First post

WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?

Essential oils are the pure, vital or volatile chemical components of plant matter. They are the odorous, scented principles found in different parts of the plant, that give the plants their distinctive scent and therapeutic value. They are the concentrated active constituents of the plant, the essence. When exposed to air they can evaporate, even at ordinary temperatures, so the term”oil” is misleading. Although hydrophobic and unable to dilute in water, they do not posses the same viscosity being oily or fatty in texture as you would imagine with this term, rather more of a liquid waterlike appearance. In addition to essential oils, they are also known as volatile oils, ethereal oils, and aetherolea.

The end or bi product of plant metabolism, these oils are generated and stored by the plant in special cells. They have different processes and purposes, for example, some protect, others play a role in pollination. Depending on the species this production occurs in differing organs and is like wise stored in different parts of the plant.

The labitae family (e.g. sage, thyme , rosemary) store in glands, glandular hairs and glandular scales on the epidermis - leaves and stems.

The rutacea family (e.g. lemon, mandarin, orange) store in oil containers which are formed when the wall of the oil producing cell dissolves - the outer rind ....

for cinnamon, its the bark

for rose, only in the petals

for vetiver and orris, the roots

for sandalwood and cedarwood, the wood and bark

While in the plant, the essences are changing in chemical composition and can move from one part of the plant to another depending on time of day and the season. Subsequently, botanicals for oil extraction are picked at certain times of the year, under certain weather conditions, at certain time of the day for their optimum and chosen oil content.

Additionally, geographic location, method and duration of distillation, year grown, and variations in weather and environmental factors, all have influence on the overall quality of the essential oil. With all of these different factors in play, it is quite standard for there to be variations between distillations of the same species.

distillation

Essential oils are are most commonly extracted via distillation ( steam is most common, although water and dry distillation are used) or expression (cold pressing ). The term essential oil can also refer to concretes, resinoids and absolutes, but due to the presence of non-volatile components e.g.; natural resins or waxes, this is technically inaccurate. Other methods include solvent extraction.

true essential oils

After extraction, the resulting essential oil is a highly concentrated liquid that contains the aroma and therapeutic properties of the source from which it came. Nothing should be added or removed from this oil if it is to be used in aromatherapy. To achieve maximum therapeutic benefits, essential oils should be exactly as they came from the still - 100% pure and natural. This a true essential oil.

adulteration

Not all essential oils are therapeutic. Lower-grade essential oils are used to flavour foods or used in inexpensive toiletries, often, stabilising chemical elements can be added, other elements removed. Aromatherapists refer to this practice as adulteration and these are not recommended for therapeutic use.

therapeutic value

Essential oils can be used for a wide range of emotional and physical wellness applications. They can be used as single essential oils or in complex essential oil blends depending on user experience and desired benefit. There are a multitude of ways to use essential oils and its important to be informed for safe application.

To be sure of the results that you have no doubt heard or read about, it is important to use essential oils of the very highest quality, professionally and reliably sourced. Although cheaper options may appear to save money, they will certainly not deliver optimum therapeutic results.

what to look for ...

Here are some factors to look for indicating that the essential oils you are purchasing are likely to be pure and natural for therapeutic use.

air tight amber glass bottle

exposure to sunlight, heat and air can destroy the volatile oil. coloured glass is ideal - chemical constituents can change with heat and react with plastic and metals

a botanical or latin name

e.g.; lavender (lavendula officinalis) indicates it comes from a botanical source and what type it is, which may result in a variation in therapeutic qualities

family

the botanical family the species belongs to, once again indicates its from a botanical source

certified organic

to ensure that growing conditions have occurred in the cleanest non toxic environment and your oil is free of toxic contaminants

therapeutic or practitioner grade

Many growers may not be certified organic, yet still be well reputed, especially if their crops are destined for therapeutic use in the medical industry. They will provide gas chromatograph readings which measure the exact concentration of all chemical constituents for each distillation.

part of plant used

certain species yield oils from particular plant parts

type of distillation

process of extraction used.

place of origin

country where the botanical was grown some species are specific to certain countries and can be renown for their particular properties and nature

dilution

100% pure essential oil or is it a percentage blended in jojoba

chemotype

this is where the same species can produce a variation in chemical composition resulting in a variation in therapeutic properties.

time of year

if distillation has occurred at a different season it can be noted

variation in cost between species

expect there to be a variation in price between oils. lower prices or a flat standard price of all species can indicate adulteration and/or lower grade.

variation in scent

a variation in scent from the same oil indicates that it is a different distillation and has experienced different environmental factors. it is only natural... this is a good thing, indicating the oil has not been adulterated and synthetics have not been added to stabilise the scent.

 

F R A N C E S C A  A N G E L I N I   Aroma(dip),HealthSc(dip),ReMass(dip)

is a qualified aromatherapist, natural therapist and bodywork practitioner.

she specialises in holistic bodywork modalities utilising her knowledge in aromatherapy, with a holistic approach using flower essences, crystal therapy and energetic medicine. massage + bodywork modalities include / reflexology, pregnancy, lymphatic , detox... her practice @divinelightbodyworks specialises in certified organic treatments and application in aromatherapy based certified organic holistic product range @angeliniorganics