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Showing posts with label Essential oils. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Essential oils. Show all posts

Essential Oils for Hand Care

Essential oils are the scented, delicate and volatile liquids obtained from the seeds, flowers, roots and bark of herbs, shrubs, bushes and tress, stems and leaves through refining. These essential oils have been used since thousands of years by the Chinese manuscripts and Egyptians for treating numbers of diseases. These oils are considered as the well known cosmetics and remedies and are more expensive as compared to gold. There are about 188 oils which are described in the Bible. Each contains different healing properties.

There are hundreds of essential oils which are used in one or the other way. Numbers of essential oils are also used for the hands and for treating various ailments of the hands. The most commonly essential oil used for the hands are Lavender oil. It is obtained from the flowers of Lavandula officinalis. It is used as medicinal oil.

It contains a beautiful and delicate fragrance. It acts as anti-inflammatory and anti-depressive and is very useful for treating hand burns. There are various other hand care products which contain essential oils and are very good for hands. It also makes the hands smooth and soft. They are mainly used for relieving pain of the hands and for decreasing swelling. These oils are also combined with other oils and are used in various hand care products.

Essential oils are generally utilized in combination with other carrier oils to treat various disorders of the hands. These oils contain slight perfume and do not cause any damage to the hands. There are different types of oils used in various hand care products which are immersed by the skin according to the type of essential oil.

Lavender oil takes about 60 minutes to get absorbed into the skin and Eucalyptus takes about 30 minutes. The best part of the essential oils used in hand care products are that it leaves no oily feeling on the hands. One can treat various skin disorders of the hand by applying the oils.

One can also do massage on the hands with the help of these essential oils. Mostly massage is done in aromatherapy treatments. By doing massage using essential oils, it quickly penetrates into the skin by eliminating dryness of the hand from within the layers of the skin. It also improves the blood circulation in the hands.

Warnings

One should keep the hand care products containing essential oils away from the reach of the children.

One should carefully utilize all the hand care products.

People getting allergic reactions should not make use of hand care products containing essential oils.

Aromatherapy and Concentration

Aromatherapy has a significant affect on the activities of brain, moods and sense of alertness, according to researchers of Miami School of Medicine, University in USA.

There are some sharp-smelling essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint that are used to clear lethargy or fog of excessive fatigue. Therefore, these essential oils are helpful to improve mental alertness and concentration.

Clove, Juniper and Basil are very useful for promoting metal concentration and clarity of thought. They are also very helpful for meditation.

Aromatherapy is not just useful in hospitals and clinics, but also beneficial in colleges, workplace and schools.

The following essential oils are very beneficial to improve concentration:

Neroli
Vetivert
Camomile
Lavender

One can easily use these essential oils for steam inhalation or in the bath. One can also use these essential oils in a vaporizer or burner. Essential oils when added to the bath can give response physiological and affect moods. Actually, it can have a tremendous psychological impact.

The following fruits are very helping for improve concentration:

Lemon

It is fruit with disinfecting properties and anti-bacteriological qualities.
It is very effective to improve concentration.

Mango

Mango is a tropical fruit.
This fruit is very useful to decrease depression and improve concentration.

Pine

It is a plant with a balsamic aroma and typical fresh.
It makes and atmosphere rich in lots of energy and improve concentration.

Apple

Apple is useful to stimulate work and increase concentration.
It is also useful to provide energy.

Therapeutic role of essential oils on organism

The digestive system:

The digestive action of essential oils is due to their sense of smell.

Stimulation of the olfactory organ results in increased secretion of digestive juices and thus increased absorption and assimilation of food

Several essences like camphor, cinnamon, fennel, marjoram, and rosemary have a laxative effect and thus relieve constipation. They strengthen intestinal contractions.

The lymphatic system:

It plays an important role in fighting infection. It stimulates leucocytosis, an increase in number of white blood corpuscles.

Oils have strong phagocytic power that is engulfing of foreign microbes and bacteria. Bergamot, lemon and lavender are effective. They should be inhaled and must not be taken orally. They are powerful antiseptics and they have the ability to stimulate the natural defence of body against infection. They help to prevent infection in case of epidemic. They can also be used as air purifiers

The reproductive system:

Essential oils like bergamot and sandalwood effectively control venereal disease owing to their anti-bacterial action.

Jasmine and juniper applied in compresses to the lower abdomen or massaged on the lower back stimulate uterine contractions and help in a fast and painless labour.

Amenorrhoea: This is the absence of menstruation. Sage and juniper are helpful in restoring a balance.

Heavy periods: Rose and lemon are good regulators of menstrual cycle.

Dysmenorrhoea: Some women experience a degree of discomfort at the beginning of their menstrual flow. It takes the form of headaches, abdominal cramps and backaches. A few drops of lavender mixed with a tablespoon of almond oil massaged on the stomach and lower back give relief.

