What are essential oils? Essential oils are highly concentrated chemical compounds found in plants. They give plants their distinctive scent, protect them from harmful environmental conditions, and aid pollination. Depending on the species, essential oils can have various physiological benefits. Some of them may fight fungus and even aid in the treatment of diseases. Aromatherapy is another use for essential oils. It is a holistic practice that promotes relaxation, well-being, and harmony between the mind and body.
Despite their benefits, essential oils are not safe for all people. While they are perfectly safe for topical use, they should be used under the guidance of a doctor or certified aromatherapist. Before using an essential oil on your skin, always test a small area with a carrier substance first. Some essential oils can cause sensitivity to the skin if they come into contact with sunlight. If you experience irritation, discontinue use and seek medical care.
It’s best to dilute essential oils to lessen their potency. For example, peppermint essential oil, applied topically, can relieve tension headaches. Lemon oil, on the other hand, is a mood enhancer, and is often used in homemade cleaning products. Luckily, there are now studies that confirm the benefits of some essential oils. While there are no FDA-approved guidelines for safe dilution, many people swear by the results.
When purchasing essential oils, always remember to purchase high-quality, therapeutic grade products. Therapeutic grade essential oils are best for aromatherapy, while commercial grade oils are better suited for flavoring and perfumery. Make sure you check the ingredients label to make sure that the oil contains no additives that may compromise its therapeutic benefits. A good way to tell if an essential oil is therapeutically-grade is to read the label carefully and look for the “Canada Organic” label.
To obtain essential oils, the plant materials must be first extracted. There are various methods used to extract oils from herbs, such as steam distillation and water distillation. The most popular method involves the use of a solvent, such as alcohol or a combination of the two. The plant materials that are used in this process are primarily plants such as peppermint, rosemary, wintergreen, and sweet birch. In the 1800s, essential oil production began to be commercially important in the United States.
Essential oils are organic liquids obtained by steam distillation. The essential oils are concentrated derivatives of chemical substances that give plants their scent. Essential oils are chemically pure and highly volatile, and they vary greatly depending on the climate, geographic origin, and genetics. Essential oils are lipophilic, highly volatile, watery compounds that act as natural plant chemicals that affect our bodies. They are derived from plants, and can be obtained from many sources.
Extracted essential oils can be obtained through steam distillation, solvent extraction, sfumatura, or absolute oil extraction. They are used for flavoring foods, fragrances, and soaps. In addition to this, they can be added to household cleaning products. Essential oils should not be confused with perfume, which generally contains pure chemical components. These two products may have very different functions, and may be used for different purposes. So, make sure you read the label before you purchase essential oils.
Plants use oils to aid in self-defense, promote pollination, and help plants adapt to harsh environments. In fact, some oils are so powerful that they act as a natural medicine. It is important to note that essential oils are not suitable for all people, especially pregnant women, or those on medications. They should also not be used undiluted, near open flames, near the eyes, or around children or pets. And you should always consult a physician before using essential oils.
Young met a French lavender distiller in California and became fascinated with the therapeutic properties of essential oils. After studying distillation methods in France, Young purchased 160 acres of farmland in Idaho and planted lavender, tansy, and peppermint. He married Mary in 1994 and the pair renovated a rundown building in Riverton, Utah. They mixed Young’s Abundance oil blend into paint. This practice helped Young and Mary gain a worldwide audience.
