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Essential oils are basically aromatic, concentrated liquids derived from plants. The parts of plant like roots, leaves, flowers etc. can be used to extract essential oils.
Essential oils can be extracted by many methods depending on the part of plant to be used and the desired product, but the most common method used is steam distillation and cold pressing method.
Uses
Essential oils have a lot of therapeutic, cosmetic and general uses and has been used since long past. The most important uses of essential oils are:
- Aromatherapy
- Skin care
- Hair care
- Respiratory issues
- Stress and anxiety
- Pain and inflammation
- Mood Enhancement
- Sleep disorder
- Antimicrobial Properties
- Insect Repellants
Popular Essential Oils
The list of essential oils will go way long to type, but some of the most commonly uses essential oils are:
Lavendar oil: It is known for its calming effect and is useful in stress relief, mood enhancement and proper sleep. Lavender oil is also used in many skin and hair preparations.
Eucalyptus oil: Relives respiratory issues like cold and congestion, respiratory allergy and breathing difficulty.
Peppermint oil: The cooling effect of peppermint is used to relive muscle pain, inflammation, headache and is also useful in digestion.
Tea tree oil: The antiseptic and antimicrobial property of tea tree oil makes it a useful in acne, skin and scalp infections. Also used in aromatherapy to support immune system.
Camphor oil: The strong aromatic camphor oil is useful in respiratory relief, pain, inflammation and also as insect repellant.
Lemon oil: The uplifting aroma of lemon oil enhance mood and is also used for antiseptic property.
Orange oil: Fruity, energizing and refreshing smell of orange oils finds its applicability in aromatherapy.
Frankincense oil: The resinous aroma of frankincense brings in meditation mood, mind concentration, also useful in skin and reducing inflammation.
Rosemary oil: Useful in mind concentration and focus, scalp and skin health. Popularly used for hair fall and weak scalp.
Sandalwood oil: The sweety and woody fragrance find its applicability in relaxation and calming effect.
Precautions
- Essential oils are strong concentrated oils and should be used with care.
- The oils should be used carefully on skin, only as per the healthcare professional advice as they can cause irritation and redness.
- If needed dilute essential oils with suitable carrier oils before applying on skin.
- Essential oils shall be kept away from the reach of children.
- Only edible essential oils shall be consumed as per the instructions given by health care professional.