ESSENTIAL OILS

The essential oil is the soul of the plant, its thinnest and purified component, it contains all the active ingredients and energy information that characterize it. Every time you smell the petal of a flower, walk in a pine forest, peel a citrus, touch the leaf of a medicinal herb or use a spice, the scent you perceive is that of the essential oil contained in the plant. Essential oil is a complex mixture of odorous molecules produced by plants, volatile aromatic substances concentrated in leaves, flowers, pods, berries, resin, seeds, flowering tops and branches, citrus peel and woods. Sometimes several essential oils can be extracted from the same plant, each with its own physical and olfactory characteristics. A case in point is that of the Orange tree, from which three distinct essential oils are obtained: one from leaves and twigs (Petit Grain), one from flowers (Neroli) and one from the peel of the fruit (Sweet Orange). It is a living and extremely pure raw material, which interacts with man both from a physical and emotional point of view, harmonizing moods. They are complex mixtures of numerous substances of various chemical nature. They are obtained by steam distillation, by means of suitable mechanical processes or by extraction with solvents. The choice of the most suitable extraction method is due to the characteristics of the plant tissues that contain the essence and its very chemical-physical nature. The extraction method decisively determines the quality of the essential oil: the physical and organoleptic characteristics of the raw material depend on variables such as time and temperature. The most used technique is steam distillation, which allows the separation of the essential oil from the plant tissues that contain it by exploiting their volatility, i.e. the ability to be easily dragged by water vapor, from which they can be separated by simple decantation due to the fact that they are immiscible between them. For citrus essential oils, we proceed mechanically by pressing and cold pressing of the outermost portion of the peel of the fruit (epicarp). For flowers and petals, a cold absorption process is used, called "Enfleurage", which consists in placing the plant tissues, immediately after harvesting, on a layer of a suitable mixture of fats, which will absorb the essence, which will then be purified. Essential oils are kept for several years without special attention in dark glass containers because they are sensitive to light and tightly closed to avoid evaporation and contact with air. Only citrus essential oils oxidize and can be stored for a maximum of two years. While there are essential oils, especially those obtained from resins, woods and bark, which improve with aging (ylang-ylang, cedar of Lebanon, myrrh, incense).   Essential oils, by definition, constitute the "essence" of the plant from which they come, so they are very concentrated; Moreover, due to their chemical nature, they have a high ability to penetrate the human body through the skin or mucous membranes and to perform a powerful targeted action on specific organs and systems, such as respiratory, digestive, cutaneous and nervous. For these reasons it is necessary to use essential oils with great caution and it is always advisable to dilute it in an appropriate carrier, food or cosmetic. What is aromatherapy? Aromatherapy means the use of essential oils to take care of your body through massages, frictions, baths, foot baths. These are beauty rituals that heal the body and the spirit at the same time. Muscle tension eases and the same happens with anxiety.

How to use essential oils? Essential oils in purity generally have an intense and pleasant aroma. Although they are not water-soluble, they can be easily used within any fatty or oily compound, as well as in honey, salt or alcohol.

• In environmental diffusion, through the use of a diffuser of essential oils
• on a cold inhalation handkerchief
• inside neutral creams, vegetable oils or in the realization of DIY cosmetics
• for aromatic baths
• for maniluvi and foot baths
• for cold compresses and clutches
• for touching in the case of small cuts, wounds, herpes (antiseptic and healing oils)
• in shampoo, conditioner, mask or hair pack
• in the washing machine, instead of fabric softener with baking soda or citric acid
• for a completely natural cleaning of the house
• on woods and chalks, to perfume linen and drawers
• to prepare yourself for meditation, sport, practices that you prefer

