Essential oils, useful properties, use for face and hair, massage, baths, inhalations. Aromatic oils: types, properties and methods of application Aromas of essential oils and their properties

Essential oil is a fragrant volatile substance isolated from flowers, seeds, roots, leaves, fruits, wood or resin of plants.

Oils give plants their fragrance. The properties of oils depend on the type of plants, their growing conditions, the part used, as well as the method of production. Often, from different parts of the same plant, oils of different composition and smell are obtained. Essential oils are obtained by distillation (from greens and bark), extraction (from inflorescences, petals and roots) and pressing (from peel and fruit).

Essential oils have a wide spectrum of biological activity. Some of them are antiseptics, others are antispasmodics, others regenerate cells, others calm or, on the contrary, excite the nervous system. At the same time, essential oils are potent agents that can not only help, but also harm, if you do not follow the recommendations for use.

The table will help to understand the pharmacological properties of essential oils.

The use of essential oils

Essential oils should not be applied to the skin without a base. You should take care of your eyes. Keep oils out of the reach of children. It is not recommended to use essential oils for pregnant women, as well as people prone to allergies.

Essential oils do not mix with water and are not used in their pure form. In cosmetology and medicine, essential oils are used with a base. It can be wax, honey, milk, cream. But most often these are the so-called transport oils.

Transport (base) oils- these are vegetable oils, both solid (for example, shea butter) and liquid (olive, sea buckthorn, almond, jojoba and others). They promote the penetration of essential oil into the body and provide a mild therapeutic effect.

Bath and bath

An aromatic bath is a great way to relax after a hard day. Relieves stress and relaxes sandalwood, geranium, lavender, rose oil. Muscle tension (for example, after a workout) will help eliminate vervain and juniper oil. During colds, baths with pine or lemon oil are recommended.

Rules

• Before taking an aroma bath, you need to wash yourself.
• Water temperature - 36–38 ºС.
• As a base, you can use honey, kefir, whey, milk, sea salt or transport oil.
• Do not use gel, shampoo, foam and other cosmetics during the procedure.
• Frequency and time - 5-25 minutes no more than three times a week.
• After taking an aromatic bath, do not rinse and wipe dry.

In the bath, essential oil is added to a ladle of water to give it to the heater. Recommended oils that improve breathing: cedar, eucalyptus, spruce and others. In addition, brooms can be moistened with a mixture of base and essential oils.

Essential oils enhance the healing properties of massage, improve skin condition and affect the nervous system. Different oils will have different pharmacological effects. So, cloves accelerate warming up and stimulate blood circulation. Nutmeg relieves rheumatic pains, citrus fruits contribute to the breakdown of adipose tissue, and rose, jasmine and sandalwood have a lifting effect.

Rules

• Massage mixture recipe: 3–5 drops of essential oil + 10–15 ml of base oil (for the body - peach, olive, apricot, almond; for the face - jojoba, macadamia, avocado).
• Choose oil not only for pharmacological properties, but also for smell. It should be pleasant to the person who is being massaged.
• During the massage, give preference to soft circular movements.
• After the session, you need to lie down for 10-20 minutes, you should not go outside for an hour.

Inhalations

Inhalations with essential oils are an excellent remedy for flu (thyme, ginger), bronchitis (eucalyptus, pine, thuja), stomatitis (orange, calendula), as well as for cleansing the face (oregano, tea tree).

People with asthma and other serious respiratory diseases should take inhalations with the permission and under the supervision of their doctor.

Cold inhalation

• Apply a few drops of oil to a cloth or paper towel.
• Inhale the aroma through your nose evenly and deeply for 5-10 minutes.

Hot inhalations

• If available, use a special inhaler.
• If you don't have an inhaler, add 2-4 drops of oil to a container of hot water. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the vapors for 5-10 minutes. It is recommended to carry out the procedure with your eyes closed.

Aroma compresses help relieve pain in the joints, back and soft tissues. Essential oils penetrate the skin to the problem area and have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antispasmodic effects.

For chronic diseases, consult your doctor about the possibility of using aromatic compresses.

Cold compresses effective for tumors, sprains, bruises.

Rules

• Wet a flannel or other cotton cloth with cold water and apply 3-5 drops of essential oil to it.
• Apply to damaged area. Secure with an elastic bandage.
• Or prepare a mixture of basic and essential oils (30 ml - 15 drops), soak a cloth with it and apply it to the diseased part of the body.

