Ways to use essential oils. Aromatic oils: types, properties and methods of application. For rinsing the mouth and throat

Aromatherapy as a field of knowledge about the forms and methods of influence on the body of essential oils is becoming more and more popular every day. Someone, without going into the intricacies of this complex practical science, just sometimes uses his favorite essential oils"by mood", someone is limited to aromatization of rooms, and many turn to aromatherapy as a method of prevention or treatment.

The influence on a person of the main instrument of aromatherapy - essential oils, is far from limited to the sphere of physiology, affecting both the psychological state, and the emotional sphere, and social ties. And this impact cannot be assessed unambiguously, decomposed according to clear criteria-categories. The nature of the influence of specific agents depends not only on the characteristics of the oils themselves, but also on the correct selection of methods and methods of their application. And there are so many variations of their classification that it is time to get confused even by experienced professionals.

Methods for the practical use of aroma oils, and, accordingly, the methods of aromatherapy are divided into separate groups and subclasses, guided by a variety of criteria - from the purpose of application to the scope of application, from the characteristics of exposure to intensity. But the most important classification is beyond doubt: all methods of aromatherapy can be divided into internal and external.

Taking essential oils internally

Many aromatherapists generally do not recommend taking any essential oils internally (even diluted and in minimal doses), not to mention pure use, because only a few essential oils can boast of absolute non-toxicity and the absence of the effect of irritation of the mucous membranes.

You can relatively safely use citrus aromatic oils, spices, and (if there is no individual intolerance) as a therapeutic internal remedy, but only under the careful supervision and control of a specialist.

Internally, oils previously diluted in the base (honey or sugar) are used, washed down with a sufficiently large amount of juice or water.

Internal methods of application include not only direct intake as medicinal product, but also rinses, oral treatments and enrichment of culinary delicacies and drinks. Absolutely safe, helping to relieve severe and inflammation, all rinsing of the mouth or throat, as well as the use of aromatic oils as an additive to toothpastes and balms, are considered.

In cooking, with the help of various aromatic oils, they give a special smell, enriching tea (,), strong alcoholic drinks and wine (citrus and spicy oils).

External methods of applying oils

External methods can be conditionally divided into two large groups:

1. inhalation- affecting the respiratory system, sense of smell.
2. Transdermal- methods affecting the skin.

Aromatization of rooms and disinfection are most often included in inhalation methods, but in some cases they are separated into a group of methods for domestic use. Some methods, such as scented baths, belong to two groups at the same time - they act both through the respiratory organs and penetrating the skin.

1. Inhalation methods

All inhalation methods are based on the perception of aromas by the respiratory and olfactory organs. They are widely used not only in non-traditional, but also in official medicine, in particular, in the treatment of complicated and chronic respiratory diseases.

This group of methods includes various ways the use of aromatic oils - from room aromatization and individual perfumes to inhalations and sauna aromatization.

Aroma lamps and aroma burners

Of course, the most common way of aromatherapy can be attributed to this group of "breathing" methods - the use of oils in. It is also called the method of scattered, or non-concentrated exposure. Evaporating together in water, into which a few drops of the selected essential oil or prepared mixture are introduced, under the influence of a candle flame or electric heating, the molecules of aromatic oils enter the air, aromatizing the room and affecting the organs of smell.

The standard dosage is 6 drops for every 15 square meters of the room. This method is used not only for refreshing and deodorizing rooms, their disinfection, but also for creating a special mood, changing the psychological and emotional state.

Aromatization of premises

An alternative to this method is to spray a cold water mixture with essential oils using a spray bottle - a natural analogue of an industrial spray deodorant with chemicals at the base. when sprayed, it is much less pronounced than when heated in an aroma lamp, and the effect on the inhaler is softer and weaker.

From 3 to maximum 10 drops of aromatic oils are added to a glass of purified water, while either adding a teaspoon of alcohol for greater stability, or reducing the storage period of the deodorant mixture to 1 week. The action of the nebulizer is usually felt for a not very long period of time.

Inhalations with aromatic oils

Do not confuse aromatization using an aroma lamp with inhalations, which are rightfully considered an intensive therapeutic (healing) procedure.

Hot inhalations carried out by inhaling the steam of intensely boiled water with the addition of essential oils (covered with a towel and with eyes closed) or using special devices. Such an intense impact very strongly and quickly changes the state, so the procedure is not carried out for longer than 5-10 minutes, and the concentration of aromatic oils is in no case exceeded.