  Essence or essential oil? The aromatic substances, when they are still inside the plant, are defined as essences. Once the distillation or extraction process is completed, they are called essential oils. Essential oils are the most valuable product of the plant world. (Often, precisely for this reason, they are adulterated or reproduced, and placed on the market with the words "essence").   Steam distillation It is the most traditional extraction technique: the part of the plant to be distilled is placed inside a still where the water vapor is conveyed which, crossing it, brings with it those aromatic molecules that make up the essential oil. Afterwards, the steam is directed into a refrigerated coil where it returns to the liquid state. The liquid obtained falls inside a Florentine jar, where the essential oil is separated from the aromatic water: this process is relatively simple, considering that the essential oil is lighter than water and tends to remain on the surface. The steam distillation technique is suitable for most aromatic plants. Flowers, leaves, roots, woods and berries are parts of the plant that are usually extracted with this method.   Cold pressure The cold pressing technique is used only for citrus fruits, whose essential oil is contained within the opercula present in the rind. Once the rind has been separated from the fruit, the pressing is carried out using special machinery. The liquid obtained is passed through a centrifuge that separates the essential oil from the aqueous part (hydrolate).   Extraction with alcohol This type of extraction involves maceration of the plant inside vegetable alcohol, where it releases the essential oil. Subsequently, the essential oil is separated from the alcohol residue by distillation or harvesting. This technique is mainly used for Vanilla, Cocoa and Tonka Bean.   Quality parameters: howcan you recognize a real essential oil? To benefit from the physical and etheric properties of the plant in complete safety it is essential to choose a pure and good quality essential oil. Selecting raw materials is a very complex practice, not only for beginners and beginners, but also for the most experienced consumers of essential oils. Given the great value of essential oil, these raw materials are often adulterated or even reproduced synthetically. Below you will find some parameters to check on the label if you want to be sure to make an informed purchase:

• botanical name of the plant
• common name
• possible chemotype
• part of the distilled plant
• Essential oil extraction method
• lot number and date
• Purity and integrity of the oil, 100% natural

A reminder to keep in mind: price is often a great indicator of product quality. In the case of essential oils it varies according to the yield of the plant: if a peel of Sweet Orange has an excellent yield, that of a rose petal is extremely low (it takes about a quintal of petals per 300 grams of essential oil).     The most common components and active ingredients of essential oils:

• Acids: antiseptics, febrifuge and diuretics. They accelerate chemical reactions.
• Alcohols: they are typically antiseptic, antiviral, soothing and anti-inflammatory. Their low toxicity allows them to be widely used in relative safety. They are found in essential oils such as Lavender and Tea Tree.
• Aldehydes: effective antiseptics and sedatives, these components often determine the scent of the plant. A typical essential oil characterized by these components is Cinnamon.
• Ketones: often form the backbone of the oil. Their antiseptic and stimulating action can be very strong, therefore they require some caution in use. We find this group in Peppermint and Ginger.
• Esters: sedatives, antispasmodics and antifungals. Among the essential oils that see them inside, the Clary Sage.
• Phenols: powerful antiseptics, healing, painkillers and stimulants. Due to their high reactivity, it is recommended to use them in small doses. They can be found inside Thyme and Oregano.
• Sesquiterpenes: These compounds are very present in flowers. Anti-inflammatory, soothing and immunostimulants. A sequisterpene is chamazulene, which gives chamomile the blue color.
• Terpenes: the scent of the plant often depends on these components. There are many types, the amount of terpenes inside the essential oil can vary significantly depending on the climatic conditions of the season.

  What is chemotype? The chemotype is the predominant active ingredient, it precisely defines the character of the essential oil: the properties, the methods of use, the perfume. The chemotype develops according to the biotype, that is, the set of environmental factors that affect the life of the plant and, consequently, the essential oil. The type of sun exposure, the quality of the soil, the surrounding flora, temperature, altitude and atmospheric agents determine biochemical variations in essential oils distilled from plants of the same botanical variety, leading them to develop different percentages of active ingredients and completely different olfactory notes. The classification into chemotypes allows to distinguish essential oils according to the functional groups that distinguish apparently similar plants. For a good practice of aromatherapy it is necessary to know closely the identity of the essential oil that you are going to use. (No.B. Since the chemotype is determined by the biotype and not by the botanical variety, the essential oil batch must be analyzed with appropriate tests, such as chromatography and mass spectrometry.)

