Aromatherapy - benefit or harm. Essential oils: useful properties and contraindications, how to use Is essential oil harmful?

Essential oils are natural products obtained from plants, which is why many people think that they are completely safe to use. Judging by Internet requests, people often wonder if there is any harm from essential oil. Even though they are 100% natural, they are very strong concentrates. So, to obtain 1 liter of lavender essential oil, about 100 kg of lavender flowers are required. This means that the extract does not have the same properties as the plant itself, but much more powerful. Yes, oils can provide great health benefits, but there are situations where the harm from essential oils will outweigh and you should not use them. After reading this article, you will know when these substances are no longer safe.

Essential oils are harmful. Description of cases

If you are taking them in capsule form.

Although essential oils in capsules are freely available in health food stores and herbal pharmacies, it is not recommended to take them without consulting your doctor. Only a specialist can tell you for sure whether this is really necessary. Also, you have to be careful with your choice. Quality capsules have a durable body that allows them to pass safely through the digestive system. The harm from essential oil can be serious - after the capsule dissolves, all the oil enters the body at once.

During pregnancy

Due to the presence of very powerful compounds in the composition, essential oils are not recommended for pregnant women. If you still do not want to give them up, be sure to consult your doctor to determine the correct dosage and receive recommendations for use. And keep in mind that some extracts may be unsafe for both the fetus and the woman herself. The harm from essential oils during pregnancy can be caused by two people at once.

Before going out into the sun.

According to experts, some essential oils contain coumarins - substances that react with the UV rays of the sun. This reaction is quite capable of causing photodermatitis. So, extracts from lemon, orange and grapefruit are capable of provoking this disease. Therefore, if you plan to go to the beach, for example, do not use extracts of these plants within 12 hours before leaving home. But after sunburn, you can use

And always remember that essential oils and the harm they can cause are very specific to each organism. Listen to your body and everything will be fine!

Application essential oils in aromatherapy and has been known for skin care since ancient times, application of essential oils found in the days of the Egyptian pharaohs, ancient Greeks and Romans. Already then they used essential oils for weight loss... Also widely used essential oils for hair... The most beautiful women of that time could not do without essential oils for hair and essential oils for face... If you select essential oils for weight loss, essential oils for hair, essential oils for the skin, essential oils for the face correctly, then their effect will affect not only the appearance, but also health, sexual life and the state of the nervous system. That is why the use of essential oils and aromatherapy with essential oils are often called aromatherapy.

Essential oils for hair and essential oils for skin are extracted from different parts of plants, and these processes are extremely complex. It is important to preserve all the beneficial properties of plants so that their healing power helps to maintain health and beauty. Specifically, tea tree essential oil, orange essential oil, lemon essential oil, rosemary essential oil, lavender essential oil, ylang-ylang essential oil are produced.

Can essential oils for hair, essential oils for skin and essential oils for weight loss to be as effective as salon beauty treatments? In some cases, they can. It's not for nothing tea tree essential oil, essential oil of orange, lemon essential oil, rosemary essential oil, lavender essential oil and Ylang Ylang essential oil are used as active ingredients in the creation of professional cosmetics.

Now let's talk about which essential oils are suitable for different parts of the body. Experts consider essential oils made from bergamot, sage, sandalwood, essential oils of lavender, thyme and essential oils from ylang-ylang (normal hair), cedarwood, chamomile, geranium, essential oils from ylang-ylang to be excellent essential oils for hair. essential oils of lavender, essential oils from orange and rose (dry hair and scalp), basil of burdock, calendula, eucalyptus and essential oils of lavender (oily skin), as well as cypress, juniper, lemon essential oil, essential oils from ylang-ylang, marjoram and peppermint (sensitive skin).

The use of essential oils for weight loss has long been successfully used. They normalize metabolism and act as diuretics. Essential oils made on the basis of juniper and cypress do an excellent job with these duties. For 12 drops of juniper oil, 13 drops of cypress and 50 ml of jojoba are added. This mixture should be used during massage, and it is enough to add 5-6 drops to the bath. The use of sweet orange essential oil, which needs to be rubbed into the skin, also helps to lose weight.

If we talk about the best essential oils for the face and essential oils for the skin, then it is worth mentioning orange, ylang-ylang essential oil, lavender essential oil, cardamom and rosemary essential oil, tea tree essential oil. Here's a recipe for a great mask that softens and tones your skin. Five drops of cardamom essential oil, a teaspoon of honey, two tablespoons of milk or cream (the latter is for dry skin), half a teaspoon of salt. Apply the essential oil to cleansed skin and rinse off after 5 minutes.

