An Introduction to Essential Oils

Pure essential oils have been used for thousands of years for their divine smell, restorative properties and cosmetic preparations and in biblical times they were as valuable as gold. Essential oils are extracted from aromatic plants, flowers, seeds and wood and contain natures ‘essence’ that can trigger the body to stimulate healing.

The history of aromatherapy has been recorded for thousands of years in many ancient cultures such as the Ancient Egyptians and Ancient Greeks. They recorded using aromatherapy in spiritual ceremonies, as a healing tool, in beauty rituals and as aphrodisiacs. Ancient Egypt is recognised as the origin for the significant development in aromatherapy, and the first distillation of essential oils (dating back to 3500 B.C.) was done in Egypt. It is recorded that Cleopatra wrote a book called “Cleopatra Gynaeciarum Libri “, around 50BC, which has been unfortunately lost, but other references say that it contained recipes for essential oil combinations, perfumes and beauty products.

To start your Aromatherapy journey I have chosen the five most versatile essential oils; Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Orange and Peppermint.

Geranium

Botanical Name: Pelargonium graveolens /Pelargonium asperum

Geranium Essential Oil is widely its health benefits, including its ability to improve the health of the skin, balance hormones, relieve stress and depression, reduce inflammation and irritation, alleviate the effects of menopause, improve circulation, benefit dental health, boost kidney health, and reduce blood pressure. It aid mature and aging skin as it helps to tone the muscles in the face. Geranium Oil speeds up the healing process of wounds, cuts and surgical incisions and assists with scars and stretch marks.

Lavender

Botanical Name: Lavandulaangustifolia / Lavandulaofficianalis

Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils to own. Lavender Oil has a beautiful, versatile aroma. It is anti-bacterial and is a must-have for your first-aid kit. Its calming and sedative properties make Lavender Essential Oil a wonderful oil to help relax, fight stress and to promote sleep. And when properly diluted, it's amongst the safest of essential oils.

Lemon

Botanical Name: Citrus limon

Lemon Essential Oil has a powerfully fresh traditional lemon fragrance that is quite energising and uplifting. Lemon Essential Oil is a good choice to diffuse when trying to clear and freshen a room. Lemon Essential Oil has a powerfully fresh traditional lemon fragrance that is quite energising and uplifting but at the same time can be calming. It has anti-infection, astringent, detoxifying, antiseptic, disinfectant, and antifungal properties. Lemon oil works in many areas of your life, from household cleaning to supporting brain energy and freshening the air.

Orange

Botanical Name: Citrus sinensis

Sweet Orange Oil is most often referred to simply as Orange Oil. With its versatility, affordability and wonderfully uplifting aroma, Orange Essential Oil is one of the most popular of essential oils within aromatherapy. The aroma of Orange Oil is cheerful and helps to improve the aroma of most blends. It has a wonderful uplifting and stimulating effect on the nervous system so is excellent for depression, anxiety and the get up a go you need in the mornings.

Peppermint

Botanical Name: Mentha piperita

The aroma of Peppermint Essential Oil is familiar and pleasant to most. Peppermint Oil is very intense and is far more concentrated than most other steam distilled essential oils. At low dilutions, it is fresh, minty and quite uplifting. Peppermint contains menthol and it induces a cooling sensation and is also known to help ease tension headaches and muscular aches and pains. Emotionally, Peppermint Oil is stimulating and is a good choice for inclusion in blends intended to help enhance alertness and stamina. It is considered an aphrodisiac. Peppermint should be avoided before bedtime.