Essential oil is a volatile, oily liquid with a persistent odor, which has strong physiological and pharmacological properties. It is obtained from various parts of plants by: water distillation, pressing or extraction. To preserve all the nutrients and achieve the best quality of the product, the method of production is chosen depending on the plant. Essential oils are a mixture of chemical compounds and have in their composition: hydrocarbons, esters, alcohols, ketones, lactones, aromatic components, and other substances.

The main feature of essential oils and their difference from base oils is evaporation (the property of quickly evaporating) at room temperature, which is accompanied by a peculiar aroma. They are perfectly soluble in fatty oils, ether, alcohol and wax, but do not dissolve in water.

Since essential oils are real biologically active substances, they have many useful properties for the body and have a wide range of applications:

• In medicine;
• For the food industry, as food and flavor additives;
• In cosmetology. They are components of perfumes and cosmetics;
• Aromatherapy;
• As diluents for domestic use.

Essential oils are able to have a beneficial effect on the body, raise mood and improve brain activity. Many essential oils have antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. They can anesthetize, tone or soothe, but it is worth remembering that essential oils are not drugs, but only auxiliary means to improve the quality of life.

• The most popular in the modern world is the spraying of essential oil using a special ultrasonic diffuser. With this device, the process of aromatization of premises is the simplest and safest, as well as adjustable. In the selected diffuser, you need to pour the required amount of water and add about 2-3 drops of essential oil per 200 ml of water (depending on the area of the room and the volume of water, this amount may increase or decrease). After that, you need to turn the device on and select the desired mode. The diffuser will begin to evenly spray particles of water and essential oil, thereby humidifying the air and filling the space with a pleasant aroma.

• The use of essential oils using an aroma lamp (aroma smoker), in the form of a bowl into which water is poured and essential oil is added, after which a candle is placed under it at about 10 cm to the bowl. Gradually, in the process of heating water, the oil begins to evaporate and fill the air with the aroma of essential oil. The required amount of water is at least 50 ml Do not leave the lamp unattended.

• During the massage, essential oils enhance the healing properties and improve the condition of the skin. For use in massage, dilute 3-5 drops of essential oil into 15-20 ml of base oil (olive, almond, avocado, peach, and others) and mix the mixture properly. Oil should be selected primarily by smell, so that the massage procedure is more pleasant. After preparing the mixture, you can massage it to apply it to the skin of the back, chest and legs with soft pulling movements, together enjoying a pleasant aroma. Excellent oils: nutmeg, citrus, jasmine, rose, or sandalwood.

• An aromatic bath is a great way to apply essential oils to relieve stress and lift mood, as well as relieve muscle tension. Before taking aroma baths, you should wash. The water temperature should not exceed 38 °C and be below 10 °C. Before adding to the bath, it is necessary to dilute the essential oil with the base. Honey, cream or milk is also suitable for this. The proportions are approximately 6-8 drops of oil per 2-3 teaspoons of base oil. The recommended duration of the procedure is 15-20 minutes no more than 3 times a week. After taking a bath, it is undesirable to use detergents to preserve the process of absorbing essential oils through the skin. Do not go outside within an hour after the procedure.