The health crisis has put them back in the spotlight for their therapeutic powers. New research on their use in cosmetics demonstrates their lasting effects on our emotions. Generators of joy, essential oils? Yes, but not only that.
Hearing, taste, smell, touch and sight. Our five senses connect us to the world that surrounds us, allowing us to live our existence with sensitivity and emotions.
They play a vital role in our brain. Yet we don’t always pay attention to it. For example, it was necessary to see the arrival of Covid-19 to realize the importance of taste or smell among our physiological functions. If essential oils
have always occupied a special place in our rituals, their olfactory, emotional and curative powers have, with the health crisis, been the subject of unexpected enthusiasm.
A trend confirmed by the figures: according to INSEE, France is now the second largest producer of essential oils in the European Union, with a predominance for lavender and lavandin. Between 2010 and 2020, sales increased by 74%, and the global market continues to grow. These famous odorous and volatile fractions taken from plants (which concern only 10% of known plants in the world) also continue to be studied and analyzed for aromatherapy (the art of treating with essential oils) but also aromatology (their use in beauty) or aromachology (the power of smells on well-being).
Here are some of the most common used essential oils:
Mandarin and Grapefruit to regain energy and confidence
The study revealed that essential oils have an effect upon application and over the long term. So, from the first day, 87% of those questioned mentioned positive energizing benefits by applying a treatment with green mandarin (star essential oil of the house) and, two weeks later, 89% of them felt this benefit. Need to vary your pleasures while continuing to reenergize yourself? The study shows that grapefruit essential oil is the one that awakens the most, followed closely by the essential oils of petitgrain and rosemary, sandalwood, then iris.
Lavender and Chamomile to soothe anger
Lavender has soothing properties, the study confirms this. Lavandin essential oil is thus more effective in this matter than chamomile, the interest of which should not however be neglected for its relaxing properties.
Rose and Ylang-Ylang to fill you with tenderness
For a dose of love, there’s nothing like the rose. It is the oldest essential oil, created by the Persian doctor and philosopher Avicenna (980-1038), but also the most precious. Lavandin and ylang-ylang are also very effective.
Lemon and Fennel for a taste of joy
In terms of happiness, joy and openness of the heart, it’s sure the lemon that must be bet. The study places this essential oil tied with fennel. Mint and juniper berry take over the ranking.