Generally, essential oils are prepared by steam distillation of the roots, flowers, bark, leaves, or other plant matter. The resulting oil is usually clear in nature and not slippery, even though it is an oil. Sometimes oils are too delicate for distillation and a cold extraction with ethanol is used to remove the oil from the plant material. People have been enjoying the health benefits of essential oils since ancient times.
With pure essential oils, a little goes a long way because of their high level of concentration. This ensures they are easier on the pocketbook than lotions and creams that contain fillers. They are also not fragrances or perfumes and, therefore, contain no artificial elements as are found in many other beauty products.
There are a lot of great cosmetics on the market for a variety of purposes, including lotions, perfumes, astringents, antiseptics, and hair care products. Though these products smell nice, they do not provide the same experience as aromatherapy with essential oils. Inhalation of eucalyptus oil clears the lungs and sinuses. Basil helps headaches. Rosemary in the hair will keep it soft and silky as well as providing a pleasant fragrance that will enhance the mood. Some oils, like neroli, can be applied directly to the skin or even eaten! Pure neroli oil can be enjoyed as aromatherapy by dripping gently on to vanilla ice cream and eating. Be sure to use a pure neroli oil and not one with a mixed carrier oil.
In aromatherapy, the oils are nebulized by heat or steam and the mist enters the lungs and sinuses. Some gets absorbed into the blood, but most treats the mucous membranes of the lungs, throat, and sinuses, sometimes to good effect. The astringent, antiseptic, and cleansing properties of eucalyptus are proven and it has been formulated into products accepted by the medical establishment starting with Listerine, which was the first hospital antiseptic. Other oils supposedly have psychologically beneficial properties, but these have
When applied directly to the skin, as when one receives a massage, it can soothe inflammation, dull pain, serve as an antiseptic, or even stimulate digestion. For those interested in natural forms of skin care, these oils can also regenerate cells and serve as an anti-fungal making them highly desirable for those with various conditions that do not respond well to traditional forms of treatment.
Pure essential oils can impact the physiology of the body either directly or indirectly. Different essences often focus on different concerns. For example, peppermint can be taken orally and helps aid digestion. Mucolytic oils, on the other hand, are usually inhaled and help with respiratory problems. The majority of scents, however, are designed to directly affect the brain and nervous system.
Most aromatherapy oils today are for lifting peoples spirits or exert a calming effect. For example, peppermint and neroli are natural sedatives providing a calming effect. Marjoram and clove are activating and stimulating. For real exhileration try some nutmeg or clary sage.
For health conscious women, essential oils are very beneficial for several cosmetic and beauty uses. Because they are natural and there is only one ingredient, there may be less to irritate you. Because the oils tend to put the user in a good mood, the body produces endorphins, which are chemicals that your body produces which make you feel good and stimulates healing and regeneration and enhanced immune function.
Before buying any essential oils be sure to take a look at our offerings on 100-Pure-Essential-Oil.net.