Modern reality, alas, does not improve human health. And this circumstance again turned us to face the inexhaustible healing powers nature. Returning to the works of Avicenna and Hippocrates, scientists are re-examining the properties of essential oils. The demand for them on the world market is growing, as the science of aromatherapy is being revived. How will ethers help in everyday life and how useful are they?

Everything in nature is rational. Essential oils serve as protection for plants - they protect them from pests, viruses and bacteria, protect them from overheating and cold, activating enzymatic processes. Their scent attracts insects for pollination. Plants from dry and warm regions contain more esters than those from humid and cool regions.

The main raw materials for obtaining aromatic oils are flowers, leaves, stems, bark and roots. Less commonly, they are obtained from seeds and fruits.

In composition, esters are not fats, unlike vegetable oils. The latter is a combination of fatty acids and glycerol. Esters are a mixture of volatile substances and organic compounds of various classes. They do not contain glycerin, and they got their name due to their oily consistency.

Unlike vegetable essential oils, they do not leave greasy stains, evaporate at room temperature, are lighter than water and do not dissolve in it. But they emulsify well in fats, which ensures their use in cosmetology, as part of massage oils and in pharmaceuticals.

Types of esters

Hippocrates also practiced scent therapy. It received the name “aromatherapy” only in the twentieth century thanks to the French chemist Gatefosse, who revived this type alternative medicine. In the 19th century, with the development of chemistry, natural substances began to receive synthetic doubles. The broadcasts did not escape this fate either. Today on the market there are:

• natural oils that provide maximum healing effect;
• restored, quality close to natural;
• synthetic esters;
• counterfeit oils “enriched” with various aromatic additives.

The value of natural oils is not only in their aroma. They contain many biologically active ingredients, which are not found in synthetic analogues.

Like music, aromatic oils have tones:

• the top notes are called initial - this is the first idea of ​​the aroma, an ether with quickly evaporating fractions (citrus, bergamot, anise, lemongrass, mint), they affect the senses;
• substances with less pronounced volatility have a medium or heart tonality - these are the main notes that have a greater effect on the internal organs (jasmine, geranium, ylang-ylang, rose, cinnamon);
• low pitch or base notes- the most persistent and least volatile aromas that have a relaxing effect (pine, vanilla, incense).

The effect of essential oils on the body is multifaceted. These are natural antibiotics that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. They influence the psycho-emotional sphere and trigger self-regulation processes in the body.

In ancient times, residents of cities where aromatic oils were produced enjoyed excellent health, and epidemics of fatal diseases occurred in these places much less frequently.

Our ancestors did not delve into the study of the mechanism of action of aromas. But experimentally they found out that some of them facilitate labor, others make the body healthier, others heal the soul, and others preserve youth and beauty.

Physical Harmony

Smells, affecting certain areas of the brain, affect all human organs and systems.

Table: classification of fragrances by medicinal effect

Essential oils are beneficial for skin and hair. They must be used carefully to avoid skin burns and allergic reactions from incorrectly selected odors.

Table: cosmetological effect of esters

Oil compatibility

In cosmetology and medicine, it is permissible to use several fragrances. But they need to be selected taking into account the compatibility of the ethers. It comes in three types:

• synergy - mutual complementarity and harmony when affecting the body;
• complementarity - the compatibility of aromas (used in perfumery and aromatherapy), when one aroma is able to harmonize another;
• inhibition - incompatibility of essential oils, when one ester neutralizes or reduces the beneficial properties of another.

A combination of incompatible oils can cause allergies, skin irritation and even poisoning. Individual intolerance to the composition is expressed in suffocation, dizziness, heart rhythm disturbances and allergic skin reactions.

Lavender essential oil is compatible with all aromatic oils except rosemary, and eucalyptus enhances the bactericidal effect of basil and monarda by 20 times.

In aroma mixtures it is customary to combine esters of different volatility (top, middle and low notes of aromas).

Table: essential oil compatibility

You should not mix soothing oils with tonic oils, or antierogenous oils with aphrodisiacs. The combination of anti-erogenous esters with stimulating ones has a refreshing effect, and with calming ones it has a relaxing effect. Oils that increase sensuality, together with stimulants, excite, and in combination with sedatives they become aphrodisiacs.

