|
ESSENTIAL OILS – ESSENCE OF LIFE
Essential oils are worlds most powerful natural medicinal. Each plant creates its own unique oil to keep itself strengthened, healthy and protect it self. These life giving oils have been used for thousands of years to enhance well being and treat various health conditions. For centuries the ancient people knew of their healing and preserving powers.
There is evidence to suggest that ancient Egyptians used essential oils to nourish their bodies. The antiseptic properties of essential oils slow down the aging process of the skin. From Egyptians the knowledge was passed on to Greeks who used essentials oils in their medicinal treatments. The Romans used essential oils lavishly to beautify themselves. Eventually the Romans brought the knowledge to Britain .In the early 20th century the world wide attention and research work highlighted the importance and healing powers of essential oils.
Essential oils are simply known as the oil extract of the plant material from which they are extracted. For example: Oil of Clove, Oil of Lavender, Oil of Sandal and many more. The distinctive scent of the essence of the plant it carries gives it the name ‘ESSENTIAL OIL’. They are not to be confused with the essential fatty acids which are group of oils having specific common chemical properties. As essential oil is a concentrated volatile compound from plants. They are the’ Volatile oils’ or the ‘Etheral oils’. They are obtained from different parts of plants and the amount of essential oil in each plant is minute. Just imagine to produce 1pound/ ½ KG of rose oil about 2000 pounds/ 900 KGS of rose petals are required. The oils vary so much in availability and price. For instance lavender is easy to grow and has high yield of flowers making lavender oil reasonably priced. On the other hand, roses have a very low yield making rose oil one of the most expensive to produce. The quality of oil is also influenced by the climatic and the soil conditions in which they are grown. Essential oils are extracted by expression, distillation and solvent extraction.
When you buy be careful to choose essential oils, not perfumed oils. Although they may well smell delicious they are not beneficial for aroma therapy. AN ESSENTIAL OIL IS :
· Thin and watery rather than oily.
· Swift to evaporate without leaving grease mark on paper.
· Overpoweringly scented when neat which can be quite unpleasant.
Pure essential oils are hardly ever used in ‘neat’ form because of their concentrated nature. Before use they are blended with base or carrier oil. This does just what the name suggests: it acts as a base for the essential and is a lubricant, so making massage easier and more effective. Carrier oils are always of vegetable origin. They should be natural, unprocessed and not treated with chemicals. Some carrier oils are olive oil, grape seed oil, hazelnut oil, almond oil, soybean oil etc.
Essential oils are used in perfumes, cosmetics, bath products, for flavouring foods and drinks, for scented incense sticks, toiletries and household cleaning products. In recent times with rising popularity of ‘Aromatherapy’ these oils are gaining attention because of their therapeutic properties.
Essential oils can be used by direct application or massages, by steaming and inhalation, as compresses. Essential oils are the gift of mother nature for thousands of years. They enhance the ability of your body, mind and soul. The simple truth is that they WORK. Bring them to your life. We are dedicated to provide the best therapeutic grade. The results speak of themselves.
MASSAGE
This is the most relaxing and therapeutic way of all to experience aromatherapy. Essential oils are blended and then worked into the body using massage techniques. This stimulates the whole system while improving the circulation and relaxing the nervous system.
STEAMING AND INHALATION
Some conditions respond extremely well to essential oil inhalation Steaming with essential oils can also be used to deep cleanse and moisten the face ; to maintain a healthy supple skin.
COMPRESSES
Aromatherapy compresses can be helpful in the treatment of bruises, muscular aches and pains, irritated skin conditions etc.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH SCENT
Essential oil burners allow you to perfume a room and improve your well being at the same time. Depending on the oil you choose you can create a warm, relaxing atmosphere OR a refreshing, zesty, uplifting one. Also by using eucalyptus oil, say in a burner one can relieve cold symptoms and help keep germs at bay from others in your home at the same time.
Work places are often stuffy and full of unpleasant smells. You can spray your immediate environment with a room spray; or add a couple of drops of oil to a cup of hot water on your desk. Useful oils for work place are basil, rosemary, lemon, bergamot.
BATHING
An aromatherapy bath is a lovely way to round off a tiring, stressful day. When essential oils are added to water they stimulate the skin and have a muscle- relaxing effect. Aromatherapy baths are helpful in conditions like nervous tension, headache, fatigue, muscular aches and pains, cold and flu,
period pains. Tired feet can be refreshed by soaking in a bowl of hot water mixed with 4-5 drops of rosemary, peppermint, essential oil. In the same way soothe chapped skin of hands by using patchouli or comfrey before a manicure. |