Aromatherapy: understanding, choosing, and using essential oils

An essential oil (EO) is a fragrant substance extracted from certain aromatic plants through steam distillation or cold pressing (as is the case with citrus peels). It contains the plant’s active ingredients, meaning the molecules that give it its therapeutic properties.

The importance of chemotyped essential oils

Not all essential oils are identical. The same plant can produce different oils depending on the conditions in which it grows (climate, soil, altitude, etc.). That’s why there are “chemotyped” essential oils. The chemotype refers to the dominant molecule in the essential oil and helps differentiate between varieties of the same plant that may have different properties. For example, true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia) have distinct but related virtues.

Main essential oils and their uses

Essential oils are varied and can be used for many needs. Here are some of the most commonly used oils and their primary benefits:

1. True Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia):
   • Properties: Soothing, healing, anti-stress.
   • Uses: In diffusion to promote relaxation, diluted in massage to calm skin irritations, or in a bath to ease tension.
2. Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia):
   • Properties: Antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal.
   • Uses: Very effective against skin infections, fungal infections, and acne. Can also be used diluted in gargles for sore throats.
3. Peppermint (Mentha piperita):
   • Properties: Tonic, stimulating, pain-relieving.
   • Uses: Inhalation to relieve headaches, diluted in massage for muscle pain and migraines, or internally (with medical advice) to aid digestion.
4. Eucalyptus Radiata (Eucalyptus radiata):
   • Properties: Expectorant, antiviral, respiratory stimulant.
   • Uses: Useful for colds and bronchitis. Use in diffusion or inhalation to clear the airways.
5. Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata):
   • Properties: Relaxing, hypotensive, nerve balancing.
   • Uses: Ideal in diffusion for anxiety relief or in diluted massage in a carrier oil to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
6. Lemon (Citrus limonum):
   • Properties: Purifying, toning, antiseptic.
   • Uses: In diffusion to purify the air, in massage to stimulate blood circulation, or internally (under supervision) for digestive benefits.
7. Ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora CT cineole):
   • Properties: Antiviral, immune-boosting, expectorant.
   • Uses: Effective against viral infections such as colds and flu, in diffusion or inhalation. It is also used to boost natural defenses and strengthen the immune system.
8. Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile):
   • Properties: Soothing, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic.
   • Uses: Perfect for calming skin irritations, relieving menstrual pain, or in diffusion to ease anxiety.

Different methods of using essential oils

Essential oils can be used in various ways, depending on your needs:

• Diffusion: Essential oils are diffused into the air using a diffuser. This method is ideal for purifying the atmosphere or creating a relaxing environment.
• Inhalation: A few drops of essential oil in a bowl of hot water help clear the airways during colds or bronchitis.
• Topical application: Essential oils can be applied to the skin but must always be diluted in a carrier oil (such as almond oil or jojoba) to avoid irritation. Always perform an allergy test on a small patch of skin before broader use.
• Aromatic bath: A few drops of essential oils diluted in a dispersant (such as milk or solubol) in a bath provide relaxation and physical benefits.
• Oral use: The internal use of essential oils should be done with great care and only on the advice of a healthcare professional, as some can be toxic in high doses.

Precautions and contraindications

Essential oils are powerful and must be used with caution. Here are some essential recommendations:

• Mandatory dilution: Never apply essential oil directly to the skin (except rare exceptions like true lavender).
• Not recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and young children: Some essential oils are contraindicated in these situations. It is always important to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
• Photosensitivity: Some citrus essential oils (like lemon or bergamot) can make the skin more sensitive to UV rays. Avoid sun exposure after applying them to the skin.

Conclusion

Aromatherapy is an effective and natural way to enhance well-being, as long as you choose your essential oils carefully and use them correctly. Whether it’s to ease stress, improve digestion, or relieve a cold, there is an essential oil suited to every need. Consult your pharmacist for personalized advice on the essential oils best suited to you, and always respect usage precautions for safe use.