Ancient Ayurveda claims that essential oils are the secret key ingredients to many herbal concoctions that can help thou heal thyself from within. The good thing is, they are now no longer a secret but widely accepted and scientifically proven natural extracts that possess magical healing powers. Through the precise process of steam distillation or cold pressing, the oil is extracted from various parts of the plants they come from to bring you a pure and chemical-free product.
The first thing that many of us notice about essential oils is their captivating fragrance that can spark emotions and feelings. However, once you use these different types of essential oils appropriately, you will find a whole host of unique healing benefits that are just waiting to be harnessed. From combating illnesses and infections to healing the skin, hair, and mind, the different kinds of essential oils available today are unbeatable natural remedies for everything from insomnia to psoriasis. Before you delve into the aromatic world of these essential oils, read more about what they are and why you need them here.
How do we classify essential oils:
So, what are the different types of essential oils? The age old principles behind the usage of essential oils have divided them into three categories, namely, top, middle and base notes based on their aroma and the parts from where they are extracted. While preparing the healing mixtures, it is recommended that the essential oils from all the three notes are blended for a stronger impact on the mind, body, and soul. In addition, you can blend these oils with carrier oils, salves, or shampoos to create your own personal remedies and beauty regimens.
1. Top Note Essential Oils
Such oils contain the most volatile and delicate substances. They are derived from the flowers and leaves of the plant and tend to have scents that are considered light and refreshing as well as uplifting for the mood. If they are exposed to the sun for longer durations or left out in the open, their aroma evaporates quickly.
What top note essential oils are used for: These oils are primarily used to treat stress or fatigue, depression, and lethargy. Also, they carry anti-viral properties. Due to their strong aroma when inhaled, these oils help the limbic system release healing and detoxifying biochemicals in the body. Moreover, these essential oils carry ingredients that spark focus. These oils are usually inexpensive and their impact does not last for a long duration.
Top note examples of essential oils:
Sweet Orange Oil: This fragrant essential oil is extensively used in aromatherapy. Sweet orange oil helps in soothing the muscles. Sweet orange oil can help in reducing intestinal gastric issues and relax the stomach and anal muscles. Moreover, its aphrodisiac properties help in the treatment of decreased libido, impotence, and erectile concerns. The oil carries diuretic and antiseptic properties and is used in many herbal concoctions for its medicinal benefits.
Peppermint Oil: One of the best types of essential oils used to treat headaches naturally, peppermint oil is known for its strong minty aroma and its fast, effective treatments. It can be applied topically to the aching area or can be mixed with other oils to tone down its intense aroma. You can buy peppermint oil here or read more about amazing peppermint oil benefits here.
Clary Sage Oil: Clary sage oil gets its name from clary, meaning clear eyes. Since the middles ages, this multi-nutrient oil has been used for treating strained and tired eyes. The oil forms a vital part of many creams, lotions, soaps, and perfumes. The oil also has regenerative properties and can help prevent heart diseases.
Basil Oil: Basil is an Indian herb, present in every Indian household. This herb is extremely rich in nutrients, biochemicals, and medicinal properties. Basil oil has the ability to heal respiratory diseases, calm the acidic reactions in the stomach and intestines, treat constipation, nausea, and diabetes.
Cinnamon Oil: The spice has an intense aroma that will linger with you forever. There are two types of cinnamon oils based on the part they are derived from — cinnamon bark oil and cinnamon leaf oil. Cinnamon oils display the abilities to fight depression, stimulate the immune system and combats virus, parasites and free radicals. The oil increases blood circulation in the body and stimulates a healthy libido functioning.
Eucalyptus Oil: Probably one of the most widely used types of essential oils, eucalyptus oil can be inhaled, ingested or topically applied for a myriad of benefits. Apart from its various medicinal uses, the oil is used as a strong natural cologne and is added to many skin care products. The most common use of eucalyptus oil is in stimulating the mental activity and maintaining a constant blood flow to the brain.
Thyme Oil: Used widely in the Mediterranean countries, Thyme exhibits properties that can cure problems like arthritis, cold, menopausal problems, wounds, sores, and bites. The oil is extremely beneficial for a beauty care regimen and prevents hair loss, acne breakout, and tones skin, fighting the signs of aging. Thyme oil can also be used to maintain a healthy oral hygiene.
Spearmint Oil: An alternative to peppermint oil, spearmint oil is also used widely to treat headaches quickly and effectively. The oil is extremely effective when treating menstrual problems, nausea, and digestive discomforts.
2. Middle Note Essential Oils
The types of essential oils that are beneficial for the overall health of a human fall under the middle note category. These oils are extracted from the herbs and spices of the plant and the aroma takes a while to work its magic. Their aromas are often considered warm and relaxing rather than the energizing and stimulating fragrances of top note essential oils.
What middle note essential oils are used for: The majority of essential oils fall in the middle note category. These types of essential oils are important for the health of the body as a whole, to treat physical issues such as stiff joints, muscle pull and balance the mental turmoil within.
Middle note examples of essential oils:
Chamomile Oil: If you have ever tasted the soothing flavor of chamomile tea, you know how relieving and calm you start feeling with just one sip. That’s the magic of this herb. The oil is an excellent mood booster. The oil is usually inhaled through vapor therapy or is ingested in the form of chamomile tea.