Cold inhalation carried out by inhaling undiluted, pure aroma oil (or a mixture) directly from the bottle, using a personal aroma pendant, impregnating a handkerchief with it or applying dotted on bed linen. Cold inhalations are also quite intense, but they change the state less dramatically, affecting mainly the emotional and psychological state, sleep and mood.

Perfume, hydrosol, perfume compositions

Individual perfumes, colognes, fragrant water () and toilet water also affect the olfactory organs and serve as a supportive, prophylactic agent rather than a component of therapy.

They use mixtures of essential oils or their solutions in alcohol and water, like ordinary perfume compositions, creating a base, but with a pronounced psychological and emotional background. This is a purely individual method of aromatherapy.

Bath and sauna with essential oils

Unlike baths, they are perceived exclusively through the respiratory organs, so their use in these procedures also applies to inhalation methods. The main effect of aromatic oils in this case is preventive.

The room is scented every hour, not pouring the mixture onto hot stones, but spraying the heated surfaces of the room: from 5 to 15 drops of selected essential oils should be taken on a ladle of water.

2. Transdermal (skin) methods

Skin methods include not only baths, which are partly a breathing procedure, but also massages, rubbing, compresses, applications and all ways of enriching cosmetics - from daily and special creams to lotions, balms, shampoos and shower gels.

Regardless of the method of application, essential oils are never applied directly to the skin in a pure, undiluted form.

Aroma baths

is not only preventive, but also medical procedure. Baths can be hot, warm or almost cool. Comfortable temperature is selected individually.

Aroma oils are by no means injected directly into water, but are first diluted in a reliable emulsifier - milk, yogurt, kefir, honey, wine, sea salt.

The duration of the procedure to avoid deterioration of well-being should not exceed 20 minutes, while the standard dosage is from 2 to 6 drops of fragrant oil.

Massage with essential oils

Massages with the addition of essential oils are also very different. Light, relaxing, aromatherapy, soothing or intense healing - the type of massage is chosen depending on the purpose for which it is carried out.

Actually, this is a separate type of massage with a completely different technique than the usual procedures.

Essential oils (just a couple of drops per 10-15 grams of base) are mixed into a massage cream or only then applied to the skin.

Rubbing, compresses and applications

• Rubbing used as an alternative to massage or for a quick localized effect on the source of pain, discomfort. A sufficiently large dose of essential oils is injected into the base oil (the largest - up to 15 drops per tablespoon) and rubbed into the place of discomfort on the skin until completely absorbed, making intense circular movements.
• In addition to rubbing, local effects are also compresses(hot or cold, depending on the nature of the damage and inflammation), which are done by applying fabric or gauze soaked in a mixture of water and aromatic oils (up to 8 drops per glass).
• Applications usually done for small areas of damaged skin (ulcers, eczema, severe cuts), using cotton soaked in pure or diluted essential oil.

The types of compresses also include weak soaking of bandage dressings with antiseptic oils mixed with alcohol or vodka (up to 5 drops per teaspoon), wrapping the body with sheets soaked in water with a few drops of aromatic oils per liter. This procedure is considered one of the best for intense skin hydration.

Flavored water is used for rinsing and washing. Up to 8 drops of essential oil are added to a liter of ordinary water, shaken and washed or rinsed with hair and body like with ordinary water.

There are so many different essential oils these days that it can sometimes be very difficult to make right choice. Each of them has very strong and unique properties, so it is important to understand what and in what case to use. When you hold a bottle of essential oil in your hands, you are literally looking at the very essence of the plant. We'd like to give you tips on how to get the most out of it.

1. Cure bruises

Arnica oil is known to increase circulation and can actually help heal bruising, swelling, and inflammation. It can be applied directly to the site of a bruise or swelling, or added to a bath. But be aware that arnica is a poisonous plant and its oil should not be used regularly. Also, it is definitely not suitable for ingestion or oral use.

2. Relieve headache

To get rid of a headache, mix two drops each of peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender oil, add to the base oil. Apply this mixture to the skin behind the ears, back of the neck, forehead and under the nose.

3. As a repellant

Use cedarwood, citronella, or clove oil to get rid of mosquitoes. You can use them in a diffuser or mix them with a small amount of coconut oil, wait until it hardens, and then simply apply to the skin.

