New benefits of using essential oils for therapeutic purposes are surfacing all the time as more research is done to study the effects of these potent natural plant extracts. Known for their pleasant scents, each oil is responsible for supplying its source plant with its unique fragrance. Used for aromatherapy and other applications, essential oils characteristics give them an amazing ability to heal and since they are natural, no side effects.
Although there are many different types of essential oils, there are some features common to all of them. They are partially water-soluble, volatile, which means they readily evaporate in temperature above room temperature, they have a non-greasy consistency, and easily absorbed into the skin, they are often blended with alcohol or a carrier oil. Basically all of them also have pro-biotic and antiseptic properties as well.
Each oil typically contains over 100 different chemical compounds, each with its own therapeutic benefits. Besides having antiseptic properties, some oil varieties are also antiviral and antifungal in nature. Most oil comes from structures on the source plant such as the leaves, flowers, roots, fruit skins, and berries which secrete these substances.
Various methods are used to extract the oil from the plant, depending on the type of structure it is located in. Steam distillation is the most common technique, but some plant materials such as flowers must be handled more delicately as to not destroy the oil. Citrus oil is extracted using a cold press method. The liquid which is extracted should ideally not have anything added to it, if it is to maintain its purity.
Pure aromatherapy oils are those which have not had anything removed from them or added to them. Sometimes this practice, known as "standardization" is done to ensure a consistent aroma in each batch, but the down side to this is that the healing abilities of the oil is considerably lessened, and some additives can be irritating to the skin. A pure essential oil provides the user with the full power of its therapeutic potency.
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.
Some of the many benefits of using essential oils include improved health and appearance. They can eliminate infection, stimulate cell renewal for a healthier complexion, soothe achy joints and muscles, and balance emotional mood swings. One can always expect to get the best results when choosing only pure, high quality oils over the cheaper, diluted versions which have considerably less healing potential.
Although there are many different types of essential oils, there are some features common to all of them. They are partially water-soluble, volatile, which means they readily evaporate in temperature above room temperature, they have a non-greasy consistency, and easily absorbed into the skin, they are often blended with alcohol or a carrier oil. Basically all of them also have pro-biotic and antiseptic properties as well.
Each oil typically contains over 100 different chemical compounds, each with its own therapeutic benefits. Besides having antiseptic properties, some oil varieties are also antiviral and antifungal in nature. Most oil comes from structures on the source plant such as the leaves, flowers, roots, fruit skins, and berries which secrete these substances.
Various methods are used to extract the oil from the plant, depending on the type of structure it is located in. Steam distillation is the most common technique, but some plant materials such as flowers must be handled more delicately as to not destroy the oil. Citrus oil is extracted using a cold press method. The liquid which is extracted should ideally not have anything added to it, if it is to maintain its purity.
Pure aromatherapy oils are those which have not had anything removed from them or added to them. Sometimes this practice, known as "standardization" is done to ensure a consistent aroma in each batch, but the down side to this is that the healing abilities of the oil is considerably lessened, and some additives can be irritating to the skin. A pure essential oil provides the user with the full power of its therapeutic potency.
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.
Some of the many benefits of using essential oils include improved health and appearance. They can eliminate infection, stimulate cell renewal for a healthier complexion, soothe achy joints and muscles, and balance emotional mood swings. One can always expect to get the best results when choosing only pure, high quality oils over the cheaper, diluted versions which have considerably less healing potential.
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