The nervous system:

Essential oils simulates the nervous system directly.

Camomile, peppermint and lavender have a sedative effect. They are useful in controlling hysteria, insomnia and states of nervousness. cedarwood, cinnamon, fennel, lemon and ylang ylang have a stimulating effect on the nervous system and are good for depression. Rosemary and bhrami (gotu kota ) are good for improving the memory.

Cardio-vascular system:

Oils like calamus cause an increased dilation of splenic vessels which is an important factor in regulating blood pressure. To stimulate circulation and to raise body temperature, benzoin, camphor, cinnamon, juniper, sage is used. The neroli is useful in palpitations and heart spasms.

Camphor oil is a cardiac stimulant and vasco constrictor and it helps to raise the low blood pressure.

Respiratory system:

Some oils have an antispasmodic effect resulting in a increase of respiratory volume and decrease in blood pressure.

Camphor oil is a respiratory stimulant and is good for treating asthma. Eucalyptus and lemon oil have an expectorant action during breathless fits. Bergamot oil is effective against diphtheria. Garlic oil and camphor oil are useful in treating pneumonia. Cinnamon, eucalyptus or black pepper fights influenza effectively. Treatment is through inhalation and aromatic baths.

Endocrine system:

Two ways in which essential oils work on endocrine system are:

They act as quasi-hormones

They can stimulate glands, regulating hormonal imbalance.

The plant hormones known as phytohormones are safer and more effective than animal hormones in natural cosmetic preparations. Excessive use of animal hormone causes puffiness of skin.

Phytohormones are contained in the essential oils of plants and in pollen extracts.

Essential Oil Profiles

Basil

Constituents: linaloon, fenchol, eugenol, beta-caryophyllene, methyl chavicol.

Color: clear

Effects: it helps in uplifting and stimulating.

Scents: it has sweet, fresh and spicy scent.

Aroma: it has top note oil.

Combination: it combines with geranium, frankincense and citrus oil.

USES of Basil oil:

It cures insomnia.
It has tonic effects on nerves.
It helps to regulate menstrual cycle.
It stimulates digestive tract.
It helps in curing bronchitis.
It helps to cure nervous tension.
It helps to ease stress.
It is an antiseptic and helps to relieve from pain.
It is good in cold and cough
It helps in controlling constipation.

Disadvantages:

When used in excess it can be depressant. It can also cause irritation to sensitive skin. It should be well diluted before use.

Marjoram

Aroma: I t is middle note oil

Constituents: Aplha-terpineol, terpinen-4-ol, Sabinene. Linalool, sabinol, thujanol, camphor, Citral, Linalyl acetate, estragol, phellandrene, pinene. Eugenol, beta-caryophyllene, myrcene.

USES of marjoram oil:

It helps cure insomnia, depression, and anxiety.
It eases nervous stomach and poor digestion.
It calms and regulates the nervous system.
It relieves aching limbs and rheumatic condition.

DISADVANTAGE:

It has antispasmodic properties. It can have narcotic effect when used in excess.

Bay

CONSTITUENTS: Eugenol, chavicol, linalool, limonene, myrcene, methyl eugenol.

USES of bay oil:

It is used as a tonic.
It cures depression and increase stamina.
It is good for colds, influenza, bronchitis, sinusitus, and pneumonia.
It does not allow the hair to fall and serves as a good hair tonic.

DISADVANTAGE:

It is slightly toxic.

Myrrh

AROMA: It is base note oil.

CONSTUTUENTS: Heerabolene, limonene, pinene, cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, cadinene, cuminaldehyde and dipentene.

COMBINATION: It combines with dove, geranium, and frankincense.

USES of myrrh oil:

It has an inflammatory action.
It is excellent for skin care.
Myrrh cures bronchitis, laryngitis, influenza and cough.

Bergamot

AROMA: It is top note oil.

CONSTITUENTS: a-pinene, myrcene, a-bergaptene, limonene, linalool, B-bisabolene, linalyl acetate, geraniol, nerol, a- terpineol, neryl acetate, geraniol acetate. 

USES of bergamot oil:

Its helps in restoring appetite.
It is used in perfumes.
It eases haemorrhoids.
It helps cure leucoderma.
It helps to heal wounds, ulcers and scars.
It helps in lowering down the fever.
It is a good antiseptic.

DISADVANTAGE:

They can’t be applied undiluted. It should not be taken without consultation.

Neroli

CONSTITUENTS: Linalyl acetate, linalool, nerolidol, limonene, geraniol, a-terpineol, neryl acetate, geranyul acetate.

