Tips For Buying/choosing Essential Oils

Buying essential oils can be a daunting task if you’re not quite sure what to look for. Unlike most items you purchase at a store or online, essential oils unfortunately don’t have an expiration date, at least it’s not printed on the bottles. Below are five tips to help take some of the guess work out of what you’re getting.

Tip #1: Do your research... Each type of essential oil has different therapeutic qualities. The scent of aromatic essential oils such as Chamomile is good for treating skin inflammation or relaxing the mind. However, the scent of Eucalyptus is stimulating and is used to relieve sinus and lung congestion.

Tip #2: Compare prices... Different types of essential oils demand different prices. If every bottle of essential oil is the same price, you may want to reconsider that purchase. Most exotic oils cost more than those that are more common. For instance pure Rose oil (Bulgarian) is extremely expensive and could cost upwards of $250 for a half ounce , whereas Clary Sage would cost about $5 for the same amount.

Tip #3: The bottle says it all… If the essential oil you’re attempting to buy is in a clear glass or plastic bottle, don’t buy it! Because light has a damaging effect on essential oil, they are stored in dark colored (usually amber or blue) glass bottles. Aromatherapy oils are never stored in plastic bottles because the chemicals from the plastic will contaminate true essential oil.

Tip #4: Check for dust... If the bottles have dust on the caps, avoid getting them. Dust usually means that the oil has been sitting around for a while and is probably old. While essential oils retain their therapeutic healing powers for quite a while, as they age the scent and healing power becomes weaker.

Tip #5: Be label conscious... If the bottle says “fragrance oil” or “perfume”, it’s not a pure essential oil. Fragrance oils and perfumes contain chemicals and therefore even if the bottle says “aromatherapy” you’re not getting a pure essential oil.

The above five tips on buying essential oils are somewhat universal. Keep them in mind when you’re out buying essential oils and it will make your shopping experience much less confusing and your aromatherapy experience that much more enjoyable!

What are Essential Oils?

They are subtle, therapeutic-grade oils distilled from plants, shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes and seeds. They are oxygenating and help transport nutrients to the cells of our body. Without oxygen, nutrients cannot be assimilated; therefore, the oxygenating essential oils can help us maintain our health.

Benefits of Essential Oils
One of the most popular applications for essential oils is in the field of aromatherapy. This highly skilled art uses essential oils to assist in the healing of physical, psychological and aesthetic ailments. It is the only therapy that utilizes the most neglected of the senses, smell.

There are many ways to incorporate the benefits of aromatherapy into our daily lives. They may used to stimulate and invigorate us in the morning, and then to calm and restore our peace of mind at the end of the day. Essential oils may soothe inflammation, act as an antiseptic, help dull pain and stimulate digestion. We encourage you to experiment with our full line of essential oil products so that you may discover which uses and fragrances work best for you in any given situation or state of mind. Once you've learned a little about the uses and benefits of essential oils, you'll be amazed at how you can take control of your health, the air you breathe and the food you eat-all in a safe, chemical free manner.

Essential oils have cytophylactic (cell regeneration), antiseptic, and wound healing effects as well as anti-fungal and anti-inflammative properties making them the ultimate active principles for holistic natural skin-care.

How do Essential Oils work?
Essential oils are composed of tiny molecules which are easily dissolved in alcohol, emulsifiers and fats. This allows them to penetrate the skin easily and work into the body by mixing with the fatty tissue.

As these highly volatile essences evaporate they are also inhaled, thus entering the body via the millions of sensitive cells that line the nasal passages. These send messages straight to the brain, and affect the emotions by working on the limbic system, which also controls the major functions of the body. Thus in an aromatherapy treatment the essential oils are able to enhance both your physical and psychological well-being at the same time.

Each oil has a distinct chemical composition which determines its fragrance, color, volatility and the ways in which it affects the system, giving each oil its unique set of beneficial properties.
What are the effects of using Essential Oils?

