topic g+ : essential oils Flashcards
benefits of tea tree oil (4)
● healing (minor burns, scalds, ulcers)
● antimicrobial and antiviral
● stimulates and boosts immune system
● loosens and removes mucus
caution when using tea tree oil (3)
● oxidises quickly
● risk of skin sensitisation
● keep oil in cool dark place and tightly capped
benefits of rosemary oil (5)
● freshening and energising ● tightens and tones skin ● antibacterial ● strengthens memory ● good for respiratory, circulatory, digestive system
caution when using rosemary oil (4)
● do not use before sleep
● low doses during pregnancy
● may be neurotoxic
● do not use on infants/children
benefits of peppermint oil (6)
● antimicrobial
● anti-itch
● energising: invigorates blood flow and increases vitality
● soothes headaches
● increases sensitivity, perception, and awareness
● stimulates dreaming
caution when using peppermint oil (4)
● do not use on infant/children
● do not use more than 5%
● do not use with homeopathic remedies
● do not use if G6PD deficient
benefits of lemongrass oil (7)
● refreshing and cleansing ● antiseptic ● insect repellent (but attracts bees) ● antimicrobial ● calming ● strengthens bodily systems ● eliminates lactic acids (for circulation: massage after workout)
caution when using lemongrass oil (3)
● irritates sensitive/damaged skin + risk allergic reaction
● maximum dermal limit 0.7%
● do not use on children below 2
benefits of lavender oil (5)
● harmonises, balances, smoothens flow of qi ● calming ● antispasmodic (gd for cough) ● pain relieving (headaches) ● stims immune system
caution of using lavender oil (1)
● may cause allergic skin reactions
benefits of geranium oil (5)
● regulates hormones (PMS, menopausal symptoms)
● gentle, soothing, uplifting
● antimicrobial
● balances sebum production (for both dry and oily skin)
● feminine energy: fertility, birth, etc.
caution when using geranium oil (1)
● may irritate sensitive skin
benefits of german chamomile oil (5)
● anti-inflammatory and soothing (dry itchy skin) ● antiallergenic ● eases pain esp menstrual cramp ● stimulates bile production ● treats insomnia
caution when using german chamomile (1)
● avoid mixing with other meds: may pose interaction problems with certain antipsychotic/antidepressants
benefits of clary sage oil
● antidepressant ● relaxing ● antiseptic ● combats hair loss ● relieves menstrual pain and regulates menstrual flow ● regulates hormones ● tones digestive system
good for lavender haters who want to improve sleep
caution when using clary sage oil (3)
● risk skin sensitisation
● avoid using during first trimester (may cause uterine contractions)
● avoid use for infants and toddlers
benefits of melissa/lemon balm (5)
● calming, soothing, stress relieving, healing
● good for cough and flu
● insect repellant
● revitalises skin and mind
● regulates and balances reproductive, circulatory, digestive systems
caution when using melissa/lemon balm (3)
● avoid when pregnant
● may irritate skin, max dermal limit 0.9%
● not suitable for children under 2
benefits of lemon oil (4)
● antibacterial, antiseptic
● treats verrucas, insect bites, tension headache
● tonic action on lymphatic system and stimulating for digestion and immune system
● good for skincare: refreshing, slightly calming. brightening
caution of using lemon oil (3)
● phototoxic (causes sunburn): avoid exposing skin to sunlight or sunbed within 12h of use
● risk of skin sensitisation, dermal limit 2%
● keep in cool dark place tightly capped
benefits of bergamot oil (4)
● invigorating, uplifting, relaxing, refreshing, purifying
● immune boosting
● stimulating to appetite
● antiviral, antiinflammatory
caution when using bergamot oil (2)
● keep in cool dark place with cap tightly closed
● phototoxic 0.4% (avoid exposing skin to sunlight or sunbed within 12h of use)
benefits of german chamomile hydrosol (3)
● skin and wound care
● anti inflammatory
● calming
benefits of lavender hydrosol (4)
● cooling
● relieves itching. irritation
● healing, good for wound care and cleaning
● good for cranky children
benefits of rose hydrosol (4)
● good for skin
● good for wounds, scratches, bites
● antibacterial
● calming
essential oil vs hydrosol (3)
essential oils
● hydrophobic
● highly concentrated containing ONLY volatile aroma compounds of plants
● aromatherapists trained in usage and safety protocols
hydrosols
● hydrosols are aromatic water by-product of distillation
● contain a small amount of EO
● aromatherapists trained in usage (less safety concerns than EO)
are hydrosols just EO added to water
NAUR hydrosols are a byproduct of steam distillation which is used to make EO
plant medicine comparison: increasing concentration of plant material (6)
- flower essence
- tisane (tea) infusion
- hydrosol
- infused oil
- tincture
- essential oil
what is flower essence (3)
● plant material extracted into water by infusion then highly diluted
● similar to homeopathic remedies in terms of dilution
● no safety concerns but practitioners can provide guidance on most appropriate remedies
what plant medicines are made with plant material extracted into water by infusion (4)
- flower essence
- tisane (tea) infusion
- infused oil
- tincture
benefits of marjoram essential oil (3)
● relaxes mind in stress or grief
● suitable for muscle and joint pains: warming, analgesic, antispasmodic
● acts on respiratory system: good for asthma, bronchitis
what does clary sage oil smell and look like
smell: heavy fragrance with herbal and nutty tones
look: pale green/yellow to clear colour
what does marjoram oil smell and look like
smell: warm, camphoraceous, spicy
look: pale yellow oil
