Essential Oil Quick Guide

 

Essential Oil Descriptions

 

Cinnamon bark oil's antibacterial properties make it a safe, effective, and non-chemical additive alternative that can be used to preserve products and increase their shelf life. One study found that cinnamon oil could be effectively used as a preservative in cosmetics, toiletries, and hospital-setting disinfectants.

Eucalyptus Oil Research suggests that eucalyptus oil eases joint pain. In fact, many popular over-the- counter creams and ointments used to soothe pain from conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis contain this essential oil. Eucalyptus oil helps to reduce pain and inflammation associated with many conditions.

Frangipani Essential oil is derived from the magical flowers of the 'Tree of Life. ' Have you ever held the flowers? With their heady, romantic scent, they soothe you right down to the soul. You and I, we've got to find out what this essential oil is all about.

French lavender Oil Because of its dark purple flowers, French lavender works well when dried and used for ornamental purposes. The flowers of the French lavender plant work well in potpourri. Because of its strong aroma, French lavender is also used in making soaps and perfumes.

 

Galangal Oil  Galangal contains anti-inflammatory properties and therefore is beneficial in treatment of arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. - It also helps to relieve discomfort caused due to inflammation of the abdomen and ulcers too. - To curb sea and motion sickness, nausea, chew a few slices of fresh galangal.

 

Ginger Oil Research into the benefits of ginger oil indicates that it has anti-inflammatory properties and that it could be helpful in easing feelings of nausea. Ginger oil has a warm, spicy scent and can be used in aromatherapy and for topical applications.

 

Green Tangerine Oil The stimulating and mood-enhancing effects of tangerine can be experienced by using the oil aromatically—diffusing or inhaling the essential oil. When found in essential oils, limonene is also known for its cleansing and purifying properties, which makes it helpful for cleansing surfaces around the home.

Ho Wood oil shares many of the same medicinal benefits of eucalyptus oil in that it's an excellent natural analgesic, antimicrobial, antispasmodic and sedative treatment and is particularly effective at treating general pain, minor wounds, insect bites, colds, inflammation and a range of infections quite well.

Jasmine oil and components of synthetic blends of jasmine essential oil have properties that offer a number of health benefits. Though it's a popular home remedy used to treat everything from depression to infections, it's best known as an aphrodisiac.

 

Kampot Black pepper oil The King and Best Pepper in the World is also anti-arthritic and anti-rheumatic. It improves blood circulation and gives relief from arthritis and rheumatism. It also gets rid of toxins such as uric acid from the body, improving the condition of people suffering from arthritis, rheumatism and gout.

Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular and versatile essential oils used in aromatherapy. Distilled from the plant Lavandula angustifolia, the oil promotes relaxation and believed to treat anxiety, fungal infections, allergies, depression, insomnia, eczema, nausea, and menstrual cramps.

 

Lemongrass oil can be extracted, and it's been used by healthcare providers to treat digestive problems and high blood pressure. It has many other potential health benefits, too. In fact, lemongrass essential oil is a popular tool in aromatherapy to help relieve stress, anxiety, and depression.

Lotus essential oil is also used in the personal care products such as massage oils, bath soaps and body lotions as well as in aromatherapy. ... Ancient Romans use lotus essential oil to treat the respiratory problems such as asthma. The relaxation effects of lotus essential oil increase the feeling of tranquility.

 

Orchid Essential Oil. A natural humectant that draws moisture to the skin and locks it in. Orchid Extract works to smooth and condition the appearance of skin. Additionally, it contains important minerals such as Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc.

Peppermint is promoted for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), other digestive problems, the common cold, sinus infections, headaches, and other conditions. Peppermint oil is promoted for topical use (applied to the skin) for problems like headache, muscle aches, joint pain, and itching.

Plai essential oil can help to stimulate the immune system and boost vitality. Its antimicrobial properties are effective in fighting infection and it can also be helpful for respiratory problems such as asthma, catarrh, chronic colds and flu.

Star Anise Oil In traditional Chinese and folk medicine practices, star anise is steeped in water to make a tea used to treat respiratory infections, nausea, constipation and other digestive issues.

Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is an essential oil that comes from steaming the leaves of the Australian tea tree. When used topically, tea tree oil is believed to be antibacterial. Tea tree oil is commonly used to treat acne, athlete's foot, lice, nail fungus and insect bites.

Tumeric Oil From fading blemishes to imparting a glow to your skin and fighting hair loss, turmericis an excellent beauty ingredient. Turmeric essential oil is extracted from the roots of turmeric plant and just like turmeric powder; it has anti-allergic, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic qualities.

Ylang Ylang Oil People apply ylang ylang oil to the skin to promote relaxation, kill bacteria, lower blood pressure, and increase sexual desire. It is also part of a combination spray used to kill head lice. The smell of ylang ylang oil in aromatherapy is used for memory and thinking skills.

Kaffir Lime Essential Oil commonly employed to relieve apathy, depression and tiredness. It helps foster strength and bring clarity. It’s energising and purifying nature helps support positive thinking to relieve old habits and patterns of thinking. Lifting us up to more clarity of thought and vision allowing us to see new solutions to old problems. Supports the use for us to potentially create new ideas.

Bergamot Essential Oil Commonly used in aromatherapy to elevate mood and alleviate stress, bergamot oil is also said to have characteristics similar to grapefruit essential oil in that it is antiseptic, antispasmodic, and analgesic (pain-relieving), possibly offering some benefit for health issues like skin infections.

Several studies have shown that bergamot may help to reduce overall cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol. It may also help to increase “good” HDL cholesterol and has the potential to be an effective supplement to cholesterol drugs.

Bergamot oil may help to promote hair growth. One study found that bergamot essential oil helps facilitate wound healing and reduce inflammation. This may help promote hair growth and a healthy scalp. Another study found that bergamot displays antimicrobial activity when applied to the scalp.

Chamomile oil is an essential oil that's been used for a variety of conditions, from digestive issues to wound healing, for many years. Emerging research has begun to shed light on other potential benefits, like its ability to help with depression, anxiety, and sleep.Apart from giving soothing anxiety and healing wounds and ulcers, chamomile oil has a number of skin benefits too. From treating acne and acne scars to moisturising your skin and giving you even skin tone, topical application of chamomile oil can work wonders for the health of your skin.

Frankincense Essential Oil The oil's aromatic properties are said to promote feelings of relaxation, peace, and overall wellness. It's also thought that frankincense can help support cellular function, so it's often used to soothe skin and reduce the appearance of blemishes.Frankincense has earned its title as “The King of Oils” because of its versatility. When used topically, frankincense touts powerful anti-aging properties. It promotes cellular function and the appearance of healthy-looking skin, evening out skin tone and minimizing blemishes.

 Grapefruit essential oil is also used to reduce stress, stimulate circulation, increase energy, enhance mood, and improve digestion. When used as an ingredient in personal-care products, grapefruit essential oil is said to treat oily hair and skin. Try to apply 1-2 drop topically over the stomach or back of the neck, or inhale from the bottle for an aromatic effect. Appetite Suppression - Grapefruit Essential Oil can curb cravings and emotional eating or binge eating when used aromatically.

Lemon essential oil can be diluted and applied topically to your skin, as well as diffused into the air and inhaled. Some people swear by lemon essential oil as an ingredient that fights exhaustion, helps with depression, clears your skin, kills harmful viruses and bacteria, and reduces inflammation.

When diluted and applied topically, lemon essential oil can kill bacteria that may get trapped in pores and cause breakouts. It can also clarify your skin with antioxidants and vitamin C, gently exfoliating dead skin cells that so often become trapped in hair follicle and pores.

Mugwort Essential Oil For Calming the Nerves, Promoting Menstruation, and Relieving Itching. The mugwortplant has been traditionally used for everything from digestive disorders to beer-making, insect repellent, and more. Mugwort helps with severe exhaustion and insomnia, and gives the ability to rest because of the feeling of being protected.

In combination with other ingredients, mugwort root is used for mental problems (psychoneuroses), ongoing fatigue and depression (neurasthenia), depression, preoccupation with illness (hypochondria), general irritability, restlessness, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and anxiety.

