Currently there is a trend for the use of essential oils in cosmetics, creams and flavorings. Have you ever wondered what each essential oil is for? Do not leave with doubt! Here we tell you …

What are essential oils?

They are highly aromatic, oily and volatile concentrates that come from plants, seeds, bark, roots, flowers and leaves. They are commonly used for their therapeutic properties.

How are they used?

Essential oils can be used cutaneously, olfactory and sometimes orally. It is important that before using a product you read its instructions, since some essential oils are so concentrated that to use them on the skin, it will be necessary to combine them with some “vehicle ingredient”, such as almond oil.

What are the most popular essential oils?

–Lavender essential oil: Floral scent that is known to promote better mood and relaxation. In addition, it is commonly used to help you fall asleep and decrease anxiety.
–Ylang Ylang essential oil: This essential oil has an aroma with sweet notes that is traditionally used for its relaxing properties and to promote a better mood.
–Mandarin essential oil: Citrus aroma that promotes a state of relaxation. Some articles have highlighted the positive impact this essential oil has on oily skin and in treating acne.
–Peppermint essential oil: It has a refreshing aroma that promotes better concentration and a feeling of well-being. Some people have even indicated that it helps them increase performance in their daily activities.
–Lemon essential oil: Citrus aroma that promotes a feeling of well-being, improves mood and helps reduce tiredness.
–Tea Tree essential oil: Intense clean aroma, with antimicrobial, healing, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It is traditionally used to treat insect bites and as a supplement to your skin care routine.
–Eucalyptus essential oil: It has a fresh aroma that promotes vitality and the feeling of well-being in the individual.

Wow! There is certainly a wide variety of essential oils with multiple functions. And you, which one would you like to try?

Author: Nerissa Álvarez
Review: Betzabe Guido

References

Battaglia, S. (2003). The complete guide to aromatherapy (pp. 1-602). International Center of Holistic Aromatherapy. Dufort, J. (2017). Essential oils: A practical guide to know the properties of essential oils and their applications. Robinbook. Fajardo Hurtado, L. Y. (2018). Effect of essential oils on the emotional symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress a literary review.
Fonseca-Santos, B., Pacheco, C. D. N., Pinto, M. C., & Chorilli, M. (2019). An effective mosquito-repellent topical product from liquid crystal-based tea tree oil. Industrial Crops and Products, 128, 488-495.
Gómez, J. S., & Serrano, D. M. (2019). Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of the Hydroalcoholic extract of feverfew Chamomilla in combination with the Essential oil of melaleuca alternifolia against the strain of streptococcus sanguinis, a bacterium associated with chronic periodontitis and halitosis. Martínez, A. (1996). Essential oils. J. Nat. Prod, 59 (1), 77-79. Moreno Muñoz, G. Y. (2018). Quality plan in an innovation that develops the microencapsulation process based on eucalyptus essential oil, in cotton fabrics.
Tan, L. T. H., Lee, L. H., Yin, W. F., Chan, C. K., Abdul Kadir, H., Chan, K. G., & Goh, B. H. (2015). Traditional uses, phytochemistry, and bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang). Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015. Wilson, A. (2018). The Alchemy of Essential Oils: A Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy. Babelcube Inc ..