ESSENTIAL oils are often used in aromatherapy, a form of alternative medicine that employs plant extracts to support health and well-being.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants.
The oils capture the plant’s scent and flavour, or “essence.”
Unique aromatic compounds give each essential oil its characteristic essence.
Essential oils are obtained through distillation (via steam and/or water) or mechanical methods, such as cold pressing.
Once the aromatic chemicals have been extracted, they are combined with a carrier oil to create a product that is ready for use.
The way the oils are made is important, as essential oils obtained through chemical processes are not considered true essential oils.
Popular types
There are more than 90 types of essential oils, each with its own unique smell and potential health benefits.
Here is a list of 10 popular essential oils and the health claims associated with them:
Peppermint: used to boost energy and aid digestion
Lavender: used to relieve stress
Sandalwood: used to calm nerves and help with focus
Bergamot: used to reduce stress and improve skin conditions like eczema
Rose: used to improve mood and reduce anxiety
Chamomile: used to improve mood and relaxation
Ylang-Ylang: used to treat headaches, nausea and skin conditions
Tea Tree: used to fight infections and boost immunity
Jasmine: used to help with depression, childbirth, and libido
Lemon: used to aid digestion, mood, headaches, and more
Essential oils have many uses outside of aromatherapy.
Many people use them to scent their homes or freshen up things like laundry.
They are also used as a natural scent in homemade cosmetics and high-quality natural products.
What is more, it has been suggested that essential oils could provide a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to man-made mosquito repellents, such as DEET.
Essential oils for skin
Dry skin can occur during certain times of the year, as well as in desert-like climates.
You may even have dry skin naturally from age or reduced activity in the sebaceous (oil) glands in your pores.
Dry skin is often remedied with creams and moisturisers, but some essential oils could provide relief.
If you have oily skin, your sebaceous glands are in overdrive, creating excessive oil on the surface of your skin.
Factors like humidity, heat, and hormones can make oily skin worse.
The following essential oils may help alleviate oily skin issues.
Sensitive skin can be either dry or oily, and can sometimes occur alongside allergies, eczema, and other skin conditions.
If you have sensitive skin, you will want to steer clear of oils that are highly acidic, such as lemon and lemon grass.
The following oils are considered safe for all skin types:
lavender
frankincense
sandalwood
With acne, it is crucial that you remove excess oils and bacteria without drying the skin, as this can lead to increased oil production.
Inflammation can be another contributing factor to acne breakouts.
Both rosemary and frankincense are known for treating acne by reducing microbials and inflammation.
Clary sage is also used for acne and on oily skin.
The following oils may also help acne-prone skin types.
Safety and side effects
Just because something is natural does not mean it is safe.
Plants and herbal products contain many bioactive compounds that may harm your health, and essential oils are no different.
However, when inhaled or combined with base oil for use on your skin, most essential oils are considered safe.
Be sure to consider others in your environment who might be inhaling the aroma, including pregnant women, children, and pets.
Nevertheless, they may cause some side effects, including:-
rashes
asthma attacks
headaches
allergic reactions
While the most common side effect is a rash, essential oils can cause more serious reactions. — Online.
