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Essential Oils are derived from the leaves or flowers of the plants that retain the scent of the plant and will eventually fade over time. Nearly every plant you could want has an essential oil available.
An essential oil is any concentrated, hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants, which are called aromatic herbs or aromatic plants. They are also known as volatile or ethereal oils, or simply as the "oil of" the plant material from which they were extracted, such as oil of clove. Oil is "essential" in the sense that it carries a distinctive scent, or essence, of the plant. Sensitivities and/or allergic reactions can still develop to all natural ingredients so always use caution when using or working with new products.
The oils we have listed below are commonly used in soapmaking, and oils that are available in our soaps. This list is not complete by any means!
Cinnamon Essential Oil
Cinnamon Essential oil is peppery, earthy, spicy, bright and slightly woodsy. The essential oil has a somewhat different scent than “fragrance” oil. Cinnamon oil is not commonly used on skin; especially sensitive areas (and we don’t have any in our soaps) but we use this in our home in potpourris in blends with other oils. Cinnamon oil has been suggested for use as a digestive stimulant and to improve circulation. Cinnamon oil can be used as a preservative in oil blends.
Citronella Essential Oil
(INCI: Cymbopogon nardus) Flashpoint: 170F. Citronella is a perennial grass and is related to lemon grass. Citronella oil is well known for its bug repelling properties. But Citronella can also be used on the skin as a muscle relaxant. Often blended with other oils, it makes a great foot rub for tired achy feet. It is also used on skin as an astringent and antiseptic. We recommended it for oily skin. Citronella oil can be irritating to the skin in large doses. In aromatherapy, Citronella is believed to aide in headache relief.
Lavender Essential Oil
(INCI: Lavandula Angustifolia) Flash point: 156F Lavender essential oil has a calming scent which makes it an excellent tonic for the nerves and helps in treating migraines, headaches, anxiety, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress. The health benefits of lavender oil for the skin can be attributed to its antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. It is used to treat various skin disorders such as acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, and other inflammations. It heals wounds, cuts, burns, and sunburns rapidly as it aids in the formation of scar tissues. Found in: Lavender & Chamomile Soap.
Lemongrass Essential Oil
(INCI: Cymbopogon Flexuosus) Flashpoint: 160F. Lemongrass is a native grass of India that has been used in traditional medicine. Lemongrass Oil is known for its many uses in teas, reliving headaches, relaxing muscles, relieving constipation and aiding digestion. Some researchers have stated that Lemongrass Oil can aide milk flow in nursing mothers, aide in the relief of jet lag, and lift the spirits. Skin uses for Lemongrass Oil include antibacterial, astringent and antiseptic. It has been said that Lemongrass can aide in healing skin infections, preventing acne breakouts and soothing broken or inflamed skin. Lemongrass Oil has a citrus-like herbal scent that smells clean and fresh.
Neem Seed Essential Oil
(INCI-Azadirachta Indica Seed Oil) Neem seed oil is a vegetable oil pressed from the fruits and seeds of Neem, an evergreen tree. The oil has moisturizing and regenerative properties, contains Vitamin E, and has essential fatty acids. It is used to treat bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, boost the immune system, and for many specific health problems. It is also used to deter mosquitoes, fleas, flies, ticks, mites, and lice. Among other conditions, Neem Oil has been historically used to treat the following: acne, eczema, psoriasis, scabies, ringworm, chicken pox, lice, dandruff, burns, wounds, athlete’s foot, boils, ulcers, warts, herpes, cold sores, parasites, bed sores, rashes, gangrene, and hives. Extracts from neem have shown incredible success with not only battling fungus problems but also many forms of root rot on plants. Found in: Rescue Me.
Patchouli Essential Oil
(INCI: Pogostemon cablin) a fixative is a substance that combines well with the other ingredients in a blend; slowing down the evaporation of the fragrance and making it last longer when applied as a personal essence. As the oil ages it mellows considerably, becoming sweeter and more balsamic. In aromatherapy patchouli is often used as a relaxant. The warmth and depth of its aroma make it comforting and relaxing. Patchouli's relaxing attributes, coupled with its rich and exotic nature, have led to its inclusion in sensual and amorous blends. An aromatherapy blend inspired by the traditional Chinese use can evoke a feeling of gentle clarity and inspire the harmonious flow of emotional energy. It uses oils with balancing and mildly energizing aromas. Found in: Hippie Chick.
Peppermint Essential Oil
(INCI: Mentha Piperita Oil) Flash point: 151°F. OK to ship via air or ocean. Peppermint, when applied topically, has a soothing and cooling effect on skin irritations caused by hives, poison ivy, or poison oak. Peppermint oil is used in Aromatherapy for stimulating the mind, which in turn enhances the focus. It is known for its anesthetic, antispasmodic and antiseptic therapeutic properties. Found in: Peppermint Soap.
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