Essential oils have a long history dating back to ancient Egypt, where they were used for a variety of purposes including skincare and aromatherapy. Cleopatra was known to spend a lot of money on creating "fragrance oils" from plants in her balm garden, and she particularly enjoyed wearing jasmine balm during negotiations.
Nowadays, essential oils are widely used for their many benefits, which can vary depending on the plant species, origin, and growth period.
Essential oils are secondary metabolites found in different parts of plants such as flowers, leaves, stems, roots, or fruits. They are mostly volatile and aromatic, and each plant essential oil contains a dozen or more compounds. The content of each component is not fixed and can vary greatly depending on the plant's species and other factors.
The benefits of essential oils are numerous. When inhaled, essential oil molecules are absorbed through the nasal mucosa system and stimulate the olfactory nerve, which transmits the stimulation to the brain center, producing excitement in the brain. This innervates the nerves and regulates nerve activity.
It can also enter the alveoli through the respiratory system and then enter the bloodstream, transporting directly to all parts of the body.
Essential oils also affect the nervous system. Through the affinity effect, plant essential oil molecules stimulate the nerve and regulate nerve activity and internal circulation. They can also have a direct effect on the internal environment and other stable states, accelerating body fluid activity to improve the internal environment and regulate the whole body and mind.
Essential oils can stimulate sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, act as sedatives and hypnotics, and stimulate and refresh the mind. They can also adjust mental conditions, act as anti-depressants, relieve psychological stress, and repair the nervous system.
Essential oils also affect the metabolic system. Through the affinity effect, plant essential oil molecules can quickly improve the local tissue and cell survival environment, increasing metabolism and resolving some of the problems caused by local metabolic disorders.
Another benefit of essential oils is their ability to promote exchange. Through the affinity effect, plant essential oil molecules can enter subcutaneous tissue and exchange with body fluids, promoting blood and lymph circulation, and speeding up the body's metabolism.
Most compounds in essential oils are small molecules with molecular weights between a few tens and hundreds, making them easily volatile. For this reason, essential oils are generally stored in sealed, opaque containers. The lid should be tightened as soon as possible after each use, and the container should be opened as few times as possible.
Rose oil is an excellent essential oil that can be used on the face to help moisturize and hydrate the skin. It can effectively reduce the appearance of fine lines and help restore the skin's fullness and elasticity.
Rose oil also has the effect of regulating endocrine, estrogen, and other effects, effectively relieving menstrual disorders, dysmenorrhea, etc. However, it is important to note that pregnant women cannot use rose oil.
The lavender essential oil has an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect, making it perfect for soothing the skin. It can be used on acne-prone skin or skin with scars, burns, and sunburn. At night, adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to an aromatherapy lamp can be very effective in aiding sleep.
However, it is important to note that lavender oil should not be used by people with low blood pressure or pregnant women.
Peppermint essential oil has a refreshing and cooling effect, which can be used to relieve headaches. It is also beneficial for digestion and can be used to relieve nausea and vomiting. Peppermint essential oil should not be used on children or pregnant women.
