They would be one of Cleopatra's beauty tricks but, despite their age, few know their potential and what distinguishes them from other plant oils.
Production
The most used parts are the flowers, leaves, rhizomes (or roots), fruits and bark or wood of plants, from which the oil is obtained through distillation or cold pressure processes. This method of processing makes it possible to preserve the volatile compounds, that is, the aromatic notes of the plant, which evaporate easily at room temperature and are therefore also soluble in alcohol.
Composition
Essential oils, as mentioned, are rich in volatile compounds extracted from aromatic plants. For this reason, the main constituents of these oils are terpenes and phenolic compounds. Each essential oil has a unique composition of chemical substances, and this variation affects not only its aroma, but also its absorption and potential therapeutic effects.
Aromatherapy
Due to their aromatic properties, essential oils are widely used in aromatherapy, given the diversity of effects attributed to them by popular medicine and some scientific studies. When it comes to how aromatherapy is applied, there are three different ways of doing it. The first consists of indirect inhalation , in which the person breathes in an essential oil using a room diffuser, which spreads its aroma throughout the room. Alternatively, you can also put a few drops on a tissue or pieces of cotton and leave them in different parts of the house. The second concerns direct inhalation. In this method, a person breathes in an essential oil using a personal inhaler, made with drops of essential oil floating on top of hot water. Finally, the third form of aromatherapy consists of massage with one or more essential oils. These oils should always be diluted in a carrier oil and only then applied directly to the skin to avoid irritation or skin sensitivity reactions. In the table (above) you will find some applications of essential oils.
Cosmetics
When used in conjunction with other base oils (e.g. jojoba, sweet almond), they can be used in beauty care. In fact, the cosmetic industry very frequently uses these oils to add aroma to their products, presenting themselves as a more natural alternative to synthetic perfumes. Fatty acids and vegetable oils used in the production of cosmetics often have a characteristic odor, which is why they are important for providing a more pleasant aroma. Essential oils used in body creams can also be an extension of aromatherapy.
However, there are some precautions to take into account: they should not be applied pure to the skin, and it is recommended to dilute them in a base oil to avoid sensitivity or skin irritation reactions.
Can Essential Oils Be Ingested?
Although the food industry sometimes uses these oils as flavorings, not all of them can be ingested.
Lemon, orange and vanilla essential oils can be used, in very small quantities, in pastries and sweets. However, some essential oils are irritating to the digestive mucosa if ingested. In this case, you should always consult the information available on the label of the product you intend to purchase, to understand whether it is suitable for consumption or not, or seek specialized advice.
Essential Oils and Vegetable Oils: What are the Differences?
A vegetable oil differs from an essential oil because it does not contain the volatile compounds so valued in aromatherapy and, therefore, does not evaporate at room temperature and is not soluble in alcohol. Therefore, a vegetable oil for cosmetic use will be more suitable for skin care, given its richness in omega-3 and 6, in addition to vitamins A and E.
Tip: How to Use an Oil to Aromatize the Environment?
- Directly add 3 drops of your favorite oil, or dilute 5 to 10 drops in water in a ceramic diffuser and light a candle in the lower dish.
How to Make Relaxing Body Cream with Essential Oils?
Ingredients:
- 100 g Shea butter
- 50 g coconut oil
- 50 g Sweet almond oil
- 6 drops of orange blossom essential oil
- 6 drops of cinnamon essential oil
Preparation:
Heat the shea butter and coconut oil in a bain-marie until they melt. Remove from the heat and let cool for 30 minutes or until the mixture is lukewarm. Add sweet almond oil and essential oils and combine all ingredients. Wait until the mixture starts to solidify and then stir again to obtain a homogeneous and creamy texture. Reserve in a bottle and use whenever you want.