What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils, or aromatherapy oils, are the fragrant essence of a plant. These highly concentrated liquid oils are the foundation of aromatherapy, which is based on the idea that the aromatic oil from a plant has healing properties.Essential oils should not be confused with perfumes or other fragrance oils. Essential oils are natural to the plant, whereas fragrance oils are chemically produced to mimic certain aromatic scents for perfumes, colognes, candles, etc.
Essential oils are extracted one of two ways: either by steam distillation or expression, or pressing. Distillation is the most prominent method used to extract aromatherapy oils, however. This technique involves steaming the plant matter until it breaks down. The byproduct of this breakdown phase is the plant's fragrant oil, which is cooled, separated from the water and finally filtered into its pure essential oil. Some aromatherapy oils are too concentrated to apply directly to the skin. In this case, the oil is combined with a 'carrier' oil or lotion to dilute its strength. Applying stringent oils to the skin can cause harmful reactions, such as rashes or burns. And, certain essential oils should be avoided if you are pregnant or have been diagnosed with a specific illness.
When the essential oil is extracted via the expression method, it is actually pressed from the plant source the same way lemon juice is pressed from a lemon.
How to Use Essential Oils for Home
Deter pests: Place one drop of lavender oil on a cotton ball or piece of cloth to help temporarily get rid of moths and mosquitoes.
Humidifiers: To help keep it clean, add up to 9 drops of tea tree oil.
Fire logs: Thirty minutes before burning a fire log, place one drop of cypress, pine, sandalwood or cedarwood oil on it. Do not use several perfumed logs at a time; a little goes a long way.
Stuffed animals: Soothe your kids with the calming scent of lavender or chamomile on their stuffed animals. Place a stuffed animal in a plastic bag, add a few drops of essential oil and close the plastic bag overnight. The following day the stuffed animal will have the dispersed scent and can be used for up to two weeks before reapplying more oil.
Diffuser: Mix different essential oils to add fragrance and health benefits to your home or office.
Essential oils, or aromatherapy oils, are the fragrant essence of a plant. These highly concentrated liquid oils are the foundation of aromatherapy, which is based on the idea that the aromatic oil from a plant has healing properties.Essential oils should not be confused with perfumes or other fragrance oils. Essential oils are natural to the plant, whereas fragrance oils are chemically produced to mimic certain aromatic scents for perfumes, colognes, candles, etc.
Essential oils are extracted one of two ways: either by steam distillation or expression, or pressing. Distillation is the most prominent method used to extract aromatherapy oils, however. This technique involves steaming the plant matter until it breaks down. The byproduct of this breakdown phase is the plant's fragrant oil, which is cooled, separated from the water and finally filtered into its pure essential oil. Some aromatherapy oils are too concentrated to apply directly to the skin. In this case, the oil is combined with a 'carrier' oil or lotion to dilute its strength. Applying stringent oils to the skin can cause harmful reactions, such as rashes or burns. And, certain essential oils should be avoided if you are pregnant or have been diagnosed with a specific illness.
When the essential oil is extracted via the expression method, it is actually pressed from the plant source the same way lemon juice is pressed from a lemon.
How to Use Essential Oils for Home
Deter pests: Place one drop of lavender oil on a cotton ball or piece of cloth to help temporarily get rid of moths and mosquitoes.
Humidifiers: To help keep it clean, add up to 9 drops of tea tree oil.
Fire logs: Thirty minutes before burning a fire log, place one drop of cypress, pine, sandalwood or cedarwood oil on it. Do not use several perfumed logs at a time; a little goes a long way.
Stuffed animals: Soothe your kids with the calming scent of lavender or chamomile on their stuffed animals. Place a stuffed animal in a plastic bag, add a few drops of essential oil and close the plastic bag overnight. The following day the stuffed animal will have the dispersed scent and can be used for up to two weeks before reapplying more oil.
Diffuser: Mix different essential oils to add fragrance and health benefits to your home or office.
ALSO SEE AROMATHERAPY RECIPES & BLENDS
Essential Elements and Their Health Benefits:
Angelica root Dull skin, gout, psoriasis, toxin build-up, water retention. Exhaustion, nervousness and stress
Anise Bronchitis, colds, coughs, flatulence, flu, muscle aches, rheumatism. Depression
Basil Bronchitis, colds, coughs, exhaustion, flatulence, flu, gout, insect bites, insect repellent, muscle aches, rheumatism and sinusitis. Fatigue, burnout, memory and concentration
Bay Dandruff, hair care, neuralgia, oily skin, poor circulation, sprains and strains. Emotional exhaustion and fatigue
Bay laurel Amenorrhea, colds, flu, loss of appetite, tonsillitis. Confidence, mental confusion
Benzoin Arthritis, bronchitis, chapped skin, coughing, laryngitis. Insecurity
Bergamot Acne, abscesses, anxiety, boils, cold sores, cystitis, halitosis, itching, loss of appetite, oily skin, psoriasis. Anger, anxiety, confidence, depression, stress, fatigue, fear, peace, happiness, insecurity and loneliness.