Patchouli Essential Oil treating skin conditions such as dermatitis, acne, or dry, cracked skin. easing symptoms of conditions like colds, headaches, and stomach upset. relieving depression. providing feelings of relaxation and helping to ease stress or anxiety.When combined with a carrier oil (such as jojoba, sweet almond, or avocado), patchouli essential oil can be applied directly to the skin or added to baths. Patchouli essential oil also can be inhaled after sprinkling a few drops of the oil onto a cloth or tissue, or by using an aromatherapy diffuser or vaporizer.

 Rose Essential Oil Although more research is needed to confirm some of its benefits, rose oil may be used effectively to: reduce anxiety, stress, depression, and pain. increase libido. protect against harmful bacteria and fungi.Rose blends well with other floral oils, citrus oils, and resin oils, plus many more:

White Tea is the ultimate, luxurious spa fragrance. It starts with fresh citrusy top notes of mandarin and bergamot. ... White Tea is infused with a dozen essential oils including jasmine, bergamot, mandarin, lemon, and ginger which all add to the natural quality of the scent. In a nutshell, white tea extract keeps your skin looking younger by protecting it from damage. Researchers believe that the antioxidants reduce oxidative stress to the skin. This type of stress is thought to promote skin cancer, wrinkles and uneven pigmentation.

 Orange essential oil can be used for a variety of applications that range from lifting mood and reducing stress to adding a fresh, citrusy aroma to a room. Research has shown that orange essential oil may have several benefits. Some examples include antimicrobial activity, pain relief, and anticancer properties.Orange acts as an enhancer and personifier. It blends well with cinnamon bark, frankincense, geranium, juniper, lavender, nutmeg, and rosewood.

Sandalwood Essential Oil In both Ayurvedic medicine, sandalwood oil is believed to be beneficial in treating both physical and mental disorders, including anxiety, bronchitis, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, gallbladder problems, high blood pressure, indigestion, insomnia, liver problems, low libido, sore throat, and urinary tract infections.

The sweet scents of Sandalwood oil make it a good pairing for floral essential oils like Lavender, Jasmine, and Geranium. Sandalwood also blends well with citrus oils like Bergamot or Grapefruit, due to its sweet, uplifting nature.

 Rosemary essential oil is a common variety you can purchase and use as a home remedy. The oil's health uses range from antioxidant benefits and anti-inflammation to memory enhancement and more. In recent years, there have been claims that the oil may be great for hair growth.Rosemary is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which are thought to help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation. Rosemary is considered a cognitive stimulant and can help improve memory performance and quality. It is also known to boost alertness, intelligence, and focus.

 Ginger oil is an essential oil extracted from the rhizome of the ginger plant. Research into the benefits of ginger oil indicates that it has anti-inflammatory properties and that it could be helpful in easing feelings of nausea.Ginger blends particularly well with Bergamot, Cedarwood, Clove, Coriander, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Juniper, Lemon, Lime, Mandarin, Neroli, Orange, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetivert and Ylang Ylang.

 

These descriptions are a guide only. Further research is advised before using. Always test a small area before applying to skin.

 

How Are Essential Oils Made?

STEAM DISTILLATION

Steam Distillation is the most popular method used to extract and isolate essential oils from plants for use in natural products. This happens when the steam vaporizes the plant material’s volatile compounds, which eventually go through a condensation and collection process.

 

STEAM DISTILLATION PROCESS

1. A large container called a Still, which is usually made of stainless steel, containing the plant material has steam added to it.

2. Through an inlet, steam is injected through the plant material containing the desired oils, releasing the plant’s aromatic molecules and turning them into vapor.

3. The vaporized plant compounds travel to the condensation flask or the Condenser. Here, two separate pipes make it possible for hot water to exit and for cold water to enter the Condenser. This makes the vapor cool back into liquid form

4. The aromatic liquid by-product drops from the Condenser and collects inside a receptacle underneath it, which is called a Separator. Because water and oil do not mix, the essential oil floats on top of the water. From here, it is siphoned off. (Some essential oils are heavier than water, such as clove essential oil, so they are found at the bottom of the Separator.)