February 18, 2011

Essential Oils Uses

Oh, the many essential oils uses. They are used to scent soaps, perfumes, potpourri and candles, and to add flavor to food and beverages. They are also used in some pharmaceuticals as well as in aromatherapy massages, baths and compresses. But perhaps more importantly, they offer medicinal alternatives to tranquilizers and other drugs commonly used for stress relief. Doctors have found that these oils, especially those with aromas connected to strong memories, can trigger soothing responses that help you to relax.

There are two types of oils: pure, and synthetic, or fragrance oils. Synthetic oils can duplicate the smell of a pure oil, and are usually adequate for most non-medical uses, such as massages and baths. But the various processes used to make synthetics cannot duplicate the chemical compounds found in pure oils. They received their name from the belief that they contained the essence of the plant they came from.

There are four basic ways to produce pure oils:

1. Enfleurage. The plant material, usually flower blossoms are placed on layers of cold fat. The fat slowly absorbs the oil from the blossoms. The length of the process varies with each plant but is accelerated when heat and pressure are applied. Blossoms are added until the fat is completely oil-saturated. The mixture of fat and oil is called a pomade. The fat is then dissolved with alcohol, leaving only the oil.

2. Steam Distillation. Hot steam is passed through and over the plant material. The essential oils evaporate out of the plants. The droplets are captured and then condensed.

3. Volatile Solvents. Volatile solvents, such as alcohol, are mixed with the plant material and absorb the oil from the material.

4. Pressing. Plant material is pressed to squeeze the essential oils out of it. This process is similar to the way grapes are crushed for their juice.

Unlike conventional bath or massage oils, essential oils are highly concentrated and require special care while handling them. Some oils will cause blisters if applied directly to the skin. Follow the directions on the bottle to learn how to handle individual oils safely. Also, if you have any allergies or sensitivities, or if you’re pregnant, check with your doctor before using them.

These plant oil essences are sensitive to light and should be kept in dark bottles to preserve their chemical composition. The bottles also have to be well sealed to make sure the oils do not evaporate.

Because of their high concentration, when a bottle is empty you might be able to get a little more out of it by adding some carrier oil to the bottle to lift the residue left on the inside of the glass.

While you’ll have to add vinegar to oils to get them to mix with water, you can add them directly to any massage or baby oil. For a low-cost option, add the essential oil to plain canola oil.

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