Warm compresses treat chronic diseases, they relieve pain and inflammation. Useful for rheumatism, osteochondrosis and sciatica. The rules are the same, only warm water is used, and the compress is wrapped up.

Oriental beauties have been using ethers since ancient times as a means of personal care. Oils add to the cosmetic also a therapeutic effect.

Cosmetics with a neutral composition should be enriched. Products designed to address specific concerns (such as anti-aging products) are best used without additives.

There are many recipes for home cosmetics with essential oils. Here is some of them.

• Mask for the face: for 1 tablespoon of clay powder, 2-3 drops of essential oil, then you need to add water to achieve a paste consistency. Apply the mask on your face, avoiding the eye area, leave to dry and rinse with warm water.
• Face cream: take any neutral cream (for example, for children), prepare a mixture of base and essential oils. The first should correspond to the type of skin (dry, normal, combination, oily, problematic), and the second - the purpose of use (fighting rashes, moisturizing, and so on). The approximate dosage is 10–15 drops of the mixture per 150 g of the base.
• Skin lotion: dilute the infusion of medicinal herbs with water (in equal proportions), dissolve 2-3 drops of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of alcohol and add to the strained solution. Apply lotion to face and neck.
• Aromaled: Mix 1 teaspoon of honey with 1-2 drops of essential oil, dissolve the resulting mixture in water, pour into molds and freeze. Use flavored ice cubes to rub your face to relieve redness.
• Shampoo: use a product with the most natural composition, add oil to the palm of the shampoo directly when washing (1-2 drops) or into a bottle (13 drops per 100 ml).

Aroma lamps and aroma stones

Aroma lamps and aroma stones are used for indoor aromatization and aromatherapy.

(or aroma incense burner) is a bowl where water is poured and essential oil is added, and a candle is placed under it. As the water heats up, the air is filled with the vapors of the essential oil.

Aromatization with a lamp

• Ventilate the room.
• Pour warm water (50–55 ºС) into the bowl. The volume of the bowl is at least 50 ml, otherwise the water will evaporate too quickly.
• Add essential oil: 2 drops for every 5 sq. m area.
• Light a candle. The minimum distance from the flame to the bowl is 10 cm.
• The duration of the procedure is from 20 minutes to 2 hours. Add water periodically. Do not leave the lamp unattended.

aroma stone has a porous structure and retains odors for a long time. You can buy it or make it yourself from gypsum. The peculiarity of the aroma stone is the locality of action. If the aroma from the lamp spreads throughout the room, then from the stone - only a short distance. Therefore, the aroma stone can be used even in the workplace.

Aromatization with stone

• Apply 2-4 drops of oil to the stone.
• Place the stone on a table, in a closet, bag or pocket.
• Add oil as the scent dissipates.

They also make sachets with essential oils. An aromatic bag with rose oil will give a pleasant aroma to linen and clothes, and a sachet with lavender on the bedside table will give you a sound sleep.

(or aroma medallions) is an accessory made of porous clay that easily absorbs and retains odors for a long time.

Its wearing is especially important during influenza epidemics. Ginger, cedar, eucalyptus, mint and other oils help the body fight viruses and strengthen the immune system.

How to use aroma coulombs?

• Choose the oil according to its properties and smell.
• Put 2-3 drops into the pendant.
• Refill the pendant after three days.

These are the basic principles for using essential oils.

How do you use essential oils?

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

Aroma oils (or essential oils) are liquids that have a strong smell and taste, an oily structure, and light color shades. They are able to volatilize, therefore they do not leave traces of fat on the skin, they practically do not dissolve in water. Their active properties are more pronounced at room temperature.

The aromatic properties of oils are due to the action of a mixture of a number of individual compounds that are isolated at the level of chemical composition. In addition, the quality depends on the storage conditions of the product.

The source of essential oils with strong physiological and pharmacological properties are only plants. Oils perform important physiological functions for plants:

• due to aromatic and terpenoid compounds, they activate metabolic processes;
• evaporating, they create a heat-resistant “cushion” around the plant, regulating the process of heat transfer;
• promote pollination of plants, attracting insects with the aroma;
• protect against disease and destruction by animals.

Plants containing essential oils are widely distributed in nature. Their useful properties have found application in many areas of human life.

Localization of oils in various parts of the plant

Depending on the species, essential oils are located differently in the body of the plant. Most often, roots, leaves, buds, flowers, rhizomes, and fruits are processed to obtain oil.