Use of aromatic oils

Esters are not used in their pure form, they are mixed with emulsifiers - vegetable fats, cream, milk, honey, yogurt, sea salt. It is better to use a product obtained by cold pressing as a base oil.

All essential oils have an antimicrobial effect and restore the skin. Therefore, any cosmetic procedures with them eliminate acne and minor inflammation of the epidermis.

Esters for skin

There are many ways to use aromatic oils for skin care - steam baths, enrichment of finished cosmetics, masks, washes, anti-cellulite rubbing, bath procedures. In any case, the oil is selected according to your skin type.

Cleansing emulsion

A mixture of 100 ml of base oil and lavender, bergamot and geranium esters, 3 drops each, is suitable for cleansing the face of any skin type. Dip a cotton pad moistened with water into the resulting emulsion and wipe your face and neck with light movements (without pressing or rubbing). This must be done quickly, otherwise the oil mixture will penetrate the pores of the skin and “pull” decorative cosmetics and daytime skin impurities with it. For oily skin, you can add a few drops of lemon juice or food vinegar to the emulsion.

Anti-wrinkle mask

Combine a tablespoon of warmed honey with egg white, 2 tablespoons of classic yogurt and 3 drops of lavender oil. Pre-warm your face warm compress. Apply the mask along the massage lines. Exposure time - 15 minutes.

Moisturizing soufflé

The mixture is diluted in a glass bottle with a lid. For the cream you will need 5 ml of warm coconut oil, 10 ml of almond oil, 2 drops of patchouli and chamomile, 4 drops of Leuzea ether. Having combined all the ingredients, close the bottle and shake it until a light foam is obtained, then let stand for 2 hours in a cool place. The soufflé is applied to the most delicate places - around the eyes and lips. It nourishes and moisturizes the skin well.

In winter, the air in the apartment is dried by working radiators. Oil creams help the author of these lines to save the skin from drying out. For myself, I prepare a mixture of grape oil and esters tea tree, bergamot and lemon (suitable for oily skin). The cream is applied twice a day - morning and evening to a cleansed face. The result is that the feeling of tightness disappears, and the skin is always fresh. I prepare the mixture for future use and store it in the refrigerator, but no more than 2 weeks.

Hair care with esters

For hair care, base oil, egg yolk or honey are most often used as an emulsifier. Split ends can be stopped with a mixture of olive oil, fat-soluble vitamin E and a few drops of lavender, rosemary and chamomile.

From oily dandruff will relieve a mixture of sandalwood and bergamot esters based on jojoba oil. For dry - lavender and tea tree on any base oil. Stops hair loss medicinal mixture from olive oil (15 ml) and cedar, sage and rosemary esters (1-2 drops each). It is useful to add essential oils to any hair masks, choosing them depending on the problem or simply using your favorite scents. Aroma combing gives hair shine, makes it healthy and strong.

How to lose weight with essential oils

Essential oils are used for weight loss in several ways:

• in an aroma lamp;
• for massage, including anti-cellulite;
• for baths;
• in the wrapping mixture.

In aromatherapy, grapefruit ether is considered the most suitable oil for weight loss - it reduces appetite. During a special diet, sessions are practiced with oils that soothe and improve mood - oregano, citrus fruits, valerian.

Essential oils, unlike plant oils, are able to penetrate deeply through the skin and provide systemic action on the body. The best esters for massage are:

• dill, cypress, ginger burn fat cells;
• black pepper ether normalizes metabolism;
• lemongrass, myrrh and tangerine tighten the skin after losing weight;
• rose, bergamot, geranium and jasmine raise vitality.

For wraps, you can use any ether in combination with base jojoba oil.

Aroma oils for sensuality

Since ancient times, aromatic oils have served as aphrodisiacs not only for men, but also for women. Esters can enhance mutual attraction, make feelings fuller and brighter:

• bergamot awakens imagination and relaxes;
• geranium puts you in a romantic mood;
• vanilla awakens desire;
• jasmine liberates;
• cloves and neroli make orgasms last longer;
• cinnamon increases sensitivity to caresses.

