What are essential oils?Essential oils are the aromatic, volatile liquids extracted from the flowers, seeds, leaves, stems, bark and roots of herbs, plants and trees. They are not really “oils” are we know them. Some, such as lavender or tea tree are very fluid like water. Others, such as benzoin and german chamomile can be very thick and almost gummy. Pure essential oils have personalities as unique as our own. They are much more potent and active than dried herbs. Powerful forces of nature, some are gentle and suitable for home use, while others are more robust and can have adverse effects if not used properly. The two main entry routes to the body are through the skin and through our sense of smell. Highly concentrated, some aromatics may be toxic if exposed in large enough quantities. They are the life essence of plants and carry their life-giving oxygen to all our cells. It has been shown that, upon application to the skin, these volatile liquids may permeate every cell in the body in as little as 20 minutes.
There are three main categories based on volatility, or their rate of evaporation. Top note oils are those that evaporate most quickly. These are intense, fast acting and most effective on temporary, acute conditions of the body. Middle notes evaporate a bit more slowly and generally act to stimulate and regulate the main systems in the body. Those that evaporate the most slowly are known as base notes. These are generally calming and sedating. They are more effective with chronic conditions, primarily affecting the digestive system and the body’s balance as a whole. In addition to their volatility, most essential oils are very irritating to the skin if applied directly. Because of this, they are normally diluted in a carrier base for use in the bath or for massage. Carrier bases, while secondary to the blend, have their own therapeutic uses. Common carriers include sweet almond, jojoba, grapeseed and olive. If you are allergic to nuts, always read the labels on blends carefully. Many carriers are derived from nuts and will be inappropriate for your use. Browse through the links below for more information on this subject.
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