Essential oils are natural substances that have been used for centuries in various cultures around the world for their therapeutic and medicinal properties.
From the ancient Egyptians to the modern wellness industry, essential oils play an important role in healthcare, beauty care, and even in the household. In this comprehensive guide, we dive deep into the world of essential oils.
We explain what essential oils are, how they work, and discuss their uses, benefits, and safety guidelines.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are concentrated extracts derived from the leaves, flowers, bark, roots or other parts of a plant.
These oils contain the plant's distinctive fragrance and properties, meaning they not only have a pleasant smell, but also powerful therapeutic properties.
The molecules in essential oils are highly volatile, meaning they evaporate easily and can be quickly absorbed by the body.
What Essential Oils Aren't: The Difference from Chemical Perfume Oils
Although essential oils are often confused with scented products such as perfume oil, they are essentially quite different.
It is important to understand what essential oils are not and how they differ from cheaper, synthetic alternatives that are sometimes wrongly presented as "essential oils".
Essential Oils vs. Chemical Perfume Oil
Essential oils are natural, concentrated extracts extracted from plants through processes such as steam distillation or cold pressing. These oils contain the "essence" of the plant, including its fragrance as well as its beneficial, therapeutic properties.
They are used in aromatherapy, skincare and natural health products because of their pure, natural origin and effectiveness.
Chemical perfume oil, on the other hand, is a synthetic blend of chemicals designed to mimic a scent. Although they often smell pleasant and are cheaper, perfume oils do not contain any of the therapeutic properties of real essential oils.
They are usually used in products such as scented candles, perfumes and air fresheners to create a particular scent.
Key Differences
- Origin:
- Essential oils are completely natural and are obtained from plants such as flowers, leaves, wood, or bark.
- Perfume oils are produced synthetically in laboratories and usually consist of chemical compounds that mimic the smell of natural oils, but without the healing properties.
- Therapeutic Properties:
- Essential oils have proven health benefits, such as reducing stress, improving sleep, relieving pain and supporting the immune system.
- Perfume oils are designed for scent and have no therapeutic benefits. In fact, some synthetic fragrances can even have harmful effects, such as skin irritations or allergic reactions.
- Price:
- Essential oils are often more expensive because they require a lot of raw materials and intensive processes to produce (as we discussed earlier, it can take thousands of rose petals to make one bottle of rose oil).
- Perfume oils are usually much cheaper because they can be produced synthetically and in large quantities with cheap chemicals.
- Purity and Safety:
- Essential oils are pure and additive-free, especially if they are certified as 100% natural. This makes them suitable for aromatherapy and some forms of skin or hair care (if properly diluted).
- Perfume oils can be a mixture of various chemicals and synthetic fragrances, and they are often not safe for use on the skin, especially in people with sensitive skin or allergies.
- Fragrance profile:
- The fragrance of essential oils can vary depending on the harvest, season and production process, adding to their authentic, natural character.
- Perfume oil scents are always the same because they are synthetic, but they lack the complexity and depth of natural oils.
Many consumers get confused by the terms "essential oil" and "perfume oil", especially as some sellers promote synthetic oils as "natural fragrance".
Although perfume oils sometimes seem cheaper and smell nice, they lack the health benefits and purity of real essential oils.
Moreover, synthetic oils can contain harmful substances that can have negative health effects with long-term use.
If you are looking for real benefits for your well-being or skin, always opt for pure, natural essential oils of high quality.
When doing so, look out for labels such as "100% pure" and avoid products with terms like "fragrance" or "perfume", which usually indicate synthetic ingredients.
The History of Essential Oils
Essential oils are not new; their use dates back thousands of years.
In ancient Egypt, they were used in mummification, while the Greeks and Romans used them for massages, baths and as perfumes.
Chinese and Indian cultures also used essential oils for medicinal purposes in traditional herbal remedies.
Today, essential oils are widely used in aromatherapy, skincare and other natural medicine.
How are Essential Oils Produced?
Essential oils are usually obtained by steam distillation, a process in which steam is passed through the plant material to release the volatile oils.
Another method is cold pressing, which is mainly used for citrus oils such as lemon and orange. In this process, the oil is pressed from the peel of the fruit.
The exact method used depends on the plant and the properties of the oil you want to preserve.
Steam distillation
Steam distillation involves passing steam through the plant material, evaporating the oil and then condensing it into a liquid form.
This is a delicate method that preserves the integrity of the plant and results in pure, potent oils.
Cold Pressing
Cold pressing involves pressing citrus fruits, such as lemon or orange, in a machine, separating the oil from the peel.
This results in an oil that smells fresh and is often less concentrated than oils obtained by distillation.
How Many Ingredients Are Needed to Make Essential Oil?
The production process of essential oils is intensive and often requires large quantities of plant material.
This is because essential oils are highly concentrated extracts, and the process of extracting these oils from plants can be complex and time-consuming.