There are oils that excite women and men equally - ylang-ylang, ginger, clary sage. Men's aphrodisiacs - sandalwood, patchouli, orange, bergamot, petit grain. Women will be helped to relax and enjoy a mixture of oils:

• 3 drops sandalwood + 3 drops cloves;
• orange (5 drops) + patchouli and cinnamon (2 drops each);
• neroli (3 drops), rose (4 drops), ylang-ylang (2 drops).

You can not use an aroma lamp, but simply light a candle and drop essential oil into the melted wax with a pipette.

Getting rid of insomnia and depression

The inability to fall asleep after a hard day at work is painful, and restless sleep prevents good rest. Before being treated with medications, try aromatherapy sessions. An aroma lamp, a bath or a relaxing massage can help cope with the problem. Scented helpers in the bedroom:

• lavender, sandalwood, rose ether will calm, geranium, lemon balm, valerian, vetiver, petit grain will help them;
• Juniper, myrrh, cypress, cedar, tangerine will help you fall asleep;
• Chamomile, neroli, lavender, incense will make your sleep peaceful.

A mixture of rose, ylang-ylang and lavender (2 drops each) or vetiver, lime, incense 6 drops each plus a couple drops of jasmine will relax. These compositions do not have to be filled into the aroma lamp. You can drop the oils onto a cotton ball and place it near the bed or moisten the corner of the pillow with it. They are also suitable for an aromatic bath before bed.

Depressive states destroy the immune system, leaving the body defenseless against serious illnesses. Non-drug treatment methods, including aromatherapy, are good for getting out of a depressed state. Russian scientists proved back in the last century that inhaling aromatic substances strengthens the nervous system and stimulates the body's natural defenses.

Table: what antidepressant esters save from

Oils (no more than three) are mixed in a bath, diffuser or aroma lamp. For one session, it is enough to use 10 drops, repeat 3 times a week. The same compositions are also suitable for a relaxing massage when mixed with any transport oil.

Treatment with essential oils

We must remember that esters are not a substitute for drugs, but additional remedy. There are several methods of treatment - ingestion, application to the skin, inhalation, use of aroma lamps, therapeutic baths and massages.

Prevention and treatment of viral respiratory diseases

Here the antiseptic and bactericidal properties of ethers come to the fore. They not only disinfect the room, but also bring the air humidity to the optimal value, which is important for colds. For prevention, fumigation using an aroma lamp is used. Compositions can be composed arbitrarily or one oil can be used:

• lavender or lemon will require 5-7 drops;
• tea tree or patchouli - 4–5 drops;
• thyme or oregano - 3–4 drops.

Aromatherapy is carried out during the flu epidemic every day for 20 minutes. In the children's room, it is enough to do wet cleaning using any liquid soap (300 ml) with the addition of 10 ml of one of the oils - tea tree, oregano or lemon. To wash the floor, add 1 tablespoon of this mixture to 5 liters of water.

Inhalations relieve symptoms and help cope with all manifestations of a cold. The same oils are used as for fumigation. Hot inhalations are allowed only after completion acute period. The steam temperature should be between 45–50°C. The procedure is carried out 1–1.5 times after a meal; expectorant medications should not be taken before it.

You cannot put essential oils into a nebulizer - their smallest drops can penetrate the lungs and cause pneumonia.

For laryngitis, tracheitis and sore throat, the hot mixture is poured into a container with a narrow neck and the steam is inhaled only through the mouth. For bronchitis, use wide dishes. During inhalation, cover your head with a towel, add oil (3-4 drops) to the water and breathe simultaneously through your mouth and nose.

Essential oils help with dry and wet cough, sore throat and runny nose. Compresses will relieve high fever and chills. Add 2 drops of eucalyptus, lavender and peppermint to a tablespoon of base oil. Almond, apricot or rice oil is used as a base. Compresses are applied to the forehead and feet.

Help with asthma and COPD

Aromatherapy is also used to treat asthma. The compositions use oils that have antihistamine properties - ginger, mint, elecampane, and chamomile. They can be inhaled directly from the bottle. Lavender, rose and geranium relieve bronchospasm, and rubbing the chest with fragrant ravensara makes breathing easier. Washing with the addition of ethers will help relieve an attack of bronchial asthma - 5 drops of Atlas cedar, 7 drops of narrow-leaved lavender and 2 drops of marjoram.

