Varieties and ways of using essential oils

Every woman tries to take care of her health and beauty. The fair sex is armed with thousands of modern cosmetology products. Some of them are used at home, others are intended for professional use in beauty salons. However, they all contain essential oils to one degree or another. These substances were used by the ancient trendsetters of beauty. The secrets of old recipes came to us almost unchanged, and were even more widely used.

Essential oils are truly magical substances. These are not only precious amphoras with particles of unique natural aromas enclosed in them, but also medicinal preparations. Their composition and properties are very diverse. They are widely used in various fields of medicine: academic and non-traditional. They are used to better heal wounds and relieve severe headaches, during a relaxing massage session and to tone the body with the inclusion of its natural immune properties.

Everyone can find their own means or make a unique composition. When choosing an oil, it is important to focus not only on beneficial properties. It should be pleasant and right for you.

Often, an essential oil is unknowingly confused with a cosmetic one. The difference is in their concentration and constituents. The cosmetic product is a finished product.In addition to essential oils, it contains many excipients. It is a neutral base oil, glycerin, and various extracts. The composition of such funds is complex and multicomponent.

Essential oil is a natural product in a pure and very concentrated form. It is obtained using such a complex technology as squeezing out the volatile components of various parts of plants. You cannot use it in its pure form. Esters are diluted with water, a conductor oil, and other fats. They are used in aroma lamps and as part of various cosmetic and medical products.

Essential oils are divided into varieties according to the method of production and the main effect on the human body.

Depending on the raw materials used in the extraction, oils are:

• extracted from flowers and fruits, as well as plant seeds;
• obtained from the green part: stems, shoots and leaves;
• obtained from underground parts: roots, tubers and rhizomes;
• secreted from leather, peel, wood and other parts.

Esters are also distinguished according to the types of technological process in which the necessary extracts are obtained from plants. Some of these methods can be recreated at home, which will be discussed later. Individual processes are quite complex and require the use of expensive professional equipment.

• Distillation is used to extract bark and foliage extract. In this case, the substance is divided into fractions and the liquid component is removed from the water.
• Extraction is used for almost all types of raw materials. For this, a special extractant is involved, which is combined with the plant in a special unit. The result is a high quality concentrated essential oil.
• Pressing (or mechanical pressing) is used to extract oil from the peel or fruit.
• Anflerage is used in industrial production for the isolation of essential oils from flowers and their petals. This is the most expensive method used to create luxurious fragrances, primarily in perfumery.

The oil of each plant has its own unique properties. There are a huge number of them in the world - from the most familiar (like calendula) to exotic. Here is a list of the most common and commonly used types with a description of the benefits of using each of them.

The oil is used as a sedative to help relax and rejuvenate the body. The resin of the southern plant allows you to cope with negative emotions, brings peace to the soul and tunes in a contemplative mood. This is a pretty powerful aphrodisiac. It is also believed that he is able to cleanse the aura at the level of the finest energetics.

It is also used in medical cosmetology due to its strong antiseptic effect. Essential oil is able to improve skin color, get rid of unwanted pigmentation, smooth wrinkles and fight imperfections. Frankincense shows a particularly good effect in the fight against various manifestations of dermatitis and eczema. The oil also has a good effect on the hair, moisturizing it and making it strong and strong.

The oil of this plant is most often used to lower blood pressure, soothe various kinds of pain. This remedy is often prescribed for women with painful long periods. The essential oil helps in treating colds and coughs. Antimicrobial and antispasmodic action is widely used for medical purposes.

Lemon balm successfully helps to cope with anxiety, neurosis, muscle spasms. The soothing effect of mint has been known for a long time, so even a simple inhalation of the vapors of this plant's oil can effectively help in eliminating blues, stress, and fatigue.

In addition, lemon balm has a vasodilating effect. The oil improves blood supply to brain cells, helps with pain in the heart. It is also able to relieve motion sickness syndrome, which manifests itself in the form of nausea.

Essential oil is used for cosmetic purposes for skin care. It allows you to moisturize the dermis, deal with defects, increase elasticity and heal wounds thanks to its regenerating properties.

An essential oil from an evergreen tree with an unusual white bark has a whole range of beneficial properties. It is most popular with cosmetologists in the fight against oily skin problems. The oil normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands, removes the effects of acne, heals and heals.

In order to get rid of dandruff and get healthy shiny hair for a long time, an extract of this plant is also used. It is enough to add a few drops of oil to a regular shampoo, and the effect will not be long in coming. In addition, the hair will have a pleasant scent.

Cajaputa essential oil effectively eliminates various pains, including female, dental, and joint pains. It has an antiseptic effect and is used in the treatment of infectious diseases and diseases of the upper respiratory tract. The herbal remedy also helps to treat the gastrointestinal tract apparatus.