Essential oil treatments are also popular. For treatment with essential oils, rosemary essential oil, lemon essential oil, and tea tree essential oil are suitable. They are usually added with inhalation. Eastern medicine makes extensive use of essential oil treatments. Also, essential oils of rose, sandalwood, myrrh, juniper, chamomile, mint, rosemary and other essential oils are used for treatment with essential oils.

Essential oils are also used in the massage parlor. Tea tree essential oil, lemon essential oil can be added to massage oil mixtures. Essential oils are essential for aromatherapy.

Tea tree essential oil helps with coughs, colds, food poisoning. Also, tea tree essential oil is effective for fungal skin lesions. And especially tea tree essential oil is effective for fungal nail infections.

Lemon essential oil is considered to increase blood pressure. In addition, lemon essential oil is indispensable for diseases of the respiratory system. And finally, lemon essential oil relieves headaches, migraines, if essential oils are used in the aromatization of premises.

Very helpful and important properties of essential oils their ability to help with women's problems is considered. In case of menstrual irregularities, it is worth trying sitz baths with essential oils of cinnamon, juniper, chamomile, basil, wormwood.

Do you have problems with your teeth and oral cavity in general? And here the beneficial properties of essential oils will help. Essential oils of lemon, mint, cinnamon will help with bad breath.

Essential oils of chamomile, patchouli, and juniper are considered excellent remedies for allergies. Essential oils of eucalyptus, pine, cedar and rosemary disinfect the room. Other useful properties of essential oils: essential oils of lemon, mint, rosemary, lavender save you from nausea.

Essential oils can be used both in cleansing the body of toxins, and in neutralizing certain types of poisons.

The beneficial properties of essential oils of thyme, lemon, chamomile and bergamot are their antibacterial effect. And the beneficial properties of essential oils of oregano and sandalwood are to relax the nervous system of the body.

Whichever essential oil you choose will benefit you sooner or later - proven for generations!

Essential oils are very popular these days and are used in the cosmetic field to improve the quality of the skin, for medicinal purposes and the prevention of various diseases. In addition, they are actively used for aromatizing rooms, baths, improving psychophysical health and emotional state (for invigorating, calming, relaxing, increasing potency, etc.). There are many ways to use them, today we will discuss the most popular of them.

Properties of essential oils.
Essential oils should be understood to mean mixtures of volatile aromatic substances that are isolated from various parts of plants (roots, wood, resin, seeds, bark, fruits, leaves and flowers). It is important to note that the younger the plant, the more essential oils it contains. They are transparent or slightly colored liquids with a characteristic aroma and concentrated taste, characterized by the ability to quickly evaporate. Today they are used in various fields of medicine and cosmetology.

The properties of essential oils are directly dependent on the raw materials from which they are obtained. Their unique healing properties and positive effects on our body have been known and used for a long time. I must say that, due to the presence of biologically active substances in the composition, almost all of them have a bactericidal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial and regenerating effect, have a beneficial effect on our nervous system, help to preserve and restore the beauty of the skin and hair, and also restore the mechanism of self-regulation in the body. Some representatives of this group of oils help cleanse the body of toxins and toxins, have a therapeutic effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, have a positive effect on the psychophysical and emotional state of the body, activating blood circulation, relieving stress, eliminating discomfort, feeling of insecurity, increasing efficiency, etc. ...

Each essential oil has special qualities and benefits. For example, chamomile, lemon, bergamot, and thyme oils have powerful antibacterial properties. They tone and warm sage, cinnamon, nutmeg (used to massage biologically active points, thereby increasing blood circulation and lymphatic drainage), and, conversely, cool mint and lavender. Oregano, incense, rose, fir and sandalwood are perfect for relaxation, while lemon balm and lemongrass are excellent stimulants. Rose, pine, as well as geranium, chamomile, myrrh and rosewood oils exhibit powerful regenerating properties. It is these properties that are very effective when used in skin care oils. Just a few drops in homemade masks and creams, and their effectiveness will increase several times.

Among the unique properties of essential oils should be highlighted the ability to regulate the level of hormones in the body, which are responsible for the preservation and maintenance of youth. Among them are oil of myrrh, sandalwood, jasmine, ylang-ylang, rose, neroli, patchouli, etc. The high efficiency of their use is due to the phytohormones contained in oils, which have a structure similar to human hormones.

