Essential oils are becoming increasingly popular in natural healing circles for the vast array of health benefits they have to offer. Naturally fragrant, these concentrated substances not only provide plants and flowers with their distinctive aromas, but they are also chock-full of healing compounds. These particular essential oils characteristics make them ideal for aromatherapy, topical application, and other uses, with no risk of adverse 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.
Far from being simple in nature, each oil is a special blend of more than 100 distinct chemical compounds which each have their own healing effects. While most oils are antiseptic in nature, some also act against viruses and fungi as well. Oils are secreted by cells contained in such plant structures as berries, fruit skins, flowers, leaves, and roots.
The oil must be extracted from the plant but the method used to accomplish this varies according to the type of structure it's in. Most often, steam distillation is used, but the high temperatures can be destructive to delicate blossoms of some plants, so another approach may be implemented. A cold press technique is used for extracting citrus oils. Extracts should be used as is, with no additives, for optimal 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.
Purchasing oil which has been produced by those suppliers which are known for the quality product they turn out is always best. This ensures that the user will experience the maximum health benefits of the oil. Pure products have nothing removed or added to them, come from a single botanical species from a specific country of origin, and pass quality tests using gas chromatography or mass spectrometry.
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.
People use essential oils for many reasons. They can help one look and feel better in numerous ways such as promoting cell renewal for a better complexion, prevent and heal infection, keep unstable emotions in check, and soothe aches and pains. It can be expected that the results one will enjoy from the purest oil available will be superior to those they will get from cheap, diluted versions with limited 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.
Far from being simple in nature, each oil is a special blend of more than 100 distinct chemical compounds which each have their own healing effects. While most oils are antiseptic in nature, some also act against viruses and fungi as well. Oils are secreted by cells contained in such plant structures as berries, fruit skins, flowers, leaves, and roots.
The oil must be extracted from the plant but the method used to accomplish this varies according to the type of structure it's in. Most often, steam distillation is used, but the high temperatures can be destructive to delicate blossoms of some plants, so another approach may be implemented. A cold press technique is used for extracting citrus oils. Extracts should be used as is, with no additives, for optimal 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.
Purchasing oil which has been produced by those suppliers which are known for the quality product they turn out is always best. This ensures that the user will experience the maximum health benefits of the oil. Pure products have nothing removed or added to them, come from a single botanical species from a specific country of origin, and pass quality tests using gas chromatography or mass spectrometry.
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.
People use essential oils for many reasons. They can help one look and feel better in numerous ways such as promoting cell renewal for a better complexion, prevent and heal infection, keep unstable emotions in check, and soothe aches and pains. It can be expected that the results one will enjoy from the purest oil available will be superior to those they will get from cheap, diluted versions with limited healing potential.
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