There may also be a different percentage of the final product in the raw material (from thousandths to 20% of the total mass). It can be dispersed throughout the cells, be in the cell sap, or accumulate in special formations, which can be glandular spots, receptacles of oils, tubules with an oily substance.

How to receive

Useful properties of essential oils, their active use have led to the fact that the raw material base is depleted. World production today is adjusted to the production of such products as turpentine, followed by oils of lemon, orange, mint.

When these substances are isolated from plant materials, their ability to dissolve in certain organic compounds, fats and alcohols is used.

Essential oils, whose properties and applications are very diverse, are produced by the following methods:

• Distillation with water. One of the oldest ways to get oil from a plant. Its essence is that two immiscible liquids are heated together. The mixture boils faster than if the liquids were heated separately. The resulting vapors of water with oil enter the refrigerator, where they condense and are collected in a receiver. For this method, simple equipment is taken, the yield of the final product is small, its quality is average.
• Steam distillation. This is a complex process using a distillation apparatus. The product of such distillation is mainly used in various fields of medicine, in the manufacture of perfumery products and in the food industry. Both fresh and dried plants are used.
• Cold pressing. This method is well suited for obtaining oil from the peel of various fruits. The raw material is first sent under the press (product yield 70%), then crushed and the process is completed by distillation (the remaining 30%).
• Maceration or enfleurage. The essence of the method is that oil is removed from raw materials by sorbents, which are solid fat or activated carbon. Then, through complex chemical reactions, the oil is separated from the sorbent.
• Extraction with selective solvents. The prepared raw material is mixed with the extractant, which is then distilled off in special devices. The result is a "tar" (perfume). This is how cloves, hops, lavender, chamomile, ginger and other plants are processed.

Each type of oil then finds its use.

Aromatic oils, depending on the composition, can have different effects and be used for different purposes.

There are many types of oils. This information is based on their properties:

• Cleansing: Geranium, Lemongrass, Lavender, Sweet Orange, Rosemary, Tuberose, Lemon, Sage
• Excitement: bergamot, geranium, cardamom, bigardia, sandalwood, ylang-ylang, jasmine, mandarin, rose
• Tone: basil, clove, bay, lemon, nutmeg, lemon balm, mint, palmarosa, rosemary, cinnamon, citronella, sage, thyme, fir, ginger.
• Relaxation: valerian, lavender, oregano, frankincense, juniper, myrrh, chamomile, jasmine.
• Harmony: geranium, oregano, jasmine, marjoram, orange, mimosa, mandarin, rose, sandalwood.
• Strengthening: angelica, lemon balm, lavender, basil, nutmeg, cajuput, mint, verbena, rosemary, cedar, lemon, vetiver.
• Freshness: fir, mint, immortelle, lavender, orange, mandarin, lemon.
• Stimulus: immortelle, black pepper, coriander, lavender, clove, nutmeg, eucalyptus, rosemary, mint, verbena, hyssop, juniper, lemon.
• Peace: dill, jasmine, geranium, chamomile, vanilla, lemon balm, bigardia.

This shows that any essential oil can manifest itself in different ways. When composing aroma compositions, substances with opposite properties cannot be mixed.

Chemical composition

The composition of essential oils is very complex. There are elements that are included in the work of all systems of the human body. The chemical names of many elements are sometimes completely unfamiliar, but the benefits of their effects are obvious.

Esters contain aromatic mixtures, aldehydes, terpenoids, terpenes; saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons are allocated; organic acids, esters, alcohols are present; there are amines, oxides, organic sulfides, phenols, heterocyclic compounds.

The composition is also affected by the type and chemotype of the plant, weather conditions during the period of growth and collection, conditions for keeping and transporting raw materials, the method of producing oil and storing it.

Plants that provide raw materials for aromatic oils mainly grow in the tropics and in temperate climates. One type of plant, grown in different conditions, may contain oil of different characteristics. It can be liquid and solid. Its main characteristic is that it does not mix with water.

According to the structure and chemical composition, concretes, absolutes, resinoids, lipsticks are distinguished.

Basic properties

One of the most valuable properties of essential oils is their biological activity. At the same time, the range of effects of the product is very wide.

The information below shows some examples of the use of essential oils.

The fight against microbes and bacteria, purification and disinfection:

• eucalyptus;
• poplar;
• carnation;
• pine;

At the same time, leaves, buds and rhizomes are used to produce essential oil.

Fight against inflammatory processes:

• camphor;
• pharmaceutical camomile;
• yarrow;
• elecampane.

In the course are flowers and rhizomes.