Bois de rose (Rosewood) Acne, colds, dry skin, dull skin, fever, flu, frigidity, headache, oily skin, scars, sensitive skin, stress, stretch marks. Depression, emotional imbalance
Cajeput Asthma, bronchitis, coughs, muscle aches, oily skin, rheumatism, sinusitis, sore throat and spots. Fatigue, mental confusion
Cardamom Appetite loss of, colic, halitosis. Fatigue, stress, shame, guilt
Carrot seed Eczema, gout, mature skin, toxin build-up, water retention. Anxiety, confusion, exhaustion, mood swings and stress
Cedarwood Atlas Acne, arthritis, bronchitis, coughing, cystitis, dandruff and dermatitis. Anxiety, fear, insecurity and stress.
Cedarwood Acne, arthritis, bronchitis, coughs, cystitis, dandruff, dermatitis, insect repellent, stress. Anxiety, fear and insecurity
German chamomile Abscesses, allergies, arthritis, boils, colic, cuts, cystitis, dermatitis, dysmenorrhea, earache, flatulence, hair, headache, inflamed skin, insect bites, insomnia, nausea, neuralgia, rheumatism, sores, sprains, strains, wounds. Anger, anxiety, depression, fear, irritability, loneliness, PMS and stress.
Roman Chamomile Abscesses, allergies, arthritis, boils, colic, cuts, cystitis, dermatitis, dysmenorrhea, earache, flatulence, hair, headache, inflamed skin, insect bites, nausea, neuralgia, PMS, rheumatism, sores, sprains, strains, wounds. Anger, anxiety, depression, fear, irritability, loneliness, insomnia and stress.
Cinnamon Constipation, exhaustion, flatulence, lice, low blood pressure, rheumatism, scabies. Concentration, emotional and mental fatigue
Citronella Excessive perspiration, fatigue, headache, insect repellent, oily skin. Mind fog, tension
Clary sage Amenorrhea, asthma, coughing, gas, labor pains, sore throat. Anxiety, fatigue, exhaustion, fear, loneliness and stress
Clove bud Arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, immune system, rheumatism, sprains, toothache. Memory and concentration, fatigue, depression
Coriander Aches, arthritis, colic, gout, indigestion, nausea, rheumatism. Fatigue, irritation
Cypress Excessive perspiration, hemorrhoids, oily skin, rheumatism, varicose veins. Confidence, grief, memory and concentration
Elemi Bronchitis, catarrh, extreme coughing, mature skin, scars, stress, wounds. Agitation, grief
Eucalyptus Globulous Arthritis, bronchitis, catarrh, cold sores, colds, coughing, fever, flu, poor circulation, sinusitis. Concentration, memory
Fennel Bruises, cellulite, flatulence, gums, halitosis, mouth, nausea, obesity, toxin build-up, water retention. Fatigue, emotional imbalance
Frankincense Anxiety, asthma, bronchitis, extreme coughing, scars and stretch marks. Depression, fatigue exhaustion and burnout, fear, grief, happiness and peace, insecurity, loneliness, panic and panic attacks and stress
Galbanum Immune system abscesses, acne, boils, bronchitis, cuts, lice, mature skin, muscle aches, poor circulation, rheumatism, scars, sores, stretch marks, wounds. Emotional rigidity, mood swings, nervousness and stress
Geranium Acne, cellulite, dull skin, lice, menopause, oily skin. Anxiety, depression, happiness, mood imbalance and stress
Ginger Aching muscles, arthritis, nausea, poor circulation. Fatigue exhaustion and burnout
Grapefruit Cellulite, dull skin, toxin build-up, water retention. Confidence, fear depression, happiness and peace, and stress
Helichrysum Abscesses, acne, boils, burns, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, irritated skin, wounds. Grief, loneliness, panic and panic attacks and shock
Hyssop Bruises, coughing, sore throat, respiratory system. Concentration, nervousness
Jasmine Dry skin, labor pains, sensitive skin. Stress, depression, fear, fatigue exhaustion and burnout, confidence and anger
Juniper berry Cellulite, gout, hemorrhoids, obesity, rheumatism, toxin build-up, urinary system. Agitation, negative energy
Lavender Acne, allergies, asthma, athlete's foot, bruises, burns, chicken pox, colic, cuts, cystitis, dermatitis, earache, flatulence, headache, hypertension, insect bites, insect repellent, itching, labor pains, migraine, oily skin, rheumatism, scabies, scars, sores, sprains, strains, stretch marks, vertigo, whooping cough. Anxiety, depression, irritability, panic attacks and stress
