Essential oils occur naturally in some
plants and are the aroma that one smells. Essential oils are tiny drops,
which are found in different parts of the plant. They can be found in
flowers, leaves, stems, bark, wood, roots and fruits of plants. For
instance squeeze the skin of an orange and you'll get an aromatic,
volatile essential oil. Essential oils are complex chemical compounds
containing esters, alcohols, phenols, aldehydes, ketones, terpenes, ethers
and sesquiterpenes among others. Each of the chemicals contained in an
essential oil will impart its own unique properties to that oil. For
example lavender essential oil would have analgesic, antidepressant,
carminative, rubefacient, stimulant and sudorific properties as some of
its major chemical constituents are linalool, linalyl acetate, geraniol
and lavandulol. Essential oils are volatile as they evaporate easily, and
although called an oil are in fact not oily to the touch and will not
leave an oily residue behind if dropped onto paper or cloth. Pure
Essential oils are extracted from the plant by a number of different means
including steam distillation (the method most often used), cold pressing, enfleurage, solvent extraction and CO2 extraction.
Essential oils enter the body by two
methods. When inhaled they enter the body via the olfactory system, which
has a direct connection to the limbic system in the brain. The limbic
system is known as the primitive brain and it encircles the top of the
brain stem and forms a border linking cortical and midbrain areas with
lower centers that control automatic, internal body functions. It
comprises the hippocampus, amygdala, septal area and several regions of
the cerebrum. It is associated with feelings such as hunger, thirst,
anger, sadness, sexual arousal and pleasure. It is also associated with
creativity, learning and memory. This is one of the reasons why so often
something that we smell will trigger a memory or remind us of something or
someone. This can be both pleasant and unpleasant. The sense of smell is
very sensitive and in fact we do not even have to be able to consciously
smell something for it to have an effect on us. When diluted and
applied externally, some of the essential oil molecules may permeate the
skin, pass through the capillaries and into the blood stream which will of
course carry them to all parts of the body.
Essential oils are used for many
different reasons and in a number of different ways. They can truly
address the needs of the body, mind and spirit. They can be used to
help with emotional challengers such as lack of self esteem or they can be
used for more physical and mental problems such as stress, muscle aches
and pains, headaches, depression, colds and flu etc. Aromatics have a
long history of being used in religious or spiritual practices and today
essential oils can be utilized to access the spiritual side of our nature.
They can be diffused while meditating or praying. They can be used in a
diffuser to create just the right mood or atmosphere or to clear a stuffy
nose. They can be added to personal products such as soaps, body
lotions and creams for skin care and personal hygiene. They can be
used in baths, compresses or massage oils to enhance many different
aspects of life.
Only buy your essential oils from
reputable dealers that sell 100% Pure essential oil. Be wary of essential
oils that all cost the same price. In the case of pure essential oils this
is an impossibility. For example the essential oil yield from different
plants varies greatly and any source offering oils such as rose, neroli
and jasmine (which have a low essential oil yield) for the same price as
lavender, peppermint and orange (which have a much higher yield) must be
suspect. You would expect a good essential oil to be sold in a dark glass
bottle (usually blue or brown, sometime violet or green) and to have the
following information available on the label and/or information
leaflet.
Adulteration is when an essential oil has
been added to or changed. There is nothing wrong with this practice as
long as the customer is fully informed of what he/she is buying. For
instance, in order to extend an essential oil, a carrier oil could have
been added. Unless clearly marked on the label that the essential oil is
diluted in carrier oil this is, of course, highly unethical. Given the
high cost of some essential oils, this can happen which is unfortunate.
Another way oils can be adulterated is to extend an essential oil with a
similar smelling cheaper oil. Here, what you are purchasing is a 100%
essential oil, however, you are not getting the oil you thought you were
getting. Jasmine is an example of an oil that is often sold adulterated.
Jasmine yields an extremely small amount of essential oil and is very
expensive. If you see Jasmine offered for the same price as for instance
Lavender, beware. back to top
Essential oils are concentrated
substances so remember less is better than more. Do not use undiluted
essential oils topically on the skin and be sure you are aware of any
contraindications with regards to each particular oil before you use it.
Two exceptions to this rule may be with
Lavender and
Tea Tree.
To a bath add 3 - 8 drops of essential oil or blend of
essential oils.
In a massage oil or body product use a 2%
dilution, or 15 drops to 30ml (1oz) of carrier oil or base product.
For children, pregnant women, the elderly or ill you would reduce
the dilution to 1%, or no more than 7 drops to 30ml (1oz).
For the
face, it is also recommended to use no more than a 1% dilution.
A personal perfume usually has a much higher percentage than a
massage oil or body product (cream or lotion). A 7 - 10% dilution is often
used. 15 - 20 drops of essential oil or essential oil blend are added to
10 ml (1/3 oz) of jojoba or alcohol. back to top
MISSION
STATEMENT
At Aroma-Pure, Our
mission has always remained the same: to supply the finest,
purest essential oil and aromatherapy products at honest,
competitive prices. Our dedication to customer service means
that we aim to ensure that every time our customers deal with
Aroma-Pure, it is a pleasant and memorable experience.
All information, content
and product descriptions contained within this site is for reference
purposes and is not intended to substitute advice given by a pharmacist,
physician, or other licensed health-care professional. You should
not use this information for treating a health problem or disease
or to make a self-diagnosis. Actual product packaging and materials
may contain different information than that shown on this Web
site. Contact your Health Care provider immediately if you suspect
that you have a medical problem. Information and statements regarding
Aroma-Pure products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are
not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition
or disease.
