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.
Although there are many different types of essential oils, there are some features common to all of them. They are partially water-soluble, volatile, which means they readily evaporate in temperature above room temperature, they have a non-greasy consistency, and easily absorbed into the skin, they are often blended with alcohol or a carrier oil. Basically all of them also have pro-biotic and antiseptic properties as well.
Each oil typically contains over 100 different chemical compounds, each with its own therapeutic benefits. Besides having antiseptic properties, some oil varieties are also antiviral and antifungal in nature. Most oil comes from structures on the source plant such as the leaves, flowers, roots, fruit skins, and berries which secrete these substances.
The method of extraction used to remove the oil from the plant depends on the type of structure where it's located. Delicate flower blossoms must be handled in such a way that the oil is not harmed, while citrus skins can be cold-pressed. The most commonly used type of extraction is steam distillation, which implements heat to draw the oil into a still. Ideally, the extracted oil will be used alone, with nothing added to compromise its purity.
Pure aromatherapy oils are those which have not had anything removed from them or added to them. Sometimes this practice, known as "standardization" is done to ensure a consistent aroma in each batch, but the down side to this is that the healing abilities of the oil is considerably lessened, and some additives can be irritating to the skin. A pure essential oil provides the user with the full power of its therapeutic potency.
Purchasing oil which has been produced by those suppliers which are known for the quality product they turn out is always best. This ensures that the user will experience the maximum health benefits of the oil. Pure products have nothing removed or added to them, come from a single botanical species from a specific country of origin, and pass quality tests using gas chromatography or mass spectrometry.
It is thought that the reason why an essential oil can be used for treating so many conditions is because of the many different compounds it is comprised of such a aromatic terpenes, sesquiterpenes, alcohols, aldehydes, phenols, esters, and ketones. The chemical composition of each unique oil, endows it with abilities to heal both the body and the psyche or emotions.
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.
Although there are many different types of essential oils, there are some features common to all of them. They are partially water-soluble, volatile, which means they readily evaporate in temperature above room temperature, they have a non-greasy consistency, and easily absorbed into the skin, they are often blended with alcohol or a carrier oil. Basically all of them also have pro-biotic and antiseptic properties as well.
Each oil typically contains over 100 different chemical compounds, each with its own therapeutic benefits. Besides having antiseptic properties, some oil varieties are also antiviral and antifungal in nature. Most oil comes from structures on the source plant such as the leaves, flowers, roots, fruit skins, and berries which secrete these substances.
The method of extraction used to remove the oil from the plant depends on the type of structure where it's located. Delicate flower blossoms must be handled in such a way that the oil is not harmed, while citrus skins can be cold-pressed. The most commonly used type of extraction is steam distillation, which implements heat to draw the oil into a still. Ideally, the extracted oil will be used alone, with nothing added to compromise its purity.
Pure aromatherapy oils are those which have not had anything removed from them or added to them. Sometimes this practice, known as "standardization" is done to ensure a consistent aroma in each batch, but the down side to this is that the healing abilities of the oil is considerably lessened, and some additives can be irritating to the skin. A pure essential oil provides the user with the full power of its therapeutic potency.
Purchasing oil which has been produced by those suppliers which are known for the quality product they turn out is always best. This ensures that the user will experience the maximum health benefits of the oil. Pure products have nothing removed or added to them, come from a single botanical species from a specific country of origin, and pass quality tests using gas chromatography or mass spectrometry.
It is thought that the reason why an essential oil can be used for treating so many conditions is because of the many different compounds it is comprised of such a aromatic terpenes, sesquiterpenes, alcohols, aldehydes, phenols, esters, and ketones. The chemical composition of each unique oil, endows it with abilities to heal both the body and the psyche or emotions.
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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