Oils can directly or indirectly affect the body's physiological systems. For instance, a couple of drops of peppermint taken orally can aid digestion and inhalations of mucolytic oils can relieve respiratory symptoms. Used topically for their antiseptic and soothing effects, essential oils can successfully treat minor skin conditions. It has been demonstrated that the application of certain essential oils to the skin can produce vaso-dilation which in turn causes warming of underlying muscles, however this is an indirect effect of the oil acting on the superficial tissues, it is not a pharmacological effect produced as a result of the oil entering the systemic circulation via the skin. In addition, because of the effect of relaxation on the brain and the subsequent sedating or stimulating of the nervous system, essential oils can also indirectly raise and lower blood pressure and possibly aid in normalization of hormonal secretion.

Because of olfaction's direct connection to the brain, sending electrical messages directly into the limbic system, essential oils can have effects on emotions and mental states. Perception of odors can have a major impact on memory, learning, emotions, thinking and feeling. As therapeutic agents, essential oils work similarly to tranquilizers but in a subtle organic way. Most scents uplift spirits and calm the nervous system. For example, lavender is calming and sedative; basil, rosemary and peppermint are uplifting and stimulating; and jasmine and ylang-ylang are exciting or euphoric.

Aromatherapy Massage Oil and Benefits for Your Skin

If you have even experienced aromatherapy massage then you are already familiar with massage oil and aromatherapy benefits for your skin. Each time you enter the residence to receive massage aromatherapy massage using a lot of oil, you usually have certain conditions or certain muscle groups you may want to speak. You will also want a certain type of oil used. Make sure you let the massage therapies you know what you're looking for. You may want to check first to ensure they can give you the services you want and need.

Aromatherapy massage oil is also used in sports medicine for wounds that may occur in sports. Using the right oil and be able to squeeze the most benefit your right is the key to be able to appear in the sport or sports of your choice.

Using different Oils

There are many aromatherapy massage oils that are used for different needs and purposes. Some materials used are:

• Rosehips

• Chamomile

• Green Tea

• Tree Barks

• Lavender

• Lemon Seed

• Thyme

• Basil

• Eucalyptus

• Citrus

This material is mixed with carrier oils can reduce stress, produce relaxation to promote sleep, and provide energy and relieve muscle pain and speed the healing process. Natural and Holistic has become more popular with many due to the natural healing benefits of aromatherapy that can produce.

Medical Benefits For Patients

Cancer patients deal with pain and depression has been great success using aromatherapy massage and aromatherapy oils. Those dealing with chronic pain problems have also been successful with the stress and pain, can be more relaxed. People who suffer with sleep depravation has been successful. Although not all people are sensitive to some substances most people experience success and benefits of aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy massage oil can also be used by couples to enhance mood and relax or spices in the bedrooms. There is also a lotion and other products that can be enjoyed in a more intimate level. Pregnant women seems to love pamper influence aromatherapy massage oil and aromatherapy products.

Remember Allergy Patients

Each time you load or absorb some new things into your body, what is on your skin or orally, you want to make sure that you will not have allergic reactions. Remember you are trying to feel better not cause allergic reaction. Some people may only suffer a mild allergic reaction while others may experience a fatal attack. Please make sure you talk with your doctor about aromatherapy massage oils or aromatherapy products. Your doctor may recommend other products that you can use to secure and enjoy.

Author
Cirrus Hugger Fan

What are Essential oils?

Essential oils are the fragrant oils that are present in many plants. Hundreds of plants yield essential oils that are used as perfumes, food flavorings, medicines, and as fragrant and antiseptic additives in many common products.

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years. The ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, more than 5,000 years ago, had machines for obtaining essential oils from plants. Essential oils were the primary source of perfumes for the ancient civilizations of Egypt, India, Greece, and Rome. Essential oils have been found in 3,000-year-old tombs in the Pyramids, and early Greek physicians, including Hippocrates, mentioned aromatic plant essences and oil massages for their healing and mood-enhancing qualities. The Romans associated essential oils and their fine aromas with wealth and success. Ayurvedic medicine, the world's oldest healing system, has long recommended essential oil massage as a health treatment for many conditions.