4. Clean up the house

Replace chemicals for cleaning the house, you can use eucalyptus or tea tree essential oils, which have excellent disinfectant properties. It is important to remember that these oils are not water soluble, so if you just add a few drops to a can of water, they will stay on the surface. To prepare an effective cleaning solution, you must first dissolve the oil in alcohol, and then add it to a mixture of vinegar and water.

5. Improve skin condition

Essential oils are great for skin care. It is better to use lavender, jojoba, geranium and rosehip oils. For regular skin care, add a few drops to a carrier oil or warm honey, leave on face for 10-15 minutes, then rinse. For daily use, you can add a few drops to the cream.

6. Deodorize wastebaskets

Considering that all food waste is thrown into them, it is not surprising that the smell of trash cans leaves much to be desired. To get rid of it, you should mix a few drops of geranium, grapefruit or lemon oil with baking soda and sprinkle the bottom of the trash can with this mixture.

7. Hair care

Mix a few drops of jojoba, ginger, rosehip, lavender, rosemary and thyme oil with a carrier oil, apply to hair (including roots), and leave for 30 minutes, then rinse. If you do this procedure several times a month, the results will be very impressive.

8. Relieve stress

You can massage with a few drops of lavender oil. Massage should be the muscles of the neck, temples and under the ear right behind the jaw.

9. Refresh the refrigerator

Use lime, grapefruit, bergamot, or lemongrass oil after washing your fridge to keep it smelling nice and fresh.

10. Clean the bathroom

Use lemon, grapefruit, rosemary, or geranium oil in a diffuser to freshen the air in your bathroom.

11. Get rid of stubborn stains

If you have a stain on your clothes that is not easy to wash, it's time to use lemon oil. It works great on wax, oil, gum or glue stains. But be aware that lemon oil is highly acidic and can even damage plastic or cause skin irritation.

12. Refresh carpets

Refresh your carpet with geranium, lavender, lemon or peppermint oil. Just add the oil to the baking soda, sprinkle it on the carpet, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, and then dry.

13. The smell of bath towels

Apply a few drops of your favorite essential oil to a cloth and place in the dryer with clean towels. You will get a pleasant and gentle smell.

14. Relax

Want to take a hot relaxing bath? Add chamomile, lavender or jasmine oil to the water and enjoy.

15. Stay alert

If you are very tired, but there is no time to sleep, rosemary oil will help you. Use it in a diffuser or apply a few drops to a fabric. It's a good idea to leave a small bottle of this oil in your car if you drive a lot, so you can use it when you feel really tired but can't take a break.

16. Get rid of leg pain

Our feet are often sore and tired by the end of a long day. To get rid of the feeling of fatigue, you should add a few drops of peppermint oil to a salt bath.

17. Strengthen the immune system

Oregano oil is known for its ability to boost the immune system. Just rub it on your feet.

18. Body Detox

To do this, prepare a warm bath with salt and rosemary or juniper oil.

19. Relax your muscles

Mix 30 ml of wintergreen essential oil and 1 ml of peppermint oil with half a glass of alcohol (preferably 70 percent), and apply the resulting mixture to the area of ​​\u200b\u200bdiseased muscles. Do not use this remedy immediately after a workout while the muscles are warmed up, as it can be painful.

20. Conditioner

Refresh your air conditioner by placing a cotton ball in front of the vent and adding a few drops of your favorite oil to it.

note

Unfortunately, there are many counterfeit essential oils on the market these days. Some dishonest sellers dilute real essential oils with cheap cooking oils to reduce their cost. The good news is that you can check the quality of the product. Put a drop of oil on paper and leave for a few minutes. Pure 100% essential oil should evaporate without leaving a greasy residue. Keep in mind that this test can only be applied to essential oils.

Essential oil is a fragrant volatile substance isolated from flowers, seeds, roots, leaves, fruits, wood or resin of plants.

Oils give plants their fragrance. The properties of oils depend on the type of plants, their growing conditions, the part used, as well as the method of production. Often, from different parts of the same plant, oils of different composition and smell are obtained. Essential oils are obtained by distillation (from greens and bark), extraction (from inflorescences, petals and roots) and pressing (from peel and fruit).

