the surface of the skin, eliminates scars, spots and other consequences after acne.

Ylang Ylang Oil.
It has the ability to regulate the function of the sebaceous glands, perfectly tightens pores, fights acne, and also has a moisturizing, soothing, softening and rejuvenating effect.

Clove oil.
Especially useful for acne and purulent-inflammatory skin diseases. It also has high regenerative abilities, can be used to tone aging skin.

Patchouli oil.
It has moisturizing, tonic and regenerating properties, regulates the secretion of sebaceous glands, perfectly tightens pores. It is recommended to eliminate the effects of acne and acne.

Lavender oil.
Relieves irritation, fights acne and purulent rashes. It has high healing and regenerating abilities, therefore it is recommended for burns, cuts and other damage to the skin.

Cinnamon oil.
Effective for pale skin, improves complexion, gives a positive result in the treatment of dermatosis and fungal skin lesions, in addition, treats scabies, warts, eliminates bruises and insect bites.

Eucalyptus oil.
It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic, bactericidal action. It is an effective remedy against acne, boils, herpes and other inflammations on the skin, regulates the secretion of the sebaceous glands. With regular use, it can have a brightening effect.

Mint oil.
Recommended for various skin inflammations, regulates the production of sebum, tightens pores, improves complexion. It can also be used to treat acne, rosacea, skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.

Bergamot oil.
Regulates the activity of sweat and sebaceous glands, promotes narrowing of pores, fights acne, blackheads and other pyoinflammatory rashes. In addition, it has a tonic and whitening effect.

Neroli oil.
Tones, refreshes, rejuvenates the skin, improves complexion, improves skin firmness and elasticity, has a calming effect, relieves inflammation and fights acne and herpetic eruptions.

Geranium oil.
It is very useful for the skin, and can be used for any type of it. It has soothing, moisturizing, softening properties, eliminates peeling, has a rejuvenating and tonic effect, controls the secretion of sebaceous glands, fights acne, and also heals the skin in the presence of skin diseases.

Sandalwood oil.
It has a calming, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic effect, thanks to which it is effective against acne and pimples.

Grapefruit oil.
A good tonic for aging skin, tightens pores, regulates the secretion of sebaceous glands, prevents the appearance of black spots. Due to its high moisturizing properties, the oil perfectly fights dryness and aging of the skin.

Juniper oil.
Able to get rid of excess sebum, perfectly cleanses the skin, tones it, fights acne. In addition, it has anti-aging properties, improves blood circulation in tissues, stimulates the elimination of toxins, and accelerates healing from many skin diseases.

Chamomile blue oil.
It has an anti-inflammatory and soothing effect, relieving inflammation and irritation, itching and allergic reactions. In addition, it is effective for pustular skin lesions, rosacea, herpes, and has a rejuvenating property.

anise oil.
It has the ability to normalize the water-fat balance of the skin, increases the level of its hydration, tones, improves firmness and elasticity.

Jasmine oil.
It has high moisturizing, soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Recommended for dry, dehydrated skin, oily skin with inflammation and irritation, as well as for aging skin.

Fennel oil.
Restores the level of moisture in the skin of any type, effectively cleanses the pores, gives tone. It is also recommended for the treatment of teenage acne. In addition, it is recommended as an effective anti-aging and regenerating agent.

Myrrh oil.
Effectively fights acne, bedsores, wounds, abscesses and other skin lesions, due to high anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, bactericidal and antibacterial properties. In addition, it effectively fights the signs of aging, providing a rejuvenating effect.

Cypress oil.
Ideal for any skin type. Moisturizes the skin, gives tone, improves firmness and elasticity, slows down the aging process, smoothes wrinkles. In addition, it is recommended for rosacea.

Lemongrass oil.
It reduces and significantly narrows enlarged pores, cleanses the skin, tones it, and thanks to its bactericidal and antiseptic properties, the oil is excellent for acne and purulent-inflammatory processes occurring in the skin.

Frankincense oil.
It has soothing, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal properties, fights acne, regulates the secretion of sebaceous glands, tones the skin, has a rejuvenating effect, increasing skin firmness and elasticity.

Essential oils in the preparation of home cosmetics (creams, masks, ointments, etc.).
Essential oils can be added to homemade creams and masks for the face, hands, body, they can be used to create effective moisturizers, skin soothing products, etc. It is not recommended to add to ready-made products, as mentioned earlier, with the exception of mineral and organic-based products, as well as the mandatory absence of lanolin in the composition.

Essential oils for hair.
Due to their high restorative, moisturizing, antibacterial properties, essential oils are good remedies for treating hair, scalp diseases, as well as for their prevention. They are suitable for use on almost all types of hair, have the ability to regulate the sebaceous glands, fight dandruff and other diseases.

