Understanding Essential Oils

What are essential oils?

Essential oils, originally termed as “quintessential oils”, are highly concentrated aromatic plant extracts, similar to the notion ‘the life force of the plants’. It is the essence of a plant’s homeostatic and adaptive mechanisms, which otherwise helps it to attract insects, repel competition, defend against predators, and provide immunity against diseases. 

How is it extracted?

Essential oils are extracted from various parts of a plant, such as flowers, seeds, leaves, branches, bark, wood, roots, rhizomes, fruit peels and resins. They are extracted mainly through distillation, and mechanical separation (cold pressing) methods.

Distillation

During distillation, the plant material is submerged in water, and is heated to remove its volatile constituents. These volatile constituents is then captured and cooled in a condenser back into liquid form. The liquid is then collected and the essential oil, which is found on the surface of the water is then siphoned off. The remaining product of distillation is known as Hydrosols, and could be used in other areas of Aromatherapy.

Cold Pressing

Cold pressing is a method of extraction specific to citrus essential oils, such as tangerine, lemon, bergamot, sweet orange, and lime. The modern method of cold pressing, termed as the ecuelle a piquer process, involves a prodding, pricking, sticking action to release the essential oil. During this process, the rind of the fruit is punctured and spiked by a rotating machine, releasing the essential oil.

Where is it used in?

For thousands of years, humans have been using essential oils for emotional self-healing and physical wellbeing. They are often used in aromatherapy, facial creams, body lotion and bath, which encompass the overall application and use of essential oils to support the health and wellness of the person.

 

Directions:

Aromatically

Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to a diffuser to enjoy the aromatic benefits of the essential oil. Don’t have a diffuser? Fret not! Simply add a few drops to a cotton ball and place it in areas where you want to disperse the scent.

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Topically

Dilute your favourite essential oils in a roller bottle, with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or fractionated coconut oil. You can apply them to most parts of your body, (the crown of your head, behind the ears, to your wrists etc.) be cautious at sensitive areas. Use a lower % dilution for babies and individuals with sensitive skin.

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Are essential oils safe for pets?

If you have pets at home, take extra care when using essential oils as it can be harmful for them. Always keep the bottles out of reach and cap them when not in use. 

Watch out for changes in their behaviour, such as leaving the room while oils are burning or changes in eating habits. If you notice changes, we highly recommend to stop using that particular oil immediately and visit the veterinarian for check-up.

Peppermint essential oil, Citrus essential oils such as lemon, Tea Tree essential oil, Pine oil, Eucalyptus oil, Cinnamon essential oil, Ylang Ylang essential oil are commonly harmful to pets.