In modern times, essential oils are used in the manufacture of high quality perfumes, as additives in many common products, and in the healing practice of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy was begun in the 1920s by a French chemist named Réné-Maurice Gattefosse, who became convinced of the healing powers of essential oils when he used lavender oil to effectively heal a severe burn on his body. Gattefosse also discovered that essential oils could be absorbed into the bloodstream when applied to the skin, and had medicinal effects inside the body. Another Frenchman, Dr. Jean Valnet, used essential oils during World War II to treat soldiers, and wrote a major book on the topic in 1964 called Aromatherapie. European biochemist, Marguerite Maury, performed thorough studies of how essential oils influence the body and emotions, and popularized essential oil massages as therapy. In the 1990s, aromatherapy was one of the fastest-growing alternative health treatments.

Essential oils are produced using several techniques. Distillation uses water and steam to remove the oils from dried or fresh plants, and the expression method uses machines to squeeze the oil out of plants. Other techniques may use alcohol or solvents to remove essential oils from plant materials.

Essential oils are extremely concentrated. It would take roughly thirty cups of herbal tea to equal the concentration of plant essence in one drop of essential oil. Some essential oils made from rose plants require 4,000 pounds of rose petals to make one pound of essential oil, and are thus very expensive. Lavender is one of the easiest essential oils to produce, because it only takes one hundred pounds of plant material to produce one pound of essential oil. Essential oils are generally very complex chemically, containing many different substances and compounds. Some experts have theorized that essential oils are the lifeblood of a plant, and contain compounds that the plant uses to fight infections and drive away germs and parasites. Scientific research has isolated hundreds of chemicals in essential oils, and has shown many essential oils to have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and antiparasitic properties. Some essential oils contain more than 200 identified chemical substances.

Although there are hundreds of essential oils that are used regularly in healing treatments and perfumes, some of the more commonly used essential oils are lavender, chamomile, peppermint, tea tree oil, eucalyptus, geranium, jasmine, rose, lemon, orange, rosemary, frankincense, and sandalwood.

General Use

Essential oils are used in several healing systems, including aromatherapy, Ayurvedic medicine, and massage therapy. Essential oils are used for skin and scalp conditions including acne, athlete's foot, burns, cuts, dandruff, eczema, insect bites, parasites, sunburn, warts, and wrinkles. They are recommended for muscle, joint, and circulation problems such as arthritis, high blood pressure, cellulite, aches and pains, and varicose veins. For respiratory problems and infections, various essential oils are prescribed for allergies, asthma, earache, sinus infections, congestion, and colds and flu. Essential oils are also used to improve digestion, promote hormonal balance, and tone the nervous system in conditions including anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction, and exhaustion.

Essential oils can be used as quick and effective mood enhancers, for increasing energy and alertness or reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Essential oils can be used as perfumes and lotions, and can be used as incense to improve the atmosphere in houses and offices.

In 2002, several reports were made on the benefits of tea tree oil in fighting infections. Although still preliminary, these reports will help pave the way to greater acceptance of essential oils in the mainstream medical community. In the case of tea tree oil, one small study showed its effectiveness in fighting orthopedic (bone, joint, and soft tissue) infections. Another recent study showed promising results for tea tree oil gel in topical treatment of recurrent herpes labialis.

Preparations

Essential oils work by entering the body in two ways, through the nose and through the skin. The nose is a powerful sense organ, and the sense of smell is connected directly to the limbic system of the brain, which helps control emotions, memory, and several functions in the body. Research has shown that aromas and the sense of smell influence memory recall, moods, and bodily responses such as heart rate, respiration, hormone levels, and stress reactions. Essential oils with their potent aromas can be used to enhance moods, promote relaxation, and increase energy levels.

Essential oils are also absorbed by the skin, and act medicinally once they are absorbed into the body. For instance, eucalyptus oil, long used in common cough and cold remedies, can be rubbed on the chest to break up congestion and mucus inside the lungs. Some essential oils, such as tea tree oil, lavender, and thyme, have natural antiseptics in them, and can be applied to cuts, burns, and sores to disinfect and promote healing.

