Essential oils are becoming increasingly popular in natural healing circles for the vast array of health benefits they have to offer. Naturally fragrant, these concentrated substances not only provide plants and flowers with their distinctive aromas, but they are also chock-full of healing compounds. These particular
essential oils characteristics make them ideal for aromatherapy, topical application, and other uses, with no risk of adverse 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.
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.
The best aromatherapy oil is that which has been left in its natural state, not "standardized" by the addition of synthetic compounds or removal of existing qualities, to achieve a uniform aroma for commercial purposes. The therapeutic value of the oil is greatly reduced when it is adjusted in this way and it can also lead to possible skin irritation in some users.
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.
Because essential oils possess such a complex chemical structure, this is why they are so useful for healing all sorts of ailments. Every one is unique in its make-up of aromatic phenols, aldehydes, esters, alcohols, ketones, terpenes, and sesquiterpenes, giving it a multifaceted nature that can not only improve the health of the body, but the mind and emotions too.
People use essential oils for many reasons. They can help one look and feel better in numerous ways such as promoting cell renewal for a better complexion, prevent and heal infection, keep unstable emotions in check, and soothe aches and pains. It can be expected that the results one will enjoy from the purest oil available will be superior to those they will get from cheap, diluted versions with limited healing potential.
