Aromatherapy in the Home Medicine Cabinet

What are Essential Oils?

They are active compounds produced by plants to keep them alive by:

• Supporting reproduction – attracting insects (especially the essential oils of flowers)

• Protecting the plant from viruses and bacteria (primarily oils found in roots, stems, leaves…)

• Creating a microclimate, thereby helping regulate the plant’s temperature

Properties:

• Highly flammable

• Sensitive to light

• Soluble in alcohol, fats, oils, and natural emulsifiers such as honey; sometimes in hot water

• Often irritating to the skin when applied undiluted

• Long shelf life (several years); some oils even become more valuable with age

How We Absorb Essential Oils:

• Through the sense of smell – affecting the autonomic nervous system and the psyche, as scent molecules reach the brain and trigger the release of substances like serotonin and norepinephrine

• Through inhalation – impacting the bronchial tract

• Through the skin – entering the bloodstream and thus reaching all organs

• Internally – primarily through spices and teas, but also in diluted form directly added to food and beverages

1. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender is especially valued for its calming and relaxing properties. It can be used in a diffuser or as a pillow/room spray in the evening to promote peaceful, restorative sleep.
It also helps with insect bites: apply the pure oil directly to the bite to reduce swelling and pain and promote healing – making it suitable for sunburn treatment as well (diluted in a neutral oil such as almond or jojoba oil).
Be cautious when choosing lavender. For therapeutic or medicinal use, always choose true lavender and not lavandin (a hybrid of Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia, commonly found in perfumes, soaps, and moth repellents).

2. Lemon (Citrus limonum)

Anti-inflammatory, alkaline, refreshing, uplifting.
Helps with nausea – even during pregnancy – used in a diffuser or inhaled directly from a tissue or the palms. Lemon oil is also effective in massage oils or compresses for muscle pain or heavy menstrual bleeding, as it is cooling, pain-relieving, and astringent.
Its concentration-boosting and antibacterial properties make it great for use as a room spray.
Be sure to use oils of organic origin, especially for internal use. It can also be used in cooking, e.g., a few drops in salad dressing.

3. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Cooling, refreshing, analgesic.
Ideal in summer or hot climates for cooling purposes and can be applied directly to the skin (avoid mucous membranes!). For headaches or PMS, apply to the temples and/or neck area. For digestion or after heavy meals, it can be taken orally in diluted form (usually only 1 drop is needed).
Also works well in combination with other essential oils for colds, exhaustion, or hangovers.

4. Rose (Rosa damascena, Rosa centifolia)

Balancing, heart-opening, aphrodisiac, nourishing.
A very precious oil – it takes 5,000 kg of rose petals to produce 1 kg of essence. Use it sparingly and mindfully, as it has profound and effective effects, especially on the emotional and mental level.
Gently eases tension and tightness. Supports healthy heart function.
Helpful during transitions and moments of letting go – e.g., diluted in jojoba oil (1 drop per 10 ml). Supports forgiveness and has a harmonizing effect, particularly on the female body and hormone system.
High quality is crucial. Roses come in many varieties and fragrances, from Bulgarian to Turkish roses.

5. Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)

Calming, aphrodisiac, euphoric.
Stimulates serotonin production, helping us feel "happy and content." Assists with sleep disorders by calming inner fears. In diluted form, it relieves pain (e.g., used as a massage oil for abdominal or back pain). Especially effective for nervousness – in a diffuser or inhaled directly.
As a bath additive, Ylang Ylang can also lower blood pressure.
I personally enjoy blending it with other essential oils to create sensual body oils or roll-ons.

6. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

Pain-relieving, disinfecting, wound-healing.
High in eugenol, which helps with toothaches – chew a clove, add the oil to a mouth rinse, or apply directly to the affected area. Used in a compress or massage oil, it promotes circulation.
Clove also has antiparasitic properties.
It can help with insect bites (applied directly), skin conditions like itching or acne (diluted in a neutral oil).

7. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

Antibacterial, circulation-boosting, anti-inflammatory.
Due to its germ-killing properties, eucalyptus is commonly used to prevent and treat colds, especially of the upper respiratory tract.
The scent gives the feeling: “Ahh, now I can breathe deeply.” It clears the airways and refreshes the mind.
Can be used in a diffuser, sauna infusions, or diluted in massage oil. Also found in cough drops.
For colds, eucalyptus works wonderfully in a bath blend combined with other oils like pine, sage, or thyme.