Rosemary Oil: The rosemary essential oil has long been used in stimulating blood circulation. The oil helps in hair nourishment and prevents breakage and split ends. Moreover, the antimicrobial properties present in the oil help treat scalp-related problems and dandruff. When mixed with other oils, it can help relieve stress and alleviates headaches.
Lavender Oil: Undoubtedly, lavender essential oil is among the most used and most versatile oils. It is known across the world for its soothing properties that relax the mind, body, and soul. Because of its breathtaking aroma alone, lavender is a must-have household item.
Geranium Oil: Probably the secret of Cleopatra’s legendary radiant skin, Geranium oil has been long used in Egypt for promoting a beautiful, healthy and glowing skin, free from acne, blemishes, and scars. The sweet-smelling essential oil can reduce stress, uplift one’s mood and balance them emotionally.
Pine Oil: This oil is extracted from the pine needles. This essential oil exhibits properties that help in nasal congestions, coughs, and colds. The oil freshens the air and is a strong insect repellant too. Because of its woody scent, this is one of those types of essential oils that is great for aromatherapy especially during the holidays.
Black Pepper Oil: Perhaps, the most valuable spice of all times is the black pepper. Its oil is extracted from black pepper seeds which have been used as condiments from ancient times. It has antirheumatic and antiarthritic properties. The oil possesses an appetizing spicy fragrance.
Cardamom Oil: The oil is prepared from the seeds of cardamom spice. Cardamom is beneficial for our health, it is extensively used as a versatile spice across the world.The oil is used to reduce spasms, neutralize the adverse effects of chemotherapy, reduce nausea and also exhibits antiseptic, antimicrobial, aphrodisiac, astringent, and diuretic properties.
Nutmeg Oil: This oil is obtained by the dried kernels of the ripe nutmeg seeds via steam distillation. The nutmeg seeds and oil have been popular amongst various civilizations. Nutmeg oil is used in scented candles for its pleasing aroma. It can also be used as a massage oil to alleviate inflammation and reduce pain during menstrual cramps. The oil replaces ground nutmeg seeds as a flavoring agent in many delicacies.
3. Base Note Essential Oils
The third and the final category of essential oils are the base notes. These are of the most earthy quality and possess a strong aroma that lingers on for hours. Usually, such oils are extracted from the gums and resins of the trees. They are also amongst the most expensive essential oils.
What base note essential oils are used for: From the many healing benefits they offer, the ingredients present in base note essential oils are utmost important for treating anxiety, anger, nervousness and other mental pressures. The intense fragrance helps the body release calming hormones and balances the energy levels.
Base note examples of essential oils:
Vanilla Oil: Who in the world does not love the pure essence of vanilla? We all have felt how enduring, tranquilizing and calming it is to our senses. The aroma of vanilla acts as an antidepressant. Vanilla oil is also known to carry anticarcinogenic properties.
Sandalwood Oil: This magnificent oil forms the most vital ingredient of Ayurveda in India. The exotic essential oil helps in calming anxiety, improves focus, is a natural aphrodisiac, and has anti-viral, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. This oil is amongst the most expensive oils and is widely used in skin therapies and anti-aging treatments as well.
Frankincense Oil: This multifaceted oil works as an amazing hygiene keeper. Its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties make it a great addition to oral hygiene to treat tooth decay, cavities and more. This oil is a powerful astringent and helps fight ageing and wrinkles.
Ginger Oil: Ginger is an important medicinal herb of Ayurveda and its oil add just as much to the health. From treating sinusitis, sore throat, cough and cold. Ginger oil also helps in relieving diarrhea and gastric issues. Inhaling the oil can revitalize and reenergize you.
Ylang Ylang Oil: A powerful stress buster, Ylang Ylang oil is used to alleviate headaches and relax muscles. The oil is extremely beneficial for all skin types and is found in a variety of hair and skin products. With a strong sweet flowery fragrance, it is advised that the oil should be used in limited quantities only.
Clove Oil: This Indian spice is known to carry anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Rich in antioxidants and biochemicals, clove oil is a used to treat oral infections such as gum diseases, toothaches and more. The oil also offers many skin benefits and helps in reduction of acne and blemishes.
Rose Oil: The rose flower has been an integral part of innumerable tales and the fragrance never fails to impress the bearer and so it is with the essential oil of rose. The medicinal benefits it offers are unknown to many. Undoubtedly, it has the best aphrodisiac properties and can help in reducing sexual dysfunction. The oil also offers benefits such as the oil can strengthen the hair roots and gums, protects against aging, relieves spasms in muscles and respiratory system, and purifies the blood.
Neroli Oil: A pound of neroli essential oil is obtained from about a thousand pound of orange flowers. This exotic oil contains many health promoting properties. Neroli, since the ancient times, has been used to combat fever, bacterial infections and as an antiseptic and disinfectant. The oil also helps in maintaining normal blood pressure.
It is important to note that many of these types of essential oils are highly concentrated and potent substances. They can be irritating if not harmful when ingested or directly applied to the skin. Because of this, it is always a god idea to consult your doctor before utilizing any essential oil. You should also use a patch test on the leg or arm to be sure that you are not allergic to the different types of essential oils. Before applying to the skin, be sure to dilute all types of essential oils in a carrier oil for application.
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