An essential oil refers to a liquid that gets distilled generally from leaves, stems or flowers. They are used in aromatherapy and also have classic therapeutic uses. These oils contain the true essence of the plant that it is derived from. Other characteristics include its concentrated nature and volatility. Introducing these aromatic oils into your daily life can be relaxing as well as advantageous. But you need to keep in mind that every one of these lubricants has an individual quality where some of them are even flammable! Storage of these oils must be in a childproof and pet-proof area. In specific cases such as a pregnancy, diabetes, skin allergies and epilepsy, taking advice from an aroma therapist is required so that the precautions can be gauged. Essential oils can vary greatly in quality and price. Scroll down to read more about uses of essential oils and herbal extracts and also some tips on how to use them.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Either you can take this oil through your nose (steam distillation) or rub it onto the bottom of your feet to help alleviate nervous disorders. The other ways that Frankincense essential oil can help is by curing arthritis, extreme coughs, stretch marks and stress related problems. These are one of the oils that can calm and soothe the whole body and mind.
Lavender Essential Oil
Massage this essential oil on dry or chapped skin so that it moisturizes the affected area. It can also be used to repel moths and insects by adding a few drops of this to a cotton ball and placing it in closets and drawers. Rub a few drops of this oil onto your child's pillow to help them sleep better.
Lemon Essential Oil
Use 1-2 drops of this aromatic oil to remove gum, grease, glue or and crayon marks from most surfaces. Combine a few drops with water can help in cleansing and sanitizing a particular area. Place a drop of the Lemon essential oil on oily skin or blemishes to help balance the olfactory glands and minimize oil production.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Add a drop of peppermint oil to herbal tea to aid complete digestion. Place 2 drops of this on the tongue and another drop of oil under the nose to help improve concentration. Inhale this aromatic on your abdomen to soothe minor stomach discomforts. Owing to its menthol properties, it could also cure headaches and migraines.
Essential Oil Treatment Tips
Also called as volatile oils, these essential oils are aromatic as well as therapeutic. Read all about essential oils, treatment tips, aromatherapy instructions and herbal extracts.
Essential Oil Treatment
- Do not apply any undiluted essential oils directly onto your skin because they are too harsh and may lead to a burns and ultimately scars. Also, remember that essential oils are absorbed through the skin. Thus using too much of it can result in an overdose.
- Make sure that you store essential oils out of the reach of children and pets. Kids under the age of 5 should not be exposed to the powerful aroma of these lubricants.
- Do not get essential oils in your eyes, nose or ears. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after their usage.
- If you are working with pure essential oils then you may want to get disposable latex gloves (or latex-free alternatives) from the drug store. Some of them could be slightly corrosive.
- Never take in essential oils internally. Even small amounts can be toxic and potentially fatal, when ingested.
- Before going out in the sun or to a tanning booth, stay away from aromatic and herbal oils (for example: citrus oils) as they have a tendency to increase sensitivity to the sun.
- If you have a particular medical condition such as a liver or heart disease, consult a qualified practitioner before using these essential oils. The reason being, once they are absorbed into the bloodstream, they have the capacity to damage internal organs.
Many essential oils have antiseptic properties that have been applied in folk medicine since ancient times. Some of them are still used today. But it is advisable to note that even small amounts can cause harm if improperly used.