Lemon Athlete's foot, colds, corns, dull skin, flu, oily skin, spots, varicose veins, warts. Fear happiness and peace, memory and concentration
Lemongrass Acne, athlete's foot, digestion, excessive perspiration, flatulence, insect repellent, muscle aches, oily skin, scabies, stress. Fatigue and mental confusion
Linden blossom Headache, migraine, Acne, dull skin, oily skin, scars, spots, wrinkles. Insomnia, stress, tension
Marjoram Aching muscles, arthritis, cramps, migraine, neuralgia, rheumatism, spasm, sprains. Mood swings, PMS symptoms, stress
Melissa Flu, indigestion, herpes, nausea, shingles and cold sores. Agitation, anxiety, dementia, nervous tension
Myrrh Amenorrhea, athlete's foot, bronchitis, chapped skin, gums, halitosis, itching, ringworm. Emotional imbalance, creativity
Myrtle Acne, asthma, coughs, hemorrhoids, irritated skin. Addiction and self destructive behavior, depression
Neroli Mature skin, oily skin, scars, stretch marks. Anxiety, depression, anger, irritability, panic attacks and stress
Niaouli Acne, bronchitis, colds, coughs, dull skin, oily skin, sore throat, whooping cough. Concentration and mental fog
Nutmeg Arthritis, constipation, muscle aches, nausea, neuralgia, poor circulation, rheumatism and slow digestion. Mental fatigue
Bitter orange Colds, constipation, dull skin, flatulence, flu, gums, mouth, slow digestion. Anger, confidence, depression, fear, happiness, peace and stress
Oregano Coughs, digestion, respiration. Insecurity
Parsley Congestion, digestion, diuretic, immune system, kidney infections and stones. Frigidity
Patchouli Acne, cellulite, chapped skin, dandruff, dermatitis, eczema, mature skin, oily skin. Fatigue, frigidity exhaustion and stress
Black pepper Aching muscles, arthritis, detox, constipation, muscle cramps, poor circulation, sluggish digestion. Anxiety, fatigue and concentration
Peppermint Asthma, colic, fever, flatulence, headache, nausea, scabies, sinusitis, vertigo, fatigue exhaustion and burnout, memory and concentration
Petitgrain Rapid heartbeat, insomnia. Anxiety, panic attacks
Pine Colds, congestion, cough, flu, lungs sinusitis. Depression, fatigue, nervous exhaustion
Rose Eczema, mature skin. Anger, anxiety, frigidity, depression grief, menopause, happiness and peace, loneliness, panic and panic attacks and stress
Rosemary Aching muscles, arthritis, dandruff, dull skin, exhaustion, gout, hair care, muscle cramping, neuralgia, poor circulation and rheumatism. Fatigue exhaustion and burnout, confidence, memory and concentration
Sandalwood Bronchitis, chapped and dry skin, laryngitis, oily skin, strep throat, urinary tract problems. Anxiety, depression, exhaustion and burnout, fear, grief, irritability and stress
Spearmint Asthma, exhaustion, flatulence, headache, nausea, scabies. Depression, mental fatigue
Thyme Arthritis, bronchitis, candida, cuts, dermatitis, gastritis, laryngitis. Concentration and memory
Vetiver Acne, arthritis, muscular aches, oily skin, rheumatism. Anger, anxiety, exhaustion, insomnia, fear, grief, insecurity and stress
Violet leaf Bronchitis, insomnia, liver congestion, sluggish circulation, problem skin. Fear, nostalgia, obsession, shyness
Yarrow Acne, arthritis, inflammation, hair care, hypertension, insomnia. Insomnia, stress and tension
Ylang Ylang Hypertension, menopause and PMS symptoms, palpitations. Anger, depression, frigidity, mood swings, PMS, stress
Angelica root Dull skin, gout, psoriasis, toxin build-up, water retention. Exhaustion, nervousness and stress
Anise Bronchitis, colds, coughs, flatulence, flu, muscle aches, rheumatism. Depression
Basil Bronchitis, colds, coughs, exhaustion, flatulence, flu, gout, insect bites, insect repellent, muscle aches, rheumatism and sinusitis. Fatigue, burnout, memory and concentration
Bay Dandruff, hair care, neuralgia, oily skin, poor circulation, sprains and strains. Emotional exhaustion and fatigue
Bay laurel Amenorrhea, colds, flu, loss of appetite, tonsillitis. Confidence, mental confusion
Benzoin Arthritis, bronchitis, chapped skin, coughing, laryngitis. Insecurity
Bergamot Acne, abscesses, anxiety, boils, cold sores, cystitis, halitosis, itching, loss of appetite, oily skin, psoriasis. Anger, anxiety, confidence, depression, stress, fatigue, fear, peace, happiness, insecurity and loneliness.
