The use of essential oils dates back to ancient times when they were traditionally used for therapeutic, spiritual, hygienic, and ritualistic purposes. Chiefly, essential oils are obtained from the stems of plants through steam distillation. They are essential in the sense that they come with the fragrance of the plant from which they are obtained. We describe in this article top essential oils and their application on the skin.
Today, essential oils are used as natural remedies for beauty and body cleansing purposes. Sometimes, they are used aromatically and therapeutically. Because of the chemicals used in these oils, caution should be observed to ensure that they do not react badly with the skin. Whenever choosing natural oil, the word “diluted” should never escape your mind. There are cases where the use of undiluted oils resulted in permanent sensitivity. For extra surety, it is advisable to apply a small amount of the oil you intend to use on the arm to gauge its reaction.
There is a wide variety of essential oils available in the markets today.
Their types and uses have been broken down below as follows;
1. Lavender Oil
This type of oil is one of the more popular varieties used in the world and is said to have been in use for 2,500 years now. The Egyptians used it for mummifications and as perfume. The Romans also used it for bathing, cooking, and incense. This only goes to put the power of Lavender into perspective.
Use- If you want to use Lavender at home to smell good or give your house a great scent, add several drops of water for subtleness. If you want it strong, you can rub it between your hands and apply it directly to your skin or hair as it is safe.
2. Oregano
This Oil is loved for its natural antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and anti-parasitic properties. Because it is highly potent, Oregano must never be used undiluted. The oil is not very pleasant to the nose, but it helps during times of illness, especially when diffused in the air.
Uses- If you have a problem with marjoram, Lavender basil, mint, or sage, it is likely that you will have a problem with Oregano and its essential oil. However, this oil blends well with other essential components and can be combined for maximum results. If used in high quantities, it can lead to irritation of the skin and the mucus membrane. In pregnant women, the use of this oil is discouraged as it can cause miscarriages due to its ability to stimulate hormones-if it stimulates the hormones that cause menstruation, the pregnancy is terminated. External use of the oil goes a long way in ridding the body of intestinal parasites. It can be used to rid people of athlete’s foot, kill ringworms, remove warts, and speed muscle recovery.
3. Peppermint Essential Oils
Peppermint has a powerful ability to provide mental clarity with its invigorating strength.
Uses-If you are daring and creative, you can use this oil at home to make homemade toothpaste and lotion recipes. You can make use of it to make a homemade vapor rub. Peppermint can have not-so-pleasant effects on pregnant women; hence, they are dissuaded against it. However, supposing you have headaches, pain in your neck, an upset stomach, or aching feet, this is the oil you should go for. People can still use the same oil as an ingredient of your homemade spray as it has the ability to eliminate them. Add peppermint oil to a mixture of apple cedar vinegar and water to heal your sunburns.
4. Lemon Oil
This oil is cold-pressed from the rinds of lemons, a process that gives the oil its aroma and the brightness of a freshly picked fruit. Due to its sweet, nostalgic, and cheerful scent, lemon oil can be diffused into the hair to bring a pleasant scent.
The uses-Lemon essential oil has a bright joyful aroma that can greatly benefit your hair and skin. It also comes in handy in reducing the appearance of blemishes on the skin of teens. Lemon oil has the ability to smoothen and make your hair shine if you mix it well with your conditioner. Lemon has the components of citrus oil and should therefore not be applied to a part of the skin that gets exposed to direct sunlight or used by people who spend a lot of their time outdoors as it can cause photosensitivity. For your home cleaning needs, add a number of drops to a naturally derived floor, window, and all surface cleaning solutions. This way you will get to enjoy the cheerful scent of fresh lemons.
5. Sandalwood
Due to its effectiveness, sandalwood is ranked among the most expensive oils and is available in small, affordable quantities. It is obtained by the distillation of chips and billets cut from the sandalwood tree. Sandalwood has anti-inflammatory, expectorant, sedative, memory boosting properties and can also be used as a tonic substance. The best essentials of the sandalwood tree are obtained when the tree is 80 years old this is the time it has more oil and a strong aroma.
Uses-In the Hindu religion, sandalwood is considered to be very holy and indispensable and is used in many religious rituals and ceremonies. They use it as an offering to their gods and goddesses, in decorating their babies during birthdays, in marriages to decorate the bride and the bridegroom, and also mixed with flowers to embalm bodies and foreheads, a common practice in their culture. In the world of yoga, Sandalwood is used by yogis to uplift their moods by applying it to their necks. Applying the same on the neck also helps to preserve and protect energy. For one’s skin and as a beauty product, this oil can be added to the bathtub after which one can soak themselves in the water for some time.
Generally, it can be said that essential oils are very vital in the development of great healthy lives. From hygiene to the cleansing of our bodies as well as clearing our minds, they are a great help in promoting natural healing and should be used properly for maximum benefits.