Because essential oils are very strong and concentrated, they should be diluted with base oils before rubbing them directly on the body. Base oils are gentle and inexpensive oils, and common ones include almond, jojoba, grapeseed, sunflower, and sesame oil. Mineral oil is not recommended as a base oil. Essential oils should be diluted to make up 1–3% of a base oil solution, which is one to three drops of essential oil per teaspoon of base oil. For larger quantities, 20 to 60 drops can be added per 100 milliliters of base oil. Only a few essential oils can be rubbed directly on the skin without dilution. These are lavender, tea tree oil, eucalyptus, and geranium, although people with sensitive skin should use them with care.

Allergic reactions are possible with essential oils. People with sensitive skin or allergies should perform a simple skin test when using essential oils for the first time. To do a skin test, one drop of essential oil can be added to a teaspoon of base oil, and a small amount of this solution can be rubbed on a sensitive spot on the skin, such as the soft side of the arm or behind the ear. If no irritation occurs after 24 hours, then the essential oil is non-allergenic.

Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways. They can be added to massage oils for therapeutic massages. Essential oil solutions can be used on the skin, scalp and hair as lotions, conditioners, and perfumes. A few drops of essential oils can be added to bath water or used in the sauna. Essential oil diffusers, lamps, and candles are available which use heat and steam to spread (diffuse) the aroma of essential oils in rooms. Essential oils can be added to hot-and-cold compresses for injuries and aches. Some essential oils, like tea tree, fennel, and peppermint oil, can be combined with a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar and used as mouthwash. For colds and congestion in the lungs or sinuses, essential oils can be inhaled by adding a few drops to a pot of boiling water, and covering the head with a towel over the pot and breathing the vapors.

Consumers should search for essential oils made by reputable manufacturers. Essential oils should be certified to be 100% pure, without chemical additives or synthetic fragrances. The highest quality oils are generally obtained from distillation and cold pressing methods.

Precautions

Essential oils should not be taken internally, by mouth, rectum or vagina, unless under medical supervision. Essential oils should be kept away from the eyes. If an essential oil gets into the eyes, they should be rinsed immediately with cold water. Essential oils should be used with care on broken or damaged skin.

Some essential oils have not been thoroughly tested and may be toxic. The oils to be avoided include arnica, bitter almond, calamus, cinnamon, clove, mugwort, sage, wintergreen, and wormwood. Pregnant women should avoid these and basil, fennel, marjoram, myrrh, oregano, star anise, and tarragon. In general, any essential oils that have not been tested or lack adequate information should be avoided.

Some essential oils may cause the skin to become photosensitive, or more sensitive to sunlight and more likely to become sunburned. Essential oils that are photosensitizing include bergamot, orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, and angelica root. These oils should be avoided before exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light such as in tanning beds. People with sun-related skin problems should avoid these oils.

Those with health conditions should use care with essential oils. Steam inhalation of essential oils is not recommended for asthma sufferers. The essential oils of rosemary, fennel and sage should be avoided by those with epilepsy.

Pregnant and nursing women should use caution with essential oils, because their skin and bodies are more sensitive and some oils may cause adverse reactions. Essential oils should not be used during the first three months of pregnancy, and after that they should only be used when heavily diluted with base oils. Women with histories of miscarriage should not use essential oils during pregnancy at all. Pregnant women should perform skin tests before using essential oils. Essential oils are not recommended for nursing mothers.

Essential oils should be used with care on children. They are not recommended for children under one year of age, and should be heavily diluted with base oils when used as a skin massage or lotion for children.

Essential oils should be stored out of the reach of children. Clean glass containers are the best storage vessels, and should be dark in color to keep sunlight from damaging the oil. Some essential oils can damage wood, varnish, plastic, and clothing, and should be handled with care.

