The Most Common Essential Oils From A To Z
Anyone can integrate aromatherapy into their daily life. Essential oils can not replace regular medicines, but they can support your physical and mental well-being.
Most essential oils are obtained by distillation or pressing (citrus peel). These extraction methods extract the oil from a specific part of the plant. The vitality of a plant is stored in the essential oil. Therefore, essential oils are also very concentrated.
The prices of essential oils can vary widely because some plants are more difficult to find, grow or extract. The harvest is also highly dependent on the climate and soil conditions. This can also cause price increases.
How do you safely use these highly concentrated essential oils?
- Massage: dilute the essential oil with a base oil such as almond oil, apricot kernel oil, grape seed oil or jojoba oil. 10 to 20 drops of essential oil on 100 ml of base oil are usually sufficient.
- Compress: Dilute the essential oil (2 to 7 drops) with (vegetable) milk and add to a bowl of lukewarm or warm water for your compress.
- Steam bath: A few drops of essential oil in a bowl of warm to hot water to inhale or to condition the skin.
- Bathtub: dilute 5 to 15 drops of essential oil in a cup of (vegetable) milk and put it in your bath (180 litres).
- Pure: only a few essential oils may be applied refined (touch) to a minimal extent.
- Oral use: some essential oils may be taken in a minimal amount (1 or 2 drops), on a sugar cube or in a spoonful of honey. A drop of mint or lemon essential oil is allowed in 1 litre of water for a fresh taste.
- In ointments and creams: you can add 5 to a maximum of 10 drops of essential oil to 50 ml of cream or lotion, but I always say ‘less is more’. Instead, add less essential oil than too much.
- Fragrance stone: A fragrance stone is made of ceramic and is very suitable for small spaces and to put close to you.
- Vaporize with a cold nebulizer. Heating affects the constituents of the oils, and the effect is not as it should be. It is, therefore, best to use a cold nebulizer. With aromatic oils, you can change the atmosphere in your home.
Precautions:
It’s not supposed to scare you, but caution is advised when handling essential oils.
- Some essential oils are not recommended during pregnancy and lactation, as well as in children under 8 years old. It is best to use essential oils in children and during pregnancy only under the guidance of a professional aromatherapist.
- Test your skin ‘s tolerance to an essential oil by applying it diluted in vegetable oil to the elbow crease. If there is no response within 24 hours, you can use it. Even though essential oils are 100% natural, they contain substances that you may be allergic to.
- Do not apply in your ears, eyes, nose or on the mucous membranes.
Robert Tisserand is an expert in aromatherapy and has already written several books. On his website, you will find his Safety Guidelines for the safe use of aromatherapy.
The most common essential oils from A to Z.
Arabian incense or also frankincense
Boswellia carterii. Gives tension to the skin, works anti-wrinkle and is suitable for oily skin (wound healing).
Mental: This oil helps me meditate, against negative thinking, anxiety and depression.
Bergamot
The white flowers of the Citrus bergamia tree are very aromatic. Its pleasant, delicate and fresh scent has a calming effect on the nervous system. It is ideal for tackling stress and all the associated conditions. Helps handle great grief. Helps to sleep better, can be used together with lavender oil.
For the skin: do not use when exposed to the sun. Do not use undiluted on the skin. It is an antibacterial oil and suitable for oily skin, acne, eczema, herpes and psoriasis. Can be used to evaporate with a cold nebulizer, as massage oil (max. 15 drops of essential oil on 50 ml carrier oil such as almond oil, grape seed oil or apricot kernel oil.)
Cedar
Cedrus Atlantica Helps with respiratory diseases. Works against hair and scalp problems. Helps against cellulite and stretch marks. Very good for the daily care of oily skin. Expels insects.
Mental: helps against fatigue, nervousness, insomnia, anxiety and depression.
Lemon
Works on digestion, liver and bile. Due to phototoxicity not suitable for the skin when exposed to the sun. Diluted in a carrier oil, it works against cellulite. This oil is also ideal for use in your DIY cleaning products because of its degreasing and disinfecting effect.
Mental: Increases concentration.
Cypress
Works well to promote venous circulation and lymph circulation (varicose veins). Helps with rosacea and dry or mucous cough. Together with lavender or tea tree very effective against sweaty feet.
Mental: energizes with physical and mental fatigue.
Pine tree
Works well against the flu, colds, bronchitis, and excessive perspiration. In a massage oil, it softens the muscles and joints.
Mentally it provides more openness and helps support depression. Dispel negative thoughts and give more life force.
Eucalyptus Globulus
Purifies the skin, soothes sensitive and irritated skin. Increases the resistance of the airways and helps to breathe more freely. Soothe the throat. When atomized, this oil disinfects and deodorizes the environment.
Ginger
In massage oil, it helps with aching and tired muscles and joints. In case of nausea or motion sickness, put one drop of ginger oil on a sugar cube and suck it up slowly. Works well for hair loss, add one drop to your dose of shampoo. Works against impotence and frigidity.
