What are Essential Oils?

Most of us have heard of, smelled and possibly even used essential oils, “natural aromatic compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. They can be both beautifully and powerfully fragrant.” If you have ever enjoyed the smell of a fresh cut orange, a walk by a field of lavender, or the smell of fresh mint or basil, you have experienced the aromatic qualities of essential oils.  “Essential oils are non water-based photochemicals made up of volatile organic compounds. Although they are fat soluble, they do not include fatty lipids or acids found in vegetable and animal oils. Essential oils are very clean, almost crisp, to the touch and are immediately absorbed by the skin.”  This quick absorption often creates immediate benefits or results.

Essential oils are generally extracted by distillation, often by using steam. Other processes include expression or solvent extraction. They are used in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps and other products, for flavoring food and drinks, and for aromatic benefits.  Due to their medicinal and therapeutic benefits, essential oils have been used by many cultures throughout history.

What’s on the label?

In order to safely use them on ones body or for ingesting, they should be a therapeutic and pharmaceutical grade.  Many oils in the marketplace are labeled ‘aroma therapy’, in which case, they are not made to be used for the skin or internally.  In many products, a bottle may only have a very small amount of the actual oil that has been mixed with a carrier oil.  Whenever you see the word “neat” next to essential oil use, this means undiluted (not mixed with water or other dilutions).

How Are They Used?

There are a wide variety of these lovely oils that help offer a more “balanced” life among other various benefits: Citus, Cinnamon, Sage, Clove, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Lemon, Peppermint, Wintergreen and more.  One of my personal favorites is Lavender for its calming effect and heavenly smell, which I will introduce to you next time.
Add 100% pure essential oils to provide aromatherapy, health and therapeutic benefits for you and your family’s mind, body, and spirit!  It will give you additional tools to add to your holistic health path.

Hint: A drop goes a long way!  Test a small area to be certain you will not have an allergic reaction!  Be sure to follow all label warnings.

Enjoy!

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sources:DoTERRA
photo credits: Lemon&Lime:clipart, Thyme & Rosemary:Judy@LHNH
This post was shared at Tasty Traditions

Disclaimer: The information on this site is not medical advice and is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals. Read full disclaimer here.

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