Essential Oils - What does this Exactly Mean?

It’s all about oils, its flavors, fragrance and uses. What kind of oil is obtained from which source is described and what are the charges incurred in its production.

 

Essential Oils are the oils obtained from plants or flowers. It is called “Essential” as this word is derived from “essence”. The fragrances of these oils have therapeutic qualities. These oils are commonly known as aromatherapy oils. These oils are of Clove, Lavender, Lemon, Fennel, Rose, Chamomile, Jojoba, Ylang-Ylang., Peppermint, Almond, Sage, etc.

These oils are used in perfumes, soaps, air fresheners, shampoos, as massage oils, as medicines, cosmetics, for food and drink. These oils are extracted from their respective plants or flowers and after a long process of distillation they are obtained in liquid form. These oils take long to be obtained and the whole process is expensive hence they are sold at pretty high rates.

Some of these oils also are used in curing dangerous diseases like Cancer. The fragrance of some of these oils is also stress relieving and relaxation. However these oils evaporate quickly. It is really surprising to know that these oils have an effect with the power of smell.

Lavender is the favorite of all these oils. It is obtained from Mediterranean region and nationally from the hills of Thekkady in Kerela. This oil is mostly used in incense sticks, as well as in aroma baths. It rejuvenates the body and is popular for its quality of stress reliving.

Sweet orange oil, not so famous but is quickly gaining popularity for inducing emotional well being. It is known to provide emotional balance as well as a positive state of mind.

Usually these oils have extensive use in the Spas where people are made to inhale the oils. As it is seen that inhaling these oils makes a person feel fresh and energized. Sometimes application of some of the essential oils on the skin is also known to reap good effects, like almond oil is good for hair. It provides shine and volume to the hair.

Apricot oil and Grape Fruit oil is also very good skin. It avoids the loosening and wrinkling and adds sheen. These oils are also used for acne treatment. As they have an ability to kill bacteria, their use leads to the treatment of acne problem. Essential oils also treat a lot of allergies and they strengthen the immune system.

Essential oils are also a form of alternative medicine. It is also used as a remedy to common cold. Some of the essential oils have been also used in treatment for Alzheimer’s, Arthritis, Lung cancer and headaches.   

The interesting thing about these essential oils is that they have been around since 6000 years. It was discovered when man realized that by rubbing some of the plants and herbs, its extracts were produced which in turn gave out certain soothing sensation was observed. It has been recorded that these oils had been used by the ancient civilizations of Egypt, China and India. However the popularity of these oils has increased in recent times.

The cost of these essential oils is high as they take a long time to be prepared and secondly several or thousands kilos/pounds of raw plants to produce a few pounds of a pound of essential oil. Hence it is imperative that they be sorted properly as discussed earlier they evaporate quickly if not properly stored. Their effectiveness as well as its qualities can only be maintained if they are kept in a cool and dry place. It has to be kept in a wooden storage box.

It is advisable that if the use of these oils causes rashes, itching and irritation, a doctor should be consulted, as sometimes it might prove allergic to some sensitive skin.