Removal of spasms:

• peppermint;
• pharmaceutical camomile;
• coriander;
• dill.

Leaves, flowers, fruits, as well as seeds are used.

• wild rosemary;
• fennel;
• anise;
• elecampane;
• thyme;
• oregano.

It is worth using shoots, fruits and rhizomes.

The ability to remove mucus from the bronchi and lungs:

• wild rosemary;
• fennel;
• anise;
• elecampane;
• thyme;
• oregano.

Use shoots, fruits and rhizomes.

Ability to calm the nervous system:

• valerian;
• lemon balm;
• lavender.

The rhizome and flowers are used to make oil.

Cleansing the kidneys and bladder:

• Birch;
• juniper.

Oil is made from leaves, buds, and fruits.

Chamomile is used to rejuvenate body cells. Flowers are used to produce oil.

Based on the foregoing, it is easy to determine what effect an essential oil can have on the human body. Its action is manifested in:

• increased blood flow to the affected area;
• activation of the secretion of the pancreas, glands of the stomach and gallbladder;
• vasodilatation of the kidney filtration system;
• cleansing the body of toxins;
• destruction of bacteria.

When using essential oils, you need to be careful. An overdose can lead to unpleasant consequences. Oils are used especially carefully in the treatment of gynecological diseases and in pregnant women. In addition, for mixing oils in complex treatment, it is desirable to choose agents that are close to each other in action.

Applications

Essential oils are used very widely. They are able to treat, are the prevention of many diseases, are used for hair and skin care. A special place belongs to aromatherapy with the use of essential agents.

Pictures on packages with bottles of essential oils attract attention with the unusualness of the plants depicted on them. But every oil has its uses. You need to know about this before purchasing a vial of this miraculous remedy.

The most commonly used oils are conifers, citrus, mint, ylang-ylang, various turpentine.

In the food industry, essential oils are used to make various additives that have a strong taste and nutritional value.

In the medical industry, esters are added to preparations and medicines.

In perfumery production, the use of aromatic oils is used as components of many cosmetics and perfumes.

Rules for use in complex treatment

Aromatherapy has a beneficial effect on human health. It is not able to completely replace drugs, but it can enhance their effect in the treatment and prevention of various diseases. There are a number of rules, the observance of which will give a positive result.

Aromatic oils should be applied with care to the skin and especially to the mucous membranes. Applied in pure form, they can leave a burn, so it is better to dilute them. For the base, you can take olive oil, salt, honey. The exceptions are lavender and tea tree. Means from these plants are safe for the skin.

Apply the oil strictly according to the instructions. Excess can lead to allergies or burns. It is advisable to carry out the first sessions of aromatherapy with a smaller dose of oil in order to avoid unpleasant consequences.

Before including a new remedy in complex treatment, it is necessary to do a test to exclude allergic manifestations.

For an aroma lamp, you need to take hot water, place it over a candle, then add an essential agent (1-3 drops). The room must be closed, the session lasts no more than 20 minutes.

The reaction of the body to aroma sessions will be an indicator of such treatment. The aroma must be pleasant, otherwise there will be no improvement.

Methods for Using Essential Oils

Due to their therapeutic and preventive properties, various types of aroma oils are widely used to improve health and preserve the beauty of the face, hands, hair.

The following methods are available for using this tool:

• Cold inhalations. The aroma is carefully inhaled for 5 minutes. Breathing should be even, slow, deep, eyes closed.
• Aromavanna. Fill the bath with warm (not hot, otherwise the esters will evaporate quickly) water, stir the aromatic oil in it and enjoy the procedure until the water cools down.
• Massage with aroma oils. They must first be diluted in the base. It is desirable to combine such massage with aromatherapy. The result of the procedure will be an improvement in breathing, blood circulation, lymph flow, and the functioning of internal organs.
• Essential oils can be introduced as an additional component in ready-made creams, as well as masks for the face, hair, hands. They are added before using a cosmetic product to enhance its effect.

Any way to use the ether will bring pleasure and improve health.

Safety Precautions When Using Essential Oils

Aromatic oils have a very strong effect, so they must be handled very carefully. There are a number of rules for use in various areas of human life.

When using essential oils for medicinal purposes, one must remember that their ingestion is fraught with severe poisoning. The eyes can also be affected if the oil gets on the mucous membrane. It is necessary to purchase oils only in places authorized for the sale of such goods, it is also necessary to carefully read the instructions and follow them.

