Aroma Crystal Nature's First Defence Formula - 8.5ml

ESSENTIAL OILS

Each unique plant essential oil has healing properties both through the strong smell and when used as medicine as well...

Essential oils are aromatic compounds extracted from a number of different plants. They are also known as volatile oils because they evaporate so quickly, which is also how they create such a strong aroma in the air. Because of this ability to quickly create strong scents, these oils are often used in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps and other scented products.

How are they made?
Essential oils are extracted from the plant by steam distillation, cold pressing, or solvent extraction. Good quality products create a pure product that will evaporate cleanly if dripped on a piece of paper. Each type of extraction is used for different plant materials. Solvent extraction is used for substances like flowers that contain very little volatile oil, and those that can be damaged by the temperatures used in steam distillation. Solvents used are hexane or supercritical carbon dioxide. Because carbon dioxide evaporates quickly when the temperature is raised to normal, it is the preferred solvent extraction method to maintain purity. Solvent extraction performed at lower temperatures is preferred to maintain the integrity of the active compounds.

Medicinal Properties
The benefits of essential oils are as diverse as the oils themselves. Some are diluted and used as skin treatments for acne or rashes, while others are used for internal use to fight infection or even help to treat specific diseases. Often current research will focus on specific compounds found in essential oils, to determine which one is responsible for their medicinal benefits. More traditional herbalists believe that it is the synergy between all of the active constituents in the oil that provide the full benefit. In some cases, the benefits of essential oils can simply be attributed to the effect of their scent on the brain. To stimulate the limbic system in the brain, essential oils are often used for aromatherapy in combination with massage and other balancing techniques.

Dilution
Because of their extremely concentrated state, it is important to dilute essential oils in other high quality carrier oils like olive, almond, grapeseed, or sesame. Keeping in the spirit of oil not mixing with water, an esstential oil can only be diluted by mixing it with another oil. When essential oils are used without being diluted, they can cause severe skin irritation, gastrointestinal upset and even liver damage in the long term. Certain essential oils are not for internal use, and can be toxic even in small amounts.

Storage
Because of their volatile nature, essential oils can react with their storage containers, particularly those made of rubber or plastic. In general, essential oils are best handled with glass pipettes, and glass storage bottles. Keep products away from pets, as essential oils can be toxic to some animals, particularly cats.

MOST COMMON ESSENTIAL OILS

Basil
In aromatherapy, basil oil is used to treat nervous disorders, migraines, and stress headaches. It is an energizing oil that can help to clear the mind, relieve intellectual fatigue, and improve focus. Basil oil also benefits the respiratory tract and can be useful in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis and sinus infections.

Bergamot
Most useful in the treatment of skin conditions, diluted bergamot oil can help treat acne, boils, abscesses, and psoriasis. When using it topically, be sure to avoid sun-exposure as bergamot oil is phototoxic, meaning it reacts with light to cause damage to the skin. In aromatherapy it is used to help reduce stress, as well as treat depression and anxiety.

Chamomile (Roman)
When diluted and used topically, roman chamomile can be used to help soothe and calm skin that is red and inflamed. It also has gentle anti-bacterial properties, which is why this essential oil is often used by natural health practitioners in the treatment of acne, particularly on more delicate skin where Tea Tree oil may be too irritating.

Cedarwood
This essential oil is most notably known for its soothing and calming effects. It is also antiseptic, astringent, expectorant, and antifungal, making it very useful for the treatment of infections. It is a tonic, diuretic, and emmenagogue, meaning that it can promote urination and menstrual bleeding. It is particularly used topically for its ability to soothe itching of the skin, for balancing oily skin and for the treatment of dandruff.

Cinnamon
We are all familiar with the earthy spicy smell of cinnamon in our food. The essential oil from the leaf is commonly used for digestive concerns like constipation and flatulence as well as exhaustion and low blood pressure. It should always be diluted to avoid irritating skin and mucous membranes. Because of its blood thinning effects, it should be used with caution in those with more severe illnesses and taking anticoagulant medications.

Clove
In our history, clove oil was commonly used as a topical anesthetic in the mouth for toothaches and infections. It has also been found to be useful in the treatment of arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, as well as sprains and strains. It must be diluted because it is a strong mucous membrane irritant.

Eucalyptus
One of the most commonly used essential oils for the treatment of respiratory conditions is eucalyptus oil. It is can easily be used in warm water and the steam inhaled for many lung conditions such as: bronchitis, catarrh, colds, coughing, fever, flu and sinusitis. It is also useful when used topically to treat arthritis, and poor circulation in small amounts. It should never be taken internally as it is extremely toxic, use with caution.

