Essential Oil

BriskHeal always believes in giving information to our guests regarding various natural, herbal and authentic products available. We simply say this is not a selling platform only. If anyone wants to understand the basics on products do come and be in touch with our portal to get information on various topics. Today our effort is on essential oils advantages and precautions to be taken during uses of the same. Spent your time in enhancing knowledge and be sure to purchase some authentic products and we are one amongst them. 

Do Essential Oils Work? The Ultimate Guide to Essential Oils
Essential oils are all the rage today and, why not? Aromatherapy recommends the use of essential oils for the skin. You can also use essential oils for sleep as it can cure mild insomnia. They can also reduce anxiety and help you unwind. 

You might think essential oils are natural. So they should not have side effects. That is not true because essential oils can be reactive. We have your back and can help bust some myths regarding essential oils.

Here is the ultimate guide to essential oils to help you use essential oils safely.

What is Essential Oil?
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. These oils come from the most aromatic part of a plant. For example, the lemon rind produces lemon oil but rose oil is derived from its petals. 

Essential oils can treat several skin conditions. You can also use essential oils as natural fragrances or for general wellbeing. Since these are volatile and concentrated, experts recommend using one to two drops only. 

Remember, you cannot ingest essential oils. Keep your essential oils away from children and pets.

Types of Essential Oils
If you Google how many types of essential oils are there, the answer will be shocking. There are more than 90 types of essential oils. However, not every essential oil is considered safe for application.  

Here is a list of the best 15 essential oils widely used for their medicinal and therapeutic purposes.

Lavender oil 
Relieves stress, reduces pain, improves sleep and treats skin conditions.

When to use - Use during headache, anxiety, mild insomnia, itching and swelling due to bug bites.

Peppermint oil
Aids digestion boosts energy levels.

When to use - Use during indigestion, headaches, muscle pain, sunburn, itching due to insect bites or poison ivy.

Lemon oil
Lemon oil has antioxidants that can fight skin conditions and nausea.

When to use - Use during skin inflammation, nausea, low energy levels.

Ylang-ylang oil
Ylang-ylang can reduce headache, help with relaxation and has beauty benefits.

When to use - Use during headaches, nausea or specific skin conditions.

Vetiver oil
Vetiver oil repels insects and relieves stress.

When to use - Use to improve mood, reduce anxiety and stress.

Jasmine oil
Jasmine oil is known for its pleasant smell.

When to use - Use to improve mood and alleviate stress.

Sandalwood oil
Sandalwood oil has antiseptic properties. It has several medicinal purposes.

When to use - Use during stomach aches, skin inflammation and urinary infections.

Bergamot oil
Bergamot oil has a pleasant smell and can help you relax.

When to use - Use to alleviate stressful conditions and unwind.
  
Tea Tree oil
Tea tree oil contains anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties.

When to use -  Use during skin conditions like acne, hypersensitivity, eczema, allergies, bug bites.

Rose oil
Rose oil has a pleasant smell and can reduce acne and anxiety.

When to use -  Use during acne, anxiety or for general well being.

Chamomile oil 
Chamomile oil has a pleasant smell and can cure specific skin conditions.

When to use - Use during inflammation, eczema, and anxiety.
  
Clary sage oil
Clary sage oil is antibacterial and has healing properties.

When to use - Use during stress, minor cuts, cramps.

Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil has healing properties used for health and skin conditions.

When to use - Use during specific skin conditions, asthma and minor burns or injuries.
  
Grapefruit oil
Grapefruit oil comes with antifungal properties.

When to use -  Use to prevent odours.

Orange oil 
Orange oil contains Vitamin C, reduces pain, good for the skin.

When to use -  Use during pain, anxiety and clears skin.

Methods of Essential Oils Extraction

The extraction of essential oils can take place through various methods. Here are nine ways to extract essential oils:
Steam Distillation
Water Distillation
Resin Tapping
Sfumatura
CO2 Extraction
Maceration
Enfleurage
Absolute oil extraction
Cold Press Extraction

Steam distillation is the most common method for extracting essential oils from plants.

Each extraction method has its drawbacks and advantages. You can extract some common essential oils at home, like rose oil. However, the process of extraction can be messy, especially as a DIY project. It is better to leave the extraction to the experts.

How to Use Essential Oils

Essential oils are multipurpose. You can use it to relax, for medicinal and therapeutic purposes or as a fragrance. Essential oils can improve sleep, reduce pain such as headaches, common cold and treat skin concerns.

