Descriptions & Uses of Essential Oils

An essential oil is a concentrated extract with the characteristic odor or flavor of the plant is it derived from. Essential oils are used to make perfumes but have many other uses as well. Essential oils maintain a liquid form but are considered volatile, with accelerated evaporation at normal temperatures and air pressures.

Citrus

• Orange, lime, and lemon essential oils are the most common essential oils used. Orange oil is pressed from the rinds of oranges and has a sweet, citrus aroma. Orange oil is thought to act as an energizer, helps depression, acne, scars, digestive disorders, fluid retention, irritability and obesity.

  Lime essential oils are either distilled or cold-pressed. Lime oil is pale yellow or clear with a citrusy, fruity, lime aroma. Lime essential oil is thought to refresh and cheer up mood.

  Lemon essential oil is cold-pressed from the rind of a lemon. Lemon oil is commonly used to relieve symptoms of anemia, anxiety, asthma, boils, weak nails, bronchitis, flu, fever, insect bites, heartburn, and herpes. Lemon oil is often mixed with other essential oils to cut concentration and prevent skin irritation.

  After the application of these oils as a lotion, avoid sunlight exposure as citrus essential oils become toxic when in contact with sunlight.

Jasmine

• Jasmine is a solvent extraction from the flower part of the jasmine plant. Jasmine possesses a floral, sweet aroma and is often used in teas.

  Benefits of jasmine include helping with eczema, hepatitis, hoarseness, labor pains, lethargy, muscle spasms, and stress. Jasmine may impose an allergic reaction and should not be used on very sensitive skin. Pregnant or lactating women should not use jasmine essential oil.

Basil

• Basil is extracted through steam distillation from the leafy and flowering parts of the plant. Basil has a fresh, sweet, balsamic and spicy aroma. In general basil is used to treat colds, cough, fatigue, gout, menstrual cramps, migraines, insomnia, nausea, muscles aches, and skin abrasions. Pregnant or lactating women, epileptics, or those with estrogen-related cancers should not use basil essential oils.