In case of obstructive pulmonary disease, essential oils are allowed to be used only during remission. Steam inhalations with chamomile, pine or eucalyptus oil expand and disinfect the airways - no more than 2-3 drops per session.

Oils for migraines and headaches

Migraine is a serious condition when the headache is very difficult to relieve. It is impossible to do without potent drugs, so aromatherapy is given only a supporting role. Esters are used through a spray, in an aroma lamp, for facial massage, in compresses and inhalation. Preparing the mixture for massage:

• Fill the bottle 2/3 full with almond oil;
• add 6 drops of lavender and the same amount of clary sage and chamomile into it;
• add 12 drops of peppermint to the composition;
• top up the bottle with carrier oil;
• seal and shake well.

Apply the mixture using a roller or rub it into your temples with your fingers. Lubricate the backs of your hands and earlobes. At the first signs of an impending migraine, aromatic compresses of cool water and a few drops of oil will help. They need to be changed every 10 minutes. The compress is applied to the forehead and temples.

Multiple sclerosis and aroma oils

Little is known about the effect of essential oils on the course of the disease; no scientific studies have been conducted. Aromatherapy provides a slight calming effect only in patients with unimpaired odor perception. American doctors tried to use Roman chamomile and citrus oils to treat hospital patients. Experience has shown a slight sedative effect. Antidepressant oils in combination with citrus aromas help relieve anxiety in patients with multiple sclerosis. When used for massage, the effect is enhanced and back pain is reduced.

Help with cancer

Doctors never tire of looking for additional options in the fight against cancer. One of these areas was the study of the properties and capabilities of ethers. And scientists approached this issue from an unusual point of view. It is believed that the vibration frequency healthy body is in the range of 62–78 MHz. The disease develops when this indicator decreases to 58 MHz. After conducting research, scientists found that some essential oils have the ability to normalize frequency and thereby combat cancer cells. Along the way, other properties of esters in relation to malignant cells were also studied. As a result, it was found that the following have anticancer activity:

• lavender, thyme, tarragon, sage, savory and rosemary due to their powerful antioxidant properties;
• cinnamon, thyme, chamomile and jasmine help with breast cancer (thyme was the leader in research);
• Frankincense is effective in the fight against ovarian, liver, lung cancer, and melanoma.

Essential oils in no way replace medication and surgical treatment oncological diseases.

To activate the body's defenses

Many essential oils have immunomodulatory properties. The phytoncides they contain several times increase the production of T cells, which are the central regulators of the immune response. The most effective are lavender, orange, bergamot, verbena and lemon. Pouring your feet with cool water will strengthen your immune system. Immediately after this, massage your feet with a mixture of base oil (10 ml) and esters of mint, lavender, orange and lemon (2 drops each). Carry out the procedure before going to bed.

Charge the aroma medallion with fragrant mixtures:

• lavender (1 drop), verbena (2 drops), bergamot and eucalyptus (3 drops each);
• orange, rosemary (2 drops each) and ginger (3 drops).

They will help you survive the winter cold and epidemics.

Treatment of fungal infections

All esters have antifungal properties to a greater or lesser extent. The most effective are considered:

• tea tree, which not only destroys the fungus, but also restores tissue damaged by the disease;
• oregano containing carvacrol - a powerful bactericidal and antifungal substance;
• lavender enhances the effect of tea tree;
• cloves contain eugenol, which destroys fungus, and capsacin, which relieves inflammation and pain;
• cinnamon gets rid of yeast fungus.

Any of the indicated essential essences are applied to the affected areas. Soaked cotton pads are applied to the nails and secured with a band-aid. This compress can be kept all night. The use of ethers is only an addition to drug treatment prescribed by a doctor.

Esters for men's and women's health

Marjoram, myrrh, geranium and lavender help a woman cope with premenstrual syndrome and normalize her cycle. Jasmine oil eliminates fine wrinkles, increases sensuality and relieves depression. From the fourth month of pregnancy, it is allowed to use chamomile to reduce the manifestations of toxicosis, swelling and headaches. At the end of the term, eucalyptus and lavender will relieve tension and relieve insomnia.

During pregnancy, esters are used with caution in doses three times less than indicated in the instructions. From toxicosis, oils are dripped into the aroma medallion, from pain A bath with the addition of emulsified ether helps, in other cases it is preferable to use an aroma lamp.