Some representatives of essential oils have a powerful antioxidant effect (juniper, rosewood, vetiver, myrrh, rose, etc.), they help to restore the oxygen balance in our body, while eliminating the toxic effects of oxygen in excess, thereby slowing down natural aging cells, enhancing tissue respiration and blood supply.

The uniqueness of essential oils is manifested in the fact that when they are used in each specific case, their healing and beneficial effect is directed exactly to the area that needs it most. That is why it is so important to choose the right essential oil in this or that case. If this condition is met, the positive effect will appear rather quickly.

Before using this or that type of essential oil, it is important to carefully read the instructions, paying attention to contraindications and its properties. For example, if the oil is a stimulant of vigor and activity, then it is better not to use it at night, or, conversely, if it has a relaxing effect, do not use it during your hours of activity. You also need to consider the effects of the oil scent on your body. It so happens that the skin becomes magnificent from the use of one or another oil, but at the same time its aroma worsens the condition and your well-being, or you simply cannot stand it.

Each essential oil has specific contraindications, so be sure to take them into account before using. Pregnancy and epilepsy are considered absolute contraindications to their use (including for the skin), some types may be prohibited for people with hypertension, etc.

Some essential oils can be phototoxic and cause skin irritation and redness (especially citrus oils) when exposed to sunlight. That is why it is better to apply such oils two hours before going out into open sunlight, before sunbathing in a solarium and in the open sun.

The use of essential oils in cosmetology.
It is important to note that essential oils for the skin, as a rule, are prohibited for use in undiluted or pure form (with the exception of some representatives that are applied directly to problem areas), since they provoke severe irritation of the skin. Therefore, before use, they must be diluted in vegetable (base) oils. Basically, they are enriched with self-prepared creams and masks for the skin of the body and face, as well as hair. But adding them to shop cosmetics is not advisable, because, according to some experts, due to its ability to penetrate deeply into skin tissues, the oil can "deliver" all the harmful substances (chemistry) that are present in the finished product there.

I note that after using essential oils, slight redness may appear on the skin, which quickly pass. If the redness is accompanied by severe itching, discomfort and discomfort, then these types of oils are not suitable for you. Or, such a reaction can be caused by the abuse of essential oils (overdose).

Essential oils have a broad spectrum of action in skin care. They are used for any type of skin in order to cleanse, rejuvenate, increase the firmness and elasticity of the skin, to treat irritation, inflammation, redness, acne, post-acne, etc.

For example, in the care of oily and problem skin, rosemary, camphor, grapefruit, bergamot, lemon balm, lemon, orange, tea tree, fir, clove, patchouli oils are recommended; for dry and sensitive skin - myrrh, blue chamomile, rose, jasmine, patchouli, sandalwood, orange; for any type of skin - lemon, ylang-ylang, neroli, geranium, jasmine; for fading, aging, emaciated, flabby and flabby skin - orange, rose, patchouli, neroli, anise.

Myrtle, lemon, marjoram, lemon balm, ylang-ylang, rosemary, grapefruit are ideal for cleansing the skin and tightening pores. Lavender, blue chamomile, jasmine, patchouli, geranium are great for relieving irritation. If you want to saturate the skin with vitamins and give it tone, effectively use the oil of verbena, orange, spruce, rosewood.

Essential oils such as neroli, verbena, sandalwood, bigardia, ylang-ylang, orange, jasmine, incense, rose have a rejuvenating effect. Myrrh, sandalwood, patchouli, rose, fennel, neroli have a lifting effect (lifting).

To restore or regenerate the skin, it is effective to use the oil of geranium, ylang-ylang, rose, lavender, myrrh, chamomile, cloves, jasmine.

Limette, rose, mint, neroli and verbena oils will help to restore the skin to a healthy and fresh complexion, to give a natural glow.

You can eliminate swelling with the help of lemon, lime, myrrh, juniper, chamomile, pine oil, and cajaput, geranium, orange, lemon, juniper will help relieve inflammation.

To combat rosacea, it is effective to use neroli, myrtle, cypress oil.

For the treatment of various types of dermatitis, juniper, geranium, rose, lavender are used. For the treatment of cracks and seizures in the corners of the mouth, jasmine, lemon balm, citrus oils are recommended.

I will describe the effect of several of the most popular representatives of essential oils that are used in facial skin care.

Essential oils for facial skin.