Table with the properties of essential oils:

Practical advice on how to make good use of it:

Essential oils with relaxing properties:

Some essential oils act on the nervous system with a relaxing action. Through their active ingredients, they transmit a message of quiet and serenity to the body. It is a real natural remedy to combat anxiety and stress.

In Aromatherapy, essential oils with relaxing properties are many and each of them has different characteristics and nuances. Among the many, here are the relaxing essential oils par excellence:

• orange
• Bergamot
• Chamomile
• Atlantic Cedar
• Geranium
• Incense
• Lavender
• Neroli
• Pink
• Vanilla
• Ylang Ylang
• Patchouli

Essential oil diffusers are the best tool to perfume the house in a continuous and natural way. They allow us to breathe essential oil molecules fragmented into the air.

The environmental diffusion is ideal to create a relaxed atmosphere, reconcile rest in the bedroom, support daily activities in the study or office.

When spread around meal times, some essential oils also help reduce nervous hunger: especially lemon and bergamot.

We could divide the relaxing essential oils to be diffused at home according to the times of day and environments. In this way, we will create a sort of Olfactory Architecture of the spaces we inhabit.

• Morning (study, office): orange, lemon, bergamot, neroli, lavender, geranium
• Afternoon/Evening: Orange, Mandarin, Vanilla, Atlantic Cedar, Patchouli
• Evening (Living Room, Bedroom): Chamomile, Rose, Orange, Lavender, Incense, Vanilla, Atlantic Cedar, Patchouli

For aromatic bath

The hot bath itself is a relaxing experience. Even better if done by adding relaxing and calming essential oils. The way is very simple: just add to the hot water a handful of coarse salt, in which we have poured three or four drops of essential oils.

Relaxing massage

Essential oils can be added to a vegetable oil to perfume it and enrich it with active ingredients. To make a relaxing massage with essential oils, it will therefore be enough to dilute a few drops inside a knob of cream or a carrier oil in order to benefit from the aromatherapy properties.

To relax the muscles

In addition to relaxing us from a psycho-emotional point of view, some essential oils have decontracting properties that help loosen tense muscles. Ideal after sports activity: Lavender, Wintergreen, Eucalyptus.

For dogs

Essential oils, as well as Bach flowers, are natural remedies that we can also use with our four-legged friends. As we know, dogs and cats have a very sensitive sense of smell, so it will be necessary to take some precautions. In addition, some essential oils can be toxic: therefore it will always be necessary to consult the veterinarian. The essential oil that we can choose in total safety is Lavender: a couple of drops in the kennel or on the blankets where it rests, will help the dog feel calmer and more relaxed

To combat emotional stress

Below is a description of the relaxing properties of some essential oils. Each of them exerts a harmonizing action on a different aspect of emotionality:

• Lavender: restores balance in conditions of anxiety, stress and apathy. It helps to reconcile sleep, calms headaches and tachycardias caused by strong agitation. It is an excellent ally in those subject to panic attacks. It brings relaxation in case of stress and nervousness.
• Geranium: regenerating and rebalancing relieves anxieties and tensions. It removes the sense of frustration and irritability. It facilitates intimacy, encourages the ability to express oneself and to receive, develops listening and complicity.
• Orange: gives the sunny qualities of action, confidence, vitality and expansion. It induces a cheerful quiet and serenity, helps to fight insomnia and nervousness bringing joy and love for life.
• Lemon: creates an ideal atmosphere for rest, acting at the level of the nervous system, relaxes the most agitated minds and gives mental clarity, which is often reduced when you are agitated.
• Chamomile: excellent calming. It helps to remove negative atavistic memories, it is useful for people who tend to exaggerate their reactions. It facilitates the overcoming of shocks, anger, nervousness and insomnia.
• Vanilla: softens and softens conflicts, relieves anger and gives a sense of contentment. It helps the rediscovery of pleasure and is particularly suitable for those who feel a sense of dissatisfaction. It gives a sense of fullness that makes us more affectionate and warm.  

