What are Essential Oils?

What are Essential Oils?

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Essential oils (EO) are naturally occurring, volatile chemical  compounds found in over 300 plants.  They are obtained  either by  distillation with water or steam, or by   mechanical expression.  Essential oils can be found in different parts of  aromatic plants including leaves, fruit, roots, bark, seeds, needles and stems and branches.

Essential oils:

• Do not mix or dissolve in water

• Can be flammable

• Are volatile, meaning that they are light compounds, quick to disperse or evaporate

• Contain hundreds of chemical constituents that work synergistically

Role of EO in plants:

• Attract pollinators; bees, insects, etc.

• Repel harmful insects and herbivores

• They are a product of plant metabolic pathways to support the plant’s ecology

• EO have antimicrobial properties that are metabolized to protect the plant from invading micro-organisms in the environment

Humans have been using plants for thousands of years for food, medicine and cosmetics.  In the last century it has become apparent that EO have a wide range of therapeutic properties and are being used for their healing properties.

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Quality tested, authentic, many organic options essential oils, carriers, blends and cosmetic bases from a reputable and ethical company, Absolute Aromas. You can shop here: http://absolute-aromas.ca/?rfsn=1487940.0ada49

Essential Oil Safety

Following simple safety guidelines can help you avoid any unwanted or negative effects.

• Do not ingest or use undiluted in vagina or rectum

• Avoid contact with eyes, nose and ears

• Do not touch contact lenses or rub eyes with EO on your fingers

• Keep out of reach of children and pets

• Dilute EO with a carrier oil prior to topical applications or using in bath water

• Conduct a patch test on inner arm, if irritation occurs do not use

• Never assume that an EO has the same properties as the plant or herb

• Some EO are phototoxic, avoid sun or tanning beds for at least 12 hours after topical use

• Pregnant, nursing and new mothers should consult with health care professional     before use

• If you have any serious medical condition, take regular prescription medications,  chronic health concerns, severe heart, lung or kidney problems, consult with medical practitioner prior to using EO

• Read and follow all warnings and cautions

• Seek the guidance and support of a CFA certified aromatherapist

Choosing Authentic Essential Oils

Read the label.  Quality oils will list the following on the label and/or on an insert:

• Common name

• Botanical (Latin) name

• Country of origin

• Expiration date/date of manufacture

• Extraction process

• Usage instructions

• Safety precautions

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Beware of misleading marketing lingo!  Avoid products labeled as:

• Fragrance

• Nature identical

• Standardized

• Scented

These terms can be indicative of  synthetic and/or adulterated oils.

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The price of EO is determined by the yield and bio-availability of the plant, therefore the price of EO can vary from plant to plant.  It is important to understand the source of your EO as well as to have awareness of sustainable practices and ethical farming.  Learn to read and interpret chemical analysis reports.  Proper gas chromatography or mass spectrometer reports can expose any adulterants in the EO.