Side Effects

Most readily available essential oils are safe if used in small doses, and side effects are generally rare. Possible side effects include rashes, itching, and irritation on the skin. Allergic reactions include watery eyes, sneezing, and inflammation. Some essential oils may cause nausea, dizziness, or gastrointestinal discomfort when used in excess or by those with allergic reactions. Some essential oils, particularly those derived from citrus fruit plants, can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight and increased risk of sunburn.

Interactions

Essential oils are not recommended for those taking homeopathic remedies, as essential oils are believed to interfere with their effectiveness. Essential oils are often blended together to enhance their healing effects, and mixtures can be tailored to individual preferences and conditions. Aromatherapists specialize in creating essential oil blends for individuals and health conditions.

Yuzu Essential Oil

Citrus junos is a small tree that produces yellow-golden coloured citrus fruits resembling small oranges or tangerines. The peel of the fruit produces a delightful citrus fragrance with a floral overtone which is quite unique and difficult to describe. This fruit is known in Japan as Yuzu, and like most citrus fruits will yield an essential oil by cold expression.

I first encountered this unusual fruit whilst lecturing in Japan, and was immediately captivated by its distinctive fragrance. I decided I must learn more about this little-known member of the citrus family and see if it might prove a useful addition to aromatherapy.

Several trips to Japan later, I finally tracked down a producer of this fragrant fruit and arranged to purchase some of the essential oil on a regular basis. Sadly, the essential oil is not produced in very large quantities which therefore makes it quite expensive for a citrus oil, and very difficult to purchase other than directly from source.

Physical description

From the Rutaceae family, Citrus junos bears a physical resemblance to the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium ssp amara), reaching a height of approximately 4 metres (13ft). It has a rounded top of deep green, smooth, oval shaped leaves and attractive white flowers which bloom in early autumn.

In Japan during the late autumn, the small fruits ripen from dark green to a yellow-golden colour, and now resemble oranges which measure about 7.0 cm (2¾ inches) in diameter. The peel is much less smooth than that of an orange, often having a more 'pitted' and 'bumpy' appearance. Interestingly, yuzu is one of the most cold resistant citrus fruits.

Current and traditional uses

Both the fruit-juice and the rind of yuzu are extremely popular as flavouring agents in Japan, imparting an absolutely delicious, lemon-fruity and floral tang wherever it is employed. It is used to make a refreshing lemonade-type beverage, blended in salad dressings, made into marmalade and is even employed in ice-cream (my favourite!). In fact there seems to be no end of ways the Japanese have found to utilise the rind of this delicious fruit!

Traditionally, the fruits were used in a hot bath on the day of the winter solstice (Toji) to ward off a range of winter ills, such as colds and flu. To make a 'Yuzu yu' (Yuzu bath), the whole fruits or just the peel are added to the hot bathtub, and just as in aromatherapy, a nice long relaxing soak would bring about a feeling of wellbeing.

Of course, yuzu baths can be enjoyed at anytime for other conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism and general aches and pains. The oil from the fruit produces a tonic effect that stimulates the circulatory system and digestive system.

Origins

Although Citrus junos grows wild in Tibet and Korea, it is believed to have originated in China and was brought to Japan for cultivation in the 10th century. Due to its popularity here, it is cultivated on a grand commercial scale especially in Kochi Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, where large yuzu groves can be found.

Curiously, these other countries do not appear to produce the essential oil in very large commercial quantities, and despite many attempts I have been unable to locate producers of yuzu oil who are interested in exporting the oil. This is a pity, since it would be fascinating to compare the oils produced from the different origins.

Extraction and aromatherapy uses

The essential oil is extracted by cold expression of the rind, producing a pale yellow essential oil with an exquisite citrus aroma. This body of this fragrance exists somewhere between grapefruit and mandarin, with subtle overtones of bergamot and lime. It has a very dry, tangy quality whilst producing an almost floral note that is very appealing.

