Essential Oils Explained
Essential Oils click here for our extensive list of essential oils including rare and precious oils and absolutes. In addition to essential oils, we provide a range of complementary products for professional and home use. We stock:
*Cold Pressed Vegetable Oils
*Infused Herbal Oils
*Hydrosols
*Natural unscented base creams, lotions and gel
*Natural unscented cleansers and shampoo
*Jars and bottles
*Aromatherapy accessories
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are liquid sometimes semi-resin, concentrated volatile aromatic extracts obtained from one botanical plant. They are found in different parts of the plants from the leaves, fruits, flowers, woods, seeds, berries to root. Therapeutic and fragrant properties are determined by individual chemical constituents. This shared chemistry makes essential oils one of the most compatible of plant substances with human biochemistry.
What can Essential Oils Do For You?
Their unique structure allows them to penetrate cell membranes, and because they contain powerful oxygenating molecules, they help transport nutrients into the cell, while moving toxins out. Many are antiseptic, anti-viral, cicatrizant, relaxants, immunostimulant, and support the body’s natural defences.
Essential oils work on different levels: cellular, physical, emotional and on a subtle or spiritual level . They promote overall health and have a positive effect on the body-mind-spirit connection.
What is an Absolute?
The essential oils of certain flowers such as Jasmine and Mimosa can be damaged by the intense heat of steam distillation. To capture such fragrances, the plant material is obtained with the use of a solvent. The end product is an “absolute”. An absolute consists of a viscous liquid or semi-solid mass containing alcohol soluble waxes, pigments and the volatile oil of the plant material extracted. Absolutes such as Jasmine and Oakmoss are excellent ingredients to create natural perfumes.
What is a Resin?
A thick solid or soft solid exudation from trees or plants which is soluble in alcohol but not in water. A popular example of a resin is Frankincense.
What is a Cold Pressed Vegetable Oil?
A fatty oil, rich in fatty acids extracted from the nuts, kernels and seeds of various botanical plants. Popular cold pressed vegetable oils for aromatherapy use are Sweet Almond and Apricot Kernel.
What is an Infused Herbal Oil?
Infused oils are botanical plants/flowers/herbs submerged in a cold pressed vegetable oil and left to infuse for several weeks. When complete the oils is strained off, retaining the beneficial properties of the plant. St John’s Wort, Calendula and Arnica are examples of infused oils.
What is a Hydrosol? Hydro = water, sol = solution
Hydrosols are the aromatic water that is produced during the distillation process of essential oils. During this process the water used in the distillation process becomes naturally scented and impregnated with the plant’s water soluble properties. Their chemical composition is different from essential oil in that they do not contain the volatile essential oil molecules but are rich in water compatible (hydrophyllic molecules). This means they are highly tolerable, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic substances are found in hydrosols. They have a very subtle fragrance similar to the essential oil (but not always) and are gentle enough for children, the elderly and for use in skincare and pet care.
Some Advise on Safety Uses
- Always dilute essential oils before applying directly onto the skin
- Citrus oils contain photosensitizing molecules. Avoid use on the skin before strong exposure to sunlight
- Identify essential oils by their Latin botanical name not their English name
- Keep out of reach of babies, children and pets
- Store in a cool dark place (like fine wine)
- If you are unfamiliar with an essential oil — look it up before use
Fact Sheets
Aromatherapy and Respiratory Aliments
Aromatherapy and Workplace Stress
For essential oils, base oils, hydrosols, unscented base cream/lotion and aromatherapy related products please contact us.
We are always happy to answer any queries you may have on essential oils. Please email us at inquiry@earthgirlcreations.com alternatively you may want to take a course on the subject, click here for upcoming dates.
I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues
~Dr. Suess, The Lorax
Images: White Lotus Aromatics
© 2005-2011 Earth Girl Creations. All rights reserved.