What are Essential Oils?
How are they made?
What are they used for?
How do you use them properly?
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are the concentrated hydrophobic liquids that contain the characteristic fragrance from the plant of their origin. They are “essential” because they contain the plant’s fragrance and other properties. These oils are used as aromatics, in natural or homemade products, and in alternative medicine.
How are they made?
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What are they used for?
Aromatherapy - Essential oils are used in some therapies by utilizing the aromatic compounds from oils to help balance and promote health of the body, mind and spirit. The oils are usually inhaled, diffused, or massaged into the skin.
Natural Products - Essential oils are mostly used in soaps, perfumes, beauty, cleaning and natural health products. They are used as alternatives for commercially produced chemicals for their scent and chemical properties.
Aromatics - Just like their use in perfumes, essential oils are often used as air fresheners and purifiers. Diffusers are usually used to convert the oil into steam, which then fills a room with the scent.
How do you use them?
Inhalation - Either using the bottle directly or dropping the oil onto a tissue, waft the scent towards you while inhaling. This is the fastest, but not most effective, way to use essential oils.
Diffusion - Essential oils can be mixed with water, which is heated in some way to create a steam. The aromatic steam will dissipate to fill the room. When sitting close, a diffuser is an effective way to inhale essential oils safely.
Massage - The general rule for basic, single oil application is 2 drops of carrier oil for every 1 drop of essential oil. Most massage spots for quick aromatherapy don’t require more than one drop of oil. When the oil comes in contact with the skin, it can enter the bloodstream faster since the carrier oil acts as a moisturizer, helping soak the essential oil into the skin.
Always consult your doctor or a specialist before using essential oils for any reason. Allergic reactions to certain oils can occur in people with sensitive skin or on certain medications.