  Essential oils and pregnancy: Pregnancy is a very special and delicate moment, during which you can consciously choose each product you use. Essential oils can also be very useful while pregnant.

External use or inhalation

The fundamental premise that must be made concerns the exclusive use for inhalation or topical application (external use, after correct dilution). This indication does not only concern pregnancy: essential oils are concentrates of active ingredients, very powerful and delicate raw materials. Internal use, beyond pregnancy, for which it is absolutely not recommended, should only be carried out under the supervision of a naturopathic doctor who prescribes the dosage. 

Our suggestion is to be wary of those who lightly recommend the oral intake of essential oils without knowing the subject.

Below is the list of essential oils recommended during pregnancy:

• orange
• Chamomile
• Lemon
• Lavender
• Mandarin
• Vanilla
• Pink
• Grapefruit
• Tea Tree

But first of all let's see the contraindications and how not to use essential oils in pregnancy. Following these premises, we will move on to the benefits and recommended uses.

First trimester

In the first 3 months of pregnancy it is not recommended to use essential oils (as well as most products not strictly necessary). This is the most delicate phase, during which to interfere as little as possible with the mother's body, even if with 100% natural raw materials. In fact, although essential oils are among the greatest allies of well-being, it is necessary to have a lot of care in the application and a good knowledge of the product.

Natural does not always mean harmless or delicate: the beneficial effects of powerful and active raw materials such as essential oils correspond to the need for greater care.

During pregnancy, the use of a limited number of essential oils is recommended. The others are not recommended for several reasons:

• are very intense and can cause nausea (eg. Patchouli, Vetiver, Eucalyptus);
• They contain molecules that can be toxic to the fetus (eg. peppermint, eucalyptus, wintergreen);
• They risk dilating the woman's capillaries, already dilated due to pregnancy (eg. Cinnamon, Wintergreen, Cloves)
• stimulate uterine contractions: for this reason, they are ideal in the delivery room (eg. Ylang Ylang, Jasmine).

Uses in pregnancy:

Now that we have listed all the risks and contraindications, we can move on to the benefits that essential oils give us.

Fighting nausea

According to several scientific studies, lemon helps fight morning sickness and the illnesses related to it. The use is very simple: simply inhale the essential oil, directly from the bottle, cap or handkerchief, to enjoy this effect. Alternatively, you can pour a drop on the palm, lightly rub your hands and inhale.

Promote skin elasticity and microcirculation

Orange and Lemon are essential oils that work very well on skin elasticity and microcirculation. The advice is to add them to the moisturizing oil that is used on the body and belly, as well as to the cream. 

Rest better, remove anxiety

You know, like all moments of transition or change, pregnancy can bring with it anxieties and fears. In this case, essential oils can help you regain peace and clear your mind of recurring thoughts. Chamomile, Lavender and Vanilla will be of great support with regard to rest, the sense of sweetness and fulfillment, the search for a renewed serenity.

Disinfect hands, fight viruses and warts

During the sweet expectation most chemicals and pharmaceuticals are not recommended. If you want to disinfect your hands, fight a wart or candida naturally, we recommend Malaleuca, also called Tea Tree or Tea Tree. Read the in-depth article to discover all the antiviral properties and uses of Tea Tree Oil.

Essential oils with draining properties:

Some essential oils act as draining lymphatic system and stimulate the elimination of waste and toxins, which risk compromising its proper functioning. When you want to take advantage of the draining properties of essential oils, the most recommended methods are 3:

• Massage
• Clay or mud pack
• Aromatic bath (also with the use of bath salts)

To these is also added a fresh foot bath, which allows you to deflate the feet and reactivate the circulation. Anti-cellulite: Essential oils can be used as activating substances in creams, oils and compresses to fight cellulite. They are concentrates of active ingredients that interact with the body rebalancing the functionality: some of them, thanks to their circulatory and lymphatic properties, are among the most effective natural remedies against cellulite. Essential oils can be used both individually and in synergy. When we talk about synergy, we do not mean a simple mixture, it is a much more articulated concept, according to which some essential oils, when combined together, mutually enhance their action, thanks to the high compatibility and complementarity of the active ingredients contained within them. Let's see a list of the main anti-cellulite essential oils:

