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Essential oils are the concentrated essence of plant material widely
used in aromatherapy. They are droplets of water-like fluid contained
in the leaves, stems, bark, flowers, roots and/or fruits of different
plants, and give the plant its unique scent. Essential oils are volatile,
whereas they easily transfer from a liquid to a gaseous state at room
temperature or higher.
Essential oils, contrary to the use of the word "oil" are not
really oily-feeling at all. Most essential oils are clear, but some oils
such as patchouli, orange and lemongrass are amber or yellow in color.
For centuries, these essential oils have been considered the most therapeutic
and rejuvenating of all botanical extracts. Essential oils can affect
the mood, alleviate fatigue, reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. When
inhaled, they work on the brain and nervous system through stimulation
of the olfactory nerves.
Essential oils are often used by diluting them with a carrier oil (sweet
almond oil, apricot kernel oil, grapeseed oil) and then applying this
blend to the skin for absorption. See the What are Carrier
Oils page for more detailed information about carrier oils.
Most plants contain essential oils but only the aromatic plants produce
essential oil in sufficient quantities. These plants mainly belong to:
The labiatae family (caraway, anise, fennel)
The myrtaceae family (eucalyptus, cajeput, niaouli)
The conifer family (pine, cedar, cypress, juniper)
The rutaceae family (lemon, orange, bergamot)
The laurel family (cinnamon, borneol, sassafras)
Essential oils are mainly contained in the flowers and leaves. Besides
this, they are also found in the wood, fruit, peels, bark, seeds and roots.
Benefits of Essential Oils
Essential oils provide many benefits. They can promote outer beauty
while also positively affecting the inner you. Essential oils encourage
a balance of physical and emotional well-being that may relax, inspire,
refresh and soothe your senses. An essential oil blend can be created
for therapeutic effect, the beauty of a fragrance - or both. Essential
oil blending is one of the most tempting features in aromatherapy.
For more information on blending essential oil and to find some great
recipes for blending essential oils, click here
Buying Essential Oils
It is important to buy only pure essential oils if you want to achieve
the best results. Synthetic and adulterated oils carry with them the risk
of unpleasent and harmful side effects. Essential oils may be adulterated
by adding alcohol, synthetic products or cheaper essential oils. Make
sure ou buy oure essential oils, not oils that have already been diluted
in a carrier oil.
Storing Essential Oils
The shelf-life of most essential oils is about 12 months, with proper
handling. Oils should be stored in a cool (not cold) place, where they
are not exposed to sunlight. Once a carrier oil base has been opened,
use within three months. Refrigeration of essential oils is not recommended
since some can be spoiled by this procedure. Open bottles only for use
and keep caps securely closed, as exposure to air speeds the deterioration
of any botanical product, including essential oils. Keep all bottle caps
tight - essential oils evaporate quickly.
Massage with Essential Oils
Massage with essential oils is an extremely powerful method of application.
The minute molecules of essential oil penetrate the skin and can reach
the bloodstream and lymph.
Now let's look at some of the ways you can use essential oils.
How are essential oils extracted?
There are a number of extraction methods used depending on the type of
plant, desired purity and available ingredients and equipment. The most
common method of extraction used today is steam distillation. This process
involves the saturation of large quantities of plant matter with steam
that evaporates and carries the essential oils that are water insoluble
through a condensing apparatus. This device condenses the gases into liquids
and the oil is separated from the water. This process yields the lowest
grade oils and is unsuitable for extraction of many aromatics since the
high temperatures can destroy the delicate composition of the oil.
Solvent extraction is a general method of extraction
used on more delicate plant matter and oils that would be otherwise destroyed
through steam distillation. To the purist this process also produces are
truer-to-nature scent, as the oils have not been exposed to extreme conditions.
There are two main types of solvent extraction. The first involves use
of a hydro-carbon based solvent to remove oils and produces what is known
as concrete. Concretes are generally extremely concentrated and highly
stable as they contain more solid materials than essential oils produced
through steam distillation.
The second solvent extraction method is a multi-stage process and is
used for delicate flowers such as jasmine, rose and lilac. The petals
are harvested and immediately macerating in fats that will absorb the
essential oils. After the fats have become totally saturated with essential
oils a hydrocarbon extraction is completed, removing the fats. A second
extraction is performed using pure ethanol as a solvent. This extraction
removes all traces of unwanted solids and the result is what is known
as an absolute. Besides being quite delicate these flowers contain only
trace amounts of essential oils and massive quantities of plant material
are needed to produce only small amounts of oils. In fact a 2000 pounds
of rose petals are needed to produce only 10 fluid ounces of oil.
Essential oils are not the same as perfume
or fragrance oils.They are often confused with synthetic
fragrance oils, which are chemical recreations of scents made primarily
from coal tar. While these fragrance oils may smell identical to their
botanical counterparts, they do not feature the same chemical structure
and will not have the same therapeutic effects; their use is limited to
perfumery.