COMBINATION: It combines with chamomile, lavender, sandalwood

USES of neroli oil:

It cures insomnia.
It helps to cure acne and eczema.
It is aphrodisiac
It calms palpitations
It helps to relieve anxiety.

DISADVANTAGE:

It has antispasmodic properties and should be avoided during pregnancy.

Camomile 

AROMA: It is middle note oil.

COMBINATION: It combines with bergamot, geranium, and lavender.

CONSTITUENTS: Bisabolol, farnesol, azulene, thujanol, farnasene.

USES of camomile oil:

It eases the premenstrual tension.
It helps to cure gastric and intestinal ulcers.
It calms nervous system.
It eases menopausal problems like hot flushes, profuse sweating, aches and pains and fluid retention.
It cures dermatitis, burns, sores, wounds.
It helps to cure anaemia.
It is good for treating acne, boils, etc.

DISADVANTAGE:

It may cause dermatitis. Chamomile can cause skin irritation

Orange

AROMA: It is top note oil.

CONSTITUENTS: Limonene

USES of orange oil:

It helps in the treatment of fever.
It helps to regulate digestion.
In helps in cleansing blood.
It helps to strengthen muscles.
It reinforces natural immunity.
It eases constipation.
It works to prevent wrinkles and dermatitis.

DISADVANTAGE:

It increases the skin reaction to sun beamws and therefore the skin is more lightly to burn. Orange can cause irritation to sensitive skin. 

Cardamum

CONSTITUENTS: cineol, terpinyl acetate, sabiene, limonene, linalool, pinene, linalyl acetate, and zingiberene.

USES of cardamum oil:

It eases indigestion and heart burn.
It eases cough
It helps in digesting the food.
It controls nausea during pregnancy.
It helps to cure bad breath

Patchouli

NOTE: It is base note oil.

CONSTITUENTS: esters, patchoulol, beta-caryophyllene.

COMBINATION: It combines geranium, lavender, neroli.

USES of patchouli oil:

It works as an antiseptic and anti fungal.
It rejuvenates the skin, helps oily skin, cracked skin, and wrinkles.
It is an antidote for insect and snake bites.
It helps to fight fever.

DISADVANTAGE:

It sedates when used in excess.

Cedar wood

AROMA: It is base note oil.

COMBINATION: It combines well with rosemary, sandalwood and bergamot.

USES of cedar wood oil:

It is beneficial for bronchitis.
It cures eczema, dermatitis, ulcers, acne and nervous tension.
It is good for hair care.
It eases pain in passing urine.

DISADVANTAGE:

Cedar may cause skin irritation to sensitive skin. Do not use cedar oil during pregnancy.

Peppermint

AROMA: It is top note oil.

CONSTITUENTS: Menthone, cineole, limonene, methyl acetate, pinene, beta-caryophyllene

COMBINATION: It combines well with lavender, eucalyptus, and rosemary.

USES of peppermint oil:

It calms palpitations.
Peppermint is used for the cure of asthma
It cleans the blood.
It cures eczema, acne, bruises and ulcers.
It arrests hiccups.
It relieves asthma
It is helpful in the cure of insomnia.
It is a good mouth wash.
It helps in the cure of migraine.

Cinnamon

AROMA: It is middle note oil.

CONSTITUENTS: It constitutes eugenol, benzyl benzoate, cinnamic aldehyde and eugenol acetate.

USES of cinnamon oil:

It is effective against scrabies.
It is a good antiseptic.
It cures influenza.
It is a mild aphrodisiac.

DISADVANTAGE:

when used in excess, it causes convulsions.

Petit grain

AROMA: It is top note oil.

COMBINATION: It combines well with lavender, Bergamot, and other citrus oil.

CONSTUENTS: Linalyl acetate, nerol, linalol, limonene, myrcene, geranyl acetate, myrcrne

USES of petit grain oil:

It is intellectual stimulant, and strengthens memory.
It calms palpitations.
It cures insomnia.
It is sedative

Clove

COLOR: It is of light golden yellow color.

AROMA: It is middle note oil.

CONSTITUENTS: eugenyl acetate, eugenol, caryophyllene, isocarypphyllene.

COMBINATION: It combines with lavender, orange, Ylang Ylang.

USES of clove oil:

It prevents infectious diseases.
It helps to strengthen memory.
It helps to cure impotence.
It helps to heal wound and ulcers.
It eases toothache and painful gums.

DISADVANTAGE:

Clove is highly irritating to the skin.

Pine

CONSTITUENTS: Pinene, limonene, cineole, borneol, myrcene, phellandrene, camphene.

USES of pine oil:

It eases rheumatism.
It prevents the spread of contagious diseases.
It is a powerful antiseptic.
It helps to cure pulmonary disease.

DISADVANTAGE:

It causes irritation to sensitive skin.

