Aromatherapy is a gentle form of medicine that is increasingly popular. This is quite understandable, as essential oils are full of benefits . Whether used preventively or curatively, their use is strongly recommended by many professionals .
However, since essential oils concentrated plant extracts , it's important to learn about them. So, ? How do you obtain these treasures of nature ? Stay with us; we've done some research for you, consulting the experts!
What is an essential oil?
First, you choose an aromatic plant; in fact, there are around 400 plants that contain essential oil. If you're used to using these little aromatherapy bottles, you'll notice that the plants often come from the same botanical families: conifers (like cedar or pine), Apiaceae (such as dill or anise), Asteraceae (the family of the famous chamomile), and Lamiaceae (you know, those lovely aromatic plants like mint, thyme, or rosemary!)
There are different methods for obtaining the essence or essential oil of a plant:
- Pressing method: This is the typical process for extracting essences. It's called "spooning" and allows you to obtain the fresh zest of citrus fruits: lemon, grapefruit, etc. These are obtained by cold pressing and are distinct from essential oils. When you peel an orange or a clementine, you've probably already gotten some stinging liquid in your eyes 😉: that's the essence of the citrus fruit, commonly called essential oil.
- Distillation method: Steam distillation is the oldest method. Essential oil producers make excellent use of this technique to extract the active ingredients from plants. The principle of this method is to pass steam (at 100°C) through the plants in the still. Upon contact with this steam, the tiny sacs in the plants containing the essential oil rupture and release the aromatic molecules they contain. These small volatile particles and their active ingredients are then carried along in the steam. After passing through the still, a liquid called the distillate is obtained: this is a mixture of hydrosol and essential oil. These two solutions are then separated to obtain a certain quantity of essential oil and hydrosol, which is also used in aromatherapy.
Note: hydrosol is less concentrated in active ingredients and is not used in the same way as essential oils. You can apply hydrosol to your skin and it is possible to use it on more sensitive people such as children.
- Method for obtaining essences for perfumery: here, they use organic solvents such as petroleum ether or benzene. Needless to say, the resulting essences are unusable for medicinal purposes. The compounds obtained with this technique are used only in perfumery.
How can you use essential oils in your daily life?
Essential oils are treasures of nature. They can treat various ailments, but also act preventively by helping your body adapt to different situations: stress, seasonal changes, fatigue, etc.
Whether for internal use, external application, or diffusion, learn about the essential oils that are suitable for you. There are excellent books on the subject available in bookstores near you.
The use of essential oils orally should not be taken lightly. Be sure to check that the oil you want is suitable for internal use and seek advice from a professional. Once you have verified its suitability, you can ingest it in various ways:
- Pure, directly on the tongue, on half a sugar cube or on a neutral tablet.
- Diluted in a spoonful of vegetable oil, honey or agave syrup
. - In a capsule, which you can have filled at a pharmacy or prepare yourself following the correct dosages.
The ideal way to use essential oils! Essential oils penetrate the epidermis and spread throughout the body quickly. Whether on your chest, spine, or other areas, you can apply essential oils that meet your specific needs.
Some can be used undiluted, but others will need to be diluted in an organic vegetable oil: olive, sunflower, or hazelnut—the choice is yours! Remember that they also have beneficial active ingredients, so you can combine them with your essential oils to create a wonderful synergy for your health.
There are various diffusion methods; the most well-known is the diffuser, such as the nebulizer . But many other techniques are possible, some more DIY, such as placing a few drops of essential oils in a bowl of hot water near a radiator.
At Wooper, we had a great idea so you can diffuse your favorite essential oil everywhere, and thus be accompanied by its scent all day long:
- Wooden diffusers to attach to your bag or in your car, like the " Find your road " traveller.
- Wooden bracelets, always designed by us, like all our other jewelry. You'll love the Pic , an engraving that will remind you of our beautiful mountains.
- Wooper necklaces made of beech wood also allow you to diffuse an essential oil all day long. You'll love the Ginkgo with its beautiful leaves representing natural medicines from Asia.
Wondering how to diffuse the fragrance with our jewelry? It's very simple: just drop two drops of essential oil onto the wooden model of your choice and this intoxicating scent will follow you everywhere for the day!
Yes, you can change the scent every day according to your desires, because the jewelry does not retain the essential oil for more than 24 hours.
Whether dry or wet, essential oil inhalation has become a widely used technique, thanks in particular to its numerous benefits. Wet inhalation involves adding five drops of essential oil to a large bowl of hot water. By breathing in this hot steam for 10 to 15 minutes with a towel over your head, the active ingredients will be intensified. This can help you quickly treat a bad cold.
Dry inhalation is becoming increasingly popular: simply put two or three drops on a tissue and inhale it whenever you need to. Super handy for clearing a stuffy nose!
Regardless of the method used, it's essential to always do your research before using an essential oil. This will allow you to use it safely.
5 essential oils you won't be able to live without
If you are not yet a fan of aromatherapy, or on the contrary if you want to know more, here is a top 5 list of essential oils that are… essential in a first aid kit.
- Peppermint ( Mentha piperita ): a tonic and excellent for digestion, it also possesses other amazing properties. Thanks to its cooling effect, it can soothe migraines and other aches and pains. Learn more about this wonderful and well-known plant!
- Java citronella ( Cymbopogon citratus ): the perfect companion for summer evenings! Citronella is excellent for repelling mosquitoes, allowing you to enjoy peaceful moments. We offer a Wooper-branded variety for use in a diffuser. Yet another great excuse to wear your favorite jewelry safely!
- Eucalyptus radiata : This essential oil is perfect for the winter seasons. A true protection against the cold, you won't be able to do without it during the long, snowy winters of our beautiful country.
- Ravintsara ( Cinnamomum camphora ): An essential oil suitable for the whole family. It's the queen of aromatherapy plants! For ENT problems or a weakened immune system, this is definitely a must-have in your natural medicine cabinet.
- True lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia ): True lavender has the advantage of being suitable for everyone from the youngest to the oldest. Calming and also healing, it's a very versatile oil. Don't hesitate to use it, but remember to research it thoroughly, just as you would any other oil.
Essential oils offer numerous benefits and deserve a place in our natural skincare routine. However, as with all plant-based therapies, it's crucial to thoroughly research their uses and, above all, their potential toxicity. For this reason, consider consulting professionals to obtain clear and safe usage advice.
Whether it's a producer, an aromatherapist like those at Instants Nature , or a herbalist shop, you'll always find someone willing to explain how to use essential oils properly and avoid any risks. Special attention should be paid to pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with epilepsy or asthma, and young children, as these groups are more vulnerable.
We love using essential oils and we have our favorites! What about you? Tell us in the comments which essential oils are in your natural first-aid kit!