In industry, aromatic oils are used for the manufacture of various products. In enterprises, they are available in large volumes. Remembering that oil can quickly evaporate and ignite at low temperatures, you must strictly observe safety precautions when working with it.

Inside, aromatic oils can only be taken as part of food (drinks, pastries, etc.), and some medicines also have them in their composition (validol, etc.).

In everyday life, essential oils are actively used as part of such aromatic products as sticks, amulets, incense burners, candles and others. When burned, they may form carcinogens. Accumulating in the body, they can cause considerable harm to health. Therefore, do not abuse such sessions of aromatherapy.

How to store

All essential oils are highly volatile, so the product container must be kept tightly closed to prevent evaporation. In addition, the air, in contact with the oil, causes a chemical reaction in it: the oil becomes rancid, its color changes and unpleasant odor notes appear.

The shelf life of oils is different: from a year to several years. Moreover, the opened bottle is stored less.

If all these requirements are met, the oil will bring considerable benefits.

Video: The history of aromatherapy and its mechanisms of action

Currently, about three thousand essential oil plants have been identified, which are of value as a material for the production of esters. Most essential oils are made from medicinal herbs, seeds, and other parts of the testicles.

They are easily soluble at room temperature in alcohol, any alcohol-containing liquids, oils of vegetable origin, but practically insoluble in water. That is why pure essential oils are most often used with a basic base (vegetable oils, salts, dairy products, bee honey).

Pure essential oils are not applied to the skin. The exception is drip irrigation for certain skin diseases, for example, to eliminate warts, acne, freckles, fungal diseases. In other cases, esters are diluted in base vegetable oils, for example, grape, peach, apricot kernels, avocados, almonds, coconut, olives, flaxseed, etc.

But when adding a few drops of essential oil to hot water, not only the maximum disclosure of the aroma occurs, but also the effective saturation of the broncho-pulmonary system and blood with healing molecules of medicinal herbs. Hot inhalations and irrigation of stones in the steam room (sauna, hammam, Russian bath) are aroma procedures that are unique in their healing effect.

In the Turkish bath, there are even special rooms for aromatherapy, which are filled with warm, moist steam enriched with various ethers, penetrating both through the respiratory system and through the skin.

Unlike fatty vegetable oils, esters do not leave stains on paper, and quickly evaporate when applied to any surface. I would like to note that it is these properties of essential oils that are used in determining their quality - when applied to any surface, be it a fabric or other natural material, the essential oil evaporates completely, leaving no traces.

You can easily get lost in the vast expanses of aromas, because there are a great many natural essential oils on sale. Some of them effectively eliminate skin problems, fight cellulite and obesity, some perfectly relieve depression, and a separate group can be successfully used in hair care.

There are many time-tested recipes for the use of ethers in home and professional cosmetology and folk methods for the treatment of various ailments. In order for any essential oil to have the most favorable and expected effect for you, a special table of properties of esters and recommendations for their purpose was created.

With the help of the advice of experienced aromatherapists, you will be able to prepare aroma cosmetics for everyday personal care or to solve certain health problems.

In addition, enriching your usual cosmetic products with essential oils will significantly increase their effectiveness. According to the reviews of women who have become interested in aromatherapy and have mastered this wonderful science in practice, their quality of life and health have improved significantly.

Essential oils and their properties (everything you need to know in one table)

In addition to a powerful impact on health, psycho-emotional state and mood, essential oils are actively used in esotericism, for example, for fumigating rooms in order to protect the home, during various rituals, initiations and meditative practices.

And many of the aromas have the properties of natural aphrodisiacs - aromas that awaken the sensual sphere of a person and reveal his best emotional sides.

Aromatherapy draws on the experience of our ancestors' use of ethers and on numerous modern studies. As practice shows, a certain mixture of pure ethers has one or another effect on the whole organism as a whole, skin, hair and nails.

The unique qualities of essential oils, according to their therapeutic properties, are described in the table. Thanks to the compilation, the problem of choosing certain essential oils in a given situation is easily solved.

The table also presents the properties and uses of essential oils in cosmetology.

Table of properties of essential oils

Refer to the table in all cases when using essential oils to get the maximum benefit from the healing phytoncides of medicinal plants.

Using our table of oils, you can easily find the oils you are interested in alphabetically and find out their properties and applications.

If you are interested in finding suitable oils for specific purposes, use the tags on the right side of the table or in the top menu of the site, so in the description of each oil you can see an extended scope and oils similar in properties and use.

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.

Cosmetics

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