Bois de rose (Rosewood) Acne, colds, dry skin, dull skin, fever, flu, frigidity, headache, oily skin, scars, sensitive skin, stress, stretch marks. Depression, emotional imbalance
Cajeput Asthma, bronchitis, coughs, muscle aches, oily skin, rheumatism, sinusitis, sore throat and spots. Fatigue, mental confusion
Cardamom Appetite loss of, colic, halitosis. Fatigue, stress, shame, guilt
Carrot seed Eczema, gout, mature skin, toxin build-up, water retention. Anxiety, confusion, exhaustion, mood swings and stress
Cedarwood Atlas Acne, arthritis, bronchitis, coughing, cystitis, dandruff and dermatitis. Anxiety, fear, insecurity and stress.
Cedarwood Acne, arthritis, bronchitis, coughs, cystitis, dandruff, dermatitis, insect repellent, stress. Anxiety, fear and insecurity
German chamomile Abscesses, allergies, arthritis, boils, colic, cuts, cystitis, dermatitis, dysmenorrhea, earache, flatulence, hair, headache, inflamed skin, insect bites, insomnia, nausea, neuralgia, rheumatism, sores, sprains, strains, wounds. Anger, anxiety, depression, fear, irritability, loneliness, PMS and stress.
Roman Chamomile Abscesses, allergies, arthritis, boils, colic, cuts, cystitis, dermatitis, dysmenorrhea, earache, flatulence, hair, headache, inflamed skin, insect bites, nausea, neuralgia, PMS, rheumatism, sores, sprains, strains, wounds. Anger, anxiety, depression, fear, irritability, loneliness, insomnia and stress.
Cinnamon Constipation, exhaustion, flatulence, lice, low blood pressure, rheumatism, scabies. Concentration, emotional and mental fatigue
Citronella Excessive perspiration, fatigue, headache, insect repellent, oily skin. Mind fog, tension
Clary sage Amenorrhea, asthma, coughing, gas, labor pains, sore throat. Anxiety, fatigue, exhaustion, fear, loneliness and stress
Clove bud Arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, immune system, rheumatism, sprains, toothache. Memory and concentration, fatigue, depression
Coriander Aches, arthritis, colic, gout, indigestion, nausea, rheumatism. Fatigue, irritation
Cypress Excessive perspiration, hemorrhoids, oily skin, rheumatism, varicose veins. Confidence, grief, memory and concentration
Elemi Bronchitis, catarrh, extreme coughing, mature skin, scars, stress, wounds. Agitation, grief
Eucalyptus Globulous Arthritis, bronchitis, catarrh, cold sores, colds, coughing, fever, flu, poor circulation, sinusitis. Concentration, memory
Fennel Bruises, cellulite, flatulence, gums, halitosis, mouth, nausea, obesity, toxin build-up, water retention. Fatigue, emotional imbalance
Frankincense Anxiety, asthma, bronchitis, extreme coughing, scars and stretch marks. Depression, fatigue exhaustion and burnout, fear, grief, happiness and peace, insecurity, loneliness, panic and panic attacks and stress
Galbanum Immune system abscesses, acne, boils, bronchitis, cuts, lice, mature skin, muscle aches, poor circulation, rheumatism, scars, sores, stretch marks, wounds. Emotional rigidity, mood swings, nervousness and stress
Geranium Acne, cellulite, dull skin, lice, menopause, oily skin. Anxiety, depression, happiness, mood imbalance and stress
Ginger Aching muscles, arthritis, nausea, poor circulation. Fatigue exhaustion and burnout
Grapefruit Cellulite, dull skin, toxin build-up, water retention. Confidence, fear depression, happiness and peace, and stress
Helichrysum Abscesses, acne, boils, burns, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, irritated skin, wounds. Grief, loneliness, panic and panic attacks and shock
Hyssop Bruises, coughing, sore throat, respiratory system. Concentration, nervousness
Jasmine Dry skin, labor pains, sensitive skin. Stress, depression, fear, fatigue exhaustion and burnout, confidence and anger
Juniper berry Cellulite, gout, hemorrhoids, obesity, rheumatism, toxin build-up, urinary system. Agitation, negative energy
Lavender Acne, allergies, asthma, athlete's foot, bruises, burns, chicken pox, colic, cuts, cystitis, dermatitis, earache, flatulence, headache, hypertension, insect bites, insect repellent, itching, labor pains, migraine, oily skin, rheumatism, scabies, scars, sores, sprains, strains, stretch marks, vertigo, whooping cough. Anxiety, depression, irritability, panic attacks and stress
