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Essential Oils Benefits Of Plant And Aromatherapy

Submitted by Kevin Pederson on July 20, 2009

Essential oils are derived from plants through a process known as distillation; this can be both water and steam distillation. The most common essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint are steam distillation essential oils. The parts of a plant that are used to derive essential oils include stems, flowers, leaves, bark, and roots. While essential oils are known as oils, they are not oily in the typical sense. Most of them are clear and light. However, some essential oils such as orange, patchouli, and lemongrass are yellow or amber in color. Simply put, essential oils contain the essence of the plant from which it is derived. The oils are used in order to be able to access the various therapeutic benefits of the plants. Unlike perfumed or fragrance oils, essential oils are not artificial, and as a result, they are often used in aromatherapy for their natural and therapeutic benefits.

Aromatherapy essential oils:. Since essential oils are highly concentrated, they are seldom used in isolation. In fact, most aromatherapy essential oils are blended with carrier oils (such as sweet almond oil, grape seed oil, and apricot kernel oil) for the purpose of application, inhalation, and other methods. The different chemical compositions of the essential oils offer different kinds of physical, psychological, emotional therapeutic benefits. While essential are readily available in the market, they vary considerably in terms of quality and price. Some of the common essential oils that are used in aromatherapy are as follows.

Essential tea tree oil: As the name suggests, this oil is extracted from the tea tree plant. Tea tree essential oils are also often blended with lemon. The smell of this oil is often fresh, earthy, woody, and sometime, medicinal. Essential tea tree oil is widely known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It most common uses are in the treatment of skin conditions (such as athlete's foot, candida, acne, cuts, sores, and bites) and respiratory conditions (such as colds, flu, and whooping cough).

Oregano essential oil: The essential oil from oregano is mostly extracted via steam distillation. The oil is light yellow in color and has a strong and sharp aroma. Oregano essential oil has been known to be a skin irritant, and hence, a reaction test should be done prior to application and/or inhalation. Oregano essential oil is mostly used to treat conditions affecting the respiratory and digestive systems.

Patchouli essential oil: The botanical name for this deep golden brown oil is Pogostemon cablin. Patchouli essential oil has a rich, woody, and earthy fragrance with a hint of fruit. It is also widely used for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Patchouli essential oil is used for treating acne, dermatitis, and eczema. It is also known to be effective in helping with fatigue and stress.