Frankincense
In aromatherapy, frankincense is excellent for helping with anxiety. It is considered to be grounding and calming without having a sedating effect. When used in a steam inhalation, frankincense can help to treat asthma and bronchitis, as well as reduce extreme coughing. When used topically in carrier oil, frankincense is commonly used to treat scars and stretch marks on the skin.

Geranium
This essential oil is particularly popular for skin balancing. It is used for the treatment of acne and oily skin. Often it is used for the brightening of dull skin and reducing the appearance of cellulite. It must be diluted in a carrier oil and should be used with caution as some people may experience an allergic response.

Jasmine
We are all familiar with the warm floral scent of jasmine, but did you know that its aroma can be used to help treat depression, and exhaustion? When used topically, in a carrier oil, jasmine can help to soften and protect dry and sensitive skin.

Lavender
This essential oil is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and can dramatically speed the healing of burns, cuts, bites, and stings. Because it is less reactive, this is one of the only essential oils that can be applied without a carrier oil. In aromatherapy, lavendar is used to help promote relaxation and sleep.

Lemon
The topical use of lemon essential oil is useful in the treatment of leg and foot conditions such as: varicose veins, corns, athlete’s foot, and warts. It can also be used to help treat colds and flus, and to balance oily skin. Avoid exposing skin treated with lemon oil to the sun as it can be phototoxic.

Orange
When cleaning the house naturally, this essential oil is a mainstay. A few drops in warm water can be used to wipe down most hard surfaces to remove grease and grime, and leave behind a nice fresh scent. It is a stimulating and cheering fragrance, and when applied topically in a carrier oil, it promotes lymphatic drainage and brightens skin.

Oregano
One of the most popular essential oils for use in a variety of infections, including colds, flus and gastroenteritis, is oregano oil. It can be diluted in a carrier oil and used internally to help destroy any invading micro-organisms. It is important to supplement with a probiotic when taking oregano oil internally to help replenish the intestinal flora.

Patchouli
This aroma is most commonly associated with “hippie” movement in the 1960’s. In aromatherapy this oil is said to have a grounding and relaxing effect. Medicinally, patchouli essential oil is used to treat a wide variety of skin conditions including: acne, eczema, dermatitis, oily and/or dry skin, and athlete’s foot. Essentially, patchouli has a powerful balancing effect on the mind and body (especially skin).

Peppermint
This essential oil has been found to be effective at blocking the nerve channels that transmit pain signals. Thus, when diluted and applied topically, peppermint oil can help to reduce the sensation of pain. It can also be used internally to help reduce gas and bloating, as well as prevent digestive spasms.

Rose
The smell of rose essential oil is both floral and sweet and is used in aromatherapy for reducing the symptoms of grief and depression. When very dilute, its soft aroma is also used to treat insomnia. Rose oil is also frequently used topically in skin products to help benefit eczema and mature skin, especially in post-menopausal women.

Rosemary
When it is used topically, rosemary can help to relieve joint aches and muscle pains. It is also often used to help aid digestion and prevent spasms of the gallbladder and digestive tract. Rosemary oil is another of the few essential oils that can be used without a carrier oil, if desired. This essential oil is used in aromatherapy to improve memory and mental clarity.

Sage (Clary)
This essential oil is used to help treat menstrual problems such as: amenorrhea and dysmenorrheal. It is also commonly used to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma, cough, or sore throat. Because of its ability to promote menstruation, this oil should be avoided in pregnancy. It can also have a significant relaxing effect that has been compared to narcotics, which is beneficial for the treatment of stress, but clary sage should be avoided when drinking or performing activities that require concentration like driving. For more information on further benefits, please see our Sage article.

Sandalwood
Another of the more common fragrances found on the market (think air fresheners), sandalwood is commonly used for skin and lung concerns. Common conditions that this essential oil can benefit are: bronchitis, laryngitis, chapped/dry skin, oily skin, scars, and stretch marks.

Tea Tree
One of the most commonly used essential oils in the treatment of skin disorders, Tea Tree oil is excellent at clearing acne, candida, athlete’s foot, ringworm, itching, oily skin and warts.

Wintergreen
The main constituent in wintergreen oil is methyl salicylate, which has been long studied for its medicinal anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties. In fact, this constituent is a very close relative to aspirin. It is also warming and soothing, and helps to promote self-acceptance.

ESSENTIAL OILS IMPORTANT INFORMATION
· For aromatherapy use. For all other uses, carefully dilute with a carrier oil such as jojoba, grapeseed, olive, or almond oil prior to use.