Defining Essential Oils and their Uses »

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Defining Essential Oils and their Uses

Sunday, March 7th, 2010 Subscribe To Our Feed

Essential oils have many practical uses for many individuals. Essential oils are concentrated, hydrophobic liquids containing volatile aromatic compounds from plants. The oils are produced by distillation, or through expression, and extraction. The essential oils can be used in aromatherapy, perfumery, cosmetics, incense, for flavoring in food and drink, and in household cleaning products. These oils are vital in the fragrance and flavorant industries. The term essential indicates that oil is a fragrant essence of the plant. An aromatherapy massage is the most common use of essential oils. Using essential oils in aromatherapy can provide a healing and soothing massage for many people.

The path the essential oils take to affect an individual’s body is through the olfactory system. A person absorbs the oils by inhaling the aromatic chemicals that comprise the essential oils. The oils then affect the central nervous system, and cross the “blood-brain” barrier. The essential oils can be used in combination with bath salts to provide a soothing effect. Blending essential oils with Epsom Salts, Sea Salt, and Baking Soda, are perfect for sore and aching muscles. Only a small amount of essential oil should be blended with the bath salts. The blend of salts and oil can be added to a warm bath or may be used as a “salt glow rub” before taking a bath. The oils may also give the skin feeling soft, but it may leave a messy residue in the bathtub.

Essential oils may also be used in laundry. The oils may be used in the washing machine, or put on a cotton cloth and added to the dryer. However, there are some precautions that must be taken before adding any oils to the dryer. Adding lemon oil to the dryer will remove oily smells, and adding Eucalyptus Globulous to the washing machine may kill dust mites in bedding. lavender essential oils may also be used in the dryer to scent bed linens.

Essential oils may also be used for general household cleaning procedures. The oils can be used in cleaning counters, mirrors, and other fixtures. lemon oil can be used in the dishpan to cut grease in dishes. Oils can be used to freshen a home as well as clean it. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy candles and lamps. A few drops of an essential oil may also be used to freshen trashcans, drains, vacuum bag filters, or to freshen drawers. Oils such as citrus, spice, or floral may be added to certain foods and drinks to provide flavoring. It is important to mix the well and always let it stand before eating the food or drink. The oils may also be used as a bug repellant. Many essential oils such as citronella, lavender and peppermint can act as natural repellant against insects. The essential oil can be placed onto tissues or cotton balls, and placed near doorways and windows to help repel bugs. Although the oils help repel insects, it is not safe to use them around household pets. It is also not advisable to apply essential oils directly to fragile surfaces.

Essential oils may have many practical uses, but there are some dangers of using these oils. Essential oils generally cannot be applied directly onto the skin in the undiluted form. If essential oils are applied to the skin before dilution, it will cause severe irritation or provoke an allergic reaction. The oils should be applied with plant oils or carrier oils, such as olive oil or hazelnut. There are some essential oils that are photosensitizes, which increases the skin reaction to sunlight and making it more likely to burn. There are some professionals that advocate the ingestion of essential oils for therapeutic purposes, but this should never be done unless under the supervision of the professional. Some essential oils, such as Eucalyptus are toxic when taken internally.

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