• Bitter orange
• Cypress
• Cinnamon
• Juniper
• Lemon
• Mandarin
• Patchouli
• Grapefruit
• Rosemary
• Wintergreen

In pregnancy: As we already know, not all essential oils can be used during pregnancy. Some of them, for example, have properties that could stimulate uterine contractions and are used during childbirth. If in the first three months the use of any essential oil is not recommended, then you can use some plants to stimulate the drainage of liquids and deflate the legs. Below, some draining essential oils (and circulators) that can be used in pregnancy (after the third month):

• orange
• Lavender
• Lemon
• Mandarin
• Grapefruit

It is necessary to make a clarification: if you choose to use essential oils derived from citrus fruits in direct contact with the skin, do not expose yourself to the sun in the following 24 hours to avoid possible sun spots. In addition to the aforementioned massages, wraps and aromatic baths, in the case of pregnancy we recommend the foot bath, which can relieve the feeling of heaviness in the ankles and be a fragrant and relaxing cuddle. The procedure is very simple: just pour a few drops of essential oil (3-4) into a handful of coarse salt and add it to the water.  

Essential oils for children:

In the very first years of life, smells stimulate creativity and the ability to learn. Bedtime is extremely important! From rest depends the serenity, energy and playfulness of all children.

The essential oils recommended up to six years of age are: Sweet Orange, Lavender, Chamomile, Vanilla, Mandarin, Myrtle.

Sweet orange is very effective and appreciated from early childhood

• Environmental diffusion: it accompanies a happy and restful sleep and induces even the most restless children to a state of relaxation.
• Perfume: sprayed on clothes, it brings sweetness and gives tranquility.

Lavender generates a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, relaxes and relaxes.

• Environmental diffusion: ideal in the evening hours when you want to reconcile sleep and abandon the tensions of the day, in kindergartens as in the bedroom.
• Massages: with emollient, healing and soothing properties, it is indicated for gentle massages on the body, always diluted in a carrier oil.

Matricaria chamomile has a strong anti-inflammatory action

• Environmental diffusion: decisive with regard to children's sleep, in environmental diffusion it creates a quiet atmosphere, which refers to the nest and cuddle. It decongests the upper respiratory tract and soothes irritated mucous membranes.
• Massages: it can be applied inside compresses to flame and soothe diaper rashes, allergies, irritations and inflammations.

Vanilla creates a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, of openness and warmth.

• Environmental diffusion: It lends itself very well to domestic environments during the evening hours of rest and conviviality.
• Massages: facilitates a state of quiet and serenity. It reassures and restores a sense of security and protection, always massaged diluted in a carrier oil.

The right essential oil and use for every situation:

Promote a good night's rest:

Lavender, Mandarin, Orange, Chamomile

To a teaspoon of vegetable oil, add 1gc of Lavender and 1gc of Mandarin (or 1gc of Sweet Sleeps). Gently massage the soles of the feet at bedtime.

Spread a few drops of Lavender and Mandarin in the bedroom half an hour before bed.

Decongest the respiratory tract:

Myrtle, Lavender

To a knob of moisturizing base cream, add a few drops of essential oil of Myrtle and Lavender (for a total of drops equal to 1kg per 8kg of weight of the child). Gently massage the chest, chest and soles of the feet.

Counteract anxiety and agitation:

Mandarin, Vanilla

Put on a tissue 1gc of mandarin and 1 gc of Vanilla. Do smell the baby from time to time.

Spread in the environment a synergy composed of 3gc of mandarin and 1gc of Vanilla.

At the time of bathing, add 1 gc of Vanilla and 1 gc of mandarin to a teaspoon of honey, to be dissolved in water.

Create a welcoming environment:

Orange, Vanilla

Spread in the environment a synergy composed of 3gc of Orange and 1gc of Vanilla.