Cypress

AROMA: Medium note oil.

CONSTITUENTS: It constitutes sabinol, camphene, limonene, sabinene, myrcene, cedrol.

COMBINATION: It combines well with citrus oil, juniper, lavender.

USES of cypress oil:

It improves the circulation and cures varicose veins, thread veins and haemorrhoids.
It arrests excessive bleeding in periods.
It helps to ease rheumatism.
It is a good liver tonic
It eases congestion, asthma and coughs.
It is beneficial during menopause.
It helps to check bad wetting

DISADVANTAGE:

This oil has antispasmodic properties.

Rose

AROMA: It is middle note oil.

CONSTITUENTS: Esters, rose oxide, limonene, cintronellol, nerol, pinene, myrcene, geraniol.

COMBINATION: It combines well with chamomile, bergamot, and geranium.

USES of rose oil:

It is helpful during menopause.
It eases depression and mental fatigue.
It has aphrodisiac properties.
It rejuvenates tired muscles and decongests tissues.
Alleviates stress.
It helps to relieve premenstrual tension.
It helps to cure eczema, thread veins and acne.
It has astringent effect on skin.

Eucalyptus

AROMA: It is top note oil.

CONSTITUENTS: It consists of Pinene, limonene, pinocarvone, cineol, globulol, camphene, pinocarvone.

COMBINATION: It combines well with lavender, juniper, marjoram

USES of eucalyptus oil:

It helps to reduce temperature when a person is suffering from measles and malaria.
Excellent for easing rheumatism.
It helps to cure migraine and neuralgia.
It is a powerful antiseptic.
It helps to control diabetes.

DISADVANTAGE:

Eucalyptus should not be used by high blood pressure patient.

Rosemary

AROMA: It is middle note oil

CONSTITUENTS: Pinene, cineole, borneol, linalol, Alpha-terpineol, camphor, bornyl acetate, thujone camphene, limonene, beta-caryophyllene,terpinen, beta-caryophyllene.

COMBINATION: It combines with cedar wood, geranium, juniper.

USES of rosemary oil:

It controls hair loss and dandruff.
Used as a general tonic.
It improves blood circulation.
It eases lumbago.
It is useful in the treatment of obesity.
It eases burns and insect bites.
It induces and regulates periods.
It fights rheumatism.
It helps to rebuild the nervous system.
It relieves sprains and swollen ankles.

DISADVANTAGE:

Its excess use provokes epilepsy and convulsions.

Geranium

AROMA: It is middle note oil.

CONSTITUUENTS: Geranoil, citronellyl acetate, linalyl acetate, citonellol, geranyl acetate and beta- caryophyllene

COMBINATION: It combines with chamomile, juniper, cypress

USES of geranium oil:

It helps heal wounds and burns.
It improves pale complexions
It dissolves blood clots.
It give relief in mastitis
It is a mosquito repellant.
Cures dry eczema and chilblains.
Make the blood more fluid and thus improves circulation of blood.

DISADVANTAGE:

It causes irritation to sensitive skin. Geranium should should not be used during pregnancy because it has antispasmodic properties.

Sage

It reduces fatigue.
It purifies the blood.
It is helpful during menopause
It stops falling hair.
It helps to cure eczema and ulcers.
It is very useful in swimming.
It cures bleeding gums
It helps regulate low blood pressure.
It induces conception and recommended during pregnancy.
It eases rheumatic conditions
It is diuretic

DISADVANTAGE:

Sage should not be used by those, who suffers from epileptic tendencies.

Jasmine

AROMA: It is base note oil.

CONSTITUENTS: Jasmine oil contains linalool, benzyl alcohol, benzyl zcetate, benzyl benzoate, methyl antranilate, cis-jasmone, geranoil, P-cresol, famesol, cis-3-hexoneyl benzoate, eugenol, nerol, phytol, isophytol, ceosol, benzoic acid.

COMBINATION: It combines with chamomile, citrus oil and rose.

USES of jasmine oil:

It increases skin elasticity.
Eases anxiety, depression and lack of confidence
It prevents scarring
It tones up the skin.
It is a strong aphrodisiac.

DISADVANTAGE:

it can cause allergic reaction. Jasmine should be avoided during pregnancy.

Sandalwood

AROMA: It is base note oil.

CONSTITUENTS: Santalols, Santalenes, santyl acetate.

COMBINATION: It combines with frankincense, geranium and jasmine.

USES of sandalwood oil:

It has strong antiseptic effect.
It has a very relaxing effect.
It controls fluid retention.
It softens the skin and helps in the treatment of broken veins.
It cures pimples and eczema.

Juniper

AROMA: It is middle note oil.