An aromatherapy session with Cayaputa oil helps to relieve tension, invigorates and promotes focus. For those who find it difficult to pull themselves together and make a decision, the scent will help to show strong-willed personality traits.

In terms of its properties, this oil is similar to other types of needles. It has the widest range of medicinal and cosmetic properties. Tanning components strengthen the gums, have a good effect on hair follicles and are able to tighten the skin. The astringent action helps with heavy and heavy menses. It is useful to use the oil and people with diseases of the veins and poor blood clotting.

The antiseptic qualities of cypress allow it to be used for better wound healing and the fight against bacteria that are aggressive to the human body. The soothing effect not only heals the nervous system and relieves stress and chronic fatigue - the oil works more deeply, eliminating muscle spasms and relieving pain. It is actively used in various remedies for the treatment of cold symptoms.

Scientific studies of the last decade have proven the effectiveness of cypress essential oil in cleansing the body of toxins and all kinds of harmful substances, including from blood lymph. It is able to cleanse the skin, remove excess fluid from the body and normalize the functioning of many systems. This effect is also beneficial for women with cellulite problems. The skin, thanks to the improvement of microcirculation in the deepest layers, gets rid of the bumps.

Finally, an aroma lamp with the addition of a few drops of cypress oil can relieve fatigue, improve mood and relieve unnecessary anxiety. Peace and good mood in the house is guaranteed.

An unpretentious plant with purple small flowers, collected in inflorescences, grows wild in the forests and in the fields of the central strip. Some gardeners cultivate this spicy culture on their site. The action of oregano oil is very beneficial. It is widely used in cosmetology for skin rejuvenation. This is facilitated by its rich composition with vitamins A and C, valuable acids and antioxidants.

Essential oil gives healthy skin to problem skin, eliminating unhealthy breakouts. Perhaps this is due to its disinfecting and antiseptic properties.Provides a healthy glow to dull hair. With numerous unsuccessful attempts to get rid of dandruff, oregano extract will also help. Add a few drops to a cream or massage oil to get rid of cellulite and reduce the signs of its pronounced severity.

The therapeutic effect of oregano has long been proven. The oil helps with painful periods and can relieve toothache without pills. It is used to boost immunity during the flu season. They also do inhalations with anti-inflammatory effects.

The oil of this scented plant is most commonly used to relieve headaches. It is also useful for nervous disorders, for relieving fatigue. It is a good sedative for depression and bad moods. It activates the body's own reserves, has a slight invigorating effect. Women are advised to take it for irregular periods. Essential oil helps to improve the cycle and make the sensations from it less painful.

Basil also helps in diseases of the joints, as it is able to reduce to a minimum the concentration of uric acid in the blood. Its essential oil is also effective for stomach cramps, nausea.

Extract from the resin of this southern plant has been used for a long time due to a wide range of medicinal effects. The most important of its properties are antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and regenerative.

Myrtle oil is used in the recovery process after many severe illnesses and operations. Regular use helps to put in order the lymphatic system, has a beneficial effect on the blood, strengthens the body's immunity. Myrrh also has an effective effect on the gastrointestinal tract, it can get rid of unpleasant odor from the oral cavity.

For cosmetic purposes, essential oil is quite actively used for hair and skin care. It strengthens the hair follicles and prevents hair loss. The structure of the hair itself is healed, which becomes radiant and strong. When used in creams and face masks, myrtle exhibits all its healing qualities in the best possible way. The oil acts as a healing and rejuvenating agent: it smoothes wrinkles, moisturizes, evens out the complexion, helps to eliminate problems with oily sheen and pustular rashes on the face.

The oil of a plant familiar from childhood has one of the best antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. It is used for the onset of a cold and severe cough in the form of inhalation or rinsing. It has an expectorant and anti-inflammatory effect. Its ability to effectively resist microbes makes it an effective treatment for wounds of various origins.

The aroma of essential oil in the aroma lamp helps to maintain the balance of the psycho-emotional state, cope with mental stress. It cheers up and evokes associations with relaxing outdoor recreation and the anticipation of the New Year.

This wild-growing herb is common in our country under the name of thyme. It contains a huge amount of vitamins and nutrients, which is why it is considered an important healer in the herbal medicine cabinet. The oil is indicated for women with a problematic hormonal background and a monthly cycle. It also has a good analgesic effect.

The extract is also ideal for a speedy recovery from severe illnesses. They also treat colds and viruses, since thyme is a real natural antibiotic with a wide spectrum of action. The tool is used in the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system, as well as to maintain complex therapy for diseases of the joints.

It is believed that essential oil can increase blood pressure in hypotensive patients, it works well on the capillaries of the circulatory system, and can cleanse the liver. Helps patients with anemia and problems with thyroid hormones. The remedy is used for sleep disorders, violation of rest and wakefulness, high nervous stress.