Soothe skin redness

Lavender, Chamomile

To a knob of moisturizing base cream (or a teaspoon of sweet almond oil), add a few drops of essential oil of Myrtle and Lavender (for a total of drops equal to 1kg per 8kg of weight of the child). Gently massage the areas to be treated.

  Massage with essential oils:

• For sunburn you can massage the body with lavender, chamomile and ylang ylang
• As a relaxing massage you can mix sandalwood, neroli, bitter orange and pink
• For rheumatic pains it is recommended to mix eucalyptus, camphor, wintergreen, cedar and rosemary

Foot baths with essential oils: Making a good foot bath is a great help to fight headaches and hemiprain. It is also a great help against facial neuralgia and colds.It is very useful in cases of fatigue of the lower limbs, especially when suffering from varicose veins. A good foot bath will be based on pleasantly warm (but not burning) water and of course essential oils. Some examples:

• For tired feet: you can mix the salts of the Dead Sea with cypress, sage, lemograss, lavender and palmarosa
• For calluses and calluses: add to the foot bath a few drops of red thyme with tea tree and thuja
• reactivating the energy of the organs: the fundamental "ingredients" will be ginger, lemon, mint, rosemary
• against foot sweating: lemongrass, cypress, sage and lavender
• For colds: you will never believe it but essential oils in foot baths also help against colds. Then make way for eucalyptus, thyme, tea tree
• To deflate the feet: mint, eucalyptus and juniper will really be a panacea for this foot bath with essential oils to deflate the feet after a long day on your feet

  Inhalations with essential oils Inhalations are especially valuable when you are suffering from respiratory disorders. They are usually added to a container with boiling water or a special vaporizer, and the face is approached. The garment is covered with a towel so as to limit the dispersion of steam. Then inhale for about 4 or 5 minutes. Practical examples:

• for bronchitis: sandalwood, bergamot and eucalyptus 
• for sinusitis: eucalyptus, tea tree, mint
• For cough: thyme, Atlantic cedar, sage, niaouli
• for colds or flu (seasonal cold strokes): lemon, pine, eucalyptus

  Skin applications with essential oils Essential oils are never used pure on the skin. They are diluted in water or added to the massage cream. But sometimes, a few drops on gauze can be useful. Of course, this use must be absolutely occasional. Let's see in which cases it is possible to use pure essential oils.

• Warts: Tea tree is great against warts
• Hemorrhoids: mint and cypress are ideal in the case of hemorrhoids
• Insect bites: lavender is excellent against insect bites
• muscle pain: you can take a neutral cream and massage yourself with cinnamon china, ginger and rosemary

When we talk about aromatherapy with essential oils we refer to different types of "application" and intervention. It depends a lot on the disorder you intend to treat. It is clear that essential oils cannot replace traditional medicine. But they are an excellent aid capable of calming the symptom and relaxing tensions. We advise you to keep your favorite essential oils at home and to use and dose them as needed.         Bibliography:

• Paolo Campagna, Essential Oils Today, Manual of Scientific Aromatherapy, Flora Editions, 2016
• Paolo Campagna, Herbal medicines. Manuale ragionato di fitoterapia, Minerva Medica, 2009
• Peter Holmes, Aromatic. Clinical guide to the therapeutic use of essential oils. Principles, applications and profiles, Enea Edizioni, 2022
• Gabriele Peroni, Adalberto Peroni, Practical Aromatherapy. Clinical applications of essential oils, New IPSA, 2022
• Luca Fortuna, Chemistry, biochemistry and metachemistry of essential oils, Enea Edizioni, 2010

ATTENTION The information contained in this site is presented for informational purposes only, in no case can it constitute the formulation of a diagnosis or the prescription of a treatment, and is not intended and must not in any way replace the direct doctor-patient relationship or specialist visit. It is recommended to always seek the advice of your doctor and / or specialists regarding any indication reported. If you have any doubts or questions about the use of a supplement or medication you should contact your doctor.Read the Disclaimer.