Essential oils are the highly concentrated, volatile, aromatic essences of plants. They contain hundreds of organic constituents, including hormones, vitamins and other natural elements that work on many levels, and they are 75 to 100 times more concentrated than the oils in dried herbs. These oils can be harvested from their plant constituents in many ways, including cold pressing, distillation and extraction using chemical solvents.
You may think that essential oils are only good as perfume or to help boost your mood, but they have many varied uses, killing bacteria and viruses to fighting inflammation and helping rejuvenate the skin.
In addition to giving each plant its characteristic fragrance, essential oils have antibiotic qualities that protect the plant or provide other functions – See more at: http://www.amrita.net/what-are-essential-oils#sthash.oikwmTQf.dpuf
Below are our 10 favorite essential oils, along with some popular uses for them:
- Bergamot: Bergamot is a small citrus fruit that gives Earl Grey tea its unmistakeable scent. It’s also used to calm the mind and relieve depression and anxiety, as well as as an antiseptic.
Perhaps even above any of its therapeutic benefits, Bergamot is loved the most for its euphoric scent, which is the fragrant ingredient responsible for the unmistakable aroma of Earl Grey tea, – See more at: http://www.amrita.net/bergamot-organic-2104.html#sthash.Ju9McmWe.dpufPerhaps even above any of its therapeutic benefits, Bergamot is loved the most for its euphoric scent, which is the fragrant ingredient responsible for the unmistakable aroma of Earl Grey tea, – See more at: http://www.amrita.net/bergamot-organic-2104.html#sthash.Ju9McmWe.dpuf
- Sweet Orange: This sweet, warm, sunny scent soothes irritability, moodiness and frustration while increasing joy, harmony and creativity. It is also wonderful for skin care and aiding in digestion.
- Eucalyptus: The warming effect of Eucalyptus Radiata is helpful in soothing sore throats and breathing passages. It may also be good for treating and preventing colds, particularly with congestion. Eucalyptus is antiseptic, attacking mucus and the cold virus.
- Frankincense: For thousands of years Frankincense Essential Oil has been considered precious for spiritual and physical purposes. Frankincense is used to treat anxiety, stress and tension and is helpful for calming the mind, aiding the attainment of a meditative state. Its astringent properties make Frankincense helpful in clearing the respiratory channels affected by cold or flu. It also has tissue regeneration capabilities, so it is helpful in decreasing fine lines and wrinkles on facial skin, as well as healing scars and wounds. Frankincense also has pain-relieving properties.
- Lavender: Due to its pleasing scent and wide range of therapeutic benefits, Lavender is the most popular oil in aromatherapy. Lavender is healing, rejuvenating and cleansing for your skin. It is well-known for its ability to heal burns, as well as cuts, bruises, insect bites, sore muscles and scars. With its mothering energy and soothing aroma, it is the first choice in the treatment of insomnia and all stress-related conditions.
- Lemon: While most people think of lemonade and lemon-scented dish soap, Lemon Oil has been used for centuries as an amazing healing oil for the body, mind and spirit. Compared to a high-toned whistle, its “high vibration” scent is the epitome of alertness and optimism.
- Peppermint: The invigoratingly fresh and potent Peppermint Essential Oil is possibly the world’s most widely recognized, celebrated and versatile essential oil, with a host of practical benefits for daily living. Refreshing and stimulating, Peppermint Essential Oil has remarkably immediate effects on mental functioning. It seems to produce clear thinking and the ability to focus. It also is an excellent pain reliever and is always useful to have around.
- Grapefruit: Grapefruit has a cool, dry, uplifting and reviving scent that stimulates digestion and curbs the appetite.
- Tea Tree: Amrita’s Tea Tree Essential Oil is widely used to treat all three infectious organisms: bacterial, viral and fungal. A powerful immune stimulant, Tea Tree is a must-have oil to keep on hand at home and at work.
- Ylang-Ylang: Pronounced Eee-lang Eee-lang, this euphoric oil is distilled from the flowers of a tree native to southeast Asia. This uplifting and soothing oil can help treat depression, rapid breathing and heartbeat, high blood pressure and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is also a powerful aphrodisiac.