Fir oil.
Due to its high antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and smoothing properties, it is recommended for excessive oily skin, pustular skin lesions, as well as for the care of aging and aging skin.

Camphor oil.
Eliminates acne, regulates the secretion of sebaceous glands, eliminates excessive sweating of the facial skin. Can be used for lightening purposes (age spots, freckles).

Lemon oil.
It has a rejuvenating effect, inhibits the processes of aging and aging of the skin. In addition, it has the ability to regulate the production of sebum, helps to tighten and cleanse pores. In addition, it has a brightening effect.

Orange oil.
It normalizes the secretion of the sebaceous glands, has anti-inflammatory and whitening effects.

Rose oil.
Accelerates tissue regeneration, is recommended for mature and aging skin, smoothes wrinkles, has a lifting effect, significantly increasing the firmness and elasticity of the skin. It is also recommended for use in the care of the skin around the eyes.

Rosemary oil.
Recommended for oily skin with blackheads and comedones. Has the property of smoothing the surface of the skin, eliminates scars, blemishes and other consequences after acne.

Ylang ylang oil.
It has the ability to regulate the functions of the sebaceous glands, perfectly narrows pores, fights acne, and also has a moisturizing, soothing, softening and rejuvenating effect.

Clove oil.
It is especially useful for acne and purulent-inflammatory skin diseases. It also has high regenerative properties, can be used to tone up aging skin.

Patchouli oil.
Possesses moisturizing, toning and restoring qualities, regulates the secretion of the sebaceous glands, perfectly narrows the pores. It is recommended for eliminating the effects of acne and acne.

Lavender oil.
Relieves irritation, fights acne and purulent rashes. Possesses high healing and regenerating abilities, therefore it is recommended for burns, cuts and other damage to the skin.

Cinnamon oil.
Effective for pale skin, improves complexion, gives a positive result in the treatment of dermatoses and fungal skin lesions, in addition, heals scabies, warts, eliminates bruises and marks from insect bites.

Eucalyptus oil.
It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic, bactericidal action. It is an effective remedy against acne, boils, herpes and other skin inflammations, regulates the secretion of the sebaceous glands. May have a brightening effect with regular use.

Peppermint oil.
Recommended for various skin inflammations, regulates sebum production, tightens pores, improves complexion. It can also be used to treat acne, rosacea, skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.

Bergamot oil.
Regulates the activity of sweat and sebaceous glands, helps to narrow pores, fights acne, acne and other purulent-inflammatory rashes. In addition, it has a tonic and whitening effect.

Neroli oil.
It tones, refreshes, rejuvenates the skin, improves complexion, improves skin firmness and elasticity, has a calming effect, relieves inflammation and fights acne and herpetic eruptions.

Geranium oil.
It is very beneficial for the skin, and can be used for any type of skin. It has soothing, moisturizing, softening properties, eliminates flaking, has a rejuvenating and tonic effect, controls the secretion of the sebaceous glands, fights acne, and also heals the skin in the presence of skin diseases.

Sandalwood oil.
It has a calming, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic effect, making it effective against acne and acne.

Grapefruit oil.
A good tonic for aging skin, tightens pores, regulates the secretion of the sebaceous glands, prevents the appearance of blackheads. Due to its high moisturizing properties, the oil fights against dryness and aging of the skin.

Juniper oil.
It is able to get rid of excess sebum, perfectly cleanses the skin, tones it, and fights acne. In addition, it has anti-aging properties, improves blood circulation in tissues, stimulates the elimination of toxins, and accelerates the healing of many skin diseases.

Chamomile oil blue.
It has an anti-inflammatory and soothing effect, relieving inflammation and irritation, itching and allergic reactions. In addition, it is effective for pustular skin lesions, rosacea, herpes, and has anti-aging properties.

Anise oil.
It has the ability to normalize the water-fat balance of the skin, increases its moisture level, tones, improves firmness and elasticity.

Jasmine oil.
Possesses high moisturizing, soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Recommended for dry, dehydrated, oily skin with inflammation and irritation, as well as for aging skin.

Fennel oil.
Restores the level of moisture to the skin of any type, effectively cleanses the pores, gives tone. It is also recommended for the treatment of teenage acne. In addition, it is recommended as an effective anti-aging and regenerating agent.

Myrrh oil.
Effectively fights acne, bedsores, wounds, abscesses and other skin lesions, which is due to high anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, bactericidal and antibacterial properties. In addition, it effectively fights the signs of aging, providing a rejuvenating effect.

