Essential oils: what they are, properties and what each one is for

The aromas given off by medicinal plants provide multiple healing virtues. The essential oil is the pure extract obtained by distilling this essence.so it gives off an intense and particular aroma reminiscent of the plant from which it comes.

These scents stand out also due to its great chemical complexitywhich includes alcohols (menthol, geraniol, thymol), esters, aldehydes, terpene mixtures (pinene, limonene), etc.

In the chemical composition of all plants act in complete synergy determined substances of greater or lesser therapeutic importance. are the called active principles, such as mucilages, 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 hold more virtues than the volatile oils or essenceswhich contain, for example, most of the plants of the family of labiae (sage, rosemary, mint, marjoram, savory), umbellate (parsley, coriander or anise) or compound (yarrow and chamomile).

Essential oils and their uses

Some essential oils are very well known: for example, lavender, with its pleasant aroma and calming properties. However, there are others less obvious such as camphor or benzoin that They are also very useful.

Next 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 misuse, to be able to take precautions in necessary case.

Discover What are these powerful extracts for and what other aromas to combine them with?s to enhance its properties.

lavender essential oil

The scent of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is light, woody. Its oil is extracted by steam distillation.

Lavender essential oil properties

SedativeRebalancer of the nervous systemReconstituentAnti-inflammatoryMild antidepressantAnalgesic antiseptic, decongestant, deodorant and insecticide.

What is lavender essential oil used for?

To calm nervous tension, irritability, insomnia and mild anxiety states.Reduces stress, fights nervous migraine and rheumatic and muscular pain.Relieves low back pain, contractures and sprains.It is useful in lung congestion, colds and throat infections. Prevents gas 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 bath. On burners, as an insect repellent. Orally, with precautions.

Lavender essential oil precautions and contraindications

must be avoided high doses.

What oils go 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) have a penetrating and fresh scent. It is extracted by steam distillation.

Peppermint essential oil properties

AnalgesicAntiodontalgicSoothingAnestheticAntisepticAntimigrainousEmenagogueExpectorantDigestiveAntiespasmodicNerve tonicStimulating.

What is peppermint essential oil used for?

Relieves migraine, rheumatic painmuscle cramps, toothache and neuralgia.

It is useful in the treatment of colds, flu processes, sinusitis, rhinitis, laryngitis and bronchitis and various respiratory conditionswith cough and lung congestion.

calm the nervesmental fatigue and dizziness.

As digestive tonic relieves bloating, gas and nausea.

How to use peppermint essential oil

In massage, but very diluted because it is very dominant. Inhalations and vaporizers, but also very diluted, so as not to burden the environment. It can be taken orally.

Peppermint essential oil precautions and contraindications

It is an intense oil, which should be used dilutedand It is not suitable for delicate or sensitive skin.

What oils go 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.

Is obtained by extraction of the solution and by steam distillation.

Jasmine essential oil properties

Euphoric Revitalizing Stimulant Aphrodisiac Tonic Antispasmodic Anti-inflammatory Antiseptic Expectorant Dermoprotective.

What is jasmine essential oil used 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 air fresheners.

Jasmine essential oil precautions and contraindications

It can cause an allergic reaction and it is better not to take it internally, because it is usually reconstituted essences.

What oils go 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 menthol aroma.

Geranium essential oil properties

RefreshingTonicDeodorantSoothingAntidepressantDiureticHemostaticInsecticide.

What is geranium essential oil used for?

Calms the nerves Relieves fatigue Cleanses 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.

Geranium essential oil precautions and contraindications

It should not be used during pregnancy nor be taken orally.

What oils go well with geranium essential oil?

Combines with: bay leaf, grapefruit and jasmine.

benzoin essential oil

Benzoin resin oil (Styrax benzoin) is obtained by solution in benzene and alcohol. Its aroma is very sweet, warm, intense, like vanilla.

Benzoin essential oil properties

StimulantBalsamicAntiinflammatoryAntiseptic.

What is benzoin essential oil used 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 tract infections and rheumatic pain.

How to use benzoin essential oil

In massage, in local bath and inhalations.

Precautions and contraindications of benzoin essential oil

It can 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 go 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 citric aroma, sweet and light. It is extracted by expression or cold pressure.

Bergamot essential oil properties

SedativeStimulantNervous system rebalanceAntidepressantUrinary antisepticDepurativeRefreshingInsect repellent

What is bergamot essential oil used for?

Situations of stress, nervous irritability, mental fatigue or mild anxiety. Lack of appetite Flatulence Halitosis Urinary tract 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.

Bergamot essential oil precautions and contraindications

Is photosensitizingso it has to avoid on very sensitive skin and use diluted in vegetable oils. Do not expose yourself to the sun after use.

What oils go well with bergamot essential oil?

Combines with: chamomile, myrrh, geranium, jasmine, lavender, patchouli and lemon.

camphor essential oil

Of the camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) a strongly aromatic oil is extracted by distillation.

Camphor essential oil properties

Anti-inflammatory Analgesic Antiseptic Sudorific Expectorant Refreshing Insecticide.

What is camphor essential oil used for?

In muscle cramps, rheumatism, back pain, contractures, chills, colds, flu and lung congestion.

How to use camphor essential oil

In massage, very dilute, in cold compresses and as an air freshener in sprays, also very diluted so as not to burden the environment.

Camphor essential oil precautions and contraindications

It’s very strong It can irritate the mucous membranes. should be avoided during pregnancy and if you have asthma.

What oils go well with camphor essential oil?

Combines with: chamomile, basil, lavender, rosemary and lemon balm.

Palmarosa essential oil

From the palmarrosa (Cimbopogon martinii) is extracted, by steam distillation. or wateryan oil sweet and light aroma.

Properties of essential oil of palmarrosa

DermoprotectorAstringentAntisepticAntiviralBactericidalRefreshingSoothing.

What is palmarrosa essential oil used 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 essential oil of palmarrosa

In massage, in bath and in vaporizations.

Precautions and contraindications of palmarrosa essential oil

Avoid it by orally.

What oils go well with palmarrosa essential oil?

Combines with: rose, incense, citronella, geranium, jasmine, sandalwood and lavender.

lemon essential oil

The lemon (Citrus limonum) gives off a Intense, citric, fresh aroma. Its oil is extracted by cold pressing of the crust and also for distillation.

Lemon essential oil properties

DepurativeBactericidalAntiviralAntisepticAntianemicDiureticLaxativeFebrifugeHypotensiveHeart tonicHealingInsecticide.

What is lemon essential oil used for?

In anemic states, weakness and convalescence For problems of poor blood circulation such as varicose veins and hemorrhoids High blood pressure Rheumatism and gout Flu states, sore throat, bronchitis and allergies Nosebleeds, chilblains, cuts, tears Pimples, hives, insect bites and warts.

How to use lemon essential oil

In massage and bath, inhalations to decongest and orally as a disinfectant.

Precautions with lemon essential oil

Is photosensitizingso it is not convenient to use it before exposing yourself to the sun or if you have the very sensitive skin.

should not be used in treatments of more than two or three daysand it has to dilute with vegetable oil.

What oils go well with lemon essential oil?

Combines with: eucalyptus, fennel, frankincense, sweet orange, chamomile and ginger.

Rose emmenagogue 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.

Rose essential oil properties

Emmenagogue Sedative Antidepressant Antispasmodic Anti-inflammatory Revitalizing Stomach tonic Diuretic.

What is it for…