Black pepper and patchouli oils will help men with weak erections. Ginger improves fertility, neroli treats impotence. An aroma lamp is used for treatment. Natural aromas act on the subconscious of men and control physiological processes.

To reduce pressure

Taking antihypertensive drugs, with the permission of a cardiologist, can be combined with aromatherapy. Chamomile, bergamot, sage, marjoram, ylang-ylang, fir, oregano are used together and separately for application to pulse points - wrist, upper part of the sternum (aorta), ears, behind the earlobe ( carotid artery). Esters must be diluted with base oil.

Sedative oils normalize the emotional background, which also lowers blood pressure.

Esters are used in the form of massage (the course gives a long-lasting effect), in aroma lamps, inhalations, and aroma medallions.

What are the benefits of oils for older people?

With age, the body's adaptive abilities, enzyme production, and energy capabilities decrease. Free radicals destroy cells, and the body actively ages. Aromatic oils mobilize its own antioxidant reserves, have a beneficial effect on blood circulation, eliminate symptoms of cerebrovascular accident - irritability, Bad mood, fatigue.

Eucalyptus, cajeput, lavender, spruce, peppermint- oils that improve cognitive functions, preventing a decrease in the functionality of brain cells. Lavender improves hemodynamics in cerebral vessels. To aromatize the room, use 3-4 drops of ether in an aroma lamp. For cold inhalation, 1–2 lemons on a handkerchief or cotton pad are enough, and 8 drops of lavender per bath.

Contraindications and possible harm of esters

Each person, depending on their health condition, has contraindications to the use of certain oils. Only a completely healthy person can use them independently within reasonable limits. A clear contraindication is allergies. People with endocrine and cardiovascular diseases need the approval of their doctor. Some contraindications for the most common diseases:

• after a heart attack and with cardiac ischemia, fir and pine esters should not be used;
• severe hypertension is incompatible with juniper, mint and basil;
• Ylang-ylang, lemon balm and tea tree are contraindicated for hypotensive patients;
• kidney diseases exclude thyme, pine and juniper;
• For epilepsy and a tendency to seizures, thyme, rosemary, sage and basil are contraindicated.

You cannot combine taking iodine-containing medications with the use of lavender. Parents should not independently use jasmine, ylang-ylang, hyssop, cypress, cinnamon, lemon balm, juniper and some others oils for children who have not reached puberty.

Oils of orange, bergamot, grapefruit, St. John's wort, lavender, lime, lemon, tangerine are phototoxic and should not be applied to the skin before sun exposure. Excess permissible doses causes unpleasant adverse reactions in the form of liver dysfunction and negative influence on the nervous system.

Table: safe amount of esters (in drops) for different ages

Before use in any form, all esters are tested for allergies.

It is difficult to overestimate the influence of smells in a person’s life - they can have an exciting or, on the contrary, a calming effect, elevate the mood or cause negative emotions. Aromatherapy with essential oils is an ancient healing art based on the beneficial effects of volatile substances on the biological activity of the body.

A little history about essential oils

“Smell treatment” – this is how aromatherapy is translated from Greek; it was known back in ancient civilizations. For example, vessels with incense, which retain their aroma to this day, are found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs.

Aromatic essential oils and incense originated in the East, and the palm in their production rightfully belongs to the Arabs. For medicinal purposes, aromatic substances began to be used during the time of Hippocrates. The positive effect of essential oils on the treatment of diseases has been noted cardiovascular system, neuroses, sleep disorders. Avicenna, as a means of increasing the speed of thought and perception, described rose oil. Byron would fumigate the room with the smell of truffles for inspiration.

But knowledge about the properties of essential oils, as well as about aromatherapy, was fragmented. Only in the first third of the 20th century was an attempt made to systematize the effects of natural volatile substances on different areas of the human body. In Russia, the term “aromatherapy” appeared thanks to the doctor A. Künzel; his baths with valerian and pine extract were successfully used in the treatment of neuroses.

To date, thanks to a huge amount of research, the properties and areas of application of aromatic substances have been determined, i.e. oils

Types of essential oils

The raw materials for obtaining the essential substrate can be various parts of the plant, such as:

Aroma oils also differ in the method of extracting the essential substance.