Cypress oil.
Ideal for all skin types. Moisturizes skin, gives tone, increases firmness and elasticity, inhibits aging processes, smoothes wrinkles. It is also recommended for rosacea.

Lemongrass oil.
Reduces and significantly narrows enlarged pores, cleanses the skin, tones it up, and thanks to its bactericidal and antiseptic qualities, the oil is excellent for acne and purulent-inflammatory processes occurring in the skin.

Frankincense oil.
It has soothing, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal properties, fights acne, regulates the secretion of the sebaceous glands, tones the skin, has a rejuvenating effect, increasing the firmness and elasticity of the skin.

Essential oils in the preparation of home cosmetics (creams, masks, ointments, etc.).
Essential oils can be added to homemade creams and masks for the face, hands, body, they can be used to create effective moisturizers, skin soothing products, etc. It is not recommended to add to finished products, as mentioned earlier, with the exception of products on a mineral and organic basis, as well as the mandatory absence of lanolin in the composition.

Essential oils for hair.
Due to their high restorative, moisturizing, antibacterial properties, essential oils are good remedies for the treatment of hair, scalp diseases, as well as for their prevention. They are suitable for use on almost all hair types, have the ability to regulate the sebaceous glands, fight dandruff and other diseases.

The following essential oils are suitable for normal hair type: tea tree, bergamot, ylang-ylang, geranium, cypress, lavender, cedar tree, carrot seed, lemon, neroli, orange, rosemary, sandalwood, thyme, juniper, chamomile, rose, sage nutmeg.

Recommended for oily hair: sage, basil, verbena, burdock, cloves, geraniums, juniper, rose, ginger, lavender, pine, ylang-ylang, calendula, cedar tree, cypress, lemon, orange, lemon balm, peppermint, rosemary, chamomile , bergamot, thyme, tea tree, eucalyptus.

For dry hair, it is better to use the following oils: ylang-ylang, geranium, chamomile, orange, jasmine, cedarwood, lavender, frankincense, tangerine, myrrh, rosemary, rose, sandalwood, clary sage.

You can enrich shampoo with essential oils (for a single use, five drops or five different oils, one drop at a time). It is also useful to comb your hair with the addition of oils to a brush, preferably from natural bristles. This procedure deeply nourishes the hair, strengthens the roots, fights hair loss, and also gives a pleasant aroma. Before applying any essential oil, it is important to test it for any intolerances to it.

Essential oils can be added to homemade hair masks. A few drops of an essential component in two tablespoons of a vegetable base or base (this can be olive, sunflower, almond, peach, coconut, and wheat germ oil).

Massage with essential oils.
Massage is good for our body. The addition of essential oils to massage mixtures improves the penetration of nutrients into skin cells at a deep level. For a tablespoon of any base oil, five drops of essential oil. A large amount of the ester component does not indicate the benefits of the mixture or an increase in its effectiveness. In addition, an increase in the amount of essential oil can lead to unwanted side effects and allergic reactions. When composing massage mixtures and choosing an essential component for this, it is important to take into account the physical and emotional state.

Essential oil baths.
Aromatic baths are beneficial for the skin and psycho-emotional health. It is quite easy to use them for this purpose: after the bath is filled with warm water, drop there an essential oil suitable for you in this situation (four to eight drops) and stir thoroughly. The oil can be pre-mixed with sea salt, bubble bath or cream to improve the dissolution of the oils in the water. The duration of the first procedure is no more than five minutes, in the future this time must be increased to half an hour. Remember not to pour oil into hot water or when the bath is not yet full, as the steam will evaporate all the benefits of the oil. The bathroom, namely the door, must be tightly closed so that the fragrance is preserved and has the desired effect. Such baths not only improve well-being, but also transform the skin. This is due to the fact that due to their high penetrating ability, essential oils quickly enter the lymphatic system, and then begin to spread and wash all internal organs, exerting their positive effect.

Inhalation with essential oils.
With their help, inflammatory and stagnant reactions are effectively eliminated. The aromas, acting and massaging the points in the nasal area, contribute to the appearance of impulses that are projected onto some parts of the brain, and also have a positive effect on the respiratory organs. Inhalation is carried out as follows: drop a few drops of the selected oil on the tissue. Inhale with closed eyes for three minutes. For the procedure, it is effective to use a special inhaler.

You can also pour warm water into a special "aroma bowl" (aroma-burner) and add a few drops of oil (1-10 drops), then light a candle. Slow heating of the water helps to gradually saturate the air with aroma. The procedure should be carried out with windows and doors tightly closed.

