Essential oils are liquid and hydrophobic concentrates of the aromatic compounds of a plant. Several means can be used to obtain essential oils (mechanical extraction, steam, distillation, etc.).
Essential oils have active ingredients with varying effects depending on the plant from which they are extracted. They can have antiseptic, anti-infective, even antibiotic (essential oil of lavender) effects, effects on inflammatory and immunological responses, neurological effects (analgesic, calming, sedative, etc.).
Their natural smell and their high volatility make them ideal products for perfumery and cosmetics, the household products sector and the food industry.
Essential oils are subject to regulated use depending on the intended use. Ingestion of essential oil can lead to severe poisoning or even death. It is recommended not to use essential oil for a prolonged period without medical advice and always drop by drop.
A few rules must be observed when taking essential oils:
- Do not use essential oils during the first three months of any pregnancy without medical indication.
- Wash your hands after a massage or skin application.
- Do not inject yourself with essential oils.
- Use quality essential oils.
- Do not leave essential oils within the reach of children.
- Do allergy tests for fragile people.
- Do not use pure essential oils in contact with the eyes, nose, ear canals and ano-genital areas.
- In case of absorption or instillation, contact the poison control center.
- The bottle must be in colored glass or aluminum closed with a tight stopper and stored between 5°C and 35°C.
