What are essential Oils?
An essential oil is a non-oily substance, 100% concentrated, volatile extract obtained from the essences of aromatic plants, which are housed in tiny glands, found in various areas (producing organs) of the aromatic plant, among which are: flowers, leaves, seeds, roots, grass, wood etc.
An essence and an essential oil are two different substances by their nature and composition. An essence is a substance secreted by the plant in its producing organs. An essential oil, on the other hand, is the result of steam distillation which extracts the essence from the aromatic part.Essential oils are complex mixtures of various types of organic molecules.
An essential oil can contain around 100 different types of volatile molecules. Some of these have been classified into larger functional groups that have predictable characteristics. The main groups are monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, phenols, alcohols, ketones, esters, ethers, and oxides. Classifying essential oils into these chemical groups allows understanding of the basic properties and actions of individual oils.
Monoterpenes (hydrocarbons)
For aromatherapy purposes, monoterpenes are generally referred to simply as terpenes. Terpenes occur in virtually all essential oils and are generally mild. They can be antiseptic, bactericidal, anti-antiinflammatory and stimulating but are milder than phenols. Terpenes inhibit the accumulation of toxins and help discharge existing toxins from the liver and kidneys. They can also be irritating to the skin, so they should generally be used with some type of carrier. Oils that are high in terpenes include lemon,
grapefruit and pine needle.
Sesquiterpenes
Sesquiterpenes are perhaps the most difficult to describe, they can have a wide variety of properties but are generally anti-inflammatory, soothing, and sedative. They work as liver and gland stimulants. Research has shown that sesquiterpenes have the ability to surpass the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain tissue. Sesquiterpenes are often found in essential oils distilled from roots and woods.
Sandalwood, chamomile and vetiver contain sesquiterpenes. Spikenard is composed almost entirely of sesquiterpenes.
Analgesic
Analgesic – a pain killing substance or remedy.
There are many times in our lives when we experience pain, whether it be from an injury, overdoing the yard work or exercise, or just sleeping in the wrong position. Most Americans will reach for Tylanol or Aspirin to relieve the pain. Since both Aspirin and Tylanol are classed as drugs and as such have sideeffects, it is a good idea to have something close at hand which helps without resorting to drugs. In one of my Aromatherapy certification classes we were given the following analgesic recipe which I have used successfully many times.
Analgesic formula
5 drops Lavender Essential oil
5 drops Sweet Marjoram Essential oil
5 drops Chamomile, Roman Essential oil
1 ounce carrier
Carrier Oils
There are many carrier oils on the market, some are better than others. My favorite is Nature’s Sunshine Carrier Oil. It is light, absorbs into the body quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy film behine.
A heavier option is Nature’s Sunshines Massage Oil. I can trust Nature’s Sunshine to provide high quality oils which have been tested extensively for chemicals, pesticides and other contaminants.
Adding essential oils to make a hand cream is super easy with Nature’s Sunshine’s unscented Hand and Body Lotion.
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Other options for carrier oils are:
Sweet Almond Oil purchase hereA plant-based, heart-healthy oil that contains monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, almond oil is often added to many beauty products for the hair and skin and can be bought as a cooking oil.
Fractionate Coconut oil purchase here Improves brain function and increases good cholesterol. The MCTs in coconut oil are useful in helping improve brain function and in helping reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Coconut oil contains natural saturated fats that are good for your heart health.
Macadamia nut oil purchase here There is increasing evidence that nuts, such as macadamia nuts, can help lower your LDL cholesterol (“bad cholesterol”) levels, reduce inflammation associated with heart disease, and improve the health of your arteries. The antioxidants and flavonoids in macadamia nuts also help fight inflammation and reduce cellular damage.
Grapeseed oil purchase here Grapeseed oil contains high levels of vitamin E, which has high antioxidant properties, and has shown to contribute to the reduction of damaged cells from free radicals in the body. This protection helps prevent heart disease and some cancers.
Hemp seed oil purchase here The many health benefits of hemp seed oil come from its high content of three polyunsaturated fatty acids: linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and gamma-linolenic acid. Additionally, its ratio of omega-6 (linoleic acid) to omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) fatty acids is 3:1.
Experts agree that this 3:1 fatty acid ratio is ideal for health benefits in humans.
If you are purchasing a carrier oil from Amazon or other sources, please remember that everything you put on your skin needs to be as chemical free as the foods you eat since it is absorbed directly into the body which treats it like food.
Roller balls, spritzers, dropper bottles are all great accessories to have on hand to mix up your favorite oils into useful products. Check them out here
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