The chemical composition and aroma of essential oils can provide valuable
psychological and physical therapeutic benefits. Unlike chemical drugs,
essential oils do not remain in the body, and leave no toxins behind.
Now let's look at some of the
ways you can use essential oils.
There are specific methods in which you should use aromatherapy essential
oils to realize their best effects. Aromatherapy techniques range from
adding your choice of essential oil to your bath water to indulging in
an aromatherapy massage.The aromatherapeutic effects of essential oils
can be administered in different ways, depending on the oil and the effect.
Before you choose a method, be sure to consult the
Aromatherapy Cautions
page to ensure the essential oil you've chosen is suitable for your intended
application. If you have any underlying medical conditions, talk to your
doctor before commencing aromatherapy treatment.
MASSAGE
One of the easiest ways of practicing Aromatherapy at home is through
massage. It combines the soothing feeling of rubbing to relax muscles
with the healing properties of essential oils. A dilute blend of essential
oils and carrier oils are massaged into the skin, which absorbs the active
ingredient of the essential oil into the bloodstream. You can use any
of the following methods:
Add three drops of your choice of essential oil to one teaspoon carrier
oil , or 18 drops of essential oil to one ounce of carrier oil. Now, slowly
massage the body or affected area using the essential oil mixture, remembering
to manipulate the muscles underneath the skin rather than the skin itself.
Aromatherapy Lotions
You can also add three drops of essential oil to one teaspoon of an unscented
body lotion to create an aromatherapy lotion for skin care. This aromatherapy
lotion can be massaged into hands, feet, or other areas on your body that
need a little extra attention. Don't use the aromatherapy lotion on your
face if you have sensitive skin.
Hair And Face Oil
Some oils are good for the skin and can be applied as a pre-bath facial
or as a body lotion/moisturizer. Use 1 drop of essential oil to 2 teaspoons
or carrier oil. For hair, massage the blend into the scalp and leave for
15 - 30 minutes before shampooing. For a hair rinse add 4 drops of essential
oil to 1 litre of water. Ensure the combination is well shaken to disperse
the oil.
BATHS
Soaking in a tub of water scented with essential oils is a simple, effective
and pleasant way to relax and get some therapy. Water itself has therapeutic
value, which enhances the powers of the oils. Add 6 to 10 drops of essential
oil, (or a blend), to a bathtub filled with warm water. Stir the water
to mix the essential oil throughout. Then immerse yourself for about 20
minutes, lie back and slowly breathe in the aroma. If using neat essential
oils in a bath then add no more than 8 drops to a full tub; less if you
have sensitive skin. It is best not to use soap while indulging in an
aromatherapy bath to avoid any potential chemical reactions.
Note: Reduce the amount of oils used in baths for babies.
Foot Bath
To put life back into tired feet add up to 5 drops of an essential oil
to a bowl of hand-hot water and soak the feet for ten minutes.
HOT AND COLD COMPRESSES
Compresses are also very effective means of applying essential oils directly
to the skin. Use a hot compress for aromatherapy relief of muscular aches
and pains and a cold compress for swelling or headaches.
Add 3-6 drops of essential oil to a bowl of warm water then soak a piece
of clean cotton in the water,so that it absorbs the essential oil, wring
out the excess and place the cloth on the affected part.
INHALATION
Inhalation of steam containing vaporized essential oils is often a very
effective way to treat respiratory complaints, and is also one of the
most widely used methods of using essential oils for their mood-enhancing
and emotion-stabilizing effects. However, when you don't
have time to prepare a massage oil or compress, you can easily use one
of the following methods to enjoy a quick aromatherapy effect.
Add eight drops of your choice of essential oil to a bowl of steaming
water. Place a towel over your head and lean over the bowl. Breathe deeply
for about five minutes.
You can add neat essential oils to a handkerchief - Eucalyptus to help
clear the head - Rosemary to clarify the mind - Tangerine because you
like the smell! Or try a drop of Lavender on the children’s pillows
at night, good for grown-ups too.
DIFFUSION
Using diffusion, you can add an aromatherapy effect to any room in your
house or any area you wish. Here are a few methods you can use.
Aroma Diffuser
An aroma diffuser consists of a burner, which has a lower compartment
for a candle and a small saucer to be filled with water into which a few
drops of essential oil is added. The heat of the candle gently evaporates
the water and oil releasing the aroma. It is an enjoyable and effective
way to scent a room with the fragrances of essential oils.
Air Freshner
You can create your own aromatherapy air freshener quickly and easily
with a simple spray bottle. To make your air freshener:
Put two ounces of pure water into the spray bottle. Add 50-75 drops of
essential oil. Shake well. Spray into the air.
Potpourri
This is a great way to rejuvenate and reuse old potpourri. To create an
aromatherapy potpourri mixture:
In a bowl, place a potpourri mixture that's lost its scent or create
your own potpourri base with a selection of dried flowers and leaves.
Add 25 drops of essential oil. Mix the mixture and the oil.
Seal the container tightly. Store the new potpourri for several days to
allow the oil to be absorbed into the dried flowers and leaves.
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