Geranium
Egyptian rose geranium has a wonderfully fresh, floral fragrance. It is an astringent (astringent) tonic for the skin. This oil regulates the sebum production of the skin and is, therefore, suitable for every skin type. Also helps against excessive perspiration.
Mental: relaxes stress and nervousness.
Helichrysum = Straw flower
is an exceptional and precious essential oil. It takes 2000 kg of flowers to make 1L of oil. It is very effective for bruises, bruises and sprains. Also helps with bronchitis and strep throat.
Chamomile – Roman
This oil is ideal for hypersensitive skin. The oil is anti-itch and anti-allergic.
Mentally, this oil has a strong sedative effect on the central nervous system, so it is very suitable for sleeping better. Can be used together with lavender oil.
Lavender
Lavendula Angustifolia or Lavendula Officinalis. This oil is the most commonly used in the home pharmacy. You can use this oil purely on a small burn. The example you burn yourself on a grease splash or iron. This oil has a potent wound healing and regenerating skin. Soothes sunburn (put 5 drops in 50 ml almond oil). Helps with stretch marks. Soothes insect bites.
Mental works very soothing and ensures a good night’s sleep.
Lemongrass (lemongrass)
Works well against cellulite (fluid build-up). Has a relaxing and soothing effect.
tangerine
The peel oil has a delightful fragrance. Is less suitable for the skin because of the phototoxicity, but is very soothing and anti-stress.
Mental: helps with insomnia. This oil makes everyone happy.
Neroli (orange blossom)
This oil has a floral, exotic fragrance. This oil works well for oily skin and hair. It also works against skin ageing.
Mental: soothing and helps with insomnia.
Niaouli
Niaouli is useful for treating acne and prevents skin ageing. This oil helps with sore throats and colds. Use with a nebulizer to germinate the air. In massage oil, it contributes to the comfort of heavy legs.
Mental: Niaouli has a calming and calming effect. Improves concentration.
Palmarosa
This floral oil should not be missing in your daily care. This oil has a moisturizing and cell-renewing effect. Works against excessive sweating.
Mentally, this oil works very well against stress and irritability.
Patchouli
This oil purifies and regenerates the skin and contributes to fair skin. Helps with heavy legs and varicose veins.
Mental: works aphrodisiac.
Peppermint
This oil definitely belongs in your home pharmacy. Helps with digestion and along with clove oil against toothaches. With headaches, you can apply one or two drops pure on the area where you feel the headache. In summer, this oil works well on hot and tired feet. You use this oil to make your own toothpaste. (Never put peppermint oil in your bathtub, because of cold shock!)
Mental: increases concentration and combats fatigue. Is good against travel sickness.
Ravensara – Ravensa aromatica
This oil works against headaches and migraines, rheumatism and joint pains. Apply a drop of undiluted oil where you have a problem.
Ravintsara – Cinnamomum camphora cg cineol
This oil should not be missing in your home pharmacy. Helps with viral infections (flu), bronchitis, sore throat, colds. Make a balm or oil with a few drops of this oil (and possibly also eucalyptus radiata) to spread on the chest when you have a cold.
Pure use: dab on lip vesicles, purifies the environment (anti microbes), helps with respiratory problems and increases resistance. Helps to breathe more freely.
Mental: helps maintain a positive attitude and promotes good sleep.
Rosemary
CT Cineol This oil is highly mould-resistant and is therefore very suitable for use in your DIY cleaning products. Works against lice (see Tea Tree oil), oily hair and hair loss. Improves blood circulation, so very effective on cold hands and feet. When sprayed, this oil works against respiratory infection and chronic fatigue.
Mental: works with mental exhaustion. Stimulates the mind. For stress and fatigue: 10 drops in a cup of (vegetable) milk and pour it into your bath.
Roses
Rosa Damascena. This is a very precious essential oil because for 1 litre of oil you need 5000 kg of rose petals. The price amounts to about 1.5 euros per drop. This oil rejuvenates and repairs the skin.
Mental: is an aphrodisiac, a heart opener. Flower of love.
Rosewood
Has a pleasant ‘rose-like’ fragrance. Works well against skin ageing due to the property of regenerating the skin tissues. Is an ideal oil to use against stretch marks. Add 20 drops of rosewood oil to 100 ml of carrier oil. Has strong antibacterial properties.
Mentally it works well for depression and nerve fatigue.
Sandalwood
Has an astringent and strengthening effect on the skin, ideal for dry and older skin. Supports circulation in the legs.
Mental: has a relaxing and calming effect, gives a positive attitude. Is an aphrodisiac.
Spike lavender or Wild Lavender
This oil smells stronger than Real Lavender and works well with insect bites, cracks, acne and stretch marks. This oil also soothes minor burns.
Mental: helps with tensions, stress, depression, headaches and difficult sleep.
