Essential oils are extracts based on secondary metabolites from different plants. They are highly volatile (many of them evaporate at room temperature). Naturopathic healing therapies include the use of essential oils to support both physical and mental well-being.
Many of them have biologically active substances that produce benefits when applied to the skin.
They come from medicinal plants, and their extraction allows the active principles they contain to be preserved for a longer time.
There is a multitude of scientific documentation that attributes the advantages of the use of this type of essential oil.
The distillation of these essential oils is usually done with water or steam, so the extraction is a physical process known as hydro distillation.
However, most of them are insoluble in water, so the most convenient and practical way is to mix or solubilize them with alcohol or acetic acid (present in vinegar extract).
Essential oils are not only in the flowers or leaves of aromatic and medicinal plants. They can be found in a multitude of places of plants and trees:
Cold extraction is the most common and accepted method by consumers. It is the process that best preserves the properties of essential oils without impairing their composition and/or concentration.
The process basically consists of squeezing without increasing the temperature. Although with heat the extraction is much easier, there is a risk of evaporating many of the components due to their high volatility.
There are many different mixtures and compositions of oil extracts, but they are characterized by their content of the following organic compounds:
There are 10 classes of terpenoids, each present in different families of medicinal and aromatic plants. For example, monoterpenes are present in the extract of many citrus fruits (citronella, limonene, myrcene, pinene, etc.).
Compounds that give the characteristic odor include those of structure in the form of ketones, esters, aldehydes, etc.
The terpenes of the essential oils we smell in a forest are the triggers of the successful Forest Bathing therapy that helps us connect with our inner selves.
What are the health benefits of the terpenes in the essential oils we smell in the forest when we practice Forest Bathing?
We are surrounded by a broad range of trees and plants while we practice forest bathing, each with its distinct combination of essential oils and terpenes. Terpenes are naturally occurring chemicals that give many plants and foods, especially forest trees, their distinct fragrances, and tastes.
These terpenes can have a variety of therapeutic impacts on our body and mind when we inhale them while forest bathing. Among these impacts are the following:
Terpenes like alpha-pinene and limonene have been demonstrated to have a calming and relaxing impact on the mind and body, which aids in the reduction of stress and anxiety.
Terpenes including beta-caryophyllene and myrcene have been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting characteristics, which can assist improve general health.
Terpenes like eucalyptol and alpha-pinene can open up the airways and enhance respiratory function, making it easier to breathe in the fresh forest air.
Terpenes like linalool and beta-pinene have been proven to have mood-lifting properties, aiding in feelings of happiness and well-being.
When we practice forest bathing, the terpenes present in essential oils of the forest can have a variety of therapeutic impacts on our body and mind, including relaxation, stress reduction, immune system support, respiratory benefits, and mood enhancement.
In the XXI century, there are discovered a lot of essential oils each with its different properties. These are chemicals biosynthesized by plants to cover a certain function. We, after years of research and laboratory work, have managed to extract these oils and use them in our daily lives. Speaking of such essential oils, there …
In this new entry of medicinal plants, we bring you a new essential oil full of properties. As we saw with the thymol oil and all its healing potential, lavender oil puts at our disposal all the plant biochemistry that, of course, we are going to take advantage of! Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) We find another …
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The natural world around us is littered with trees and species that contain essential oils useful to us. In this case, the cultivation of sandalwood (Santalum album) was carried out over hundreds of years to extract its essential components and use them in folk medicine. What benefits would we be talking about? Let’s see them …
Litsea cubeba is a tree native to Asia, specifically China and other parts of Southeast Asia (such as Malaysia). In this area, it is a well-known tree and valued for the qualities and medicinal and aromatic properties it provides. This plant lacks properties ornamentally and is not very attractive, although it is usually used in …
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One of the most consumed tropical fruits in the world is the coconut. Easily recognizable by its thick, brown and hairy shell. Inside we find the pulp, its edible part of white color, which gives off a delicious aroma. Thank you to all the benefits that this fruit has, a wide variety of foods have …
The properties of evening primrose oil they have been used very regularly in recent times. It has become very popular for its main positive effects on the human body, therefore, this has made it one of the best-selling oils today, especially among the female public. This oil is ideal to be able to control the …
Within the world of ointments and ointments we find one that catches our attention. It is known as tiger balm, although you should not worry because it does not contain any animals but a compendium of oils and medicinal plants. This product has been studied and tested with beneficial effects for muscle and skin aches. …
