Exploring Different Essential Oils For Relief

By Kenneth Schmidt


When it comes to relieving anxiety, depression, pain and other conditions, there are a number of options. While different treatments exist for various conditions and illnesses, using essential oils for relief is one of the best. While these oils come from natural flora and fauna, prescription and over the counter medications often contain heavy chemicals. As such, the side effects of using these natural products are often less severe than other medications.

These natural offerings are also known as aetherolea, ethereal, volatile and those named for the plant which the oil was derived. The term essential refers to the inner-essence of the plant as related to fragrance. Although, while similar, essential in this sense does not apply to essential amino or fatty acids. Unlike dietary supplements which can often have an interaction with pharmaceuticals and over the counter products, oils come from flora and fauna, so while there is a risk of allergy, drug interaction is often non-existent.

While essential is a term used in association with fatty and amino acids, these are different than the essences which come from flora and fauna. For, in most cases, steam is used in a single distillation process to extract these oils. While this is the case, there are also other methods which include expression, solvent and absolute extraction, resin tapping and cold processing.

Essences have also been used in the holistic medical community for some time. In most cases, essences can be sold as remedies under a prescribed set of conditions as imposed by federal and state regulation. Although, as many have shown promise when it comes to treating cancer and other terminal illness, it may not be long before these products are accepted as a valid form of medication.

Interest had dwindled in relation to these products in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Since that time, it appears interest has seen somewhat of a revival, especially when it comes to the holistic health industry. One of the most common aspects of holistic health is that of Aromatherapy. As such, this natural healing form has contributed greatly to the future of essences as a valid medical treatment in the future.

These essence oils can be used to scent the air, create incense, make candles and soap, and other items. Most massage therapists use at least one form of these aspects during treatment to help calm and relax clientele. Whereas, some individuals prefer burning incense at home, using natural air fresheners and a nebulizer filled with different scents as needed to relieve pain, or calm anxiety and depression.

The four most common of all essences are eucalyptus, tea tree oil, peppermint and lavender. In addition, rose oil can provide a calming effect in both animals and humans. As such, while research in regard to essences and pets has only just begun, it appears that animals can also experience benefits when it comes to using these products.

When it comes to humans, the earliest recorded history of anyone using methods and techniques to distract and produce essences is believed to have been done by Ibn a-Baitar, an Andalusian chemist, pharmacist and physician. Like in the days of Ibn, most are distilled using a single process. The only exception to this rule is when it comes to the ylang-ylang process in which it can take up to twenty two hours for fractional distillation to occur.




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