How to use essential oils

The use of essential oils has grown considerably in recent years. Whether for health, beauty or well-being, the virtues of these extracts are manifold. In this article, Landema gives you a quick overview of the subject, so you can choose the extract that's right for you.

What is an essential oil?

An essential oil is defined as the aromatic liquid extracted from a plant, obtained from a raw material of plant origin, after separation of the aqueous phase by physical processes: either by steam distillation, or by mechanical processes from the epicarp of Citrus fruit, or by dry distillation. This extract concentrates the quintessence of the plant in the form of active substances. Despite being called an oil, it contains no fatty acids.

How is an essential oil used?

Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways. Depending on the extract you wish to use, its composition and its properties, certain methods of use may be appropriate, particularly recommended or inadvisable in certain cases. The most common methods of use are :

• By mouth: in this case, the essential oil must be diluted on a neutral base. It is particularly recommended to seek advice from a health professional before using an essential oil.
• Cutaneous application: this involves massaging the extract, diluted in an oily carrier, into the area to be treated. Given the concentration of these extracts, they may cause allergic reactions. We therefore recommend that you always test your skin tolerance on the elbow crease 48 hours before applying to the rest of the body;
• Inhalation: the active ingredient is breathed in by diffusing the natural extract with a specially designed spray or diffuser;
• Adding the essential oil to a commercial cosmetic product: the extract can be added to your various products at the end of the preparation process. However, be sure to respect a dosage of 1% essential oils for facial care products and 2% for body and hair care products. Often, one or two drops (1-2) are enough.

Which natural extracts should I choose to enhance my daily well-being?

Essential oils can be used at any time of day, and can be integrated into your various routines to enhance your well-being.

Boost your daily energy

If you're prone to bouts of fatigue after lunch, or feel a lack of energy when the seasons change, essential oils can help you counteract these discomforts. To stay in top form all day long, there's nothing like a good essential oil to boost your energy. Peppermint essential oil (Mentha x piperita), for example, is an excellent energizer. It helps restore physical and mental vitality.

White Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) oil, on the other hand, is useful for concentration and leaves a pleasant, fresh scent. We recommend diffusing it in your rooms to optimize its properties.

Relieve muscles

If you've overexerted yourself during a sports session and now find yourself with cramps or aches, essential oils can help relieve these symptoms. Gaultheria procumbens essential oil, 95% methyl salicylate, is often used in pharmacies for its analgesic properties. To dilute your essential oil, use Arnica oil (Arnica montana), for example, renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Helping you get to sleep

Certain essential oils, such as Green Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) oil, can help you find calm at the end of the day, for example. They're perfect to add to your evening routine for relaxed, stress-free nights.

Which natural extracts to choose for your beauty routine?

If there's one field in which essential oils have become increasingly popular, it's that of beauty and cosmetics. From improving skin texture to perfuming cosmetics, there's bound to be an extract that can be added to your beauty routine.

Which oil for my skin?

Your essential oil should be chosen according to the results you want to achieve. If you want to make pimples disappear, opt for antiseptic oils. These oils also moisturize the skin. Lavender extract (Lavandula angustifolia) is particularly well-suited for this purpose. If you're looking for an oil to firm your skin and brighten your complexion, Rose oil (Rosa x damascena) can help you achieve this effect.

What's more, Rosewood is very well tolerated, even by sensitive skin. The extracts can also be used to protect the skin.

Citronella essential oil (Cymbopogon winterianus) can help protect you from insect and mosquito bites.

Which oil for my hair?

Essential oils can also be great allies in caring for your hair. These extracts can accompany your daily products and enhance your hair care routines. Lemon oil(Citrus limon) or Cedarwood oil(Cedrus atlantica) are particularly recommended for oily hair. If you have dry hair, turn to Ylang-Ylang(Cananga odorata) or Lavender oil. Then create an oil bath combining your extract with castor oil(Ricinus communis), for example, and enjoy a moment of relaxation.

What natural extracts should I have at home?

Extracts can be useful in the home, as well as leaving a delicious scent in your spaces. Lavender and lemon essential oils, for example, can be used synergistically as dishwashing liquids. Some oils can also be used to disinfect your home, thanks to their antibacterial and antiparasitic properties.

Tea Tree oil(Melaleuca alternifolia), for example, is an excellent sanitizer that can be used to clean surfaces such as tiles.

Extracts can also be used to naturally scent your laundry. Lavender oil, a real "Swiss Army knife", can once again be used for this purpose. But be sure to choose oils that won't stain your textiles.

You'll soon be able to find a selection of essential oils in Landema's online catalog: sign up here to be informed when the online store opens.

Prevention is always better than cure

It's always important to remember certain precautions. The first of these is undoubtedly to ensure that you obtain your essential oil from a professional supplier of natural extracts, so that you can use the contents of your bottle with complete peace of mind. What's more, given the concentration of these products, it's important to use them in moderation, respecting the recommended dosages (generally, 1-2 drops are sufficient) and avoiding application to sensitive areas such as the eye contour and mucous membranes. These products are not to be used indiscriminately. They should only be used on the advice of a healthcare professional.