Tea Tree
Tea Tree is known for its disinfectant effect. This oil is therefore used in both cosmetic and household products. You can touch this oil on pimples, warts, canker sores and gum complaints. Also helps against lice. Put a few drops on the hairbrush and comb the hair. A few drops on the children’s hats and scarves will also keep the lice away. Increases resistance.
Mental: increases vitality, well-being and positivity.
Verbena (Lippia citriodora)
The fine lemon scent dispels gloomy thoughts, anxiety and depression. In an aromatic bath, the oil ensures that you can distance yourself from the daily worries. Also relieves inflammation of joints, muscles and tendons. Use for the bath: put 5 to the max. Fifteen drops of essential oil in a cup of milk or vegetable milk and put it in the bath. This way, you get a good distribution of the essential oil in the water.
Wintergreen
Bruises, sprains. Can be used with a sports massage: has a warming, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect on the muscles.
Ylang Ylang
Has a warm, exotic fragrance and is used extensively in the cosmetics and perfume industry. Is a tonic for the skin (also oily skin) and helps with brittle and lifeless hair. Add three drops to your dose of shampoo. Also helps with brittle nails.
Mentally: This oil gives confidence, it is a strong aphrodisiac. If you find the fragrance too strong, you can combine it with a citrus oil.
Sweet Orange
The essential oil is pressed from the skin. This oil is very suitable for the cold nebulizer; the oil provides a pleasant mood and disinfects. Citrus oils are photo-toxic so don’t use them on the skin when you go out in the sun, due to the interesting price, ideal to use with homemade detergent.
Mental: has a relaxing and soothing effect.
Rockrose
The essential oil of Corsican shrubs is of better quality. Therefore buy essential oil ‘Zonneroosje CV Corsica’. Wound healing and anti-wrinkle, for beautiful and healthy skin, add one drop of essential oil to your day or night cream.
Mental: This oil works against insomnia.
Make a synergy of essential oils yourself
You can buy synergies of ethereal, but you can also put these together yourself.
By mixing certain oils, you create a synergy of essential oils that complement each other and together have an even more significant effect.
Don’t make it too complicated and limit yourself to a maximum of three different oils. 3 to 6 drops of essential oils are added to 10 ml of base oil.
In this way, you can create your personal synergy to sleep well, for example, or to obtain an energizing effect. Synergy can also help for a massage with muscle pain etc.
Support with aromatherapy
As already mentioned, aromatherapy cannot replace mainstream medicine, but it can be a supplement. It is best to go to the doctor for serious complaints.
Acne / pimples : 1 dr Eucalyptus dives + 1 dr. Nail lavender + 2 dr. Tea tree + 1 dr. Rosemary: dab this mixture twice a day with a cotton swab on the pimples
Flu: 2 dr. Eucalyptus Radiata + 2 dr. Ravintsara + 1 dr. Niaouli: apply this mixture in the nebulizer or with a little oil on the chest and upper back.
Hair Loss: 2 Dr Geranium + 2 Dr Mandarin + 1 Dr Ginger: Mix this mixture in one dose of shampoo just before use.
Insect bite: 3 dr. Spike lavender + 1 dr. Tea tree + 1 dr. Geranium: apply a drop of this mixture topically every 3 minutes.
Sexual tonic: ginger, rosewood, patchouli, rose, ylang-ylang, sandalwood: in a bottle of 10 ml base oil put two drops of essential oil of two or three of these oils. Useful as a massage oil.
Wrinkles 10 ml base oil such as rosehip oil + 3 dr. Rosewood + 1 dr. Strawflower + 1 dr. Rockrose + 1 dr. Niaouli. Apply three drops of this mixture to your face in the morning and evening.
For fatigue and for better concentration: 2 dr. Eucalyptus + 1 dr. Rosemary + 2 dr. Peppermint, this mixture in the nebulizer, or apply on the inside of the wrists or suck two drops of this on 1/4 sugar cube.
Yoga and meditation: put three drops of Incense and or Ylang Ylang on a scented stone
To relax: in the cold nebulizer or on a fragrance stone, a few drops of mandarin oil.
To sleep better: put three drops of ravensara or Roman chamomile, two drops of lavender and two drops of mandarin in 10 ml of base oil: Apply three drops of this mixture to the inside of your wrists half an hour before going to sleep.
Excessive sweating: 2 dr palmarosa + 2 dr rock rose + 2 dr geranium: apply topically.
Travel sickness: in a roll-on, for example 20 ml almond oil + 3 dr peppermint + 3 dr ginger + 3 dr mandarin.
For sunburn: 3 drops of spike lavender, 1 drop of rosewood and 1 drop of geranium, apply this mixture twice a day on the burned area. Do not apply to open wounds.
Turnkey synergies.
You can also buy ready-made synergies , these are already fully developed, these from Pranarôm are only suitable for the atomizer (cold nebulizer).
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25557808
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2917081/
