SAVORY. Essential oil.

Chess is considered as a Mediterranean plant, belonging to the type of plants that have seeds and aromatic species, foliage that is always greenish despite growing in cold and warm areas; of spicy, warm and intense flavor.

Of this type of plants for their composition are used in the area of ​​medicine and culinary, of which essential oils are extra, which are used at its maximum expression.

What is chess oil?

Chess oil is a substance that is obtained from both the leaves and the stem of the chess plant (Satureja Montana)

It is very used in the area of ​​natural medicine, cosmetics, perfumery and aromatherapy.

Origin of chess oil

You do not have for sure about the origin of chess and therefore, of chess oil; It is said that it comes from the Mediterranean (southern Europe) and the coasts of the Black Sea, extending through the Mediterranean.

It is said that chess because it is an abundant and leafy shrubing plant, it was part of the gardens and gardens of the house of Tudor (it was medieval), it was grown from the 19th century, it is presumed that it was by the Italians who began to use it In culinary art.

What other names receive chess oil?

Chess oil is also known by the name of “Satureja Montana” What does it mean Hieraba (bitter sweet taste), from the mountains.

Among other names with which it is known are Garden or garden chess, white chess, white cement, savor.

Is the wild or garden chess, which differs by the duration that is annual and the montana chess is perennial (lasts a lot of time)

Characteristics of chess oil

Chess oil is a byproduct that is obtained from the stem and the leaves of the plant, of intense yellow to pale, of the smell of spicy and strong grass, which is very used in cosmetics, aromatherapy, perfumery and medicinal.

Chemical structure and composition of chess oil

With respect to the chemical composition of chess oil are: for Cimeno 5-15%, Carvacrol 25-55%, Timol 2-10%(molecules responsible for its aroma), Gamma Torpinene 6-20%, beta cariofilene 2-8 % Contains linalol, geraniol and limonene (alcohol and components that favor that oleoginous texture)

It is rich in manganese, calcium, iron, vitamins B1, B3, B6, A and C, phytosterols (molecule that provides plant cells similar to cholesterol), which indicates can be used in food, medicine and cosmetics.

How is chess oil extracted?

Chess oil is obtained through a distillation process, by steam drag, which is performed on the leaves and stems of the plant.

This process is summarized in the following steps:

Place water to boil in a glass container, in another glass container the leaves and stems of the chess plant are placed, this in a barrage; Thanks to the steam that emits the boiling water, it goes through the pipeline container to distill, allowing oil particles to be released and mixed with water vapor; The steam is needed to separate the oil, this is done by the inclusion of cold water by means of a tube established for that; From there the steam is dispersed by another duct prepared for it, which makes the oil less dense than the water and falls directly to another glass container, it can be said that it floats in the water and the decantation process begins , which is nothing more than gradually separating the water so that the oil is attached to the funnel and can be poured into another container.

With this chess oil extraction system, it allows at the same time, using chess water, which can be used as tea.

This process is carried out with utmost caution to preserve its intact natural properties and be able to take advantage of them in the intended area is medicinal, cosmetics, culinary.

Benefits and properties of chess oil

Among the main properties that chess oil has are:

• Antinflammatory, insect repellent.
• Antiseptic, antimicotic, antiflatulent, antibacterial.
• Stimulates the circulation, astringent, tonic, the immune system helps.
• It is aphrodisiac, vitalizing.
• It is used as an appetizer, balsamic, antispasmodic, digestive.

Thanks to the properties it possesses, the following benefits are detached:

• It combats infections produced by fungi, for their antibacterial properties prevents Baillus and E.Coli bacteria (intestinal infections); In addition to controlling the levels of neurotransmitters (GABA) allowing a better operation of the nervous system, fighting body stress and therefore, the immune system.
• For its component in P-Cimeno, it is a good asset for the fight against Alzheimer's
• As an antiseptic, it is used for gargarisms and infections in the throat; It helps both the kidneys and the liver work well.
• Eliminates the discomfort produced by gases; stimulates good appetite; Prevents diarrhea and its discomforts; as well as acts against parasites.
• Chess oil is used as an expectorant tonic in respiratory infections (asthma, bronchitis, bronchial pain); skin conditions.
• It is sometimes used by diabetics to control thirst; Accelerates the menstrual process and helps treat gynecological diseases.
• It acts as an insect repellent and eliminates the inflammations produced by the chopped.

Use of chess oil during pregnancy

For the phytochemical components that oils from plants possess, in this case chess oil, its use is not recommended during pregnancy because the level of safety it has is not proven.

How is chess oil used for massages?

Chess oil for having very strong components, like other oils, must be mixed with other carrier oils, to minimize its action and at the same time get optimal results when used in massages.

In the case of treating respiratory conditions, place a few drops in the chest or back area, massage gently, help the body absorb the properties (through the capillary vessels) generating a sensation of well -being.

If it is for dental discomfort, it is an external way, it is a sedative, place small drops in your hand and give circular massages on the side affected by the ailment and calm the discomfort.

The use of chess oil should be controlled and not abuse the recommended dose.

Aromatherapy and chess oil

Due to its energy and vitalizing properties, chess oil can be used in aromatherapy through a diffuser, place a few drops together with water and will be scattered in the environment, by its penetrating aroma, it will act against mental fatigue, in addition to favoring the Cerebral transmitters (p-cimen component) helps to calm anxiety, in addition to activating sexual desire (aphrodisiac).

How to make homemade chess oil?

The process for the elaboration of chess oil is by means of steam drag, for its volatile properties (it contains a large amount of alcohol), it must be very cautious when extracting it homemade.

A homemade procedure would be; Place water to boil in a glass container (it can use aluminum as long as it does not have lead particles because it can contaminate the substance), place another container with the leaves and chess stem, so that the water does not have contact with them, Cover and let it boil, lower over heat, that will allow the steam to be locked inside the container and the oil particles detach and adhere together with the water, to the lid); After a few minutes get out of the heat and place in the fridge to cool and in turn allows the oil to be easier to separate it from the water; Drain it in a glass container, when obtaining the desired amount, keep the container in a cool and sealed place to avoid rays of natural light, to prevent beneficial properties from being lost.

Chess oil contraindications

Chess oil is contraindicated in the following cases:

• During pregnancy and in breastfeeding period.
• It can cause hypersensitivity to any of its components.
• It should not be used topically in children under 2 years.
• If the person suffers from constipation, gastric ulcers, stomach acidity, he can aggravate his condition.

Technical Card of Chess Oil

• Synonymous: Satureja Montana Oil.
• Extraction: Vapor drag distillation, which is performed on leaves and stems.
• Active principles: ESSENTIAL OIL 1-2%, Carvacrol 65%, Timol 1-5%, p-cimen 10-20%, range-terpinene 2-10%, Limonene, terminals, alpha-terpineol, terpenic acids, phenolic acids, tannins 4- 8%
• Characteristic: It is a strong to pale yellow liquid, with strong spice aroma.
• Precautions: It should not be applied straight to the skin, in its purest form. It should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It should not be used in children under 18. Do not use in case of gastritis, stomach problems, ulcers and constipation.
• Recommendations: Do not exceed the recommended doses.
• Watch out: Keep fresh and away from the reach of children.