Here is an overview of how many raw materials are sometimes needed to produce just a small amount of essential oil:
1. Rose oil
Rose oil, also known as rose sotto or rose absolute, is one of the most precious essential oils on the market.
This is due to the huge volume of rose petals needed to produce even a small amount of oil.
It requires about 5,000 kilos of rose petals to only 1 litre of rose oil to make.
Because the flowers are picked by hand, and the yield of oil is relatively low, the price of rose oil is very high.
2. Lavender oil
Lavender is one of the most popular and easily available essential oils, yet the production process is quite intensive.
For lavender oil, about 150 kilos of lavender flowers necessary to 1 litre essential oil obtainable.
Lavender is relatively easy to grow, which keeps the cost lower compared to more exclusive oils such as rose.
3. Lemon oil
Citrus oils, such as lemon oil, are produced by cold-pressing the peels of the fruit.
To 1 litre of lemon oil to produce, are about 3,000 lemons needed.
This seems like a lot, but citrus fruits contain relatively large amounts of essential oil in their skins, making the process a little more efficient than with flowers such as roses.
4. Jasmine oil
Jasmine oil, like rose oil, is among the most expensive essential oils because the flowers must be hand-picked at night when their scent is strongest.
It costs about 7,000 to 10,000 flowers to only 1 millilitre of jasmine oil to make.
As a result, the yield per plant is extremely low, driving up the price significantly.
5. Sandalwood oil
Sandalwood oil is extracted from the wood of ancient sandalwood trees.
The production process is slow and complex, which makes the oil valuable. To 1 litre of sandalwood oil to produce, is about 20 to 30 kilos of wood needed.
Sandalwood trees often need to grow for decades before they can produce sufficient essential oil, which contributes to the rarity and cost of the oil.
6. Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil, which comes from the leaves of the peppermint plant, is somewhat easier to obtain than some other essential oils.
It costs about 50 kg peppermint leaves to 1 litre of peppermint oil produce.
Peppermint plants grow quickly and produce a relatively large amount of oil, making production cheaper.
The fact that so much plant material is needed for a relatively small amount of essential oil explains why some oils are so expensive.
This also highlights the importance of ethical and sustainable production to ensure that the demand for essential oils does not harm the environment.
The concentration of the oils is what makes them so powerful, but the production process can be resource-intensive, both in terms of plant materials and time.
Differences between Essential Oils and Carrier Oils
Carrier oils, such as jojoba oil, coconut oil or almond oil, are oily oils used to dilute essential oils before application to the skin.
Essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause skin irritation if applied undiluted.
Carrier oils help to dilute essential oils safely without losing their therapeutic properties.
Benefits of Essential Oils
Essential oils are praised for their versatile health benefits.
These benefits range from stress reduction and improved sleep to supporting the immune system and improving skin health.
1. Stress Reduction and Emotional Wellbeing
Essential oils are often used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and calm the mind. Certain scents, such as lavender and chamomile, are known for their relaxing properties.
- Lavender oil: This is perhaps the best-known essential oil for relaxation. Lavender helps reduce stress and anxiety and promotes deep, restful sleep. It is especially popular to use in baths or diffusers before bedtime.
- Ylang-Ylang: This oil has a floral fragrance and is often used to improve mood, reduce anxiety and promote feelings of well-being.
- Jasmine oil: Jasmine is known for its mood-enhancing properties. Often used in perfumes, it can also help reduce anxiety and boost self-confidence.
2. Improved sleep quality
Sleep problems are a common problem in modern society. Essential oils can provide a natural solution for better sleep. Oils such as lavender, frankincense and cedarwood can help calm the mind and promote restful sleep.
- Lavender oil: Known for its relaxing properties, lavender is often recommended for people who have trouble sleeping. The scent of lavender can calm the nervous system and promote deep, restful sleep.
- Cedarwood: This oil has a warm, woody scent and can help release feelings of tension and anxiety, making it easier to fall asleep.
3. Supporting the Immune System
Some essential oils have powerful antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties, so they can help strengthen the immune system and fight infections.
- Tea tree oil: This oil is known for its strong antibacterial and antiviral properties. It is often used to treat skin infections, but can also be added to detergents to disinfect surfaces.
- Eucalyptus oil: Eucalyptus is often used for respiratory problems such as colds and sinusitis. The oil helps open blocked airways and fight infections.
- Lemon oil: Lemon is rich in antioxidants and is known for its cleansing and detoxifying properties. It can help remove toxins from the body and strengthen the immune system.
4. Skin and hair care
Essential oils are widely used in skin and hair care products because of their ability to moisturise the skin, reduce inflammation and treat skin problems such as acne.
- Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is a widely used remedy for acne because of its antibacterial properties. It helps reduce pimples and prevents future breakouts.
- Rose oil: Rose oil is known for its moisturising and anti-ageing properties. It helps to improve skin elasticity and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
- Rosemary oil: Rosemary oil is often used in hair care to stimulate hair growth and improve scalp health.
