Camphor. Even if you have never seen camphor before, once you smell its strong, characteristic aroma, you will not be able to confuse it with anything else. Camphor is a mandatory ingredient in many topical products for a wide variety of ailments – from colds to severe bronchitis, from muscle strain at the gym to serious injury or arthritis. What is camphor? It is a white, crystalline substance obtained from the roots and bark of the camphor tree. Therapeutic properties: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, ideal for arthritic pain, cough and bronchial issues, colds, sprains. It can also be used in steam therapy to clear the respiratory system.
Menthol. Menthol belongs to the broader category of terpenoids and is the main active ingredient in plants such as mint and spearmint. It is the component responsible for the characteristic aroma and the “cooling” sensation these herbs provide, which is why it is used both in culinary preparations and in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products such as toothpastes, mouthwashes, lozenges, and inhaled formulations. Therapeutic properties: decongestant, liquefies mucus secretions thus helping to relieve the symptoms of the common cold, local analgesic.
Eucalyptus Oil. Eucalyptus is known for its beneficial properties for the respiratory system as it facilitates and frees breathing. It protects against viral infections and strengthens the immune system. The modern pharmaceutical industry greatly values the strong antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory action of eucalyptus oil. For this reason, it is a preferred active ingredient in medicines for bronchitis, asthma, rhinitis, sinusitis (unblocks the nose, relieves breathing), angina, cough (relieves pain and has expectorant action). Therapeutic properties: Treats colds, flu, throat infections, and sinusitis (inhalations), relieves severe, dry cough and headaches, alleviates shortness of breath from asthma and bronchitis (inhalations), antipyretic action, clears and stimulates the mind.
Turpentine Oil. Turpentine oil is an entirely natural plant-derived substance (sap from the trunks of coniferous trees, cedars, firs, pines). It is a natural solvent with antiseptic properties, widely used in medicine for rubs, injections, and in pharmaceuticals as an antiseptic, hemostatic, and expectorant preparation. Therapeutic properties: analgesic, antirheumatic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, stimulant, tonic.
Nutmeg Essential Oil. Nutmeg essential oil is extracted by distilling its seeds, is almost colorless, and has a sweet, warm, and spicy aroma. Particularly invigorating, nutmeg essential oil is used in cases of muscle pain. Therapeutic properties: soothing, analgesic, antiemetic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, stimulant (for the brain), cardiotonic.
Thyme Oil. The parts of thyme used for therapeutic purposes are the leaves and flowering tops, which are collected from June to August. Therapeutic properties: relieves flu symptoms, soothes respiratory tract inflammations and asthma.