Introduction to Essential Oils
Essentials oils are potent liquids pressed from plants. Often referred to as the soul or essence of the plant (Bell, Kristen Leigh, 2002), they are by-products of secondary plant metabolism and not essential to plant life. They have been used in healing and spiritual anointing since before written history (hence 3000 to 5000 years old), and have always been the favored method of healing in Europe and the Middle East (they’ve never fallen out of fashion like here in North America).
Essential oils are not the same as the “aromatherapy oils” that we can find in many stores. Most aromatherapy products available to the public contain oils that have been pressed poorly, contaminated or combined with solvents and other ingredients that destroy their medicinal value. Because of this it may be hard to believe that
Essential oil medicine works!
What are essential oils? An essential oil is a non-oily substance extracted from the petals, leaves, roots, buds, twigs, rhizomes, wood, bark, resin or fruit of a plant. In a few cases, every part of the plant growing above ground is used (like lavender). There are several ways of obtaining the oil, the most common being hydro-steam distillation (see picture below). This involves putting the plant material in a large, closed container and forcing steam through it. The heat and pressure release the tiny drops of essential oil from the plant, which then rise with the steam, and out through the spiral tube. This cools the steam and turns it back into a liquid, the essential oil (being generally lighter than water), will float on the top and can be skimmed off. (Note: not all plants produce essential oils. Examples are: apple, banana, coconut, cucumber, fig, lilac, pear, strawberry etc. These fragrances are synthetic and created in a lab).
Virtually all the essential oils sold in stores have additives, say certified aromatherapists (like myself). Victoria Anisman- Reiner states: “Therapeutic vs. Perfume grade can mean the difference between oils that heal and oils that are toxic.” Note that therapeutic essential oils are used for healing purposes, that is – therapeutic grade essential oils are medicinal.
In their pure, unadulterated state, essential oils are almost universally safe and harmless if used in small amounts.Most oils sold in stores have been adulterated with chemicals that modify their aroma, bulk up the oils’ volume (making them less expensive), and'/or disguise unwanted byproducts from plants not grown organically. These ingredients negate the beneficial aspects of the oils and often cause toxic reactions.
Why are therapeutic grade essential oils so expensive? Essential oils are highly concentrated substances and large amounts of plant matter are required to produce even a small quantity of essential oil. Typically you will get 17-18 fluid ounces per pound of oil, depending on its density. Consider this:
– it takes 50lbs of eucalyptus to produce 1lb of Eucalyptus essential oil,
– 150lbs of lavender to produce 1lb of Lavender essential oil, and
– 2000lbs of rose petals to produce 1 lb Rose essential oil! The cost these days of Rose essential oil is 300-500$ for 15ml!!!
100% pure therapeutic-grade – oils are pure, organically grown, pressed without solvents and bottled without additives or chemicals. These oils should be safe for ingestion and topical application on the body. However, the term “therapeutic grade” is not regulated, so some labeling may contain false claims. (This is when it comes in handy to have an aroma therapist who has a trusted source for obtaining certified therapeutic-grade oils.)
Fragrance or perfume oils are used in soap making, candle making, cosmetic compounding, and perfume making. By definition, the term fragrance (at least as it is used in the industry) always implies the use of synthetic aroma-chemicals. ALL FRAGRANCES CONTAIN SYNTHETICS (Essential Oil University, 2010). If you want a blend that is all natural then use essential oils instead. Synthetic fragrances have NO therapeutic (ie. healing) properties and can cause skin irritation.
The essential oil company I founded a few years ago, Holistic Aromalogy™ utilizes ONLY 100% pure, therapeutic-grade, organic when possible, essential oils in its formulations and so should you. You can easily blend oils to balance mood disturbances, sleep disturbances, stress & anxiety, appetite, concentration, etc.
Keep your eyes peeled for my upcoming Essential Oil Academy course where you’ll learn everything you need to know to use essential oils safely and effectively around your family. Learn to reduce toxins in your environment and live a more plant-based life by using essential oils for symptom relief, household cleaning, food flavoring, blending like a master, and aromatherapy secrets revealed. Without the need to become a certified aromatherapist. I’ve condensed all the important stuff into a simple all-inclusive course.
To get an alert when the course is available, just hit the ‘join the tribe” button and leave your email address.
In the comments, ask any question you have about essential oils and I will address them here and in the course too.
Be well,
Karine Johnston LICSW CCA
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