Essential oils are increasingly recognized for their benefits on well-being and health. But how to use them? Find our expert articles to advise and guide you in their use.
Essential oils have always been recognized for their benefits on well-being and health. But how to use them? Find our expert articles to advise and guide you in their use.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are concentrated liquid extracts obtained by steam distillation of aromatic plants, flower, leaf, wood, root, bark, fruit, etc. An essential oil is therefore defined as the distilled essence of the plant designated on its label. The essential oil is made up of around a hundred molecules that are particularly active on the human metabolism.
How to Select High Quality Essential Oils ?
Its name: It must be identified by two Latin names. The first name designates the genus and the second the species: Thymus vulgaris = Common thyme.
The oil-producing organ: Quality essential oils must be chemotyped, in other words, the plant organ must appear on the bottle.
Geographical origin: The label must also include the biotype, the terroir, but also the country of origin of the plant.
The method of cultivation: The method of extraction allowing to preserve the activity of the components can also appear there.
Who can use an essential oil?
Children and babies have “their essential oils” and “their dosages” all to them: do not treat them with those recommended for adults. They will instead use aromatic hydrosols. Pregnant women, apart from the formulas specially dedicated to them, refrain from taking any essential oil on your own. For the rest, you can benefit from the benefits of these oils.
How is an essential oil used?
Whether in the field of cosmetics, by the cutaneous, respiratory, oral, anal, vaginal or balneotherapy route, essential oils can be used as long as the different dilutions are respected. Some of them have contraindications. Organic and Natural Essential oils should never be used pure. They should always be diluted and by drops.
Niaouli, a natural treasure with multiple virtues, is at the heart of our exploration. Botanically known as Melaleuca quinquenervia and belonging to the Myrtaceae family, this remarkable plant is distinguished by its leaves, which are veritable organs of goodness. The rich and fascinating history of Niaouli began long before it appeared in Europe in the … Read more
Neroli essential oil is orange blossom essence from a single variety of orange trees; sour orange or bitter orange tree . Originally from India and China, the bitter orange very quickly arrived in the Mediterranean basin 1000 years ago. In Antiquity, the orange blossom was notably a symbol of purity ; it even adorned the crowns of brides. A little history The bitter … Read more
Myrtle, whose botanical name is Myrtus communis L., belongs to the Myrtaceae family. The productive organs are the twigs. Red myrtle (Myrtus communis var. tarentina) is an emblematic Mediterranean plant with exceptional aromatic and therapeutic properties. Among the olfactory and therapeutic treasures on offer in the world of essential oils, red myrtle essential oil occupies … Read more
Myrrh, an age-old plant treasure, continues to captivate the world with its unique properties and fascinating history. This article explores the many facets of this precious resin, from its botanical extraction to its ancient and modern uses. Extracted from the Commiphora myrrha tree, a member of the Burseraceae family, myrrh is obtained from the gum-resin … Read more
Illustrious since antiquity, peppermint was first described in England in 1696 and subsequently cultivated in Germany and then in the Netherlands around 1750. Traces of its cultivation date back nearly 4,000 years . In Edfu, Egypt, hieroglyphs found on the walls of a temple indeed allow us to consider that the Egyptians used mint to make a number … Read more
About 3000 years ago, in the ancient Egypt of the pharaohs, the marjoram was dedicated to the god Osiris . Renowned then as a digestive antiseptic , it was also renowned for its action in colds. Dioscorides also recognized in it properties against headaches . This plant is native to Cyprus and Turkey and is otherwise known as garden marjoram, spreading throughout the Mediterranean basin. Cultivated … Read more
Essential oils are generally not recommended for children under the age of 6. However, for the little ones, it is advisable to prefer hydrolats, vegetable oils or oily macerats for everyday ailments. Top 3 essential oils to use safely for my child over 6 years: The essential oil of Marjolaine with shells: Marjoram essential oil … Read more
The fruit of the mandarin tree is generally highly prized, especially at Chinese New Year, when it represents abundance and good fortune. Its fragrant peel is particularly appreciated in cooking, adding a delectable aroma to savoury dishes.In traditional medicine, the dried peel is generally used to regulate vitality, stimulate digestion, relieve abdominal cramps and reduce … Read more
The leaves of the lemon bedew are simple, lanceolate and have numerous milky-white flowers arranged in panicles, forming the design of a lucky charm. This tropical shrub has small fruits that look almost like pepper berries. That’s why it’s known as “mountain pepper”. Litsea citrata, also known as exotic verbena, is widely used in perfumes … Read more
Pistachio mastic, botanical name Pistacia lentiscus, belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. Its essential oil is obtained from the leafy branches. Frankincense is a type of resin with a strong odour derived from the sap of the Pistachio Mastic. In ancient times, this natural resin was used as chewing gum. Today, in Iran, it is still … Read more
Lemongrass, whose botanical name is Cymbopogon flexuosus, belongs to the Poceae family (Gramineae). Its essential oil-producing organs are its herb (aerial part) and its rhizomes. Its mode of action is based on Geranial or citral a (or trans-citral) and Neral or citral b(cis-citral), which are isomers. They are anti-cancer, sedative and anti-viral. Lemongrass, the emblematic … Read more
Lavandin is the result of hybridisation (natural at first) between the two species Lavandula vera and Lavandula latifolia, and its aromatic profile is close to that of Lavandula vera (but with 6-8% camphor ). This hybridisation gave rise to four varieties of lavandin in Provence: Super, Grosso, Sumian and Abrial. Nowadays, lavandin is much more … Read more