Aromatherapy is an increasingly widespread type of medicine. Very popular with people who wish to avoid drug treatments or who seek to prevent anxiety states, this plant therapy is considered to be alternative medicine. Yet essential oils, by their power and concentration are just as efficient that dangerous When used by novices.
Use of essential oils
An essential oil is a concentrate aromatic species of plants, roots, seeds or bark, obtained by extraction thanks to processes allowing keep all the benefits distilled ingredient (s). There are several types of processes: by cold mechanical pressure, by extraction by chemical solvent or alcohol, by animal fats or the best known, by distillation by steam training (oldest technique). Depending on the concentration of the plant, we obtain either: essential oils (100% vegetable concentration), absolute or Floral waters.
In liquid form, essential oils are called "oil" but do not actually contain any fatty substances. On average, they can keep until 5 years Without losing their various properties. Indeed, an essential oil is compound many molecules Who have each chemotypes, that is to say a wide range of properties that will define the effects of taking this essential oil.
Due to the number of molecules active in this concentrate of plants, it is necessary to handle essential oils with precautionary. These are used in 3 different forms:
- Internally
Certain remedies recommend mixing a few drops of HE with a drink or food to make certain symptoms of seasonal diseases disappear, such as the HE of eucalyptus radiated to pour over a sugar to fight against a common cold.
- Skin
The essential oil is deposited on the skin on the area which will best allow its effectiveness, for example: a drop of He of Tea Tree on a button. Or it can be diluted in a cream of massage, body milk or care cosmetics.
Reminder: do not Never Apply essential oil directly to the mucous membranes (nose, eyes, mouth, ear canal).
- By respiratory
Some essential oils are too strong or irritating to the skin and are therefore used in a diffuser Or just moist rather than taken by oral voice.
Each essential oil holds Employment recommendations To be respected to the letter in order to best feel the expected benefits but also for the sake of health. Thus, it is not because they are sold in self-service that their use is without risk; Especially for pregnant and lactating women, young children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases.
Benefits of essential oils
To find out more about your essential oils, and their qualities, some information must be taken into account:
- The identity of the plant
On the bottle is present the current name of the plant and its Latin name. It allows you to identify the species or the subspecies. Very often an illustration is on the packaging to help you quickly recognize the plant of which it is.
- The origin of the plant
This information is essential to find out from which country or region the plant has been harvested. The production method is also informed, you will then know if the culture is organic or not. A French, European or international label can also be present to certify a culture made under close criteria.
- The extraction mode
This information informs you of the technical process by which the essential oil has been extracted. It will also mention the part of the plant used: leaves, seeds, roots, bark, flower, ...
- The chemotype
Laboratories are empowered to know the biochemical structure of essential oils (all components), and therefore its spectrum of actions. This will allow " identity card Complete this concentrate of plants.
Essential oils have virtues medicinal, therapeutics but also cosmetics. Because of their power, they are always offered in very small quantities in their use. For any recipe, you will only see a few drops of HE appear.
There are as many benefits as there are essential oils; Fighting fatigue, avoiding respiratory infections, slowing hair loss, preventing tartar, calming eczema, scaring mosquitoes, reducing insomnia and stress, ...
At the cosmetic level, essential oils can provide healing, hydration, anti-wrinkle properties and many other benefits: rebalance fatty skin (He ylang-ylang), treat inflammatory acne and buttons (he tea tree), fight Against dandruff (he eucalyptus globulus) or reduce cellulite (he grapefruit).
Top 5 essential oils
Here is a list of 5 essential oils that constitute a base for simple and effective use on a daily basis.
- He ravintsara
Designated as the Allier of the family during the winter months, the essential oil of Ravintsara is known for its anti-viral action for eliminate common cold And sinusitis.
ADVICE : Place 1 drop of He Ravintsara in a teaspoon of honey, 4 times a day until you improve the symptoms.
- He lavender aspic
Very popular in case of bite Insects or bites, aspic lavender essential oil is also a good Allier for all skin problems and in particular burns or sunburn.
ADVICE : Apply 1 drop of HE Lavender aspic to acne pimples each evening, subject to clean and dry skin. To renew 3 weeks maximum.
- He peppermint
Against headaches and migraines, peppermint is a very effective alternative to a drug. It is also effective for appease shocks, blows and blue.
ADVICE : Local application in massage of 1 drop of peppermint in the area of the forehead, temples and sinuses.
- He carrot
Skincare followers will recognize the dermatological benefits of carrot essential oil. This one regeneration of the skin, prevents skin aging, wrinkles and brown spots. Sensitive skin will need this oil in their cosmetic routine.
ADVICE : Dilute 1 drop of carrot in 20 drops of vegetable oil of your choice or in a cream and apply to the area of acne, eczema, dartre or burns.
- He Lemon
Less known than the essential oils previously cited, lemon essential oil is however a very good ally in the event of disorders digestive and biliary; Nausea, stomach burns, difficult digestion or alteration of the liver.
ADVICE : To associate with the peppermint, Carvi or Aneth. Place 2 drops on a sugar or in a teaspoon of honey, 3 times a day.
At each problem, a solution, which is why essential oils are more and more appreciated by the general public and no longer just people preferring to " alternative ». Building a small pharmacy kit with basic essential oils is easily achievable, however always ask A opinion of a professional such as a pharmacist, a aromatherapist or a doctor to know the benefits but also the risks of certain essential oils. Take care to respect the indications and contraindication.