For centuries, civilizations have sought to capture the healing benefits of plants. The fragrant, yet therapeutic, attributes endowed to each plant by the Lord have captivated ladies by their smell, scientists by their chemistry, and connoisseurs of medical alternatives by their ability to strengthen health. The proper extraction of an essential oil’s volatile properties, that which causes an oil to smell and have inhalation benefits, is crucial to maintaining an oil’s integrity and potency. There are four types of extraction: expression, solvent extraction, CO2 extraction and distillation.
The very environmentally friend method of expression is simply a pressing of the plant material (as in citrus rinds) to ‘express’ tiny pockets of oil within. The resulting oil is called an essence. Expressed essential oils are the most volatile, or what aromatherapists refer to as the top note in a blend because they are smelled first. These oils are often high in anti-oxidant and therefore evaporate quickly.
On the other end of the extraction spectrum are those oils that are solvent extracted. This costly method bathes the plant material in a solvent that extracts its volatile parts. Solvent extraction is mostly done on flower petals such as that of a rose or jasmine which may be too delicate for the heat or steam and pressure required in the other methods. High temperatures are used to evaporate the solvent bath and a crystallized fragrant substance is left. The oil created from this crystallized substance, called an absolute, is often more pricey due to the miniscule amounts of oils obtained from the process as well as the cost of the process itself. Occasionally solvents are used to finish the distillation process.
The new kid on extraction’s block is CO2 extraction. Oils are rendered in this process very similarly to how coffee is decaffeinated. Low temperatures are used which makes is good for maintaining important oil aspects. But unfortunately the fact that oils are thicker and doesn’t smell or blend as they would normally far outweighs that positive point.
Distillation, the tried and true method has been around for 1000s of years. It is the most common. All plant material used (leaves, flower, stems, etc), the soil in which the plants are grown, the irrigation of those plants during growing phase, the harvesting of the plant at the right time of year, the packing of a distiller prior to distillation, and the monitoring of the sound of the steam during distillation area all important considerations in the distillation process. It is also an important consideration these days to take into account the seeds that are used. With the new hybrids and genetically modified organisms on the market today, we have very little history regarding the effect of these plants on our global ecology, regarding the effect of the oils that come from them, or regarding their abilities to heal as their time-honored counterparts.
Distillation pushes vaporized water through plant material releasing its precious oils. The oil and steam are separated as they travel through the process. The water is drained off and the remaining oil is retrieved. The temperature at which distillation occurs is very important to balance of chemicals within the oil. Minimal temperatures and pressures are best and effective temperatures vary from plant to plant. Distilling at high temperatures is cheaper and shortens distillation time for oil producers, but damages and essential oil’s chemical. This may result in a very fragrant but not therapeutic essential oil. This integral factor can render an oil completely ineffective therapeutically.
The shape of distiller is important. Most distillation units are domed, causing steam to flow back into material and causing the oil to lose its potency. Some distillation units are conical; these typically deliver a better grade oil. One type of distillation unit, originally designed by D. Gary Young, involves low-temperature, low pressure, and a spiral vortex of steam. Young asserts that distilling in this way encourages steam to rise up and out into a condenser preserving fragile essential oil components and giving them the most therapeutic effect.
After any extraction process, assessing an oil’s composition is very important so that the bottled oil is sure to hold the proper chemical constituents in the right proportions. Without this quality assurance the therapeutic effects a user is expecting cannot be ensured. This is done with a Gas Chromatograph (GC) and Mass Spectrometer (MS). Likewise, any adulteration of an oil (ie cutting it with carrier oils, alcohols, other solvents) decreases its effectiveness, increases health hazards, and takes away the beauty of using a completely natural substance to heal.
Allow the full benefit of unadulterated essential oil to find its place in your home and even medicine cabinet. Buy essential oils from distillers with whom you have relationships to ensure the highest quality. Stand amazed at what is contained in nature. The Creator has given us much to explore, extract, and enjoy!
Graduate of Central Florida School of Massage Therapy, Monica entered into the massage therapy field after a successful 10 year teaching career. She seeks to incorporate her fondness for participating in sports and her education background to offer therapy, suitable for all ages, which augments traditional medicine. She offers special pediatric pricing and welcomes parents to bring children in for treatment as well.
Monica is a member of the International Association of Health Practitioners and the Florida State Massage Therapy Association as well as a member of their Sports Massage Team. Monica is a certified Hot Stone Therapist and a Aromatherapist and she offers Craniosacral Therapy. She maintains high credentials and provides the best in massage therapy and its various modalities for her clients.
Monica is the leader of Team Synergy, professionals who work to share aromatherapy. She began forming her team after experiencing the effects of high quality Young Living essential oils in her massage and bodywork treatments. Team Synergy provides exclusive business support, presentations, and training opportunities to its team members as well as coordinates group involvement in Young Living sponsored workshops. Team Synergy elevates its members to the next level in this powerful, up-and-coming area of complimentary alternative medicine. To join Team Synergy, one does not need a strong background in aromatherapy, but rather be willing to learn and apply oneself. It is fun, enlightening, and sure to strengthen your health! Find more information about Team Synergy http://www.younglivingdistributor.com/
Or visit https://www.youngliving.org/leibacher for all kinds of great aromatherapy products.
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