Your Guide to Essential Oils – Intro To Essential Oils

Essential oils are a concentration of aromatic compounds which have the following general features:

• They do not only come from flowers, but from the resins, leaves, roots and other parts of plant, trees, fruits and herbs.
• Some of the oils actually serve as protection for the plant against some pests, insects, harmful conditions of the environment as well as other diseases.
• Unlike others oils that are used in the household such as corn oil, olive oil, vegetable oil and coconut, these oils will evaporate if their container is left open and exposed to air.
• Also known as aetheroleum oils, ethereal oils, essences or botanical extracts, they have particular therapeutic features that can enhance an individual’s overall health.

The greater attention that consumers and manufacturers of products like soap and other household products to scented oils in recent years has created an increased interest in essential oils and a greater demand for them. Having answered what is an essential oil, some other facts about essential oils that you may not know include

• The extraction of the oils is done through various methods such as distillation or solvent extraction that are suitable and specific to that particular material from which the “oils’ are to be extracted.
• The truth is, they are not oils, but liquids of high concentrations. One of the best smelling essential oils is rose oil, which comes from the beautiful flower, and its sweet scent is claimed used typically to create a romantic aura.
• It actually requires more than a thousand petals of a particular rose in order to make a little bottle of therapeutic graded rose otto oil.
• Adding one drop of peppermint oil into one glass of water equals the same concentration of 20 bags of your favorite peppermint tea.

The extraction of the oil is rather intensive due to the fact that essential oils are found in very low concentrations so a lot of energy and effort is placed into concentrating these oils into the oils that you see in the essential oil bottles contribute to the high price of the oils.

Essential Oils History

The use of essential oils has been around since the ancient times where it was used in ancient China and Egypt. In particular, the Egyptians were experts in the use of the sweet smelling oils and they used them extensively in their medical practices as well as in the well-known preservation or embalming of bodies.

During the ancient period, oils that smelled sweet had more respect in terms of healing and medicinal properties than normal scents. In the days of the Silk Road and caravan trading, frankincense, myrrh, cinnamon and sandalwood, were traded as commodities and were so valuable in fact that they were traded for gold.

Nonetheless, as time passed, many overlooked the benefit the oils provided to a person’s health but fortunately, that began to change. In the early 19th century and into the 20th century interest returned to essential oils for curing certain conditions.

Through the years, many well-known healers have used essential oils, as they believe the extracts have natural healing powers. René-Maurice Gattefosse, a French chemist retested the oils in 1937 after he had healed a badly burned hand with lavender oil. During the Second World War, Doctor Jean Valnet applied the therapeutic oils on the wounded soldiers in the infirmary, which led the doctor to become a global leader for development of aromatherapy practices.

Nowadays, essentials oils are applied topically, through diffusion and internally through oral dietary supplements. Additionally, these botanical products are multifaceted, as they are useful for therapeutic purposes, but also for enhancing beauty, preparation of food, and in religious ceremonies.

The Best Essential Oils

One of the best features about plant essence oils is that one drop will give you the benefits of an entire plant. These oils aid in supporting the body to improve regeneration factors, making them an ideal addition to your medicine chest or cabinet. Just like an apple a day, they can keep the doctor away. While there are around 110 oils available globally, some of the best oils to date are:

• Peppermint or Mentha piperita – used to treat muscle aches, headaches, digestive system disorders like slow digestive movement, flatulence, and indigestion. Also an excellent bee repellant.
• Eucalyptus or Eucalyptus globulus or radiate – treats respiratory conditions like asthma, colds, cough and can improve immune system. It can also give muscle tension relief. The source of the strong scent in chest rubs to treat congestion.
• Ylang Ylang or Cananga odorata – an antidepressant and muscle tension relaxant, also highly prized for its ability to treat female issues.
• Lemon or Citrus limon – used to uplift moods, aid in relaxation, treat wounds and help stop infections. It also works great for household deodorization and sanitation.
• Clary sage or Salvia sclarea – is a painkiller, muscle relaxant, and can aid insomnia. It also helps balance hormone production.
• Tea tree or Melaleuca alternifolia – an anti-fungal, is used for vaginal yeast infections, athletes foot, ringworm and jock itch. It can improve immune system through promoting white blood cell regeneration. Additionally, tea tree is another one of the best smelling essential oils.
• Geranium or Pelargonium graveolens – helps give hormonal balance in women, increase skin health and helps promote relaxation to the point that it helps relieve general anxiety and depressive disorders.
• Roman chamomile or Anthemus nobilis – one of the organic relaxants that can help fight insomnia triggered by deep anxiety. It also helps heal muscle aches and speed up wound healing. It is also an anti-inflammatory and useful for easing the pain of arthritis.
• Rosemary or Rosmarinus officinali – an organic compound processed with steam distillation that makes a great stimulant for a better immune system response. It can regulate the digestive system and can give relief to muscle pain and tension.

The quality oils can be very beneficial for a variety of uses including:

• Air freshening
• Hot and cold compresses
• Facial cream and body lotion formulation
• Florally scented waters for aromatherapy
• Overall bathing
• Foot spa
• Massage
• Body spa
• Hair care
• Jacuzzis
• Saunas
• Showers
• Steam inhalations
• Sitz bath
• Diffusing or Vaporization

Now essential oils increase the quality of everyday life as you can smell good, feel good and enhance your overall health. They should be recognized for their benefits, and importance to good health and their use should be passed down to your children as a way for better and healthier living.

Where to purchase essential oils?

The most important thing to keep in mind is that essential oils are pure. Make sure you are using one of the well-recognized brands. I have used many brands and I know that many of them have strict quality controls.

I hope this has helped you in your journey of good health with essential oils remedies.