CONSTITUENTS: Sabinene, pinene, terpinenol, camphene, myrcene, borneol

COMBINATION: It combines with frankincense, lavender, rose.

USES of juniper oil:

It eases painful joints, arthritis and rheumatism.
It is excellent for massaging weak muscles.
It stimulates appetite
It eases painful menstruation
It controls diabetes.

DISADVANTAGE:

Juniper should not be used by a person having kidney disease and during pregnancy.

Tangerine

AROMA: It is top note oil.

CONSTITUENTS: limonene, a-pinene, myrcene, citronellal, lonalool, neral, y-terpinene, neryl acetate, thymol, geraniol, carvone.

USES of tangerine oil:

It is good nerve tonic.
It helps to combat depression
Improves pale complexion
Recommended for children and elderly persons.
Recommended during pregnancy

Lavender

AROMA: It may be top or middle note oil.

CONSTITUENTS: Linalol, cineole, terpinenol, farnascene, beta-caryophyllene, linalyl acetate.

COMBINATION: It combines with clergy sage, frankincense, geranium

USES of lavender oil:

Eases aches, pains, and rheumatic conditions.
It is good antiseptic.
It relieves fatigue and depression and counteracts stress.
It heals burns, insect bites, helps falling hair and acne
It regulates high blood high pressure.
It eases palpitation, faintness, giddiness.
Regulates nervous system.
Regulates scanty menstrual periods

DISADVANTAGE:

Low blood pressure patients should take it with caution. It stimulates the nervous system when taken in excess.. it should be avoided during early stages of pregnancy

Thyme

AROMA: It is middle note oil.

CONSTITUENTS: a-pinene, a-thujene, b-pinene, thymol, camphene, carvacrol, -cymene, a-terpinene, linalool, B-caryophyllene

COMBINATION: It combines with bergamot, cedar wood and chamomile.

USES of thyme oil:

It controls hair loss.
It is good for dental care
It regulates the period.
It helps to ease fatigue, anxiety, depression and insomnia.
It regulates low blood pressure
It is a strong stimulant.
It cures warts, dermatitis, wounds and burns
It controls fluid retention.

Ylang ylang

CONSTITUENTS: Linalol, eugenol, methyl chavicol, benzyl acetate, farnesol, geranial, geranyl acetate, pinene, methyl chavicol.

COMBINATION: It combines with cedar wood, clary sage and geranium.

USES of ylang ylang oil:

It is good antiseptic.
It regulates the heartbeat.
It has invigorating effect on elder people
It controls anxiety, high blood pressure and tension.
Ylang ylang is used as bath oil.
It is also good for hair and skin

DISADVANTAGE:

It causes headache and nausea when used in excess because it has strong aroma.

Essential oils and acne

Essential oils are the topmost fighting ingredient in the treatment of acne. It can be used along with carrier oil and can be applied to get relief from moderate and mild acne.

Tea Tree Oil

When selecting an essential oil, one should consider the type of the skin and the type of acne one is trading with.

Certain essential oils should not utilize full potency and if one is having sensitive skin then one has to dilute the essential oils well. When adulterating, one requires selecting carrier oils that will not block the pores.

Essential oil such as grape seed oil is excellent essential oil to be utilized on the face. But if one feels any irritation or rash with this essential oil, then immediately consult the doctor or stop its usage.

Types of Essential Oils in Treating Acne

Tea Tree Oil

This essential oil contains antibacterial properties. It acts as an excellent wound cleaner and is helpful in the treatment of acne. It gives calming effects on the rashes, irritations and burns. When it is utilized on acne, it quickly relieves pain and assists in clearing out the skin while calming down the irritation of the affected region.

Lavender Oil 

It is also renowned for having antibacterial and soothing properties. It is excellent in preventing the future breakouts and to calm down the redness related to acne prone skin.

It is applied to the skin in the purest form and acts as an intoxicating agent for acne. Before applying this essential oil on the skin, it should be diluted with carrier oils.

Bergamot Oil 

It contains an invigorating perfume and can be combined with other types of oils. It contains drying and antibacterial properties and is a perfect treatment for reducing existing spots and blemishes.

One should use this essential oil only if advised by the certified homeopathic expert. The individuals, who are exposed to suntan, should take precautions after applying this oil. If Bergamot oil is applied on the skin and the person goes out in the sun, then the person’s skin will become more sensitive with the sun.

Rosewood Oil 

This essential oil works best on the oily skin. It assists to decrease sebum production which stops the breakouts that are related to the oily skin.

The people having sensitive or dry skin should not make use of rosewood oil. It proves to be an excellent ingredient in the treatment of acne.

Clove Oil

This essential oil is very strong and contains purifying and burning properties. This oil should be applied in combination with carrier oils as it causes irritation on the skin if it is applied in the pure form. Sometimes, some of the people utilize it full strength for treating stubborn acne.

