Fragrant and packed with healing potential, essential oils continue to gain recognition as a powerful, natural source of many health benefits. These highly concentrated substances give plants their unique scents and are extracted for use in aromatherapy and other healing applications. The essential oils characteristics make them highly suitable for this purpose and without the risk of side effects.
Many varieties of essential oils exist, and while each one is distinctive, there are some similarities which are shared by all. They evaporate at temperatures higher than room temperature or are "volatile", are partially water-soluble, inflammable, and don't have a greasy consistency, most are blended with a carrier oil or alcohol to further increase their natural tendency to be absorbed by the skin. All are considered antiseptic and pro-biotic.
Far from being simple in nature, each oil is a special blend of more than 100 distinct chemical compounds which each have their own healing effects. While most oils are antiseptic in nature, some also act against viruses and fungi as well. Oils are secreted by cells contained in such plant structures as berries, fruit skins, flowers, leaves, and roots.
Various methods are used to extract the oil from the plant, depending on the type of structure it is located in. Steam distillation is the most common technique, but some plant materials such as flowers must be handled more delicately as to not destroy the oil. Citrus oil is extracted using a cold press method. The liquid which is extracted should ideally not have anything added to it, if it is to maintain its purity.
Aromatherapy oil should not be "standardized", that is have properties removed and synthetic compounds added to achieve a consistent aroma quality. This practice diminishes the therapeutic value of the oil, and if applied topically these additives have also been known to cause skin irritation. Pure varieties offer a much higher degree of potency to the user.
If someone is to experience the benefits a particular essential has to offer to the fullest, he or she must be careful where they purchase these products from. Only buying from those sellers which have a solid reputation for producing pure, unadulterated oil products that are intended for aromatherapy or other therapeutic use is always the wisest choice. A single botanical species with a clearly stated country of origin, nothing removed or added, and being tested for quality using mass spectrometry or gas chromatography are all musts.
The complex chemical make-up of an essential oil is what makes them so effective a healing agent for such a vast number of conditions. Each one has its own unique blueprint which is comprised of aromatic esters, ketones, aldehydes, alcohols, phenols, sesquiterpenes, and terpenes. This multitude of naturally therapeutic substances can have a positive impact on both the physical body, as well as one's emotional well-being.
Some of the many benefits of using essential oils include improved health and appearance. They can eliminate infection, stimulate cell renewal for a healthier complexion, soothe achy joints and muscles, and balance emotional mood swings. One can always expect to get the best results when choosing only pure, high quality oils over the cheaper, diluted versions which have considerably less healing potential.
Many varieties of essential oils exist, and while each one is distinctive, there are some similarities which are shared by all. They evaporate at temperatures higher than room temperature or are "volatile", are partially water-soluble, inflammable, and don't have a greasy consistency, most are blended with a carrier oil or alcohol to further increase their natural tendency to be absorbed by the skin. All are considered antiseptic and pro-biotic.
Far from being simple in nature, each oil is a special blend of more than 100 distinct chemical compounds which each have their own healing effects. While most oils are antiseptic in nature, some also act against viruses and fungi as well. Oils are secreted by cells contained in such plant structures as berries, fruit skins, flowers, leaves, and roots.
Various methods are used to extract the oil from the plant, depending on the type of structure it is located in. Steam distillation is the most common technique, but some plant materials such as flowers must be handled more delicately as to not destroy the oil. Citrus oil is extracted using a cold press method. The liquid which is extracted should ideally not have anything added to it, if it is to maintain its purity.
Aromatherapy oil should not be "standardized", that is have properties removed and synthetic compounds added to achieve a consistent aroma quality. This practice diminishes the therapeutic value of the oil, and if applied topically these additives have also been known to cause skin irritation. Pure varieties offer a much higher degree of potency to the user.
If someone is to experience the benefits a particular essential has to offer to the fullest, he or she must be careful where they purchase these products from. Only buying from those sellers which have a solid reputation for producing pure, unadulterated oil products that are intended for aromatherapy or other therapeutic use is always the wisest choice. A single botanical species with a clearly stated country of origin, nothing removed or added, and being tested for quality using mass spectrometry or gas chromatography are all musts.
The complex chemical make-up of an essential oil is what makes them so effective a healing agent for such a vast number of conditions. Each one has its own unique blueprint which is comprised of aromatic esters, ketones, aldehydes, alcohols, phenols, sesquiterpenes, and terpenes. This multitude of naturally therapeutic substances can have a positive impact on both the physical body, as well as one's emotional well-being.
Some of the many benefits of using essential oils include improved health and appearance. They can eliminate infection, stimulate cell renewal for a healthier complexion, soothe achy joints and muscles, and balance emotional mood swings. One can always expect to get the best results when choosing only pure, high quality oils over the cheaper, diluted versions which have considerably less healing potential.
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