What are Essential Oils?
This is a question I get asked so many times.
Essential oils are concentrated extracts from plants that capture the plant’s characteristic aroma and beneficial properties. Despite the name, they are not fatty oils but highly potent, volatile compounds that evaporate quickly.
How essential oils are made
Essential oils are extracted from various parts of a plant, such as the flowers, bark, leaves, roots, seeds, and fruit peels. The two most common extraction methods are:
- Steam distillation: Plant material is placed in a still over water. The water is heated, and the resulting steam passes through the plant, vaporizing the volatile compounds. This steam is then cooled, causing it to condense back into a liquid state, with the essential oil separating and floating on top.
- Expression (cold-pressing): Used for citrus fruits like lemon and orange, this mechanical method involves pressing the rinds to release the essential oils contained in small pockets on the peel.
Purity versus fragrance
When shopping for essential oils, it is important to distinguish them from fragrance oils, which are synthetic.
- Essential oils: Are 100% natural, extracted directly from plants, and retain the plant’s complex chemical compounds. They are used in healthcare and aromatherapy for their therapeutic benefits.
- Fragrance oils: Are artificially created in a laboratory to mimic scents. They do not offer the therapeutic benefits of essential oils and are typically used only for perfuming.
How essential oils are used
Essential oils are most commonly used through the practice of aromatherapy. They are highly concentrated and can be toxic if swallowed without professional guidance.
Common applications include:
- Diffusion: A diffuser disperses the essential oil’s aroma into the air, allowing for inhalation, which can influence emotions and mood through the brain’s limbic system.
- Topical application: When diluted with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil, essential oils can be safely massaged into the skin.
- Inhalation: The oil’s aroma can be inhaled directly from the bottle or by placing a few drops on a cotton ball.
Benefits of essential oils
Different essential oils have unique chemical compositions that can offer a variety of benefits, though scientific research on their effectiveness in human health is ongoing.
- Promote relaxation: Oils like lavender and chamomile are popular for reducing stress and promoting better sleep.
- Boost focus and mood: Citrus oils like lemon and orange are known for their uplifting and energizing effects.
- Support respiratory health: Eucalyptus and peppermint can help clear congestion when inhaled.
- Antimicrobial properties: Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties and can be used in cleaning products or for skin issues.
Safety considerations
Because they are highly potent, essential oils should always be handled with care.
- Dilution: Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin.
- Photosensitivity: Some citrus oils can cause skin sensitivity when exposed to sunlight. Avoid sun exposure for at least 12 hours after applying photosensitive oils.
- Children and pets: Certain oils can be harmful to infants, young children, and pets.