Essential Oils

What is an essential oil? 

An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled (most frequently by steam or water) from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant.  Essential oils contain the true essence of the plant it was derived from. Essential oils are natural and contain the true aromatic essence and other naturally beneficial properties of the plant the essential oil was distilled from.

Fragrance Oils

What is a fragrance oil? 

Fragrance oils are artificially created fragrances, contain artificial substances or are diluted with carrier oils and do not offer the caliber of therapeutic benefits that essential oils offer.

General Information on Essential Oils and Their Properties:

Peppermint oil - Minty, strong and fresh. Uplifting and invigorating! Wonderful for sore muscles and tired feet. Also a natural insect repellant, and is a good treatment for many skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and dandruff. It's an anti-inflammatory agent that helps relieve arthritis and sciatica. Peppermint's "peppy" fragrance helps aid concentration and memory, and relieve mental fatigue and depression. Very cleansing and purifying,

Tea Tree oil - an incredible essential oil! Widely used for cleansing, it is said to be antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral. Used in many cleansing formulas, as well as to treat many skin irritations.

Cedarwood oil - Cedarwood is perhaps the first plant used to make an essential oil; ancient Egyptians used it in their mummification rituals. It's antiseptic, fungicidal, purifying, and an excellent insect repellant . Cedar is an excellent skin cleanser and helps combat acne, oily skin and scalp, and helps relieve dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis, as well as dandruff. Also may be useful for arthritis and rheumatism. Aromatherapeutically, cedarwood is very soothing and calming, easing nerves and menial tension.

Lemon oil - is antimicrobial, antiseptic, bactericidal, insecticidal. It is also used for clearing acne, cleaning greasy skin and hair, as well as removing dead skin cells, and insect bites.

Basil oil - is analgesic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, anti-venomous, expectorant, insecticide, and stimulant. Basil oil is a very beneficial oil and can be helpful not only for headaches and migraines, but also has an uplifting effect on depression.

Clove oil - can be used for acne, bruises, burns and cuts, keeping infection at bay and as a pain reliever. The disinfecting property is useful in cases of infectious diseases. It is also useful for skin problems - especially for skin sores and leg ulcers and as an insect repellent. 

Citronella oil - is a very useful essential oil as a natural insect repellent (mosquito, no-see-um, gnats...) and can also be useful in repelling cats. What is surprising about citronella essential oil, is that is also known to clear the mind and can be useful against headaches and migraines. Citronella oil is a natural deodorant, deodorizer, and purifier and can be used with vinegar to sanitize surfaces. 

Patchouli oil - as a throw-back from the Hippy 60′s, however it has many useful therapeutic properties. Its skin soothing applications extend to acne, cracked and chapped skin, dermatitis, weeping eczema, oily complexions, and wrinkles.

Lavender oil - for the skin can be attributed to its antiseptic and antifungal properties.It is used to treat various skin disorders such as acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, and other inflammations. It may aid in the healing of wounds, cuts, burns, and sunburns rapidly as it aids in the formation of scar tissues. 

Eucalyptus oil - is a good antiseptic owing to its germicidal properties. On its exposure to air, ozone is formed which is a well-known antiseptic. Hence eucalyptus oil is used for healing wounds, ulcers, burns, cuts, abrasions and sores. 

Lemongrass Oil Uses: Acne, athlete's foot, excessive perspiration, flatulence, insect repellent, muscle aches, oily skin, scabies, stress. Lemongrass is quite popular as an insect repellant due to its insecticidal properties. It kills insects and also keeps them away (but I am not sure whether it repels cockroaches!).

Bergamot oil - anti-septic and anti-fungal properties may be helpful for acne, and problem skin conditions. Certain components of the essential oil of Bergamot are anti biotic and disinfectant in nature. They inhibit growth of germs, virus and fungi. They also effectively prohibit infections, such as those of skin.

Sweet orange oil - As a skin conditioner, it brightens the skin and is soothing to dry, irritated skin.

Rosemary oil -  Rosemary essential oil is also beneficial for dry and flaky scalps. Rosemary has a mesmerizing aroma and hence rosemary essential oil is an excellent inhalant. The oil is used in room fresheners, cosmetics, beauty aids, food, bath oil, candles and perfumes due to its aroma. The oil, when inhaled brings mental energy and also clears the respiratory tract. Many people spray mixture of rosemary essential oil and water to remove bad odor from room.

Spearmint oil - This oil works well as an anti septic for wounds and ulcers, protects them from septic and other infections and helps them heal faster. The anti bacterial, anti fungal and anti viral properties of Essential Oil of Spearmint make it a disinfectant.  In ancient Greece, it was used to treat infectious diseases like Scabies, Dermatitis, Athlete’s Foot, Syphilis, Gonorrhea and other infectious and transmittable diseases.