Compresses with essential oils.
Compresses with essential oils are used for treatment in order to achieve anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous, antispasmodic and analgesic effects. Add the essential oil necessary in this case (five drops) to 300-400 ml warm water, moisten a cotton napkin in the mixture, squeeze out a little and apply to the projection area of ​​the diseased organ. Fasten on top. The duration of this procedure is from five to forty minutes.

As a prophylaxis for viral diseases, it is recommended to flavor the room with a mixture of eucalyptus (one drop), lavender (two drops), mint (one drop).

The benefits and harms of essential oils are individual for each person. The use of active substances is based on targets for specific problems or diseases; more on this later.

What is essential oil

Essential oil is a concentrated extract from plant parts. They contain chemical compounds that have medicinal properties. The chemical composition is complex and contains: terpenes, ketones, alcohols, aldehydes. The product can be obtained in several ways:

1. Distillation with steam or vacuum (distillation).
2. Maceration is an extract from plants using vegetable oils with a neutral odor. Further, the fatty component is removed using alcohols. The extraction process using non-polar solvents is based on the same principle.
3. Cold pressing... It is used to extract valuable components from the peel of the fruit.
4. Anflerage - absorption by fats. The method is applicable for especially rare plants.

It is possible to obtain several types of useful extract from one plant by different methods.

Why are essential oils useful?

The health benefits and harms of essential oils are due to their chemical composition.

Adding them to the massage mixture will enhance its beneficial properties: it normalizes the physical and mental state. The properties of citrus fruits are used in anti-cellulite massage to break down fats. Facial massage with rose and sandalwood extracts will have a rejuvenating effect.

Adding valuable ingredients to cosmetics will multiply its benefits.

Bactericidal assets are beneficial for colds and inflammation.

The benefits of essential oils lie in the properties of their constituents:

1. Ketones promote wound healing. The pure ketone is camphor. A large number of ketones are found in the chemical composition of sage, rosemary, hyssop, rosemary and eucalyptus.
2. Ethers work as antiseptics, antispasmodics, and diuretics. They contain cloves, basil, parsley, anise, tarragon.
3. Aldehydes have anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety and anti-viral properties. The benefits of aldehydes are found in lemon balm, lemongrass, citronella.
4. Sesquiterpenes have high immunostimulating properties. They are useful for their sedative and bactericidal effect. A large number of sesquiterpenes have been found in chamomile, marigolds, immortelle.
5. Phenols have bactericidal and warming properties. They are rich in cinnamon, cloves, oregano, savory.
6. Terpenes burn fat and are useful as antiviruses. These properties are possessed by orange, lemon, pine, nutmeg.
7. Alcohols benefit from their antiseptic and anti-cold properties. Many alcohols contain myrtle, patchouli, sandalwood, ginger, tea tree.

The use of essential oils in cosmetology

The properties of essential oils in cosmetology are manifested in improving the condition of the skin and hair. The assets are used in professional and home cosmetology by enriching cosmetics with them. They are added to ready-made cosmetic products or self-prepared masks immediately before use.

For facial skin

The benefits of essential oils for facial skin depend on their type. In addition, the composition is selected according to the type of skin.

The properties of the most popular essential oils for the face are shown in the table.

The use of essential oils depending on the type of skin:

Depending on your skin type, you can use different recipes for cosmetic masks.

For the dry type, the mask is prepared as follows:

To warm base oil in the amount of 1 tsp. (rice bran, almond, jojoba) add 2 drops of sandalwood and rosewood and 1 drop of jasmine. The composition is applied to the face for 30 minutes. The remains are removed with a damp cloth.

For the bold type apply the following recipe:

1. 2 tablespoons of white clay are mixed with warm water until the consistency of sour cream. Add 1 tsp. honey.
2. Into the resulting mixture of clay and honey, add 1 drop of essential oils of juniper and lemon.
3. Distribute on the face, leave to dry and wash off with warm water.

For normal type useful mask:

1. 1 tsp base oil of apricot, peach or grape seed is enriched with 1 drop of grapefruit and mint ethers.
2. An alternative would be rose or lavender.
3. Apply for 20 - 30 minutes, remove residues with a damp cloth.

For hair

The benefits and harms of essential oils for hair are manifested, depending on the literacy of their use, in healing, accelerating growth, getting rid of dandruff and giving shine.