Essential oils have wide range biological activity. Some of them are antiseptics, others are antispasmodics, others regenerate cells, others calm or, on the contrary, excite the nervous system. At the same time, essential oils are potent agents that can not only help, but also harm, if you do not follow the recommendations for use.

The table will help to understand the pharmacological properties of essential oils.

The use of essential oils

Essential oils should not be applied to the skin without a base. You should take care of your eyes. Keep oils out of the reach of children. It is not recommended to use essential oils for pregnant women, as well as people prone to allergies.

Essential oils do not mix with water and are not used in their pure form. In cosmetology and medicine, essential oils are used with a base. It can be wax, honey, milk, cream. But most often these are the so-called transport oils.

Transport (base) oils are oils plant origin, both solid (for example, shea butter) and liquid (olive, sea buckthorn, almond, jojoba and others). They promote the penetration of essential oil into the body and provide a mild therapeutic effect.

Bath and bath

An aromatic bath is a great way to relax after a hard day. Relieves stress and relaxes sandalwood, geranium, lavender, rose oil. Muscle tension (for example, after a workout) will help eliminate vervain and juniper oil. During the period colds baths with pine or lemon oil are recommended.

Rules

• Before taking an aroma bath, you need to wash yourself.
• Water temperature - 36–38 ºС.
• As a base, you can use honey, kefir, whey, milk, sea salt or transport oil.
• Do not use gel, shampoo, foam and other cosmetics during the procedure.
• Frequency and time - 5-25 minutes no more than three times a week.
• After taking an aromatic bath, do not rinse and wipe dry.

In the bath, essential oil is added to a ladle of water to give it to the heater. Recommended oils that improve breathing: cedar, eucalyptus, spruce and others. In addition, brooms can be moistened with a mixture of base and essential oils.

Essential oils enhance the healing properties of massage, improve skin condition and affect the nervous system. Different oils will have different pharmacological effects. So, cloves accelerate warming up and stimulate blood circulation. Nutmeg relieves rheumatic pains, citrus fruits contribute to the breakdown of adipose tissue, and rose, jasmine and sandalwood have a lifting effect.

Rules

• Massage mixture recipe: 3–5 drops of essential oil + 10–15 ml of base oil (for the body - peach, olive, apricot, almond; for the face - jojoba, macadamia, avocado).
• Choose oil not only for pharmacological properties but also the smell. It should be pleasant to the person who is being massaged.
• During the massage, give preference to soft circular movements.
• After the session, you need to lie down for 10-20 minutes, you should not go outside for an hour.

Inhalations

Inhalations with essential oils - excellent remedy from flu (thyme, ginger), bronchitis (eucalyptus, pine, thuja), stomatitis (orange, calendula), as well as for cleansing the face (oregano, tea tree).

People with asthma and other serious illnesses respiratory tract inhalations should be carried out with the permission and under the supervision of the attending physician.

Cold inhalation

• Apply a few drops of oil to a cloth or paper towel.
• Inhale the aroma through your nose evenly and deeply for 5-10 minutes.

Hot inhalations

• If available, use a special inhaler.
• If you don't have an inhaler, add 2-4 drops of oil to a container of hot water. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the vapors for 5-10 minutes. It is recommended to carry out the procedure with your eyes closed.

Aroma compresses help relieve pain in the joints, back and soft tissues. Essential oils penetrate the skin to the problem area and have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antispasmodic effects.

For chronic diseases, consult your doctor about the possibility of using aromatic compresses.

Cold compresses effective for tumors, sprains, bruises.

Rules

• Dampen a flannel or other cotton cloth cold water and apply 3-5 drops of essential oil on it.
• Apply to damaged area. Secure with an elastic bandage.
• Or prepare a mixture of basic and essential oils (30 ml - 15 drops), soak a cloth with it and apply it to the diseased part of the body.

Warm compresses treat chronic diseases They relieve pain and inflammation. Useful for rheumatism, osteochondrosis and sciatica. The rules are the same, only warm water is used, and the compress is wrapped up.

Oriental beauties have been using ethers since ancient times as a means of personal care. Oils add to the cosmetic also a therapeutic effect.

Cosmetics with a neutral composition should be enriched. Products designed to address specific concerns (such as anti-aging products) are best used without additives.

There are many recipes for home cosmetics with essential oils. Here is some of them.