• Distillation– extraction of the oily component from the leaves and bark of a plant using water vapor. A well-known and widely used method, the essence of which is the destructive effect of high-temperature steam on the cells of the feedstock, in which the liquid phase evaporates, carrying aromatic components with it. Next, the steam condenses into a cube, where the fraction is separated into a heavy oily substance and a floral odorous liquid used in perfumery.
• Pressing method or cold pressing– applicable primarily for the extraction of aromatic oils from citrus and bergamot fruits. Since there is no heat treatment, the main disadvantage of this method is the short shelf life of the resulting product. For extra-class citrus essential oils, only the peel of the fruit is used.
• Extraction- a method of forcing tender and sensitive parts of plants that cannot tolerate high temperatures or raw materials containing a lot of resins and heavy components. Volatile solvents (acetone, ethyl alcohol and other organic substances) affect petals, rhizomes, and inflorescences. The result is a thick viscous mass containing associated hydrocarbons: resins, paraffins. Next, the concentrate is purified and filtered. Essential oils obtained by this method are more suitable for external use.

The latest innovative developments in the extraction of aromatic substrates involve the extraction of esters with liquefied gas and adsorption (absorption) with solid adsorbents, such as, for example, activated carbon.

Ways to Use Essential Oils

According to the method of action of plant extracts on a living organism, a distinction is made between external and internal use of oily extracts.

The practice of internal (oral) administration of odorous drugs is equated by aromatherapists to healing with drugs, therefore the drugs are prescribed in strictly dosed and controlled quantities. A haphazard approach is unacceptable.

Important information about taking essential oils internally

In a number of countries, medical institutes give a series of lectures on aromatherapy as part of their general education program. For example, in France it is quite easy to get a prescription from a doctor indicating the ingredients based on essential oils, and any pharmacist at the nearest pharmacy will prepare the necessary medicine.

In order for the aromatherapy effect to be complete, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

• Synthetic analogues of essential oils, so-called fragrances, are strictly not suitable for internal use. Usually they are sold in cosmetic departments and pharmacies. As a rule, their price is low. To purchase an original product, it is recommended to use trusted sites of both foreign and Russian creators (Aroma-Zone, Primaveralife, Pranarom and others).
• Essential oils, despite their name, are not oils in the literal sense, that is, fatty substrates. Distillation products are highly concentrated, so they need to be taken in doses, a few drops diluted.
• Only essential oils obtained by distillation or pressing are suitable for oral administration. Extracted products obtained by exposing plants to organic solvents are not suitable for these purposes.
• With extreme caution, or better yet, avoid oils that contain toxic components, for example, wormwood or essential oil of almond seeds, rue. The safest are extracts of mint and tea tree leaves, orange and lemon zest, and lavender flowers.

Some aromatherapists deny the positive effect of the internal use of esters, justifying their opinion by the fact of a change in the chemical formula, and, consequently, the properties of the final product, which is subject to the destructive effects of gastric juice.

However, well-known pharmaceutical factories include essential oils as the main carrier in dietary supplements and drugs that have proven their effectiveness.

The table shows examples of drugs officially approved for use.

But the internal use of naturopathic oils within the boundaries of aromatherapy should be carried out in consultation with a specialist.

Justification for the internal use of “volatile” oils

The following properties of distillates form the basis for non-external use of oils:

• The ability to inhibit pathogenic microorganisms.
• Antioxidant and relaxing properties that help improve immunity.
• Regenerative abilities that help rapid wound healing.
• Features of a sedative nature that have a beneficial effect on the psyche.

In addition, internal use there are a number of advantages:

• Some essential oils reveal their healing effects only when used internally (for example, oregano essential oil, also known as oregano).
• Targeted and precise targeting of problem areas of the body and systems, for example, in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Oral intake of essential oils promotes instant penetration of healing components into the circulatory system or onto inflamed mucous membranes.

The main contraindications to oral intake of aromatic oils are:

• allergy to any component;
• period of pregnancy and lactation in women;
• children's age is less than six years;
• presence of cancer.

A variety of methods for external use of aroma oils

External use of esters involves the penetration of healing fluids not only through the dermis (skin), but also through the olfactory organs. The beneficial effects of incense were noticed long before our days. But the most widespread is the cutaneous use of aromatic substances.

