Aromatherapy essential oils: Some properties

Aromatherapy is based on the use of volatile oils derived from plants. These oils when used therapeutically help in the physical and emotional well being of an individual. Aromatherapy uses two kinds of oils – essential oils and carrier oils. Essential oils are the base of this therapy and are actually the true essence of the plants from which they are derived.
 

These essential oils are obtained by steam or water distillation of the various parts of the plant like –flowers, leaves, stem, bark, roots etc. Usually transparent in colour the essential oils are the extracts or the concentrates derived from the plant used for different therapeutic purposes.
 

Essential oils are quite unlike the other oils which we use in our day to day life. Many of the oils used by us are synthetically produced, with artificial fragrances. Essential oils on the other hand are pure concentrates and have true benefits unlike the synthetic oils.
 

It is for this reason that most of the essential oils are very expensive and their price increases with the quality of oil and rarity of plant from which it is derived. A plant which is easily available will have a reasonably priced essential oil. However, one which is rare may be exorbitantly priced. Also the distillation process, the purity of oil and the amount of oil which can be extracted from a plant are also the factors affecting its price.
 

If stored well these oils last for long and only a few drops are enough at one time. Therefore, they are sold in small bottles, with only a few millilitres in them.
 

While applying, these essential oils need to be diluted. They often can not be used on the skin in their absolute forms. In order to dilute the essential oils, carrier oils are used. A few drops of an essential oil can be sufficient for one therapeutic session. Generally they are used via methods of application or inhalation.

The skin absorbs these oils well during application and benefits tremendously. When inhaled, the essential oil droplets enter the lungs and from there they get absorbed in the blood stream to benefit the body and mind.
 

Essential oils can be used individually and also as blends of two or more oils. However, what is important is the storage of these oils, which needs to be done with care.
 

If stored carelessly, essential oils can oxidise and loose their beneficial properties, aroma and quality. There are some essential oils which however, get better and expensive with age, like the sandalwood and patchouli oils.
 

It is best to store all essential oils in small, blue coloured glass bottles. Dark coloured bottles prevent any damage from sun rays.
 

Although there are hundreds of essential oils used today, some of the common ones are –
 

Lavender: this clear yellow oil is good for treating asthma, athlete’s foot, cuts, allergies, depression, headaches etc. its use is good during labour pains and it also helps to remove scars.
 

Lemon Balm: this oil is also yellow in colour. It is thin in consistency and is a good mood elevator. It cures depression, nausea, menstrual cramps, cough, asthma and indigestion also.
 

Basil essential: this clear oil has a thin consistency and helps in bronchitis, cold, insect bites, muscle aches, flu and flatulence.
 

Mandarin essential oil: this oil is green orange in colour and is slightly aromatic. It is derived from the orange plant and is good for the skin ailments, acne, oily skin problems, etc. it reduces wrinkles and helps insomnia problems.
 

Cardamom: this is clear, mildly aromatic oil derived from the cardamom seeds. It is good to cure loss of appetite, colic and stress.
 

German Chamomile: this oil has a beautiful deep blue colour and has a fruity and sweet smell. It helps to treat arthritis, boils, sprains, nausea, colic, stress, etc. it is good for the skin and helps insomnia patients as well. It is a nerve relaxant too.
 

Cinnamon: this yellow brown oil has a very strong smell of cinnamon and is good to cure constipation, exhaustion, stress, scabies, low blood pressure etc.
 

Neroli: this oil is coffee brown in colour and has a strong smell. This oil is derived from orange blossom and is good to cure problems related to sexual dysfunction, insomnia, depression as well as it is good for skin.
 

Patchouli: this oil has a deep golden colour and has a lovely earthy smell. It is good for the skin, cures eczema, stress, acne etc.
 

Rosemary: this oil is clear and is derived from rosemary sprigs. It helps with problems related to muscles and joints. It also treats dandruff effectively. However, it needs to be avoided during pregnancy.
 

Jasmine: this oil is derived from jasmine blossoms and has an exotic aroma. It is great for dry skin and depression. It soothes the nerves during labour pains.
 

Ylang Ylang: this clear oil has a sweet fruity smell and helps fight depression, anxiety, hypertension, palpitations and stress. It is a nerve relaxant and mood enhancer.
 

Essential oils however, need to be used after consultation with a knowledgeable practitioner and in doses as prescribed, to reap maximum benefits and avoid the chances of harm due to use of wrong oil for the wrong problem.