How To Choose an Effective Oil

Good Day!

Well I hope everyone had a good nights rest! Today I am going to tell you about choosing the right effective oil for you. So grab your cup of joe, sit back, put your feet up and enjoy......

How to choose an effective oil

Anti-inflammatory oils

The anti-inflammatory actions of some oils are due to the presence of:

Esters~These reduce inflammation-for example, the linalyl acetate in Chamomile eases swelling caused by sunburn, stings and sprains.

Sequisterpenes~These are strongly anti-inflammatory, for example farnasene in rose oil. Carrier bases such as Aloe Vera cream or lotion are also anti-inflammatory. Aloe Vera contains anthraquinone, which helps to make it effective in reducing inflammation when used alongside oils such as Lavender or Chamomile.

(Rich in Farnasene, Rose is a pleasant oil that is safe for all ages)

Decongestant Oils

Many spice and tree oils are effective against colds and flu. They contain:

Ketones~These act as expectorants and relieve congestion-for example, Camphor, found in Sage and Rosemary and Menthone, found in Pepperment, are all good oils for clearing head colds.

Oxides~These are also great decongestants-for example, Linalool Oxide in Eucalyptus and rosemary and Eucalyptol, found in Eucalyptus and Cajeput, are all highly effective.

(Inhale decongestant oils to help relieve the discomfort of a blocked nose)

Relaxing Oils

Relaxing oils are usually rich in Esters, but Ketones also contribute to many oils' soothing effects.

Esters~These are soothing to the nervous system and ease tension. The most sedative oils are Roman Chamomile, Jasmine, Petitgrain and Benzoin; Some comprise more than 70% Esters.

Ketones~The Keytones found in some essential oils , such as the Cis-jasmone in Jasmine, work in conjunction with Esters to help you relax.

(Relaxing oils such as Chamomile can help to ease your headaches)


Antiseptic Oils

Many oils have valuable antiseptic properties due to the presence of:

Phenols~These chemicals are powerful antiseptics but can irritate the skin, so they are best used in a vaporizer, incense, or room fumigant rather than in a massage or bath oil.

Alcohols~More gentle than Phenols, alcohols are still strongly antiseptic-for example, antiviral terpineol in Eucalyptus, antibacterial santalol in Sandlewood and the Farnesol in Rose Oil.

(Antiseptic oils are ideal for treating cuts , grazes and insect bites)

Invigorating Oils

Invigoration oils stimulate the mind and body. They contain the following:

Monoterpenes~These impart a feeling of health and well-being, lifting the spirits and reviving the body-such as Limonene, found in citrus oils.

Phenols~Many spice oils are uplifting due to the presence of Phenols-for example Eugenol in Cinnamon and Clove. These oils banish mental fatigue, but because of their potency, they should be used only in low concentrations.

Alcohols~Alcohols are invigoration-for example, menthol in Peppermint oil, which has a refreshing action. High doses can be sedative.

Warming Oils

Many oils that come from spices, such as Black Pepper, Cinnamon and ginger are warming because they stimulate the circulation to the extremities of the body. Oils that make great additions to massage blends contain:

Phenols~Phenols such as Eugenol and Myristol are stimulating and warming to the mind and body. Both are found in Black Pepper oil, making it an ideal addition to a muscular rub.

Alcohols~These have a warming effect on the body as they open blood vessels, bringing more body heat to the skin-for example Linalool in Coriander oil and Terpineol in Eucalyptus Oil. Add these to a warm bath, hot compress or chest rub on cold winter nights.

(Black Pepper oil will warm your muscles during the cold winter months)

Well I hope this installment has you wanting more! Next we will explore the best essential oils to use in your vaporizer