What is aromatherapy?

At Herbera, we base our cosmetic formulations on Aromatherapy. But what is aromatherapy? This term was coined in 1928 by René-Maurice Gattefossé, and it is the branch of phytotherapy that uses essential oils extracted from aromatic plants, which possess medicinal properties.

These essential oils are obtained through steam distillation and, only in the case of citrus fruits, by expression of their peel. This is because, depending on where these oil-producing organs are located, we use the entire plant, the peel, or in other cases, the leaves or flowers for their extraction.

Due to the different components of an essential oil (terpenes, aldehydes, ketones...), a single essential oil can present different actions (anti-inflammatory, healing, spasmolytic, expectorant...) which are the result of the synergistic action of all these constituents.

When working with essential oils, we must keep in mind that a series of precautions must be taken, for example:

1. Never apply them directly to the skin. They must be diluted in another fatty oil, cream, gel, or shampoo. Essential oils are irritants; as a general rule, before using any essential oil, you should perform a small patch test to ensure they do not cause irritation or allergies.
2. They are not recommended for children under 3 years old without medical supervision.
3. You must also consult a doctor during pregnancy and breastfeeding, keeping in mind that some, such as sage or oregano, are completely contraindicated during these stages of a woman's life.
4. Essential oils of eucalyptus and peppermint are contraindicated in cases of asthma as they can lead to bronchospasms.
5. Those obtained from citrus fruits are photosensitive; therefore, sun exposure should be avoided after topical use.
6. Camphor and menthol oils interact with homeopathic treatments.
7. In cases of epilepsy and seizures, one should refrain from using essential oils that contain ketone compounds.
8. Keep essential oils out of the reach of children.

How to use essential oils?

For example, we can benefit from their properties through a pleasant bath by adding a few drops of essential oil to a mild, fragrance-free bath gel.

Tea tree oil is a natural alternative to permethrin-based pediculicide treatments and can be used both to prevent and eliminate lice. To do this, we just need to add 5 drops of tea tree oil to the children's shampoo and apply, massage, and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing. In this same way, we can use rosemary or lavender to prevent hair loss.

We can also prepare compresses by dissolving the essential oils (4-5 drops) in a basin of water and then soaking the compress in it. Squeeze it out and apply it to the painful area.

For massages, these essential oils must always be diluted in another oil that serves as a carrier (for example, sweet almond oil), otherwise, we could cause skin irritation and even allergies.

What are the main actions we can achieve with essential oils?

• To achieve relaxation and mental and bodily balance: We will use essential oils from relaxing plants such as, for example, lavender, bourbon geranium, ylang-ylang, and mandarin.
• To combat stress: some plants that contain essential oils with this indication are cypress, lemongrass, and rosewood.
• To stimulate concentration: for this, essential oils from plants such as, for example, tropical basil and camphor rosemary can be used.
• For the physical relief of muscle and joint aches and pains, for which essential oils from, for example, camphor rosemary, juniper, and clove can be used.
• To improve circulation in the lower extremities: in this case, essential oils of peppermint, cypress, and lemon, among others, are indicated.
• For the treatment of respiratory disorders, for which eucalyptus and Scots pine could be recommended.
• For improving skin toning and local circulation: among the most used are essential oils of rose, Roman chamomile, bitter orange, patchouli, grapefruit, and sandalwood.

At Cosmetics Herbera, we formulate our cosmetics with essential oils from organic farming.

Useful Links

www.aromasquecuran.es

Bibliographic References

• Bruneton, J. Fitoquímica de las plantas medicinales. Ed. Acribia, S.A.1993.
• J.B.Peris, G.Stübing, B.Vanaclocha. Fitoterapia Aplicada, Edit. M.I.C.O.F.Valencia. 1st Edition.
• Pahlow, M. El gran libro de las plantas medicinales. La salud mediante las fuerzas curativas de la naturaleza. Ed. Everest, 1987.
• Diccionario integral de las plantas medicinales, 1st Edition, Edit. RBA Integral.
• Hoffmann,D. Plantas medicinales. Fitoterapia práctica para el bienestar integral. Ed Susaeta, 1996.
• Fitoterapia Aplicada, completada con curas dermatológicas y aromaterapia, 2015, C.O.F Barcelona y C.O.F Madrid.
• Fernández-Montes, E. A. Técnicas y procedimientos en formulación magistral dermatológica. Ed. E. Alía, 2005.