An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled (most frequently
by steam or water) from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or
other elements of a plant. Essential oils, contrary to the use of the
word "oil" are not really oily-feeling at all. Most essential oils are
clear, but some oils such as patchouli, orange and lemongrass are amber
or yellow in color.
Essential oils contain the true essence of the plant it was derived
from. Essential oils are highly concentrated and a little goes a long
way.
Essential oils are not the same as perfume or fragrance oils.
Where essential oils are derived from the true plants, perfume oils
are artificially created fragrances or contain artificial substances
and do not offer the therapeutic benefits that essential oils offer.
See the
What are Fragrance Oils? article for
more information on fragrance oils and why they are not used in aromatherapy.
The chemical composition and aroma of essential oils can provide valuable
psychological and physical therapeutic benefits. These benefits are
usually achieved through methods including inhalation and application
of the diluted oil to the skin.
Essential oils are often used by diluting them with a carrier oil (sweet
almond oil, apricot kernel oil, grapeseed oil) and then applying this
blend to the skin for absorption. See the
What are
Carrier Oils? page for more detailed information about carrier oils.
Careful inhalation of the oils can also provide therapeutic benefit
as the oil molecules enter the lungs and are absorbed into the bloodstream. Essential
Oils are usually sold for individual use in very small bottles.
Essential oils can very greatly in quality and price. Various factors
that can affect the quality and price of the oil include the rarity
of the plant, country and conditions that the plant was grown, quality
standards of the distiller, and how much oil is produced by the plant.
Essential oils can often be purchased as blends of several essential
oils. The advantage if it is a blend of pure essential oils is that
you can save from having to buy every essential oil individually. The
disadvantage is that you have no control over the blend by not mixing
it yourself nor can you reliably mix the blend with other oils.
Total Cost: Rs. 0.00