Essential Oils Used in Cosmetic Products

When one is considering about the essential oils, the first thing which comes in the mind of the person is oil obtained from herbs, tree, plants and other natural elements. Essential oils are also well known for their striking aroma as they are made up from accurate concentrate of nature.

Though essential oils have number of uses but it is widely utilized in various cosmetic products. It fetches the ingredient of nature in cosmetic product which makes them safe and natural. There are varieties of essential oils which are utilized in various cosmetic products and they include:-

Aloe Butter

It is the unique ingredient or essential oil used in varieties of cosmetic products. Aloe butter is obtained from aloe Vera. It is utilized on the dry skin and easily dissolves into the skin. It is appropriate for various skin care products like soaps, lip balms, lotions and skin creams to promote moisturization and to acquire the benefits of aloe.

Almond Butter

This essential oil is obtained from sweet almonds particularly from the regions of Mediterranean . It is also derived by cold pressing of chosen fruits and by applying refining method. In the manufacture of cosmetic products, the behavior and feel of this essential oil is identical to shea butter. It is good to be applied on the skin and perfect for massage. This essential oil is utilized in soaps, hair care, cosmetics, sun care and balms and massage oils.

Apricot Kernel

This essential oil is derived from the huge depths of apricots that give about 45 percent of essential oil. The apricot tree is refined in all over the Northern Hemisphere. It acts as an emollient and excellent for applying on the neck and eyes. It is helpful in making the skin smooth and soft, decreases fine wrinkles of aging, cracking, roughness and irritation.

Avocado

This essential oil is prepared from the tissue of the avocado fruit. This oil includes more than 20 percent of vital unsaturated fatty acids. This essential oil is beneficial in healing of scars, decreasing aging spots and moisturizing the top layers of the skin.

Carrot

This oil is enriched with vitamins A and E, beta carotene and pro-vitamin A which assist in healing chapped, dry and cracked skin. It is helpful in conditioning the hair and harmonizing the moisture in the skin. This essential oil is also beneficial for the face.

Flaxseed

This oil is obtained from the seeds of the flax plant. It is generally utilized for burns, eczema, inflammatory skin, psoriasis and other skin conditions.

Grapeseed

This essential oil is prepared from the seeds of wine manufacturing grapes. This is the lightest oil and includes minerals and vitamins and rich in protein. This oil is excellent for the neck and eyes.

Olive

This oil is derived by pressing and crushing the fruit of the olive tree. It contains excellent penetrating power. It also has antioxidant and acidic properties. It is helpful in making the skin soft and provides moisturizing effect to the top layers of the skin.

How do Essential Oils Work?

Essential oils are the extremely strong extracts of perfumed plants. Every essential oil which is utilized in Aromatherapy is utilized alone or in a blend to produce a preferred effect.

Before applying this essential oil, one should understand the effect of essential oil in the body i.e how it works.

Essential oils have an instant effect on the body. When essential oils are breathed in, olfactory receptor cells are inspired and the desire is communicated to the expressive center of the limbic system or the brain.

The limbic system is associated to regions of the brain which are related to breathing, memory and blood circulation and the endocrine glands which controls the levels of hormone in the body.

The possessions of the fragrance, oil and its effect assess the inspiration of these systems. When these essential oils are utilized for massaging, these are not only breathed in but also immersed through the skin.

They enter into the tissues and then carried to the bloodstream and lastly, transferred to the organs and other parts of the body. Each essential oil contains different absorption rates which take about twenty minutes to two hours.

It is advised that one should not take a shower or bath immediately after a massage with the essential oil in order to have greatest benefits.

How Essential Oils Work 

Oils are very effective for the body and it penetrates into the skin in 3 ways and they are:-

Applied to the skin

Ingested

Inhaled

How do Essential Oils Work on the Skin

These oils are applied directly on the skin. The most commonly used oils on the skin are Lavender and oil of Tea tree. One can also apply a combination of ginger or black pepper essential oil to improve flexibility and to decrease arthritis pain. German chamomile oil can also be utilized to treat eczema. The skin of every human being is considered as porous.

The dynamic chemicals in essential oils are immersed by the skin similarly as the ingredients in pharmaceuticals like nicotine scraps and hormone replacement therapy cream. Essential oils are more voluntarily immersed from skin locations like hair follicles and sweat glands such as head, palms, genitals, armpits and head. After the massage has been done with this essential oil, it increases circulation of blood in the whole body by promoting absorption.

Another way through which the essential oils penetrate into the body is by assimilation through swallowing or ingesting them. One should not ingest the essential oils orally as it can be lethal to the kidneys or liver or can also cause gastric troubles.

