Essential oils are the essences extracted from plants by a process of steam distillation, expressing or chemical extraction. The most common form is distillation, and all parts of the plant may be used, from the leaves and flowers to the wood, bark, stems and roots. There are over 100 essential oils on the market, of which the most useful and popular are readily available.
Lavender
Lavender, or Lavendula angustifolia, is distilled from the flowering tops of the plant. It is grown in France, England, Tasmania and the Mediterranean. It is known as the "first aid" oil because of its wide range of properties and applications. Considered to be the safest of all the oils, it can be used straight on burns, cuts and bruises and applied to pimples to prevent infection.
It is also considered a calming oil and is ideal for quieting overexcited children. Adding two drops of the oil to a vaporizer and burning for half an hour in a child's room before bed will provide a soothing atmosphere that will help your child get off to sleep. Alternatively, one drop of oil on your child's pillow will have the same effect.
Tea Tree and Eucalyptus Oils
Tea tree, or Melaleuca alternifolia, and eucalyptus, or Eucalyptus globulus, are oils from Australia with menthol properties. Both are antiseptic and can be used neat on insect bites and in a vaporizer to repel insects.
Tea tree is, like lavender, an excellent oil for emergencies. It is antiviral, which means it is a great help in the fight against infectious colds and flu. To combat such infections, blend 4 drops of tea tree with 2 drops of black pepper oil in 30 ml sweet almond oil and rub into the chest twice a day.
Eucalyptus is best used to fight the effects of colds and flu--stuffed up nose, cough and bronchial infections, which often invade when a cold is reaching the end of its cycle. Aromatherapist Ali Headeach recommends adding 4 drops of eucalyptus in a bowl of hot water and inhaling the steam for 10 minutes to clear mucus from the nasal membranes and the lungs.
Rose and Chamomile Oils
Rose, or Rosa damascena, and chamomile, or Anthemis nobilis, are both used extensively in cosmetics and the beauty industry. The heady aroma of rose oil lifts the spirits, eases depression and is especially beneficial in the treatment of wrinkles and dry and mature skin. It helps the healing process and lessens the appearance of scars.
According to the Esoteric Oils website, chamomile oil has a calming effect on the mind and body and is excellent for treating any type of inflammation. As a treatment for the skin, it is particularly effective in the battle against eczema, dry skin and psoriasis. It can also reduce inflammation caused by sprains and pulled muscles.
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