Essential oil uses are closely associated with aromatherapy. Aromatherapy can be employed for various purposes depending on the constituents of the specific essential oil being used. All essential oils are derived from plant material. These oils are often extracted through distillation and have the concentrated therapeutic and aromatic properties of the plant material from which they are derived.
Essential oil uses can be broadly classified into 3 categories.
- Therapeutic and Psychological uses of essential oil
Essential oils are used to treat various ailments and health conditions. They are especially used to treat minor respiratory problems such the common cough or a cold. It can also be used along with allopathic medicine to treat asthma and bronchitis. Essential oils like eucalyptus and lemon can be blended along with a carrier oil and used as part of an inhalation treatment. Eucalyptus oil can also be blended with pine essential oil and Jojoba oil and used as a therapeutic massage oil to relieve congestion. Essential oil massage is also effective in treating muscle pain and stiffness commonly associated with arthritis. Essential oils like juniper, ginger and lavender are used in these massages. It is important to visit a qualified aromatherapist for these massages as excess pressure on the joints can aggravate the condition.
- Cosmetic uses of essential oil
Essential oils are commonly used in cosmetic products for their effectiveness in treating minor skin problems as well as their revitalizing and anti-aging properties. Essential oils like german chamomile, thyme, fennel, clary sage and rosemary are the most commonly used anti-aging essential oils. Any of these oils or a blend of several of them can be used to combat wrinkles and age spots. This blend of oils can be added to a carrier oil such as hazelnut or wheat germ oil and applied directly to the skin. Other oils such as lemon essential oil and ginger essential oil can be used to treat acne and blackheads. Essential oils such as jasmine, juniper palmarosa and pettigrain can be used to treat excessively oily skin. Facial skin is extremely sensitive and several potent essential oils can actually cause more damage than good if applied undiluted. It would, therefore, be advisable to get the oils blended by a qualified aromatherapy specialist.
- Aromatic uses of essential oil
Essential oils retain the aromatic properties of the plant material from which they were derived. Many perfumes contain a combination of essential oils such as jasmine, ylang-ylang, lavender and patchouli that lend the perfume a lasting fragrance. Aromatic essential oils such as carnation, lemon and juniper are often used in aromatherapy essential oil diffusers to scent a room and promote.
Essential oils must never be applied undiluted to the skin or ingested and it is important to visit a certified specialist before starting any aromatherapy tre
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