Essential oils in detail

Lavender oil is the common name for the essential oil that is obtained by passing steam through the flowering tops of the plant Lavandula angustifolia. On the basis of its long-standing use, lavender oil can be used for the relief of mild symptoms of mental stress and exhaustion, and to aid sleep.²

Tea tree oil is the common name for the essential oil from the leaves/branches of the tree Melaleuca. It is best known for its antibacterial properties. On the basis of its long-standing use, tea tree oil preparations can be used for the treatment of small surface wounds/boils, insect bites, for the relief of itching and irritation in mild athlete's foot, and for the treatment of minor inflammation of the lining of the mouth.³

Eucalyptus oil is the essential oil obtained from the fresh leaves or terminal branches of different Eucalyptus species rich in 1,8-cinelole, such as Eucalyptus globulus eucalyptol. It is traditionally known for the relief of coughs associated with cold or for the symptomatic relief of localised muscle pain, exclusively based upon long-standing use.⁴