• Mask for the face: for 1 tablespoon of clay powder, 2-3 drops of essential oil, then you need to add water to achieve a paste consistency. Apply the mask on your face, avoiding the eye area, leave to dry and rinse with warm water.
• Face cream: take any neutral cream (for example, for children), prepare a mixture of base and essential oils. The first should correspond to the type of skin (dry, normal, combination, oily, problematic), and the second - the purpose of use (fighting rashes, moisturizing, and so on). The approximate dosage is 10–15 drops of the mixture per 150 g of the base.
• Skin lotion: dilute the infusion medicinal herbs water (in equal proportions), dissolve 2-3 drops of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of alcohol and add to the filtered solution. Apply lotion to face and neck.
• Aromaled: Mix 1 teaspoon of honey with 1-2 drops of essential oil, dissolve the resulting mixture in water, pour into molds and freeze. Use flavored ice cubes to rub your face to relieve redness.
• Shampoo: use a product with the most natural composition, add oil to the palm of the shampoo directly when washing (1-2 drops) or into a bottle (13 drops per 100 ml).

Aroma lamps and aroma stones

Aroma lamps and aroma stones are used for indoor aromatization and aromatherapy.

(or aroma incense burner) is a bowl where water is poured and essential oil is added, and a candle is placed under it. As the water heats up, the air is filled with the vapors of the essential oil.

Aromatization with a lamp

• Ventilate the room.
• Pour warm water (50–55 ºС) into the bowl. The volume of the bowl is at least 50 ml, otherwise the water will evaporate too quickly.
• Add essential oil: 2 drops for every 5 sq. m area.
• Light a candle. The minimum distance from the flame to the bowl is 10 cm.
• The duration of the procedure is from 20 minutes to 2 hours. Add water periodically. Do not leave the lamp unattended.

aroma stone has a porous structure and retains odors for a long time. You can buy it or make it yourself from gypsum. The peculiarity of the aroma stone is the locality of action. If the aroma from the lamp spreads throughout the room, then from the stone - only a short distance. Therefore, the aroma stone can be used even in the workplace.

Aromatization with stone

• Apply 2-4 drops of oil to the stone.
• Place the stone on a table, in a closet, bag or pocket.
• Add oil as the scent dissipates.

They also make sachets with essential oils. An aromatic bag with rose oil will give a pleasant aroma to linen and clothes, and a sachet with lavender on the bedside table will give you a sound sleep.

(or aroma medallions) is an accessory made of porous clay that easily absorbs and retains odors for a long time.

Its wearing is especially important during influenza epidemics. Ginger, cedar, eucalyptus, mint and other oils help the body fight viruses and strengthen the immune system.

How to use aroma coulombs?

• Choose the oil according to its properties and smell.
• Put 2-3 drops into the pendant.
• Refill the pendant after three days.

These are the basic principles for using essential oils.

How do you use essential oils?

Essential oils are true natural cures for a wide variety of physical and mental illnesses. They help to maintain health and heal from many ailments. In addition, they are widely used in cosmetology, massages, added to shampoos, creams, dripped into aroma lamps and heaters in baths (See "Essential oils. Table of applications and properties").

There is a whole science that studies essential oils, draws up application tables and heals people with the power of nature.

Various parts of plants are used for production. Aromatic hydrocarbons are produced by:

• water distillation;
• cold pressed;
• extraction;
• through the use of carbon dioxide.

The production method depends on the plant and is chosen in such a way as to maximize the use of raw materials and preserve all the beneficial substances. For example, citrus zest is usually cold pressed, while lavender is water distilled.
Read more about essential oils and how to get it in ours.
Learn more about the benefits of essential oils below. The application table shows the main medicinal and cosmetic properties of each.

Essential oils. Application table

Essential oils - natural aromatic compounds extracted from different parts plants - tree bark, stem, leaf, flower, root or seed. They are the quintessence of the plant, as they contain all their biological benefits in a concentrated form. In ancient times, distillation was seen as extracting from a plant its spirit and life force - so it often had a religious and mystical meaning.

As a rule, essential oils are extracted from the plant by steam distillation. There are other methods of their production, such as the use of a cold press, distillation with water, the use of sorbents and selective solvents, but the use of steam is the easiest and most affordable way, and is widespread in today's industry.

The effect of essential oils is determined by the concentration of various chemical compounds, as well as the frequency of their use, method of use and dosage. Also, the quality and purity of the product has a significant impact on the effect.