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.
Many varieties of essential oils exist, and while each one is distinctive, there are some similarities which are shared by all. They evaporate at temperatures higher than room temperature or are "volatile", are partially water-soluble, inflammable, and don't have a greasy consistency, most are blended with a carrier oil or alcohol to further increase their natural tendency to be absorbed by the skin. All are considered antiseptic and pro-biotic.
Far from being simple in nature, each oil is a special blend of more than 100 distinct chemical compounds which each have their own healing effects. While most oils are antiseptic in nature, some also act against viruses and fungi as well. Oils are secreted by cells contained in such plant structures as berries, fruit skins, flowers, leaves, and roots.
The oil must be extracted from the plant but the method used to accomplish this varies according to the type of structure it's in. Most often, steam distillation is used, but the high temperatures can be destructive to delicate blossoms of some plants, so another approach may be implemented. A cold press technique is used for extracting citrus oils. Extracts should be used as is, with no additives, for optimal purity.
Aromatherapy oil should not be "standardized", that is have properties removed and synthetic compounds added to achieve a consistent aroma quality. This practice diminishes the therapeutic value of the oil, and if applied topically these additives have also been known to cause skin irritation. Pure varieties offer a much higher degree of potency to the user.
If someone is to experience the benefits a particular essential has to offer to the fullest, he or she must be careful where they purchase these products from. Only buying from those sellers which have a solid reputation for producing pure, unadulterated oil products that are intended for aromatherapy or other therapeutic use is always the wisest choice. A single botanical species with a clearly stated country of origin, nothing removed or added, and being tested for quality using mass spectrometry or gas chromatography are all musts.
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.
Regular use of essential oil products topically or through aromatherapy can have a positive impact on one's looks as well as their physical and mental well-being. Skin can take on a new glow through cell renewal, aches and pains go away, mood swings are eliminated, and infections will heal. Pure, unadulterated oil may cost a bit more, but provide superior results.
Many varieties of essential oils exist, and while each one is distinctive, there are some similarities which are shared by all. They evaporate at temperatures higher than room temperature or are "volatile", are partially water-soluble, inflammable, and don't have a greasy consistency, most are blended with a carrier oil or alcohol to further increase their natural tendency to be absorbed by the skin. All are considered antiseptic and pro-biotic.
Far from being simple in nature, each oil is a special blend of more than 100 distinct chemical compounds which each have their own healing effects. While most oils are antiseptic in nature, some also act against viruses and fungi as well. Oils are secreted by cells contained in such plant structures as berries, fruit skins, flowers, leaves, and roots.
The oil must be extracted from the plant but the method used to accomplish this varies according to the type of structure it's in. Most often, steam distillation is used, but the high temperatures can be destructive to delicate blossoms of some plants, so another approach may be implemented. A cold press technique is used for extracting citrus oils. Extracts should be used as is, with no additives, for optimal purity.
Aromatherapy oil should not be "standardized", that is have properties removed and synthetic compounds added to achieve a consistent aroma quality. This practice diminishes the therapeutic value of the oil, and if applied topically these additives have also been known to cause skin irritation. Pure varieties offer a much higher degree of potency to the user.
If someone is to experience the benefits a particular essential has to offer to the fullest, he or she must be careful where they purchase these products from. Only buying from those sellers which have a solid reputation for producing pure, unadulterated oil products that are intended for aromatherapy or other therapeutic use is always the wisest choice. A single botanical species with a clearly stated country of origin, nothing removed or added, and being tested for quality using mass spectrometry or gas chromatography are all musts.
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.
Regular use of essential oil products topically or through aromatherapy can have a positive impact on one's looks as well as their physical and mental well-being. Skin can take on a new glow through cell renewal, aches and pains go away, mood swings are eliminated, and infections will heal. Pure, unadulterated oil may cost a bit more, but provide superior results.
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