Lemon Athlete's foot, colds, corns, dull skin, flu, oily skin, spots, varicose veins, warts. Fear happiness and peace, memory and concentration
Lemongrass Acne, athlete's foot, digestion, excessive perspiration, flatulence, insect repellent, muscle aches, oily skin, scabies, stress. Fatigue and mental confusion
Linden blossom Headache, migraine, Acne, dull skin, oily skin, scars, spots, wrinkles. Insomnia, stress, tension
Marjoram Aching muscles, arthritis, cramps, migraine, neuralgia, rheumatism, spasm, sprains. Mood swings, PMS symptoms, stress
Melissa Flu, indigestion, herpes, nausea, shingles and cold sores. Agitation, anxiety, dementia, nervous tension
Myrrh Amenorrhea, athlete's foot, bronchitis, chapped skin, gums, halitosis, itching, ringworm. Emotional imbalance, creativity
Myrtle Acne, asthma, coughs, hemorrhoids, irritated skin. Addiction and self destructive behavior, depression
Neroli Mature skin, oily skin, scars, stretch marks. Anxiety, depression, anger, irritability, panic attacks and stress
Niaouli Acne, bronchitis, colds, coughs, dull skin, oily skin, sore throat, whooping cough. Concentration and mental fog
Nutmeg Arthritis, constipation, muscle aches, nausea, neuralgia, poor circulation, rheumatism and slow digestion. Mental fatigue
Bitter orange Colds, constipation, dull skin, flatulence, flu, gums, mouth, slow digestion. Anger, confidence, depression, fear, happiness, peace and stress
Oregano Coughs, digestion, respiration. Insecurity
Parsley Congestion, digestion, diuretic, immune system, kidney infections and stones. Frigidity
Patchouli Acne, cellulite, chapped skin, dandruff, dermatitis, eczema, mature skin, oily skin. Fatigue, frigidity exhaustion and stress
Black pepper Aching muscles, arthritis, detox, constipation, muscle cramps, poor circulation, sluggish digestion. Anxiety, fatigue and concentration
Peppermint Asthma, colic, fever, flatulence, headache, nausea, scabies, sinusitis, vertigo, fatigue exhaustion and burnout, memory and concentration
Petitgrain Rapid heartbeat, insomnia. Anxiety, panic attacks
Pine Colds, congestion, cough, flu, lungs sinusitis. Depression, fatigue, nervous exhaustion
Rose Eczema, mature skin. Anger, anxiety, frigidity, depression grief, menopause, happiness and peace, loneliness, panic and panic attacks and stress
Rosemary Aching muscles, arthritis, dandruff, dull skin, exhaustion, gout, hair care, muscle cramping, neuralgia, poor circulation and rheumatism. Fatigue exhaustion and burnout, confidence, memory and concentration
Sandalwood Bronchitis, chapped and dry skin, laryngitis, oily skin, strep throat, urinary tract problems. Anxiety, depression, exhaustion and burnout, fear, grief, irritability and stress
Spearmint Asthma, exhaustion, flatulence, headache, nausea, scabies. Depression, mental fatigue
Thyme Arthritis, bronchitis, candida, cuts, dermatitis, gastritis, laryngitis. Concentration and memory
Vetiver Acne, arthritis, muscular aches, oily skin, rheumatism. Anger, anxiety, exhaustion, insomnia, fear, grief, insecurity and stress
Violet leaf Bronchitis, insomnia, liver congestion, sluggish circulation, problem skin. Fear, nostalgia, obsession, shyness
Yarrow Acne, arthritis, inflammation, hair care, hypertension, insomnia. Insomnia, stress and tension
Ylang Ylang Hypertension, menopause and PMS symptoms, palpitations. Anger, depression, frigidity, mood swings, PMS, stress
Inhaling essential oils is much safer than oral use. The oils are biologically active when the airborne molecules are inhaled, stimulating olfactory nerves, which in turn stimulate centers of the brain. The molecules may trigger an immune response after entering the bronchial area and lungs, helping your body fight infection, for instance.
Disclaimer: The benefits cited above are for information only. Please consult a qualified aromatherapist or holistic health practitioner before using essential oils.