A close relative of oregano contains several dozen useful chemical compounds that can have a beneficial effect on the human body. It is almost a universal remedy for people suffering from digestive disorders. It relieves pain during exacerbation of gastritis and peptic ulcer disease, neutralizes flatulence and prevents bloating, helps with constipation.

With bleeding weak gums, it is also recommended to use this drug. It also gives a good effect to women in the treatment of PMS syndrome. Its anti-inflammatory, mild analgesic effect makes the oil an indispensable component in the treatment of colds and flu.

Marjoram will also help with metabolic disorders. The body begins to better absorb vitamins and activates its natural functions of providing energy. On the other hand, essential oil has a calming effect, helps with sleep problems, and helps to relax the whole body.

Everyone knows about the properties of this plant to relieve stress, nervous tension, quickly calm down. However, it also has a number of other medicinal properties. So, essential oil is used to treat skin diseases, especially very sensitive, prone to irritation. The mild pain relieving effect helps to use valerian to relieve symptoms of rheumatism. It is also effective in normalizing the menstrual cycle in women.

In addition, the essential extract relieves the course of colds by relieving the main symptoms and antimicrobial effects. It helps especially well in the early stages of the disease.

If essential oils are not a kind of panacea, then they certainly help in the complex therapy of many diseases, take care of our beauty and longevity. The list of problems that can be solved by using volatile ether compounds in one concentration or another can be very long. It is worth mentioning only the most common indications for the use of natural essential oils.

The oils are used for various skin diseases. They promote hair growth and strengthening. Prolongs youth and slows down aging. Baths and rubbing with various oils were used by the beauties of Ancient Rome and Egypt. The result is firm, soft skin, healthy and well hydrated. In the treatment of hair loss, various valuable oils are also used in modern medicine.

For active women, weight control, essential oil will help with this. You can inhale certain odors from an amulet or a special device. They suppress appetite and help improve overall health. Essential components are added to massage cream or take a bath with them. They improve microcirculation of blood in tissues, accelerate metabolic processes and help remove toxic substances from the body.

In case of stress and strong tension, aroma lamps with oils help. They relieve stress, improve emotional and hormonal levels. By bringing harmony and serenity to the home, they help to relax and recover after a busy day.Some of them are used as powerful aphrodisiacs.

They invigorate, have an effect that awakens the nervous system. They activate their own protective functions of the body, enhance immunity.

In case of sleep disorders, anxiety, insomnia, they inhale aromas from an incense or aroma stones, aroma lamps. You can put 3-5 drops of oil on a pillow or sleeve corner.

Essential oil is also used for disinfection as a cleaning agent. The antimicrobial effect is especially in demand during seasonal epidemics of influenza and acute respiratory infections, as well as in a house where there are already sick people. For inflammatory diseases and diseases of the pulmonary tract, inhalation with essential oil is prescribed.

This method of treatment is often used for headaches, prolonged recurrent migraines. Essential oil also helps with bruises, cuts, wounds. The damaged surface of the skin heals faster and becomes inaccessible for the penetration of harmful microorganisms.

For all the undoubted benefits of essential oils, it is worth remembering their application features. In this regard, there is a small number of restrictions on their use.

• Do not use essential oils during pregnancy. This applies to any species, since the remedy is quite strong and can lead to premature birth.
• It is also not recommended for children to use essential ingredients, especially under the age of five. This can be done after consulting a doctor, dosed, and in a highly diluted form.
• When using an essential oil, remember that it is a pure, concentrated product. It should not be applied directly to the skin in order to avoid burns and allergic reactions. It is diluted in water when used in aromatic lamps or in odorless neutral oil (olive oil is more often used). They are also added to the usual cosmetic product: cream, shampoo or lotion.

Essential oils can be used not only in their pure form, but also to create unique formulations. Their components, if properly selected, will mutually complement and reinforce each other's action.

• Orange, spruce, cypress, lavender, rosemary, mint and juniper go well.
• An excellent composition is obtained from mint with basil, bergamot, tangerine, neroli and eucalyptus.
• Tea tree, cloves, ylang-ylang, cinnamon, lavender and pine give an effective composition.
• Patchouli is a wonderful companion of cedar, lavender, juniper, neroli and pine.
• Cedar is ideal in combination with the related pine, juniper, rosemary and neroli oil.
• But bergamot essential oil is combined with almost all others, except lavender, lemongrass, fennel and tangerine.

Essential oils, due to their high concentration, cannot be used in their pure form. Most often they are diluted in water. For example, vanilla repels mosquitoes. To do this, add a few drops to a plate of clean warm water.

