Usha Müller , 11 September 2020
Aromatherapy
10 most important plants with essential oils
The Egyptians were the first to discover the effects of essential oils which are as diverse as we are as people. The fragrance you use will depend on the desired effect. The way the essential oil is applied – whether it is directly absorbed, inhaled or applied to the skin – is less important than choosing the essential oil with the right effect and the right dose. Every oil is purported to have particular benefits for physical and mental health. Below you will find a brief description of the 10 most important oils and their effect in order to give you a good basis for your personal aromatherapy. Important: find out beforehand how to apply essential oils correctly as although they are herbal, they have a medicinal effect.
Bergamot
The valuable essential oil obtained from bergamot – by extracting it from the peel of this Mediterranean citrus fruit – has a fresh and lemony scent. This fragrance is very popular due to its mood-elevating effect. Bergamot helps to alleviate stress, anxiety and depression. There is good reason for it being present in almost all perfumes as a top note as bergamot has a clear, fresh and lively scent. In Earl Grey tea where it is combined with black tea, bergamot is a popular pick-me-up – 67 million Brits can’t be wrong, can they?
Eucalyptus
This aromatic oil which is often used in medicine on account of its cleansing, cooling and antiseptic effect is extracted from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree. Eucalyptus oil can help when you have a cold by loosening thick mucus in the bronchial tubes and sinuses and help you breathe freely again. The loosening effect can also make headaches disappear in no time. Eucalyptus is also motivating and stimulating which can both improve concentration and combat listlessness. Our essential oil Relief which alleviates coughs and cold symptoms contains eucalyptus.
IMPORTANT: Eucalyptus is not suitable for babies or children!
Jasmine
The bewitching scent of jasmine is associated with femininity. Because of its sensual aphrodisiac effect, this flower has always been associated with love and eroticism – in India, jasmine is extolled as the queen of the night and jasmine flowers appear in numerous depictions of love scenes. The essential oil obtained from jasmine can help you overcome your inhibitions so that you open up more and express your feelings more clearly. Jasmine also has a soothing, sedative effect and is used to relieve pain.
Camomile
The essential oil from this wonderful medicinal plant belongs in every medicine cabinet as camomile is an excellent anti-inflammatory and pain reliever which makes it just as popular as a remedy for injuries as it is for colds or gastrointestinal disorders. The refreshing and softly scented camomile oil helps to relieve cold symptoms by unblocking the airways – being particularly effective when inhaled – and relieves inflammation of the sinuses as well as the mucous membranes in the nose and mouth. Because it is antibacterial and circulation-enhancing, camomile is often found in creams and salves – especially those for treating wounds or skin conditions such as acne. On a psychological level, the soothing, balancing and comforting effect of camomile means that it can relieve anxiety and irritability and improve the processing of emotions.
Lavender
Who doesn’t know the intense fragrance of lavender? The soft floral scent of lavender makes you think of the vast fields of purple blooms in Provence and brings about relaxation almost automatically. In nature, that scent serves to keep pests away from the plant. For us humans, lavender oil is extremely versatile as it can be both relaxing and also motivating and mood-enhancing. Lavender can help with overstimulation and restlessness as well as with insomnia. Anyone who has trouble getting to sleep just needs to put a couple of drops on their pillow or in their aroma diffuser and they will soon be off to the land of Nod. The strongly antiseptic effect of lavender was discovered by the founder of modern aromatherapy René-Maurice Gattefossé.
Peppermint
A popular and versatile essential oil that comes from peppermint as it smells fresh, herbal and clear. The menthol content of peppermint is extremely invigorating and clarifying but can also have an analgesic effect. Its stimulating effect also improves concentration and energy levels. Particularly effective as a remedy for treating complaints such as exhaustion, fatigue and difficulties focusing and concentrating.
IMPORTANT: The essential oil obtained from peppermint is not suitable for children or babies!
Rosemary
Do you find it hard to get going of a morning? Or would people actually describe you as being a grouch in the morning? If so, then the essential oil from rosemary could be just right for you as it contains substances that improve and boost circulation. The herb which is known for its use in Mediterranean dishes has many excellent properties: not only does it improve concentration but it is also invigorating and strengthening and helps to promote clarity and clear energy blockages. Rosemary can be found in our natural fragrant oil Refresh.
Sandalwood
The characteristic warm, velvety scent of sandalwood oil is reminiscent of the Orient. As a scent typically associated with men – it resembles a pheromone that is found in male underarm perspiration – sandalwood is often used as an ingredient in aftershaves and men’s fragrances. The essential oil is not only an aphrodisiac and inspiring but also has a centring and calming effect. Previously used as incense in religious ceremonies, today sandalwood is often used for meditation since it helps to relieve inner restlessness, dissatisfaction and overstimulation.
Tea Tree
The clarifying and disinfectant effect of tea tree oil is well-known; it is no coincidence that tea tree oil is a popular ingredient in skin-cleansing cosmetics for the face in particular. The intensely fragrant herbal oil is even a scientifically proven antiseptic, bactericide and fungicide. The application of tea tree oil can have a positive effect if you suffer from lethargy, listlessness, insecurity or anxiety because of its strengthening, reviving, clarifying and concentration-boosting properties.
Lemon
If you bite into a lemon, you immediately experience the effect of this bitter fruit. The invigorating and refreshing effect of the essential oil is just as intense as the experience of biting into a lemon. The fresh, intense citrus fragrance keeps away not only moths and other pests but also colds – lemon oil kills bacteria and stimulates circulation. Its mood-enhancing, invigorating effect will also make you feel good. Lemon oil and its vitalising properties can help to banish fatigue and listlessness by sharpening the mind and improving concentration. We associate the scent of lemon that is often used in cleaning products with cleanliness, purity and freshness. And there’s good reason for that: lemon oil is an extremely effective cleanser and is also antibacterial and antiseptic.
Have you found the right fragrance for your needs? Is the right aroma diffuser for filling your home with fragrance all that is missing? We have a wide range of aroma diffusers for you to choose from. You fill the aroma diffuser with water, add a couple of drops of your chosen fragrant oil, plug it in and the essential oils will be released into the room as a fine fragrant mist straight away. Now try it yourself!
Important note: When using essential oils, side effects such as rashes, skin irritation and allergies can occur. You should always consult an expert before use, especially in the case of people at risk (children, pregnant women and people who are ill). The use of unsuitable essential oils can be life-threatening for babies!
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