Table of uses and properties of essential oils, depending on the problem

Essential oils are used in masks, added to shampoos and rinses before use in a dosage of no more than 1 drop.

For masks, base oils are the basis, the benefits of which are different, depending on the properties of each of them:

1. Hair growth is stimulated by pumpkin, castor,.
2. Reduces hair loss and smooths argan and burdock. Pine nut and hazelnut oils have the same property.
3. Reduces the fragility of macadamia, avocado and hemp.
4. Reduce the appearance of oily seborrhea sesame, calendula and avocado.
5. Remove dry dandruff cedar, poppy, peach and mustard.
6. Universal oils that improve the condition in general are castor, linseed, olive, jojoba.

The hair mask is prepared on the basis of a base with the addition of 2 drops of different active substances according to the specific problems indicated in the table. For 2 tablespoons of the base, add 2 drops of ether, apply to the scalp and along the length of the hair. The mixture is kept under a warming cap for an hour and washed off with shampoo.

Important! The properties of essential oils for hair are revealed with the regular use of useful components, at least 1 time a week.

For body

For the body, essential oils are used as massage oil additives and during baths. Per serving of massage cream, 2 drops of essential oil are added with a relaxing or invigorating effect. When taking baths, they must be added to the foam or directly into the water.

Important! To avoid harm to the body, a healing bath can be taken for no more than 15 minutes.

Properties of essential oils in aromatherapy

Concentrated substances during aromatherapy are absorbed through the sense of smell. The essence of the mechanism of aromatherapy is as follows: molecules of the extracts through their inhalation enter the bloodstream and have a beneficial effect on the body. With the help of pleasant smells, you can improve your mood, eliminate the negative effect of stress factors. The benefit in this case consists in the general harmonization of the human condition.

The healing properties of essential oils in aromatherapy:

1. Refreshing: fir, mint, citrus, lavender and immortelle ..
2. Cleansing the body of toxins: rosemary, lemongrass, citrus fruits, rose, sage.
3. Stimulants: hyssop, juniper, pine, fir, verbena, coriander.
4. Harmonizing the inner state: all flower extracts.
5. Inhalation of sandalwood, coniferous and lavender bark smells has a relaxing effect.
6. The soothing properties are characteristic of mint, jasmine, incense, vanilla.
7. Anti-stress: all floral scents.

In aromatherapy, the use of valuable extracts is possible by adding them to baths, massage mixtures, and aroma lamps.

The use of essential oils in traditional medicine

In folk medicine, active substances are used for compresses, inhalations. Basic properties:

1. For colds, needles, anise, thyme, citrus fruits are recommended.
2. Rosemary, thyme, sage, lavender are useful for wound healing.

Important! Ingestion is possible only on the recommendation of a doctor.

Can essential oils be used by pregnant and lactating women

Consumption of essential oils during pregnancy and lactation can harm both mother and baby and must be used with caution. It can be added to cosmetics if there is no allergy. You should consult a specialist.

Unambiguous harm during pregnancy will bring extracts of camphor, black pepper, conifers, jasmine, cinnamon, mint, thyme, marjoram, wormwood, mustard, ginger. They stimulate the tone of the uterus.

Are essential oils good for kids

For children under one year old, esters containing menthol can cause irreparable harm. The harm of exposure is manifested in the fact that they can cause jaundice and even respiratory arrest. Menthol contains wintergreen, mint, eucalyptus.

Frankincense, chamomile, citrus fruits are relatively safe. Harm is possible in the presence of individual intolerance.

Important! Before using for children, you need to consult a pediatrician.

How to choose a quality essential oil

There is no quality standard for essential oils in Russia, which complicates their choice. Essential oils are natural and synthetic substances. Pharmacy concentrates are mostly synthetic, and it is not worth buying them for cosmetology and treatment.

Many consumers purchase assets at low prices, which show that the product is made from synthetic ingredients. The real extract cannot be cheap because of the complex technology and expensive raw materials. The most expensive are flower extracts, the cheapest are conifers and citrus fruits.

The bottle of this product must be made of dark glass, have a dispenser and a packing of 1 to 15 ml. The vial will show the manufacturer's name, plant name and expiration date. It is also mandatory to mark that the composition is 100% natural - in Russian or English.

How to find your essential oil

Determining the essential oil suitable for yourself can only be done through testing. You need to make sure that you are not allergic to it, the smell should be pleasant and not lead to headaches.

Information! If the smell is unpleasant at the first impression, the ether will be of no use.

