What are Esential Oils
Overview of Essential Oils
Essential oils are the aromatic part of a plant and come from various parts, such as the flowers, stems, roots, bark, or leaves. Most oils are obtained through steam distillation, carbon dioxide extraction (CO2), or cold pressing, as with most citrus oils. It is the aromatic part of the plant that offers the plant its protection, its ability to heal itself, and attracts the things that it needs to survive to it. To be classified as an “essential oil,” the oil must contain a portion of the plant from which it was taken. The oils also contain many of the plant’s constituents, giving them varied therapeutic properties. Essential oils are also way more potent than the original plant because producing a drop of oil requires much more than a single plant. When using oils, “less is more” is important to remember.
Therapeutic Properties
These therapeutic properties are defined by a vast list of terminology, and the most well-known include analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, antiviral, and antibacterial. Many companies that sell essential oils offer oils in blends or individually. When oils are used in a blend, the blend is often more effective because of the combined energy or synergy of the oils. A blend of tends to maximize the oils’ therapeutic properties and benefits. That is why most aromatherapy products are created by combining single oils, herbs, and flower essences.
Essential Oils are absolutely fantastic and offer strength to any holistic program. That is why when you hear the term “aromatherapy,” your first thought leads you to think not only of their amazing scents, but also of how they are widely used to help us with our emotions and wellness. Oils are great to use alone or with your current wellness routine. You can enjoy them through massage, inhalation using inhalers or diffusers, in the bath, gargles, room sprays, and skin care. When you think of oils, know that Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils to influence one’s physical and emotional concerns. You see, our nose truly knows what we need, and our sense of smell is our most powerful sense! It is amazing how the essential oils affect our bodies as they travel through our olfactory system and our skin to our bloodstream.
Creating Products with Essential Oils
Creating your own products with oils can be lots of fun. The best way to use essential oils for emotional balance is through inhalation. Inhalation refers to the ability to absorb the oil through the olfactory system, which can be done using various products, including roll-ons, room or pillow sprays, diffusing, wearing a necklace or perfume. If you want to target a skin concern or minor aches and pains, applying the oil to the skin to target the area of concern is a great way to use it. Just remember that oils are highly concentrated so it is important to dilute them properly before applying them topically. The benefits or therapeutic properties of the oils can be felt quickly using either of these methods.
Essential oils have very beneficial effects on physical well-being and can assist with emotional health. They work well therapeutically and cosmetically, which is why aromatherapy is gaining so much popularity. Always practice these Safety Tips and use proper dilution rates when working with oils. You might also want to check out our list of carrier oils. If you are not comfortable creating your own products or purchasing aromatherapy products, consider making a personalized blend with an aromatherapy consultation.
Purchase Essential Oils
You are probably wondering what essential oils I use to formulate my products. Well, I use a combination of oils I purchase from the following three companies. I sometimes purchase elsewhere, but I enjoy the quality of these oils.
- Amrita offers an online reference guide by conditions from A to Z to help you select oils. Feel free to check out the Aromatherapy Browse by Condition Guide.
- Aromatics International was originally inspired by Andrea Butje, who was my instructor through Aromahead for my Aromatherapy Certification. They have easy-to-access GCMS Reporting on all their essential oils.
- Nature’s Sunshine offers high-quality essential oils as well and has some of my favorite blends including CORE, Refuge, Inspire, Changes, and Essential Shield. You can shop their essential oils and blends by vising my NSP Aroma Store.
The NAHA Explore Aromatherapy Booklet is a great reference you can download and keep. It contains information on safety tips, blending tips and specific information on several different essential oils.