Essential oils are concentrated liquids from plants that contain volatile aroma compounds. Most commonly used in aromatherapy and consist entirely of botanical matter. They can also be referred to as volatile oils or ethereal oils. Aromatherapy, pharmacology, food flavoring and perfumery, are all uses of essential oils.
When experimenting with a new oil or trying essential oils for the first time. it’s important to carefully follow the directions.
How are Essential Oils Made?
Essential oils are extracted from the plant by a process called distillation. The plant is cooked with steam so that it breaks down and releases the oils. The steam is cooled and then the water and oil are separated from each other. The oil is also filtered through to ensure its purity.
Distillation is the most popular use for extracting oils since it’s easy and effective, but there are other methods that can be used as well. Sometimes. essential oils can be extracted just by pressing on the plant. For instance. grapes. oranges and lemons have strong smelling juices that can be extracted by pressing on the fruits.
Uses for Essential Oils
Botanical oils have many uses because of their fresh and abundant aromas. They are most commonly used in perfumes. cosmetics. cleaning products and soaps. They may also be added to foods and drinks thanks to their flavoring properties. We’ve learned from historic textbooks that essential oils were used for medicinal purposes. primarily to treat skin conditions and certain diseases.
Essential oils have been drawing in more attention for their ability to act as an alternative medicine. While we recognize that an essential oil Wouldn’t be effective at treating an infection or curing cancer. botanical oils may manage symptoms like anxiety and stress. lowering the risk of certain health conditions.
Additionally. essential oils used in massage and aromatherapy can have curative effects on the total health and wellbeing of our bodies.
Even though there may be some uncertainty regarding the healing effects of botanical oils. we can be certain that these oils are much better for our bodies than chemically based products. Using oil-based products may prevent certain cancers and health conditions. so in a way. they can be pan of a preventative lifestyle.
For instance. traditional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that have been linked to various health conditions and especially dangerous for those with allergies and asthma. Thymol is an essential oil that is contained in all-natural cleaning products. and this ingredient is sale yet provides the same disinfectant properties as harsher ingredients. What would you choose for your own home?
The bottom line is this: while we have yet to uncover all there is to know about essential oils, choosing products that are all based rather than chemically based are better for the environment, our health and our wellbeing.
Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy deserves its own spotlight since essential oils are the core of this alternative therapy. Aromatherapy uses volatile plant materials to alter the person’s mind. mood and health. It’s true that there is limited research that supports essential oil from a medical standpoint. but research does show that these oils may have benefits in a therapeutic setting.
For those that truly believe in the power of these oils. great things can follow an aromatherapy session. especially when coupled with a massage. People have stated that botanical oils reduce anxiety and enhance energy.
Why Essential Oils May Have curative Effects
When looking at the structure of botanical oils. we can understand how these substances can aid in natural healing. First. the aromas that are released from the oils go through the olfactory system and work on the limbic system. The limbic system is responsible tor controlling our emotional responses; therefore the soothing, calming scents produced by the oils have the same effects on the
brain.
When the brain is more relaxed. it means that we have a better state of mind. Obviously. with more relaxation comes less stress. anxiety and depression. We may approach an old problem in a new way. register pain differently or develop an improved sleep pattern. all of which alleviate depression and anxiety. Second, there may indeed be pharmacological effects of essential oils, even though our
understanding of the connection between the body and aromatic oils has yet to be measured by conventional science and medicine.
Buying Essential Oils
If you decide that botanical oils may help improve your health and wellbeing your next step will be purchasing the oils. Essential oils are sold in small bottles that are 5ml. 10ml or 15ml in size.
It’s best that all oils are stored in amber or cobalt blue bottles. as these dark bottles help filter out sunlight that can break down the structure of the oil Glass is always the best material for the bottle, but essential oils can also be sold in aluminum-lined bottles. Plastic bottles are not ideal since the oils will eat away at the plastic.
You may purchase essential oils in one kind or as a blend depending on what you plan to use the oils for. Blends can be a good option since you save yourself money from having to buy several separate oils. However. with oil blends. you have no control over how much of which oils are placed into the concoction.
The price of essential oils varies greatly because of the quality of the oil. Factors that affect the quality of aromatic oils include the country of origin, the climate, growing conditions, the quality standards of the distiller and how much oil was produced. As with other products, it’s best to find a brand that you like and trust for your essential oil purchases.
How to Use Essential Oils
Essential oils are used in avariety ol ways. but not all can be used in the same manner. For instance. oils are very popular in massage and aromatherapy, but only some can be applied directly to the skin. Lavender and teatree oil are often said to put directly on the skin while other oils will need ‘carrler oils’ to dilute them. Reading labels is important in this context. and it’s always best to W the oils on a small area on the skin to ensure it doesn’t cause an allergic reaction.
Another way that aromatic oils can be used is through inhalation. Done carefully, the oils can provide therapeutic benelits as the oil molecules enter the lungs and are absorbed into the bloodstream. There are also cenain oils that can be taken in a pill form, butt his should only be done under the supervision of a medical professional. These pills can be taken orally or as a suppositow, but like all medications they do have side eilects and should never be taken without the
consent ol a doctor.
Essential oils are intriguing; they have been around for a very long time yet we still know so little about them. When used appropriately. botanical oils have natural effects on the body that can boost energy. reduce anxiety and combat fatigue without having to put any additional chemicals into the body.