The harm of essential oils and contraindications

Harm can be caused by improper use, so you need to adhere to the restrictions:

1. Do not apply it neat to the skin.
2. Do not exceed 1 - 2 drops per serving of base.
3. Do not combine more than 5 types at once.
4. Do not use the same ether for more than 3 weeks.
5. Do not ingest.

It must be remembered that the composition is flammable, so it must not be opened or mixed with the base near an open flame.

The most serious harm can be caused by allergies. It manifests itself in a wide range of symptoms, from facial flushing to suffocation.

Important! Before use, it is imperative to carry out an allergy test: drip on the skin and track the reaction during the day.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of essential oils depend on their properties and quality. It is necessary to take a responsible approach to the choice of the product and use only in the indicated dosage. Substances have a strong biological activity, and bring tangible benefits to the body only with proper use. Harm can also happen from counterfeit mixtures.

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The benefits and harms of essential oils. We all know that essential oils are beneficial. Also heard about how they have a positive effect on our body.

There are many ways to use oils. For example, taking them inside the body. Also, essential oils are used as an additive in various balms, tinctures. You can also use them during massage.

Essential oils have many beneficial properties. But it is worth remembering that only the compositional use of oils from esters is beneficial.

This means that there is an alternation of different types of oils. This is done so that the body does not develop a habit to any one type of oil.

What are the specific benefits of essential oils??

1. They increase concentration and brain performance.

2. They are also great for relaxing and relieving stress after a working day.

3. Also useful are oils that remove carcinogens, slow down the aging of the body due to the presence of antioxidants in their composition.

4. Among other things, they are also are immunomodulators.

5. Many minerals, vitamins and other useful substances in the composition of oils will be quickly and efficiently assimilated by your body.

6. A special place in alternative medicine is occupied by aromatherapy, which arose a long time ago, thanks to a French scientist.

Essential oils are used as phyto-vegetoregulators and help to cure a variety of diseases.

7. Anise oil gives the skin elasticity and stimulates the appetite.

8. Bergamotov acne can be treated, which is why it is very popular among teenagers. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is also used in stressful situations.

9. Oil with an unusual name Ylang-Ylang stimulates sex drive and helps prevent skin aging by regenerating cells.

10. The functioning of the respiratory tract is well influenced by peppermint oil and it is also a good pain reliever, and also stimulates the brain.

11. Tea tree oil kills germs and bacteria. At the same time, it is very useful for treating the fungus and is well tolerated by children.

12.These funds have found themselves in cosmetology... Especially popular are almond oil, jojoba extract, as well as apricot and peach kernels. Sesame, grapefruit and avocado oils are considered popular in use.

13. The use of these oils for hair has an amazing effect. You can read about the methods of application and specific types of oils in the article "Essential oils for hair: methods of application"

This all sounds very nice, but every coin has two sides. After all, the inability to use essential oils, as well as their use in inappropriate situations, can cause a negative and often irreversible process.

1) There are a number of oils that can lead to undesirable reactions in people with any pathologies.

So, for example, thuja, birch and sage oil can cause various allergic reactions in any person who is intolerant to the components contained in these oils.

2) Oils such as cane calamus and sassafras, which contain carcinogens and can also greatly harm health, should be used only as directed by a doctor.

3) The oils of lemon and oregano on the face can cause severe irritation on the skin of the face, so it is not recommended to use such oils for people with sensitive or too delicate skin.

4) There are a number of contraindications in which the use of certain oils is prohibited, otherwise such negligence can lead to dire consequences. Pine and fir oils are contraindicated for people with problems of the cardiovascular system.

But when used "correctly", many oils have a positive effect on a passing pregnancy. They relieve stress, and also help the expectant mother get rid of swelling and sprains.

6) It is undesirable to use essential oils in their pure form, otherwise you can get burned. Before using the ether, it should be diluted, well, or treated with regular oil. After all, safety measures should be above all!

7) In case of severe kidney disease, do not abuse juniper and pine oils.

8) A complete rejection of oils is required for people with thyroid diseases or at an elevated body temperature in case of illness.

9) In the case of taking preparations containing iodine and iron, you should not take lavender oil, otherwise, due to chemical interactions, a lethal outcome is possible.

Either way, essential oils are beneficial if handled correctly or if taken on the prescription of your healthcare provider. With skillful use, they will bring you only beneficial properties and help you cope with many diseases.

You should not be negligent about your health, and after many years your body will thank you!