Create a romantic atmosphere in the house, disinfect the air in the room, relax and take pictures nervous tension Essential oils placed in an aroma lamp will help.

An aroma lamp is a vessel made of ceramics, glass, even carved from stone. The traditional model involves heating a few drops of essential oil dissolved in a small amount of water using a candle. For greater aromatization, it is practiced to impregnate the salt with essential oils. But progress does not stand still, new products have appeared in this area - ultrasonic and electric aroma lamps have been created. However, true connoisseurs of aromatherapy prefer the classic version.

Depending on the expected result of the procedure, compositions based on essential oils are created for the aroma lamp.

Basic knowledge of the properties of odorous components will help in composing individual scents. By experimenting and selecting scents that are pleasant and characteristic of a particular person, you can develop your own fragrance recipes.

The table shows the basic compositions of plant extracts for different purposes and different rooms:

The proportions of water and essential oil depend on the size of the bowl. Usually this is 5-7 drops per 2-3 tablespoons of water. But everyone can choose the intensity of flavoring to suit their taste.

Plant essences as a massage product

Massage itself is a procedure that solves many problems, from simple relaxation and elimination of cosmetic defects, to healing somatic diseases. The interaction of aromatic oils with the massage technique significantly increases the effectiveness of the operation.

When applied to the skin, aromatic components are not used in concentrated form; a few drops of the product are added to the base carrier. Usually this massage creams and vegetable (preferably olive) oils, and the essential component should not exceed 3% of the total volume of the mixture. For example, if the volume of the base is 10 ml, then 3 drops of ether are enough. For accurate calculations, you can use the volume of a teaspoon - 5 ml.

The mixture is prepared at once for the entire course of the procedure. It is better to store the product in a dark glass bottle in a cool place, away from sunlight and heating appliances. A label must be placed on the bottle indicating the date of preparation of the mixture and its component composition.

Experts do not advise experimenting with a large number of additives. It is optimal to include no more than three types of oils, and it is important that there are no allergic reactions to the components of the mixture. It is advisable that one of the ingredients remove emotional stress.

Another tip: when choosing a base essential oil carrier, preference is given to first cold-pressed oils; a refined base does not have the necessary therapeutic properties. Mineral oils - products of petroleum distillation - are unacceptable for use, because when applied they create an impenetrable film on the skin, clogging the pores.

The table shows the optimal compositions for various kinds massages:

Massage with essential components has a double effect - it heals the body and has a lasting positive emotional and aesthetic effect.

Aromatic baths - a simple home procedure

The most accessible type of manipulation with aromatic oils is taking baths with plant extracts. The benefits of such a procedure are undeniable; along with relaxation and tranquility, a person inhales healing ethereal vapors.

Simple conditions for properly taking an aromatic bath guarantee the effectiveness of the process.

• To avoid skin burns, you should not pour a large amount of oily liquid into the bath - a few drops (no more than 3-4) for the entire volume are enough.
• The hydrophobic properties of the oil do not allow it to dissolve in the water column; it will spread over the surface in the form of uneven spots. Therefore, it makes sense to use the essential component in a mixture with the base vehicle. Milk, fermented milk products, and honey can act in this capacity. Salt, especially sea salt, enriched with aromatic essential oils, will perfectly cope with the role of a carrier.
• The temperature of the water in the aroma bath should not exceed 38°C, otherwise there will be additional stress on the heart. Increased sweating will also prevent more complete penetration of therapeutic substrates into the dermis.
• Taking a healing bath and the washing process are incompatible things. All bathing cosmetics reduce the effect of the procedure.
• The duration of the sessions should not be abused - the maximum time is 20 minutes, it is better to take them in courses: 10-12 times every other day.
• You should not wipe yourself dry after a bath, because the essential oil continues its effect. The best thing to do is wrap yourself in a warm robe and relax in bed after a cup of herbal tea.

Despite the harmlessness of a home ether bath, there are a number of contraindications for this procedure. There is no need to add aromatic oils to people with diseases such as:

• oncology of any stage;
• epilepsy;
• diabetes of any type;
• coronary heart disease and angina pectoris;
• venous insufficiency and thrombophlebitis;
• liver cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis;
• skin diseases of various etiologies.

