The aromas that medicinal plants give off they provide multiple healing virtues. The essential oil is the pure extract obtained by distilling this essenceso it gives off an intense and particular aroma that is reminiscent of the plant from which it comes.
These essences stand out also due to its great chemical complexitywhich includes alcohols (menthol, geraniol, thymol), esters, aldehydes, mixtures of terpenes (pinene, limonene), etc.
In the chemical composition of all plants act in complete synergy certain substances of greater or lesser therapeutic importance. They are the so-called active ingredients, such as mucilage, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins or glycosideswhose in-depth knowledge has allowed us to discover the way in which plants act on the organism.
Few of these components have more virtues than the volatile oils or essenceswhich contain, for example, the majority of plants from the family of lipped (sage, rosemary, mint, marjoram, savory), umbellate (parsley, cilantro or anise) or composite (yarrow and chamomile).
Essential oils and their uses
Some essential oils are well known: for example, lavender, with its pleasant aroma and calming properties. However, there are others less obvious like camphor or benzoin that They are also very useful.
Below we propose 16 fundamental essential oils in any medicine cabinet, we explain the best way to use them and the risks which may lead to incorrect use, in order to take precautions if necessary.
Discover What are these powerful extracts for and what other aromas to combine it withs to enhance its properties.
lavender essential oil
The scent of lavenderLavandula angustifolia) is light, woody. Its oil is extracted by steam distillation.
Properties of lavender essential oil
- Sedative
- Nervous system rebalancer
- Restorative
- Anti-inflammatory
- Mild antidepressant
- Analgesic antiseptic, decongestant, deodorant and insecticide.
What is lavender essential oil for?
- To calm nervous tension, irritability, insomnia and mild anxiety states.
- Reduces stress, combats nervous migraine and rheumatic and muscle pain.
- Relieves low back pain, contractures and sprains.
- It is useful in lung congestion, colds and throat infections.
- Prevents gases and flatulence.
- On the skin it is considered effective in abscesses, eczema, pimples and insect bites.
How to use lavender essential oil
In massage and in bath. In burners, as an insect repellent. Orally, with precautions.
Precautions and contraindications of lavender essential oil
must be avoided high doses.
What oils pair well with lavender essential oil?
Combines with: bergamot, orange, lemon, chamomile, jasmine and cedar.
Peppermint essential oil for migraine
Peppermint essential oil (Mentha x piperita) has a penetrating and fresh aroma. It is extracted by steam distillation.
Properties of peppermint essential oil
- Analgesic
- Antiodontalgic
- Soothing
- Anesthetic
- Antiseptic
- Antimigraine
- Emmenagogue
- Expectorant
- Digestive
- Antispasmodic
- Nerve tonic
- Stimulating.
What is peppermint essential oil for?
Relieves migraine, rheumatic painmuscle cramps, toothache and neuralgia.
It is useful in the treatment of colds, flu, sinusitis, rhinitis, laryngitis and bronchitis and different respiratory conditionswith cough and lung congestion.
calm the nervesmental fatigue and vertigo.
As digestive tonic relieves abdominal bloating, gas and nausea.
How to use peppermint essential oil
In massage, but very diluted because it is very dominant. In inhalations and vaporizers, but also very diluted, so as not to burden the environment. It can be taken orally.
Precautions and contraindications of peppermint essential oil
It is an intense oil, which must be used dilutedand It is not suitable for delicate or sensitive skin.
What oils pair well with peppermint essential oil?
Combines with: chamomile, marjoram, lemon balm, benzoin, rosemary and lavender.
Jasmine essential oil
Jasmine oil (Jasminum officinale) is sweet, persistent, intense, floral, exotic.
You get by extraction of the solution and by steam distillation.
Properties of jasmine essential oil
- Euphoric
- Revitalizing
- Stimulating
- Aphrodisiac
- Tonic
- Antispasmodic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antiseptic
- Expectorant
- Dermoprotector.
What is jasmine essential oil for?
- In case of sexual apathy, frigidity, premature ejaculation
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Muscle spasms and menstrual tension, labor pains
- Cough, flu
- Sensitive or irritated skin.
How to use jasmine essential oil
In massage or bath, in vaporizers and in air fresheners.
Precautions and contraindications of jasmine essential oil
It can cause an allergic reaction and it is better not to take it internally, because it is usually reconstituted essences.
What oils pair well with jasmine essential oil?
Combines with: lavender and clary sage.
Geranium essential oil
From the geranium (Pelargonium odorantissimum) you get a oil with an intense, sweet, slightly minty aroma.
Properties of geranium essential oil
- Refreshing
- Tonic
- Deodorant
- Soothing
- Antidepressant
- Diuretic
- Haemostatic
- Insecticide.
What is geranium essential oil for?
- calm the nerves
- Relieves fatigue
- Purifies the body
- Reduces premenstrual tension
- Tones the liver
- Relieves urinary infections
- Refreshes and tones the skin.
How to use geranium essential oil
In massage and bath, and as an insect repellent.
Precautions and contraindications of geranium essential oil
Should not be used during pregnancy nor taken orally.
What oils pair well with geranium essential oil?
