A Few Things You Should Know About Essential Oils
Essential oils are not really oils
They do not contain the fatty acids required to constitute an actual oil. They are more accurately described as “highly concentrated plant constituents possessing potent medicinal and cosmetic qualities” as was stated by Valerie Gennari Cooksley, author of Aromatherapy: Soothing Remedies to Restore. However, they retain similar qualities as traditional oils and can be used in the fragrance creation process as well.
Most essential oils are high in antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties
This quality makes them a great addition to homemade cleaning products. The best essential oils for this purpose include: lemon, eucalypts, grapefruit, peppermint, lavender, rosemary and tea tree. So stop buying the toxic cleaning products you find on the market and make your very own all natural products!
Scientific studies has shown that rosemary helps brain performance
Specifically, rosemary helps with recalling memories. It is a great tool to use for studying and has been shown to increase test performance. It is also tested that those who inhaled rosemary, as opposed to no odor at all, felt much more relaxed in the testing setting.
Enormous amounts of plants are used to produce an essential oil
On the extreme end, it takes 4,000 pounds of Bulgarian roses to produce 1 pound of the essential oil. Other plants like lavender only take 100 pounds to produce one pound of essential oil. This demonstrates how highly concentrated essential oils must be.
Most essential oils should never be used undiluted on the skin
Instead, they should be combined with “real” oils (or carrier oils), waxes, butters, waxes, or alcohol. Because of their concentration, if you do not dilute essential oils you may end up with an unfortunate reaction on your skin. Those with naturally sensitive skin should be extremely cautious.
Do not take essential oils internally
Especially oils like eucalyptus and wintergreen. Some essential oils are diluted enough to be used in products like toothpaste, but in general it is recommended that you do not ingest these oils. In fact, there are a few toxic essential oils that should be avoided even through skin contact. So, remember to be mindful when using this gift from nature.
Essential oils will last for at least 5 years (if not 10), so one bottle could literally last you a decade.
Hopefully that thought will help mitigate the cost involved in purchasing some essential oils. Because they are SO concentrated and only a tiny amount is needed in anything you do, they’ll last you a very, very long time. The only exception to this rule is citrus oils, which will see a reduction in potency after a year or two.
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