Women who are pregnant should also use extracts with caution, especially those based on stimulating plants. For example, jasmine, juniper, and geranium essential oils have such properties.

Inhalation – physiotherapy at home

Every health complex and sanatorium has inhalation rooms, because this procedure is extremely effective in the treatment of chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract. But a steam healing course can also be arranged at home.

The most unpretentious device for conducting a healing session is a bowl of hot water with dissolved healing ingredients. If inhalations are not one-time in nature, then in pharmacies you can purchase an inhaler (nebulizer) - a device for dispersing volatile elements.

The method of delivering healing substances through the oral cavity and nasopharynx is considered the most harmless and effective. Inhalation of essential oils leads to the following results:

• In case of bronchopulmonary diseases, sputum discharge is facilitated.
• The fires are extinguished inflammatory processes.
• Swelling of the mucous membrane is relieved.
• Immunity increases.

Inhalations can be cold or hot. The first of them are based on inhaling aromas at temperatures environment and do not require special equipment or specially designated space. It is enough to drop a small amount of a diluted odorous substance onto the corner of a handkerchief, the edge of a pillow, or simply sniff the bottle - this will be a cold inhalation.

Hot, more familiar, inhalations are the inhalation of hot steam saturated with aromatic extracts. Rules for the procedure:

• Before the inhalation session, at least one and a half hours should pass after eating.
• When treating the nasal paranasal sinuses, inhalation and exhalation are done through the diseased organ.
• For bronchopulmonary diseases, catarrh, tonsillitis, the solution is inhaled through the mouth and exhaled through the nose.
• After inhalation, you should not leave the room or go out into the cold; you should spend 15-20 minutes at rest.

For inhalation procedures, esters with disinfectant and antimicrobial properties are used: eucalyptus, sage, juniper, tea tree, lemon, lavender.

Hot inhalations have a number of contraindications:

• stages of exacerbation of bronchial asthma;
• acute pneumonia;
• heart disease;
• inflammatory processes with purulent abscess;
• allergic manifestations to extract components.

The therapeutic method of aerosol penetration of essential oils into the respiratory tract marked the beginning of such a direction in medicine as aerophytotherapy.

The mechanism of the effect of essential oils on the human body

Before we begin to describe the properties of specific essential oil crops, it is worth understanding how aromatic fluids penetrate the human body and what their effect is.

From a medical point of view, ethers exert their influence in two ways.

1. Neuro-reflex method. Perception is due to the fact that the olfactory receptors of the nasal sinuses and mucous membranes perceive odors and send a signal to the main part of the nervous system - the central one.
2. Humoral method. In another way, it can be called capillary, since it is through the system of tiny blood vessels that densely envelop the dermis, respiratory tract, and also through the pulmonary alveoli that aromatic substances affect a person.

Both methods are intertwined into a single mechanism of influence, which has the ability to simulate the human electromagnetic field at the biophysical level.

Essential oils, affecting different areas of the living organism, have the following qualities:

• being good antiseptics, effectively fight pathogenic microflora;
• stop inflammatory processes;
• exhibit a general tonic effect, acting as an adaptogen;
• have an immunostimulating effect;
• reduce nervous excitability, harmonizing feelings and thoughts;
• improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• have a cosmetic effect, improving the condition, appearance hair and epidermis.

In the background general properties each one is specifically endowed with aroma oils specific characteristics and area of ​​use.

The therapeutic qualities of essential oils used in aromatherapy are presented in the table.

Essential oils are a priceless gift received from nature. Each plant, each elixir is endowed with unique properties of healing, transformation, and finding harmony.

Essential oils - natural aromatic compounds, extracted from different parts plants - tree bark, stem, leaf, flower, root or seed. They are the quintessence of the plant, as they contain all their biological benefits in concentrated form. In ancient times, distillation was seen as extracting the spirit and life force from a plant - so it often had religious and mystical meanings.

Typically, essential oils are extracted from the plant using steam distillation. There are other methods for their production, such as the use of cold press, distillation with water, the use of sorbents and selective solvents, but the use of steam is the simplest and most affordable way, widely used in today's industry.

The effect of essential oils is determined by the concentration of various chemical compounds, as well as the frequency of their use, method of use and dosage. The quality and purity of the product also has a significant impact on the effect.