Used in aromatherapy, we have found that yuzu oil is very similar in action to bergamot, having a refreshing and uplifting effect on the body whilst calming the mind. Also in common with bergamot, this oil has a powerful anti-bacterial action which makes it effective against colds and flu, which would account for its success and popularity in Japanese folk medicine.

It is a very effective oil for use with stress, burn-out, nervous tension or anxiety, where it helps to bring a soothing and calming effect to the emotions. Likewise it gives upliftment to depressive states, frustration, regret and also helps to build confidence.

As you might expect, yuzu blends easily with all citrus oils, although to do so simply dilutes its unique fragrance. Try blending it instead with basil, benzoin, clary sage, chamomile Roman, cypress, frankincense, geranium, ginger, jasmine, juniper berry, lavender, neroli, patchouli, petitgrain, rose (absolute & otto), sandalwood, vetiver and ylang ylang.

I find yuzu a very intriguing and rewarding oil to use, and hope that more will soon be discovered about its therapeutic properties. After a long and stressful day, I find it really gives a welcome boost to both mind and body. Try yuzu yourself, and see if you don't agree it is the king of all citrus oils.

Health Benefits of Citronella Essential Oil

The health benefits of Citronella Essential Oil can be attributed to its properties like anti bacterial, anti depressant, anti septic, anti spasmodic, anti inflammatory, deodorant, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, fungicidal, insect repellent, stomachic, stimulant, tonic and vermifuge.

Citronella is a grass that grows in mainly in some Asian countries and some islands of Asia Pacific. It has a rich, crisp lemony aroma and thus got the name Citronella. The Essential Oil of Citronella is extracted from two varieties of citronella. The first one is the Ceylon variety, whose scientific name is Cymbopogon Nardus and the second one is Java variety, called Cymbopogon Winterianus in botanical terminology. In both the cases, the essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the fresh plant. While the first variety yields an oil whose main components are citronellol, citronellal, geraniol, limonene and methyl isoeugenol, the oil obtained from the second variety contains citronellal, geraniol, geranyl acetate and limonene as its chief constituents, with geraniol and citronellal higher in concentrations than the former variety. Hence, the oil obtained from the Java variety is considered better in quality. The main producers of this essential oil are China and Indonesia. This oil is also produced by certain other Asian, South & Latin American and African countries.

Apart from being used as a flavouring agent for foods & beverages, it has varied medicinal uses, which are listed below.