5. Pain relief
Essential oils can also be used for pain relief. Oils such as peppermint, ginger and frankincense have anti-inflammatory properties and can help relieve muscle and joint pain.
- Peppermint oil: This oil has a cooling effect and can be used to relieve headaches, muscle pain and joint pain. It also works well for tension headaches when applied to the temples.
- Ginger oil: Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used to relieve muscle pain and joint pain, such as arthritis.
- Incense oil: Frankincense is often used to reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing. It can help relieve pain associated with chronic conditions such as arthritis.
6. Natural Household Use
Essential oils are not only good for your health, but can also be a great addition to your cleaning routine. They are a natural alternative to chemical cleaners and can help keep your home fresh and clean.
- Lemon oil: Lemon oil is a powerful cleaning agent that can help remove grease and dirt from surfaces. It can be added to water to make an effective all-purpose cleaner.
- Tea tree oil: Because of its antibacterial properties, tea tree oil is ideal for fighting mould and bacteria in the home. Add a few drops to water and use it to clean surfaces like kitchen countertops and bathroom tiles.
- Eucalyptus oil: Eucalyptus oil can help purify the air and add a fresh scent to your home. Add a few drops to a spray bottle with water and use it as an air freshener.
Applications of essential oils
Essential oils can be used in different ways, depending on the desired effect. Here are the main ways to use them safely and effectively:
1. Aromatic Application
This is one of the simplest ways to use essential oils. By inhaling the scent, the oils can be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream via the lungs and directly affect the brain, especially the limbic system responsible for emotions and memories.
- Diffuser: An essential oil diffuser disperses the oil as a fine mist in the air, allowing you to inhale the therapeutic benefits. This is a popular method to improve the atmosphere in your home, reduce stress or cleanse the air.
- Inhalation: For acute respiratory complaints, add a few drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot water and inhale the vapours to open congested airways and ease breathing.
2. Topical Application
Topical application involves applying the essential oil directly to the skin. This can be useful for skin care or relieving pain and inflammation.
- Massage: Essential oils can be diluted in carrier oils such as almond or coconut oil and then used for massages. This helps relax tense muscles and relieve pain.
- Local application: Essential oils such as tea tree and lavender can be diluted and applied directly to problem areas, such as pimples or minor wounds, to promote healing.
3. Internal use
Although some essential oils are safe for internal use, it is important to be careful and always consult a professional before taking them orally. Oils such as peppermint, lemon and ginger are sometimes taken in small amounts to relieve digestive problems or support the immune system.
- Peppermint oil: Can be used to relieve digestive problems such as bloating and indigestion. It is important to use only a drop or two diluted in water or in a capsule.
- Lemon oil: Often added to water or tea for a refreshing, detoxifying effect. Lemon oil can help remove toxins and promote digestion.
Safety and Precautions
While essential oils offer numerous benefits, it is important to use them properly to avoid possible side effects. Here are some important safety guidelines:
- Dilute: Never apply essential oils undiluted to the skin. Always mix a few drops of oil with a carrier oil before using topically to avoid skin irritation.
- Patch test: Always perform an allergy test before applying any new oil to your skin. You do this by rubbing a small amount of diluted oil on the inside of your wrist and waiting 24 hours to see if there is any reaction.
- Internal use: Not all essential oils are safe for consumption. Some oils, such as eucalyptus and tea tree, can be toxic if ingested. Always consult an aromatherapist or doctor before using essential oils internally.
- Safety for children and pets: Some essential oils are not suitable for use with children or pets. For instance, peppermint oil can be too strong for young children, and tea tree oil can be harmful to pets such as cats and dogs.
- Sunlight and citrus oils: Citrus oils such as lemon, orange and bergamot can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid sun exposure after applying these oils to prevent sunburn and pigmentation.
The Most Important Essential Oils and Their Applications
Here is an overview of some of the most popular essential oils and their uses:
1. Lavender oil
- Advantages: Relaxing, promotes sleep, relieves stress and anxiety.
- Use: Add a few drops to a diffuser for a restful night's sleep, or mix with a carrier oil and apply to skin for relaxation.
2. Tea Tree Oil
- Advantages: Antibacterial, antifungal, treats acne and skin infections.
- Use: Use diluted on problem areas such as pimples, or add to cleansing products for an antibacterial effect.
3. Peppermint oil
- Advantages: Relieves headaches, improves concentration, eases digestive problems.
- Use: Add a drop to water or tea for relief of upset stomach, or use diluted on temples to relieve headaches.
4. Lemon oil
- Advantages: Detoxifying, improves mood, cleanses surfaces.
- Use: Add to cleaning products for a fresh scent and antibacterial effect, or use diluted in water as a refreshing drink.
5. Eucalyptus oil
- Advantages: Opens the airways, relieves colds and coughs, antibacterial.
- Use: Add to a bowl of hot water for steam inhalation, or use diluted on the chest for relief from respiratory problems.