What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are the volatile components from a plant extracted through distillation

Methods of distillation can include water, steam, mechanical, gas or dry methods.

The oily, volatile components are separated from the process materials resulting,

unless adulterated, in 100% pure essential oil that can used to treat various conditions.

Purity is important, you do not want an oil that has been adulterated.

The plant oils are produced in various parts of the plant. Mentha x piperita L.(Peppermint)

produces the oil in the leaves, Rosa damascena (Rose Damask (Otto) in their flowers, and

Santalum album (sandalwood)in the wood.

The chemical components of the essential oil are classified and their composition have different pharmacological and healing effects. Usually the same botanical species of different plants

have the same chemical composition, there are some exceptions.

Understanding the chemical qualities of essential oils helps you understand their

healing properties and appropriate uses.

Many essential oils are used for for their effective, multifaceted approach against microorganisms

that can cause disease. Others, like lavender are used for their sedative effects. Lemon has a

calming effect. The identification of the essential oils in the mix and the dosage (less is best)

to address an issue is the art in the science.

If essential oils are used arbitrarily and at too high of dose they may cause burning, stinging or

allergic reactions. Appropriate use of essential oils is the key, that's where an aromatherapist

can assist you.