* Anti Bacterial: Components like methyl isoeugenol and a few others, found in this essential oil, are responsible for this property. They kill bacteria and inhibit bacterial growth in the body. This is particularly helpful in treating infections in wound, colon, urethra, urinary bladder, stomach, intestines, urinary tracts, prostrate and kidneys.
* Anti Depressant: This oil fights depression and gives relief from anxiety, sadness, negative feelings etc. It induces a fresh, happy feeling and hope.
* Anti Septic: The anti septic properties of this essential oil fights infections in the wounds, urinary tracts, urethra, prostrate and kidneys etc. and protects them from being septic.
* Anti Spasmodic: It relieves spasms of the muscles, respiratory system and the nervous system. It also helps cure menstrual spasm and gives relief from symptoms such as cramp, coughs etc.
* Anti Inflammatory: It sedates inflammations. Particularly those pertaining to the liver, stomach, intestines and other parts of the digestive system. The inflammations caused to side effects of drugs, excessive use of alcohol or narcotics, hard & spicy food, any disease or any toxic element getting into the body, can be sedated using this oil.
* Deodorant: The crisp, rich citrus or lemon like aroma of this oil drives away body odour and is used in deodorants and body sprays, although in very small quantities, since it heavy doses it may give skin irritations. It can also be mixed with the bathing water to have a refreshing, body odour ending bath.
* Diaphoretic: The diaphoretic properties of this essential oil increases sweating and promotes removal of toxins and other unwanted stuff like excess water, fat and salts from the body. This makes the body feel lighter, keeps the skin healthy and also reduces fever. This also protects you from certain infections.
* Diuretic: The increase in the frequency and quantity of urination due to this property of Citronella Essential Oil has many benefits. It disposes waste substances and toxins from the body, such as uric acid, excess bile and acids, salts etc. as well as water and fats. This helps reduce weight, drain out infections in the urinary system, frees the body from toxins, reduce chances of renal calculi, rheumatism and arthritis, improves digestion and keeps the heart healthy.
* Febrifuge: While the diaphoretic property of this oil increases perspiration, anti inflammatory property reduces inflammation and the anti microbial property fights infections, the combined effect of these three properties fights fever and reduces body temperature.
* Fungicidal: This oil kills fungus and inhibits fungal growth. This is very useful in countering fungal infections in the ear, nose and throat region (the fungal infection in ears is very common and is a serious one too) and other parts too and helps cure fungal dysentery.
* Insect Repellant: This is one of the most used properties of this essential oil, as it kills and keeps away insects. It has been found particularly effective on a species of mosquito, called Aedes Aegypti whose bite causes the dreaded Yellow Fever. This is also effective on lice, body and head louse, fleas etc.
* Stomachic: The use of this oil frees stomach from infections and other problems and helps it function properly.
* Stimulant: The stimulating effect of the Essential Oil of Citronella stimulates blood circulation, secretions and discharges like hormones and enzymes from the glands, brain and the nervous system and other functions. This also stimulates the immune mechanism and the metabolism of the body.
* Tonic: This property is meant for the overall toning effect on the body. It tones up digestion, excretion, nervous system and the brain and fortifies the body.
* Vermifuge: The Citronella Essential Oil kills intestinal worms. It should be administered in mild doses to children (children are most prone to worms). It is effective on both round worms and tape worms. Since presence of worms interfere with the normal physical and mental growth and also with the absorption of nutrients by the body, the use of this oil can promote this obstructed growth by eliminating worms.
* Other Benefits: Further, this oil can be used in treatment of problems like oily skin, oily hair, abnormal palpitations, colitis, migraine, neuralgia, fatigue, headache, nausea, abdominal pain resulting from gas or cramps etc.

Few Words of Caution: No toxicity but seen to produce irritation, dermatitis or sensitization in skin if used in higher concentrations. It should not be used on skin of small children and should be avoided during pregnancy.

Blending: The Essential Oil of Citronella forms good blends with the essential oils of cedar wood, clary sage, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, lemon, peppermint and rosemary and tea tree.

Health Benefits of Camomile Essential Oil

The health benefits of camomile essential oil can be attributed to its properties anti spasmodic, anti septic, anti biotic, anti depressant, anti neuralgic, anti phlogistic, carminative, cholagogue, cicatrisant, emenagogue, analgesic, febrifuge, hepatic, sedative, nervine, digestive, tonic, antispasmodic, bactericidal, sudorific, stomachic, anti inflammatory, anti infectious, vermifuge, vulnerary, etc.

Camomile Oil is extracted from the flowers of the Camomile plant which is very popular as a flowering plant. There are two types of Camomile, namely, the Roman Camomile which is scientifically known as Anthemis Nobilis and the German Camomile whose scientific name is Matricaria Chamomilla. Although the essential oils extracted from both the varieties are quite similar in medicinal properties, yet they differ to some extent when it comes to their composition and certain properties.

The Roman Camomile oil is constituted of Alpha Pinene, Beta Pinene, Camphene, Caryophyllene, Sabinene, Myrcene, Gamma Terpinene, Pinocarvone, Farsenol, Cineole, Propyl Angelate and Butyl Angelate.

The German Camomile oil, on the other hand, is composed of Azulene (here called Chamazulene, since found in Camomile), Alpha Bisabolol, Bisabolol Oxide-A & B and Bisabolene Oxide-A.

While the Roman Camomile Oil is more calming and is a better emenagogue, the German Camomile is a very powerful anti inflammatory due to presence of a compound called Azulene (It is a nitrogenous compound and is responsible for giving it a characteristic deep blue color). But these are not the only medicinal properties of Camomile Oil. There are lots and lots of them. The properties given below include those of the Roman as well as the German variety, except where mentioned otherwise.