To harmonize the surrounding space, help the household to relax and relieve nervous tension, oil can be added to a humidifier. The usual aroma lamps are also suitable for the home, if there are no animals and small children.

If essential oil is used to relieve headaches, then it is dripped into a special amulet worn around the neck. You can also use a regular cotton scarf for this. Two to three drops are applied to the tip and the selected scent is inhaled.

For skin care, relaxation and anti-cellulite effect, add about 15 drops of the concentrate to a hot bath. In addition, if you want to improve the condition of the skin and hair, the essential oil is mixed with daily used shampoos and creams.

A wide variety of essential oils are sold in pharmacies, specialty stores, and even supermarkets. If you are not sure about the quality and concentration of the desired composition, you can try to make it yourself. To do this, you need to know the recipe and cooking technology. Choose it based on the main ingredient that will give the concentrate, and the goals of obtaining the ether. Some secrets to properly collecting raw materials and preparing them for cooking will also help you get a quality essential oil.

Essential oil preparation begins with the collection of raw materials. After all, keeping as much essential oils as possible and getting them from the plant is a big part of your success. You can harvest the right ingredients in the wild or grow some species in your backyard. The properties of raw materials depend on the time of collection, the tool and many more factors that it is desirable to observe.

You can also use different parts of the plant for cooking. Collect each of them at a specific time. So, flowers are taken at the stage of full blooming. The stems and leaves are harvested before budding, and the underground parts are removed from the ground in early fall. Seeds and fruits are used when fully ripe. As such, they contain the maximum amount of essential substances.

To collect plant materials, it is better to use the morning time after the dew has dried. This is done mainly in sunny weather. It is better to pick off the necessary parts of the plants by hand or with a ceramic knife. The use of metal tools is undesirable, since upon contact with metal, the tissues of fresh plants are oxidized and lose some of their useful substances. Plants are collected in places far from dusty roads and gas-polluted roads. There should also be no large household enterprises or toxic waste dumps nearby.

The collected plant parts must be carefully examined at home again. To obtain the essential oil, only the highest quality and healthiest specimens are selected. Flowers or leaves with damage or traces of disease should be thrown away without mercy. The finished oil is poured into a dark glass dish. The resulting precious concentrate is tightly closed and stored in the refrigerator.

After harvesting, some plants need to be dried. To do this, they are laid out on clean dry paper in a well-ventilated place, sheltered from direct sunlight. It is even better to hang the plants in small bunches. Some people use special drying cabinets and ovens to speed up the process. It is worth remembering that raw materials can lose about half of their original weight in weight.

The most common method of obtaining an extract is the preparation of an infusion. It is used for almost any plant or part of it, unless the recipe requires otherwise. In a glass container with a volume of at least two hundred milliliters, the material is placed quite tightly. The amount is taken in accordance with a specific recipe. The remaining empty part is filled with alcohol or base oil with a neutral odor. For this they usually take sunflower, olive or other oil.

We close the container tightly and put it in a shaded place with a temperature of about 16 degrees. We withstand the infusion for at least four days. To obtain a more saturated concentrate, the period can be extended up to two months. The finished alcoholic infusion is filtered through a fine sieve or clean gauze. The oil-based concentrate is also squeezed out after decantation.

The pressing procedure is most often used to extract the essential oil from juicy citrus fruits. Before cooking, rinse the peel thoroughly in hot water with a brush. Such a measure will help get rid of harmful chemicals with which fruits are processed when they are sold for better marketability. If citrus fruits come from their own garden or grow in a bowl on the balcony, skip this step.

Cut the fresh crust as small as possible and grind it in a wooden or ceramic container using a pestle made of the same material. We place the resulting gruel in a glass jar or bottle of the required volume. Fill the entire free surface with neutral oil. Cork the container tightly and leave in a cool, dark place for 3-4 days. Then we heat the composition in a jar using a water bath for 25-35 minutes. Carefully transfer the resulting mixture to cheesecloth or a sieve and filter.

Pomace is commonly used to extract ether from plant leaves. High-quality leaves should not be rinsed too intensively in running cool water, so that when in contact with water, volatile substances do not evaporate. The slightly dried material is then placed in a food bag or loosely wrapped in plastic wrap. Leaves must be beaten off with a kitchen wooden mallet on a clean cutting board.

If enough juice is released, you can transfer the leaves with juice to a glass container. At the same time, it is not necessary to pack the raw materials tightly. Fill the remaining area of ​​the container with neutral oil and shake well. We leave the dishes in a cool place for one or two days. Then pour into another container, squeeze the leaves in oil. The procedure for greater concentration is done 3-4 times.

At the same time, each time we add fresh beaten leaves to the old oil with the extract already obtained. If necessary, add a volume of new fresh base oil to the squeeze.

What is the difference between essential oil and perfumery, see the video below.