Nature's Essential Oils

What are essential oils? They are concentrated oils of a plant from which they were extracted. They are “essential” because they carry a distinctive essence of the plant. They are, also, known as volatile oils because they have bioactive ingredients. This means they contain natural chemicals that interact with biological systems. They are potent chemicals and should be respected and used with care. There are warnings to heed when using these oils. Never use large amounts of these oils externally, or internally. Never use them straight. They must always be diluted in carrier oil, or soap, lotion, or other buffering agent. Finally, never use essential oils without knowing what their bioactive compounds are known to do.

How can essential oils help us? Various oils have been used, medicinally, throughout history. Those who have sold these oils propose they provide treatments and remedies for a variety of ailments, based on historical uses. Within recent decades, their popularity has revived in aromatherapy, an alternative type of medicine that claims these oils and their aromas have curing effects. They are used in aromatherapy. Aromatherapy proposes that healing effects are ascribed to the aroma compounds in the essential oils and other plant extracts. Some studies have claimed that aromatherapy has had an uplifting effect on the mind. These oils are diluted in carrier oil and used in massages. Many essential oils have antiseptic properties, meaning they are able to either destroy bacteria or prevent bacterial growth. Essential oils have been used a variety of ways.

What are the common known oils? Lavender, peppermint, rose and eucalyptus are well known, but there are many others including citrus scents, such as lemon or orange. They are derived from sections of plants, flower, bark, wood, seeds, berries, peel, root and more. Here is a description of some essential oils and their derivatives:

Bark: Cassia, Cinnamon and Sassafras

Berries: Allspice and Juniper

Flowers: Chamomile, Jasmine, Lavender, Orange, Rose, Clove, Cannabis, Scented geranium, Clary sage, Hops, Hyssop, Manuka, Marjoram and Yiang-yiang

Leaves: Basil, Bay leaf, Cinnamon, Peppermint, Rosemary, Spearmint, Tea Tree, Thyme, Wintergreen, Pine, Patchouli, Oregano, Melaleuca, Lemon grass, Eucalyptus, and Common Sage

Peel: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Orange, Tangerine and Lime

Resin: Frankincense and Myrrh

Root: Valerian

Rhizome: Ginger and Galangal

Seeds: Almond, Anise, Celery, Cumin and Nutmeg oil

Wood: Agarwood, Camphor, Cedar, Rosewood and Sandalwood

Are there other ways to use these oils? Yes. There are many ways to use them. They can be used in perfumes, cosmetics, soap, flavoring for food and drink, household cleaning products and more. These oils, from nature, can provide a multitude of benefits for the mind, body and spirit in many different ways.

Nature has demonstrated its effectiveness through essential oils. Understanding, appreciating and respecting these oils can help improve our daily lives. Nature provides substances that help us live life a little more comfortably. Nature is our friend with essential oils.