Transcript Essential Oils

ESSENTIAL OILS
Dr. Zachary Stelmack
What Will You Learn Today?
- An understanding of what essential oils are
- What you can do with the oils
- Information about some of the most commonly used essential oils
- Different ways to prepare the oils
- What to look for when getting your essential oils
WHAT are essential oils?
A liquid that is generally distilled (most frequently by steam or water) from the
leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant.
Even though they are called “OILS” they are typically not oily feeling.
They contain the true essence (properties) of the plant, are very highly aromatic,
and very concentrated. (A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY!)
The chemical composition and aroma provides valuable psychological and physical
therapeutic benefits.
WHAT are essential oils?
Because they are highly concentrated, they have to be diluted usually.
Every plant has different properties which makes them important in certain, various
ways.
Typically, they are to be avoided for internal use as trace material may be left
behind from the preparation process.
The different essential oils of plants are used by the plant to: help with competition,
as antibacterials/antifungals, to attract pollinators, and defense from predators.
WHAT can I do with essential oils?
• inhalation
• steam inhalation
• diffuser aromatherapy
• air freshener
• add refreshing scents to house, laundry
• aromatherapy massage
• homemade lotions, shampoos, perfumes, soaps
WHAT can I do with essential oils?
• sore muscle rubs
• cleaning products
• helpers for colds/flu/congestion
• insect/rodent repellent
• bath/shower aromatherapy
• help with sleep, concentration, stress
• disinfect the air during sicknesses
• headache relief
The MOST common oils!
ANISE
• black licorice smell
• helpful for coughing, colic, digestion, cramping, muscle soreness
BALSAM
• woody aroma, cinnamon aroma
• helpful for skin conditions: dry, cuts/wounds
• calming
BASIL
• stimulates thinking, focus
• anti-bacterial, anti-viral
• contains Linalool (acts as insect repellent)
• colds, flu, sinusitis, exhaustion
BERGAMOT
• uplifting
• oily skin/acne
• citrus smell
• colds, flu, sinusitis, exhaustion
BLACK PEPPER
• improve circulation
• muscle aches, arthritis, cramps
• enhance alertness
• colds, flu, sinusitis, exhaustion
CASSIA
• resembles cinnamon oils, smells
• fragrance
• indigestion, gas, colic, diarrhea, arthritis
CEDARWOOD
• rich, woody aroma
• great for fall/winter
• calming, uplifting
• great for meditation
• acne, arthritis, bronchitis, dermatitis, stress, dandruff
CHAMOMILE
• great for relaxation/sleep
• allergies, boils, cuts, dermatitis, gas
• headache, PMS, sprains, insect bites
• nausea, insomnia, wounds
CINNAMON
• great fragrance
• great for gas, arthritis, stress, exhaustion
CITRONELLA
• insect repellent
• fatigue, oily skin
CLOVE
• arthritis, asthma, bronchitis
• great for toothaches!
EUCALYPTUS
• great for colds/flu, CONGESTION, sinusitis
• coughing, fever, headaches
• aromatic
FRANKINCENSE / BOSWELLIA
• spiritual, perfume-like
• calming
• anxiety, joint pain, stress, scars, stretch marks
GERAMIUM
• fresh, floral, sweet
• acne, lice, menopause, oily skin
• used as a facial toner
GINGER
• great for nausea, motion sickness
• warming
• soreness in muscles, joints
• uplifting
GRAPEFRUIT
• energizing
• citrus, sweet smelling
• for dull skin, cellulitis, toxin build up
HYSSOP
• bruising, coughing, sore throat
• sweet, woody, earthy
JASMINE
• very fragrant, perfume-like
• uplifting
• depression, dry skin, exhaustion
• labor pains, sensitive skin
QUESTIONS?