Your Essential Oils Guide
If you take the time to smell the roses, you are experiencing a particular combination of unique chemicals called essential oils. These chemicals can be extracted, concentrated and presented to consumers as essential oils. Essential oils are found in all parts of plants, including bark, leaves, flowers and roots. The word "essential" refers to our experience of plant aromas which are considered the "essence" or soul of the plant. Oil refers to the volatile component extracted from plants. Since they are volatile, they easily evaporate into the atmosphere, allowing for the wonderful experience of aromatherapy.
How do we experience essential oils
The range of potential therapeutic effects of essential oils reflects their multiple entry points and actions. When we inhale them, they go directly to a primitive part of our brain responsible for emotions and memories, as well as to our lung tissues and, from there, to our bloodstream. We also absorb essential oils through the skin and mucous membranes and ingest them, as is the case with peppermint lozenges. For centuries, essential oils have been used to treat inflammation, insomnia, stress, skin diseases, pain, infections, headaches, and so on.
The safety of essential oils
It takes about 75 lemons to produce a small 15ml bottle of lemon essential oil. Such concentrated extracts are not found in nature and must therefore be handled with care and respect. Never apply an essential oil without diluting it. A dilution of 1-3% (6-18 drops in a 30ml bottle of carrier oil) is generally safe for an adult's body, below the neck. My favorite carrier oils are fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil (which has a long shelf life). When diffusing essential oils around small animals and babies, make sure the area is well ventilated.
Ingestion of essential oils
If you have ever used natural toothpaste or eaten commercially prepared food, you have likely ingested a variety of essential oils. While some essential oils can be safely consumed, that does not mean you can simply put them in water and swallow them. Edible essential oils must always be diluted and safely dispersed. Since they are NOT water soluble (they do not mix), this is not a safe way to consume them. Be sure to work with a professional with the necessary knowledge and experience before attempting to make your own edibles.
The quality of essential oils
Essential oils are highly tested for quality and purity using internationally recognized methods and tests that are published transparently on their website. While the phrase "therapeutic grade" is often used in some circles, it is a marketing term with no official meaning. The term "pure" on a bottle generally means that the oil has not been diluted with a carrier oil and has no official meaning or guarantee of freedom from "impurities."
Enjoy essential oils
The variety of uses for essential oils is endless. You can diffuse them (a great way to wake up, focus or relax), soak in them, apply them topically, add them to homemade body care and cleaning products, to a bathroom spray, bath bombs, body scrubs, and much more!