Essential oils can also make a way into the body by breathing or inhaling through the mouth or nose. If one is suffering from cough, one can inhale eucalyptus essential oil or one can also breathe in peppermint essential oil to decrease nausea or fatigue.

Methods of Extraction of Essential Oil

The methods utilized in obtaining the essential oil from plants are based on the kind of end product that is preferred and on the material of the plant.

It contains such contents and aromas which makes them a unique ingredient. There are various methods of extraction through which essential oils are obtained and they include:-

Distillation

The first method of obtaining essential oil is distillation. Firstly, all the essential oils are distilled. The plant material is kept into an alembic in which the steam is created. The heat that is formed through the steam generates drops of oil in the plant to break and then allow the oil to evaporate.

Then the steam and the vapors are observed on a water cooled pipe and then, again it is converted into liquids. Then the essential oil is alienated from the water and it floats on the water.

Steam Distillation

In this, steam distillation makes use of an external resource for accumulation of steam which transmits the steam into the refining unit at high pressure. Then the steam is carried through the perfumed material and goes out into the condenser.

Hydrodistillation

In this step, the botanicals are completely flooded in the water and create a broth. This is the most olden process of distillation and is considered to be the most unstable. This procedure is most commonly utilized in prehistoric countries.

This method also contains some dangers like the still can be overheated, can be made dry and the perfumes are allowed to burned which leads to EO along with overcooked smell. This method is excellent for powders and is very hard materials such as wood, roots and nuts.

Water and Steam Distillation

This type of distillation has a resemblance like a kitchen steamer basket. In this, botanicals are placed in the basket on the top of the boiling water thereby putting the plant material by creating steam vapors. This is an excellent process for refining leafy materials.

Solvent Extraction

When some of the aromatics like Linden Blossom and Jasmine do not carry on the method of distillation, then this process is utilized to detain their mysterious fragrances. The flowers are cleaned constantly using a solvent. The solvent melts the entire extractable material from the plant which involves non-perfumed pigments and waxes and extremely volatile perfumed molecules. Then the solution involving dissolvable plant material and solvent is filtered at low pressure. Then further processing is being done to extract the pure essential oil.

Carbon Dioxide Extraction

When carbon dioxide is focused to high pressure, then this gas gets converted into liquid. Then this liquid carbon dioxide is utilized as a safe, inert and liquid solvent.

It obtains the perfumed molecules without leaving any residue. At normal temperature, it again converts into a gas and disappears.

Cold Pressing

This method is utilized to obtain the essential oils from the rinds of citrus fruits like lemon, orange, bergamot and grapefruit. The rinds from the fruit are alienated and then they are pressed and outcomes into an essential oil.

Sandalwood Essential Oil

Sandalwood essential oil is derived from the sandalwood tree for adding fragrance to the essential oil. Sandal aroma is a unique crystallized fragrance created for and imported by Eden Botanicals. It is available in a semi-solid form and is utilized as a natural fragrance and can be applied in small quantities on the skin. Sandalwood essential oil is popularly used in the west as a warm, woody, rich and sweet essential oil which can be applied as the body perfume.

This ingredient can be added in various perfumed products like aftershaves, incense, perfumes and various cosmetic products. Sandalwood has been utilized as a conventional medicine since thousands of years and is also a part of the spiritual and religious customs.

This oil has high demand in the present world and its resource is declining. This has resulted to numerous adverse outcomes such as:-

It is considered as one of the most contaminated essential oils.

Because of the demand of sandalwood oil, the trees are being unlawfully cut down.

The price of sandalwood oil is increasing considerably.

The resource of sandalwood oil is becoming limited.

Due to these reasons, sandalwood trees are becoming poorer and the oil and wood of this tree has become very costly.

Sandalwood Tree

Sandalwood products are derived from the sandalwood tree (a member of Santalaceae family). The other names for sandalwood tree are Mysore sandalwood, Chandan, white sandalwood, sandal, tan xiang and East Indian sandalwood. It is a bloodsucking tree which acquires nutrients from other species of plants. There are various types of sandalwood species such as Australian sandalwood, red sandalwood and New Caledonian sandalwood. All these species contain different fragrances and properties. Sometimes, it is utilized as a sandalwood replacement in products like sandalwood soap.

Uses of Sandalwood in aromatherapy 

It has been utilized as a conventional medicine from a long time. It is also used in Chinese and Ayurveda medicine and proves to be an excellent healing ingredient. It is very useful in treating numbers of disorders like digestive complaints, persistent coughs, nervous disorders, anxiety, urinary and genital infections, throat irritations, depression and dry coughs. It is used extensively for cracked, dry and chapped skin and effectively reduces acne and rashes and used in varieties of skin care products.

