A Blend Of Essential Oils Can Often Be More PotentWhen looking for an essential oil to treat an aliment most people typically look for a pure essential oil. However, sometimes it may be better to use a blend of essential oils to get relief from symptoms rather than use a single essential oil. Some of these synergistic oils include Spikenard, Blue Tansy, Rosemary and Lemongrass. In its basic form, it is a concentrated liquid that contains aroma compounds derived from plants. The word essential is used to indicate that oils have a scent (essence) that sets it apart. This is what makes essential oils so important in aromatherapy. Made By Distillation As Well As Solvent Extraction Essential oils are typically known by their fragrance. Essential oils are extracted by steam or dry distillation as well as by solvent extraction. Essential oils are often used in perfumes as well as cosmetics, and also to add flavor to foods and drinks as well as for giving incenses more scents. They are also used in cleaning products used in homes. Essential oils are obtained from many different parts of certain plants and there are some such as orange oil that can be derived from different parts of the plant. Other plants include allspice, Juniper, Almond, Basil, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Camphor, Peppermint, Rose, Bergamot, Thyme and a lot more. Essential Oils Used Throughout History Essential oils have been used throughout history for their medicinal benefits such as skin treatment and providing relief from cancer. Of late, there has been growing interest in essential oils usage, especially because of the increased popularity of aromatherapy, which is an offshoot of alternative medicine that claims that different aromas contained in essential oils can be used for their curative properties. However, one should not apply these undiluted oils directly to the skin because they have a concentrated nature that can cause severe irritation or even cause an allergic reaction if used in an undiluted form. It would be better to blend them with base oil before applying it. Some of the common base oils include olive, hazelnut, almond as well as grapeseed oil. Organic Essential Oils Those who use essential oils in an industry such as massage therapy, should read their material safety data sheets to get to know the different hazards as well as how to properly handle the particular oils. Recently, concern has also been voiced regarding the pesticide residues found in these oils, and more particularly in those that are used for therapeutic purposes. In this case, it is more advisable to use organic essential oils which would not contain these toxic pesticides. Essential oils are not new. In fact, they have been used since ancient times. However, they are recently gaining popularity as science discovers its many uses. Many essential oils have healing properties. However, be sure you are using a pure, organic essential oil to ensure the highest quality and safety of the essential oil. |