Essential oils are distilled or cold-pressed from plants and can be used for aromatherapy or massage. Some are also edible.
However, ingesting essential oils can cause diarrhea or lung irritation, particularly in people with respiratory chronic conditions such as asthma and COPD. It’s important to use pure, food-grade essential oils and follow proper dilution guidelines when applying them to the skin or using in a diffuser.
Geranium
Geranium, a beautiful biennial, perennial or annual flower native to South Africa, is well-known for its therapeutic and medicinal properties. The fresh, sweet, and floral aroma of the rose-scented geranium oil induces an uplifting and balancing effect on the mind and mood. It is also known for lowering stress levels and reducing depression symptoms.
It is an excellent astringent for skin and is loaded with antioxidant, hydrating, cooling, and anti-inflammatory benefits. It also boosts the production of collagen to give the skin a youthful glow. The cicatrisant property of the oil assuages various skin problems such as eczema, acne, dermatitis and psoriasis.
Adding a few drops of this oil to your bath water helps soothe itchy and irritated skin, especially for people suffering from acne and eczema. It also cleanses clogged pores, refines and tightens the skin, balances sebum production and promotes the growth of new cells. It also prevents acne scarring and heals wounds.
Ylang Ylang
The flowers of the ylang-ylang tree (Cananga odorata) produce an essential oil that is used in perfumes, hair products, and bath and body treatments. Ylang-ylang oil is known to balance sebum production, soothe inflammation and irritation on the skin and scalp, and treat acne. It is also a natural sedative, soothing nervous tension and easing heart palpitations.
Inhaling the scent of ylang-ylang can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, as well as increase confidence and self-esteem. It is also a natural aphrodisiac and has long been used in Indonesia to encourage sexual activity and enhance the euphoria of sex.
The sedative properties of ylang-ylang have been demonstrated in studies using sphygmomanometer and 12-lead EKG. Studies have shown that the terpenoids present in ylang-ylang oil are effective at inhibiting melanogenesis and promoting immune system cytotoxicity. Ylang-ylang oil can be used in conjunction with other essential oils to treat various microbial infections, including staph, yeast and Candida.
Palmarosa
Palmarosa, also known as Cymbopogen martinii or Indian geranium, has been embraced by the beauty and wellness world. Its soft and rosy aroma makes it a favorite for scented personal care and perfumes and its plethora of benefits have made it a must-have in skincare products.
Having a high geraniol content, it balances sebum production making it ideal for oily skin as well as dry skin types. It has a skin-regenerating effect, reducing fine lines and wrinkles as well as strengthening the skin cells.
Its antifungal properties help fight fungal infections like athlete’s foot and nail fungus. It can be applied directly to the affected area after dilution or added to a natural oil carrier for easy application.
Inhaling the scent of Palmarosa can also be beneficial as it helps relieve symptoms of anxiety, nervous exhaustion and stress while promoting feelings of calmness and relaxation. It can be used on its own or blended with other essential oils to create a soothing and uplifting blend that can reduce tension and boost confidence.
Lavender
A natural antidepressant, lavender calms the nerves and improves mood. It reduces anxiety and promotes sleep. It is also an excellent insect repellent and is used to treat a wide variety of health conditions, including digestive issues.
Lavender essential oil, or Lavandula angustifolia oil, is the oil extracted from the flowers of lavender plants. It is colorless to yellow in consistency and has a sweet, floral fragrance that is soothing and relaxing. It contains many beneficial chemical compounds, including linalyl acetate, cineole and limonene.
A few drops of lavender in your bath or inhaled from a vaporizer can lift your mood and make you feel relaxed. Inhalation can also help with anxiety, insomnia and depression. It is recommended to only use pure, therapeutic quality essential oils for inhalation or topical use. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider before trying anything new, especially when it comes to essential oils. Inhalation of some essential oils can cause dermatitis, or itching and redness of the skin.