Just go through them and you’ll discover a whole range of safe medicines.

* Anti Septic, Anti Biotic, Disinfectant, Bactericidal & Vermifuge: They have very good anti septic and anti biotic properties and do not let biotic infections (infections due to biotic factors such as bacteria, fungi etc.) develop. They also wipe off infections already present. These are good vermifuge too and kill all sorts of intestinal worms. If applied on hair, it kills lice and mites, keeping hair and scalp free from infections and damage.
* Stimulant & Anti Depressant: Both the varieties have been seen very effective in fighting depression and for raising spirit. They eliminate feeling of sadness, depression, disappointment, sluggishness etc. and induce a sort of happy or charged feeling. Even smelling these oils can help a lot overcoming depression and bring about good mood.
* Anti Inflammatory & Sedative: While Roman Camomile is found effective in calming down annoyance, anger and irritation, particularly in small children. The German variety, on the other hand, is found more effective on adults for curing inflammations, particularly those in digestive and urinary system. They also reduce blood pressure and check swelling of the blood vessels.
* Analgesic & Anti Neuralgic: They have analgesic properties and efficiently reduce pain in muscles and joints, headache, sinus, toothache, bone injuries etc. They are also very effective in giving relief in the severe pain of Neuralgia by constricting the blood vessels surrounding the Ninth Cranial Nerve and relieving pressure on it.
* Stomachic, Digestive and Hepatic & Cholagogue: Being stomachic, they tone up stomach and set it to proper function. They promote secretion of digestive juices into stomach and facilitate digestion. They also promote digestion. Being Hepatic (meaning good for liver), they ensure good health of liver and proper flow of bile from it. They are also Cholagogue, meaning they increase secretion of Hydrochloric Acid, bile and enzymes in stomach, thereby promoting digestion.
* Anti Rheumatic & Anti Phlogistic: They cure dysfunctions of the circulatory system, stimulate circulation and detoxify the blood of toxins like uric acid, thereby helping cure ailments like Rheumatism, Arthritis etc. which are caused due to improper circulation and accumulation of uric. These make them good Anti Phlogistics, the agents which reduce swelling and edema.
* Anti Spasmodic, Relaxant & Nervine: They calm all nervous disturbances or hyper-reactions which result in convulsions, spasms, nervousness, loss of control over limbs etc. They are Nervine, that is, keep the nerves and the nervous system in a state of good health and proper functioning.
* Cicatrisant & Vulnerary: They are very popular in the world of cosmetics, as they diminish the scars, marks and spots on the skin and on the face (being a Cicatrisant) and also protect wounds, cuts and bruises from getting infected, thus serving as a Vulnerary.
* Sudorific & Febrifuge: They induce profuse perspiration (being Sudorific), thus removing toxins and agents causing infections and cooling down the body, effectively giving relief in fever, thus serving as a Febrifuge.
* Carminative: Expel gas from the intestines and stomach and also check gas formation. This also helps relax the body and lower blood pressure. It also ends the chances of other risks from gas, such as trapping of gas in the wind pipe etc.
* Tonic: They are tonic in nature, i.e. they tone up skin, muscles, internal organs etc.
* Other Benefits: They are anti allergenic, help cure acne by removing toxins and cleaning Sebaceous and Eccrine glands through sweating, clean up the urinary system and the kidneys through increased urination (being diuretic), detoxify blood and increase strength as they are also fortifying in nature. They can help cure viral infections like mumps, measles etc. Can be used in mouth wash too, to keep away bad breath and eliminate oral infections. German Camomile oil is a vasoconstrictor.

Few Words of Caution: No specific threats noticed, except that it should be avoided if someone has allergies with it or with any other member of Ragweed Family, to which Camomile belongs.

Blending: Camomile Oil forms find blends with Bergamot, Clary Sage, Lavender, Jasmine, Geranium, Grapefruit, Tea Tree, Rose, Lemon, Lime and Ylang-Ylang Oil.