The following essential oils are suitable for normal hair type: tea tree, bergamot, ylang-ylang, geranium, cypress, lavender, cedar tree, carrot seed, lemon, neroli, orange, rosemary, sandalwood, thyme, juniper, chamomile, rose, sage nutmeg.

Recommended for oily hair: sage, basil, verbena, burdock, clove, geranium, juniper, rose, ginger, lavender, pine, ylang-ylang, calendula, cedar tree, cypress, lemon, orange, lemon balm, peppermint, rosemary, chamomile , bergamot, thyme, tea tree, eucalyptus.

For dry hair, it is better to use these oils: ylang-ylang, geranium, chamomile, orange, jasmine, cedar wood, lavender, frankincense, tangerine, myrrh, rosemary, rose, sandalwood, clary sage.

You can enrich the shampoo with essential oils (five drops or five different oils in one drop are enough for a single use). It is also useful to comb the hair with the addition of oils on a brush, preferably from natural bristles. This procedure deeply nourishes the hair, strengthens the roots, fights hair loss, and also gives a pleasant aroma. Before using any essential oil, it is important to test it to see if you have an intolerance to it.

Essential oils can be added to homemade hair masks. A few drops of the essential component to two tablespoons of a vegetable base or base (this can be olive, sunflower, almond, peach, coconut, and wheat germ oil).

Massage with essential oils.
Massage is good for our body. The addition of essential oils to massage mixtures improves the penetration of beneficial substances into skin cells at a deep level. On a tablespoon of any base oil, five drops of essential oil. A larger amount of the essential component does not indicate the benefits of the mixture or an increase in its effectiveness. In addition, an increase in the amount of essential oil can lead to unwanted side effects and allergic reactions. When compiling massage mixtures and choosing an ethereal component for this, it is important to take into account the physical and emotional state.

Baths with essential oils.
Aroma baths are good for skin and psycho-emotional health. It is quite easy to use them for this purpose: after the bath is filled with warm water, drop an essential oil suitable for you in this situation (four to eight drops) and mix thoroughly. The oil can be pre-mixed with sea salt, bath foam or cream, which will improve the dissolution of oils in water. The duration of the first procedure is no more than five minutes, in the future this time must be increased to half an hour. Remember not to pour the oil into hot water or when the bath is not yet full, as all the benefits of the oil will evaporate along with the steam. The bathroom, namely the door, must be tightly closed so that the aroma is preserved and has the desired effect. Such baths not only improve well-being, but also transform the skin. This is due to the fact that due to the high penetrating ability, essential oils quickly enter the lymphatic system, and then they begin to spread and wash all internal organs, exerting their positive effect.

Inhalations with essential oils.
With their help, inflammatory and congestive reactions are effectively eliminated. Aromas, acting and massaging the points in the nose, contribute to the emergence of impulses that are projected to some parts of the brain, and also have a positive effect on the respiratory system. Inhalations are carried out as follows: drop a few drops of the selected oil onto the tissue. Inhale with closed eyes for three minutes. For the procedure, it is effective to use a special inhaler.

You can also pour warm water into a special "aroma" (aroma burner) and add a few drops of oil (1-10 drops), then light a candle. Slow heating of water contributes to the gradual saturation of the air with aroma. The procedure should be carried out with tightly closed windows and doors.

Compresses with essential oils.
For treatment, in order to achieve anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous, antispasmodic and analgesic effects, compresses with essential oils are used. In warm water 300-400 ml, add the essential oil necessary in this case (five drops), moisten a cotton napkin in the mixture, wring it out a little and apply it to the projection area of ​​the diseased organ. Fasten on top. The duration of this procedure is from five to forty minutes.

As a preventive measure for diseases of a viral nature, it is recommended to aromatize the room with a mixture of eucalyptus (one drop), lavender (two drops), mint (one drop).

Essential oils - natural aromatic compounds extracted from different parts of plants - tree bark, stem, leaf, flower, root or seed. They are the quintessence of the plant, as they contain all their biological benefits in a concentrated form. In ancient times, distillation was seen as extracting from a plant its spirit and life force - so it often had a religious and mystical meaning.

As a rule, essential oils are extracted from the plant by steam distillation. There are other methods for their production, such as using a cold press, distillation with water, the use of sorbents and selective solvents, but the use of steam is the easiest and most affordable way, and is widespread in today's industry.

The effect of essential oils is determined by the concentration of various chemical compounds in them, as well as the frequency of their use, the method of use and dosage. Also, the quality and purity of the product has a significant impact on the effect.