Introduction to Essential oils

Essential oils or 'essences' as they are also known are highly concentrated and fragrant oils extracted from various parts of aromatic plants and trees such as flowers, leaves, wood, bark, roots, seeds or peel through the process of distillation.

An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled (usually by steam or water). Essential oils contrary to the word oil are not really oily/ greasy feeling.  Most oil are clear but some oil like lemon, orange, patchouli are amber or yellow in color.

Essential oils contain true essence of the plant it is derived from. They are highly concentrated and a little goes a long way. They can be used by diluting them with a carrier oil (sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, grape seed oil) and then applying this blend to the skin for absorption.

Essential oil Application :

Essential oils can be used in a very simple yet effective manner at home, both for their aroma ans cosmetic & medicinal qualities. They can be used to revive potpourris, added to bath or facial steaming, used in cosmetic creams and lotions or used as perfumes.

They can also be used as topical application to help relieve common health problems such as head ache, common cold, menstrual pains, aching muscles and joints.

Essential oil Dilution :

Age                              10 - 14 years                                                   14 year & above

Aroma mixture              3-4 drops in 20 ml of base oil                            4-7 drops in 20 ml of base oil
Bath                             4-5 drops in bath                                               5-7 drops in bath
Diffuser                        1 drop on 3-5 m square area                             1-2 drops on 3 m square area

Its best to use essential oil at night for 2 reasons :

1. Avoid sun damage if the oil you are using is photo toxic.

2. When you sleep products work more effectively on skin and you can derive its maximum advantage.

Caution:

1. Some essential oils are photo toxic hence never use it just before going out in the sun as it may burn the skin or cause irritation and tanning. Hence use a good sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and above PA+++ if you use the essential oils in the day time. 

2. Always Always Always test the  essential oil mixed with carrier oil of course on the inside of your hands to check whether or not you are allergic to it.

3. If you are pregnant or dealing with any medical problems or allergies do not use these oil unless otherwise you are prescribed by a certified practitioner.


Image source : Pinterest

Do you use any essential oil? Let me know which one in the comments below.

Lots of love,
Priyanka.