Use in Perfumery

Sandalwood oil is utilized widely in natural perfumery as a base note, harmonizing agent and as an adhesive. These oils are distilled and get converted into sandalwood oil and create amazing natural perfumes of various types.

Uses of Essential Oils

Essential oils are the intense extracts of several herbs, flowers, plants and fruits. These oils have been utilized since thousands of years in various cosmetic products, for medicinal or spiritual purposes, in providing flavor to the food and in aromatherapy.

There are several ways to utilize essential oils besides their therapeutic or perfumed properties. Therefore, there are numbers of uses of essential oils and they include:-

Room Freshening

One should utilize the steam breathing method and should not straightly breathe in from the bowl.

Utilize ten drops of essential oil. Make use of few drops if one is utilizing an essential oil as it can generate sensitization. Other processes involve utilizing a lamp scent ring or aromatherapy diffuser which is accessible through several aromatherapy companies.

Easy Inhalation

One should apply 3 to 4 drops of essential oil on a tissue. Then kept this tissue close to the nose and then breathe in. When one is using for the first time, then one should apply one drop to make sure if one is allergic to the essential oil or not.

General Household Freshening

One can add small quantities of essential oil to drain, trash can, vacuum bag filter, laundry wash and on a tissue and can be placed in any of the drawers.

Massage

One should add 20 drops of essential oil to one ounce of carrier oil like almond oil and massage it on their body. One should keep this oil away from genital regions and eyes. Do not use these oils directly on the skin. They should be diluted before applying. One should also read the precautions given on the bottle of essential oil before buying them.

Steam Inhalation

First of all, two cups of water should be heated. Then the water should be poured into a bowl and add 3 to 7 drops of essential oil in the water. Apply small drops of essential oil as it can generate irritation to the mucous membranes. Then inhale this oil from the bowl. If one is experiencing any discomfort or irritation, stop its usage. Steam inhalation is also helpful in influenza and colds.

Bug Repellent

Some of the essential oils serve as a natural repellent for the insects. Add small drops of essential oils on the cotton balls or tissues and kept close to the windows and doorways which assist in preventing the insects. Do not use the essential oil straightly on the delicate plains.

Bath

One should mix 5 to 7 drops of this oil with one ounce of carrier oil. Then combine this mixture in the bath water before taking bath.

Beauty Products

Essential oils are extensively utilized in the manufacture of facial toners, shower gels, homemade lotions, perfumes, shampoos, soaps and other natural products.

Therefore, essential oils are used for varieties of purposes and are also utilized in the preparation of the food for adding flavor and taste to them.

Storage of essential oils

Storage of essential oils is done to preserve their safety and potency. Correct storage is the first step to keep the essential oil in good condition. Proper storage needs right temperature and sunlight.

When one is purchasing essential oils, then one wish to obtain good quality oil that can persist for longer time period. The storage of essential oils is very expensive.

Therefore, one should keep in mind certain things that how to correctly preserve and store the delivery of essential oils. When one is purchasing the essential oils, then one is surely considering about its storage.

Therefore, one can follow these steps for storage of essential oils such as:-

Bottles

After purchasing any kind of essential oils, they can be stored in small or large bottles of 5, 10 and 15 ml. If it is available in a clear glass bottle or in a plastic bottle, one can transmit the essential oil into a dark glass bottle.

Therefore, it is advised that the essential oils should be stored in dark cobalt blue, amber or violet glass bottles for efficient storage as stated by the Aromatherapy professionals.

These bottles prevent the essential oils from becoming damaged and prevent the sunlight from entering into the bottle.

One should buy those essential oils which are available in creased aluminum bottles. One should remember one thing that all essential oils are highly flammable; therefore, one should keep the bottles apart from heat sources and candles.

Exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun considerably reduces the storage life of the essential oil. One should store the essential oils in the smaller bottles as they expose the essential oil to less quantities of oxygen.

Bottle Stoppers

When one is storing the essential oils, one also considers at the kind of cap that is used to close the bottle. The bottle stoppers help in preserving the quality of the essential oil. These stoppers are also known as orifice reducer. It contains small cap which has a small opening for the essential oil and ooze out only one drop simultaneously. This is satisfactory but certain bottles contain rubber droppers within the essential oil are not suitable. As the oils are extremely strong and they convert the rubber into a sticky like material. One should keep these bottle stoppers or bottles away from the reach of the small children. They can be very harmful if they are ingested.

Temperature

After purchasing, one should store the oils in a suitable dark glass bottle. One should also store these bottles in a cool and dark site that is not prone to humidity. One can also store the bottles of essential oils in a wooden box or holder. Proper temperature should be set for the storage of essential oils. High temperatures can spoil the essential oils very rapidly. There are certain essential oils like vanilla which can be kept at low temperatures. Normal temperature is best for storing the essential oils.