Combines with: bay leaf, grapefruit and jasmine.
benzoin essential oil
Benzoin resin oil (Styrax benzoin) is obtained by dissolution in benzene and alcohol. Its aroma is very sweet, warm, intense, like vanilla.
Properties of benzoin essential oil
- Stimulating
- Balsamic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antiseptic.
What is benzoin essential oil for?
- Very useful for decongesting the lungs, relieving throat irritation and treating flu and colds with cough and hoarseness.
- Facilitates the elimination of fluids, such as urine.
- Relieves urinary infections and rheumatic pain.
How to use benzoin essential oil
In massage, in local bath and in inhalations.
Precautions and contraindications of benzoin essential oil
It may cause irritation, so it is best not to apply it on sensitive or children’s skin. It should also not be taken orally.
What oils pair well with benzoin essential oil?
Combines with: sandalwood, juniper, myrrh, rose, coriander, lemon, cypress and lavender.
Bergamot essential oil
Bergamot oil (Citrus bergamia) exhale a citrus, sweet and light aroma. It is extracted by expression or cold pressure.
Properties of bergamot essential oil
- Sedative
- Stimulating
- Nervous system rebalancer
- Antidepressant
- urinary antiseptic
- Purifying
- Refreshing
- Insect repellent
What is bergamot essential oil for?
- Stress situations, nervous irritability, mental fatigue or mild anxiety.
- lack of appetite
- Flatulence
- Halitosis
- Urinary infections such as cystitis
- Skin problems such as eczema, acne and oily skin.
How to use bergamot essential oil
In massage and bath. In air fresheners and burners to repel insects. Orally, with precautions.
Precautions and contraindications of bergamot essential oil
Is photosensitizingso it must Avoid on very sensitive skin and use diluted in vegetable oils. Do not expose yourself to the sun after use.
What oils combine well with bergamot essential oil?
Combines with: chamomile, myrrh, geranium, jasmine, lavender, patchouli and lemon.
camphor essential oil
From the camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) A strongly aromatic oil is extracted by distillation.
Properties of camphor essential oil
- Anti-inflammatory
- Analgesic
- Antiseptic
- Sudorific
- Expectorant
- Refreshing
- Insecticide.
What is camphor essential oil for?
In muscle cramps, rheumatism, low back pain, contractures, sensation of chills, colds, flu and lung congestion.
How to use camphor essential oil
In massage, very diluted, in cold compresses and as an air freshener in sprays, also very diluted so as not to burden the environment.
Precautions and contraindications of camphor essential oil
It is very strong, can irritate the mucous membranes. It is advisable to avoid it during pregnancy and if you suffer from asthma.
What oils combine well with camphor essential oil?
Combines with: chamomile, basil, lavender, rosemary and lemon balm.
Palmarosa essential oil
From the palmarrosa (Cymbopogon martinii) is extracted, by steam distillation. or wateryan oil sweet and light aroma.
Properties of palmarosa essential oil
- Dermoprotector
- Astringent
- Antiseptic
- Antiviral
- Bactericide
- Refreshing
- Soothing.
What is palmarosa essential oil for?
As a cell regenerator and regulator of fat production, it is indicated for dermatological problems such as acne, seborrheic dermatitis, irritated or aged skin, dry and wrinkled skin, eczema, boils and herpes.
It is also useful in case of fatigue, nervous states, digestive atony and lack of appetite.
How to use palmarosa essential oil
In massage, in bath and in vaporization.
Precautions and contraindications of palmarosa essential oil
Avoid it for orally.
What oils combine well with palmarosa essential oil?
Combines with: rose, incense, lemongrass, geranium, jasmine, sandalwood and lavender.
lemon essential oil
The lemon (Citrus limonum) releases a intense, citrus, fresh aroma. Its oil is extracted by cold pressure of the crust and also for distillation.
Properties of lemon essential oil
- Purifying
- Bactericide
- Antiviral
- Antiseptic
- Antianemic
- Diuretic
- Laxative
- Febrifuge
- Hypotensive
- cardiac tonic
- Healing
- Insecticide.
What is lemon essential oil for?
- In anemic states, weakness and convalescence
- For poor blood circulation problems such as varicose veins and hemorrhoids
- High blood pressure
- Rheumatism and gout
- Flu states, throat irritation, bronchitis and allergies
- Nosebleeds, chilblains, cuts, tears
- Pimples, hives, insect bites and warts.
How to use lemon essential oil
In massage and bath, in inhalations to decongest and orally as a disinfectant.
Precautions with lemon essential oil
Is photosensitizingso it is not advisable to use it before exposing yourself to the sun or if you have the very sensitive skin.
Should not be used in treatments lasting more than two or three daysand it must dilute with vegetable oil.
What oils combine well with lemon essential oil?
Combines with: eucalyptus, fennel, incense, sweet orange, chamomile and ginger.
Emmenagogue rose essential oil
He warm and deep aroma of the rose (Rosa centifollia, R. damascena and R. gallica) is present in its oil, obtained by steam or aqueous distillation.
Properties of rose essential oil
- Emmenagogue
- Sedative
- Antidepressant
- Antispasmodic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Revitalizing
- stomach tonic
- Diuretic.