Aromatherapy oils are known as essential oils form the base of aromatherapy and influence the mind, body and spirit. These oils are the concentrated extracts of plants and their roots, stems, flowers and fruits. Essential oils are extracted from the plants usually by the means of distillation.

Essential oils are concentrated and must be diluted by mixing up with carrier oils such sweet almond, apricot kernel, grape seed and jojoba, before application. Only a few pure essential oils like lavender and tea tree can be applied directly to the skin.

Massaging the oil onto the body is the most common method of getting the benefit of aromatherapy oils, since skin is the largest absorption organ that you have.

Presenting the list of commonly used essential oils –

Bergamot – Originally from Italy, it is obtained from the rind of the bitter orange. It is pale green in colour, with sharp, orangey and refreshing fragrance. It is happy uplifting oil, works well against tensions, headaches and anxiety either through massage or a diffuser. Recommended for vaginal itching and cystitis. If you are using this oil, avoid sun for at least 3 days after that.

Chamomile – The oil for women and children. Roman and German chamomile are used widely in world of aromatherapy. Roman chamomile is soothing and calming oil. Relieves cramps, spasms and shock. Good pain killer for dull aching pains. German chamomile is great oil for children. Soothes child’s colic or stomach upsets, alleviates nappy rashes and skin irritations.

Eucalyptus – quite versatile oil with origins in Australia. Used to fend off infectious illnesses, like flu, measles help bring down fever and relieve a bad cold. It is also an effective insect repellent.

Geranium – Sweet feminine aroma akin to rose, Geranium essential oil is extracted from Pelargonium. Avoid using Geranium essential oil during pregnancy. Good oil to use when one is irritable and depressed, especially during PMS. 4 drops of oil in your bath work as a great stress buster. Also acts as a remarkable insect repellent.

Jasmine – Reputed to be aphrodisiac oil, Jasmine has a very sexy and beautiful fragrance. Jasmine essential oil when massaged on the abdomen during the later stages of labour strengthens uterine contractions and relieves pain. Used in skin care for dry skin. Leaves a warm feeling after massage with jasmine oil. Comforts and helps a person to be more confident.

Lavender – This oil calms, soothes the skin, balances oil production, helps to heal blemishes, stimulates circulation to skin, reduces inflammation of acne and soothes nervous system.

Lemon – The uplifting and cheerful fragrance of fresh lemons is obtained by pressing the outer rind of the lemon fruit. A rich source of vitamins A, B and C. Helps to stimulate body’s immune system to fight disease.

Mandarin – Mandarin essential oil is extracted from the peel of mandarin oranges. Mild, sweet and fruity, it is essentially children’s oil. The anthranilic acid in the oil is good stress buster for kids.

Neroli – Obtained from the flowers of bitter orange tree, Neroli’s fragrance is bitter sweet and refreshingly beautiful. A gentle sedative rejuvenates the skin and relieves anxiety. Also said to be an aphrodisiac. Stimulates the growth of healthy new cells.

Niaouli – is spicy pleasant oil. Useful for sore throats, cough, runny nose, cystitis, general skin problems and hemorrhoids. Should not be used for children under 10 years old or by pregnant women. Used to clean minor wounds and burns, due to its antiseptic properties.

Palmarosa – It is antibacterial, balancing and regenerating with scent similar to geranium. Recommended for acne, make a great preshampoo hair conditioner. Good oil to diffuse during flu epidemics.

Peppermint – Smelling of fresh mint, often added to cosmetics and skin care products for acne or oily skin. Refreshing and stimulating oil, peppermint herb is well known for indigestion. Can cause insomnia, should not be used on babies or young children and can irritate sensitive skin.

Rose – Rose oil is all time favourite oil with its beautiful and soothing fragrance. Considered to be women’s oil and aphrodisiac. Tones the womb, overcomes problems with female reproduction system. Women should rose oil in first 5 months of pregnancy as it may cause miscarriage. The anti depressant qualities of the oil relax the person, relive stress and overcome depression. Can be used for all skin types, especially beneficial for mature skin.

Tea Tree – Has antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic and antiviral properties. Heals blemishes without any side effects such as dryness, itching, stinging, burning or redness. Restores energy depleted by everyday stress, reduce or alleviate mental fatigue and exhaustion. Irritating to highly sensitive skin.