Diffusion of essential oils
Essential oils need a diffuser, carrier oil, or dry materials like fabric or cotton balls for application. You can use essential oils as an air freshener by investing in a ceramic or electric diffuser. 

Inhaling steam of essential oils
Inhalation is one of the easiest methods to use essential oils. Combine a few drops of essential oil in a bowl of hot water. Cover your head and the bowl with a towel and inhale. (Remember to be mindful of pregnant or lactating women, children, pets and people with allergies when practising this method.)

Massage, hair care and bath 
For skin and hair application, mix the essential oil with a carrier oil. Your shampoo and body wash can also be carriers for essential oils. Add a few drops to the body wash, conditioner or shampoo before taking a shower. Rub diluted essential oil or massage on the areas of concern on your body for relief. 

You can also use it as a fragrance by using the dry evaporation method. Add a few drops of essential oil on a cotton pad or a fabric and place them in your closet, pillowcase or near car vents to perfume the air.

Remember five things when using essential oils:
Dilution ratio 
Drug interactions 
Therapeutic margin 
Duration guidelines 
Dosage recommended by professionals 

Different types of carrier oils

Essential oils need carrier oils for dilution. These carrier oils are either unscented or mildly scented and do not affect the therapeutic use of the essential oil.

There are 11 types of carrier oils you can use to mix essential oils.

Coconut oil - Has fatty acids and polyphenols. Used for application on the skin.
Jojoba oil - Quick absorption, does not clog pores. The ideal choice for bath oils or skin application.
Sweet almond oil - Popular for hair care, massage and skin application.
Olive oil - Contains plant sterols and fatty acids, ideal for skin care, hair care and soaps.
Rosehip oil - Rich in vitamin A and vitamin C. Used to fight ageing, skin concerns and massage.
Grapeseed oil - Quickly absorbed, lightweight and has a neutral scent. Used in massage and body oils.
Avocado oil - It is rich in oleic acid. Good moisturizer for the skin.
Sunflower oil - Creates a protective barrier against toxins and infection-causing germs.
Apricot kernel oil - Soothes irritated skin. Apt for hair care, massage or bath.
Argan oil - Used extensively in hair care, massage and skin application.
Black seed oil - Used in the treatment of psoriasis, eczema and acne.

How to mix essential oils in carrier oils
The dilution ratio differs for adults and children. It also varies with concerns and comes with a recommended daily dose. Take, for example, a 10% dilution used for acute situations and small areas of concern. Conversely, a 1% dilution is ideal for children and skin applications. 

Dilution ratio for adults:
2.5 % dilution: 15 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
3 % dilution: 20 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
5 % dilution: 30 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
10 % dilution: 60 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
Dilution ratio for children:
0.5 to 1 % dilution: 3 to 6 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil

Measure one drop of essential oil for one teaspoon of carrier oil for 1% dilution. In case you need 0.5% dilution, increase the quantity of the carrier oil.

Precautions for Using Essential Oils

Essential oils come with a set of rules. Most people make the mistake of using essential oils directly. You might have seen YouTube videos where teenagers complain of breakouts after using tea tree oil. They apply essential oils on the skin without consulting an expert or using a carrier oil.

Here are four mistakes to avoid when using essential oils:

Using photosensitive oils in the sun - Photosensitive oils like bergamot or lemon can cause burns to your skin. Remember, UV rays can penetrate even if you don't leave your house. It would be better to use these oils at night.
Not using carrier oils - Diluting the essential oil is necessary. It makes the essential oil more efficient and prevents skin reactions. You can use any carrier oil like coconut, sweet almond or jojoba oil as a carrier.
Ignoring skin sensitivities and allergies - Many people can get nut allergies or severe skin reactions while applying essential oils. A skin patch test is one way to determine your skin's response to essential oil.
Incorrect application - Essential oils can be inhaled, used in cooking or applied to the skin. While inhalation is the safest method, every application comes with a safety guideline.

Do not use essential oils without consulting a professional in the following cases-

Have underlying conditions, allergies or skin sensitivity
Pregnant or lactating mothers
Senior citizens or children less than 12 years of age.

To conclude, use essential oils responsibly. You can reap the benefits if you follow the instructions. BriskHeal seeks to educate customers about India's traditional and alternative healthcare. Connect with us today to know more about how our essential oils can help you!

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