What are essential oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated natural oils extracted from plants, containing the plant’s unique scent and flavour. They are usually extracted through a process of steam distillation, cold pressing, or solvent extraction, and are commonly used in aromatherapy, cosmetics, perfumes, and cleaning products.

Essential oils are considered “essential” because they contain the essence or aromatic compounds of the plant from which they are extracted, and they are highly potent, meaning only a small amount is needed to achieve the desired effect. They are also referred to as volatile oils because they evaporate quickly and easily, and are used in a variety of ways to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Brief history and background

Natural oils with high concentrations have traditionally been used to promote emotional calmness or stimulation and improve overall well-being. Throughout history, scented oils have been used in incense and candles for religious rituals. Many cultures believed that aromas had the power to protect against evil or motivate us to achieve more.

Scented oils were used by the Egyptians in burial customs and as a representation of power. Aromas were thought to be a form of connection to higher beings by the Greeks, and the Romans used scented oils as a tool for attraction and seduction.

Aromatherapy was first introduced in the 1930s by the French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé, who discovered the healing properties of lavender oil when it effectively healed his burned hand without leaving any scars. During World War II, Dr. Jean Valnet, a French army surgeon, treated wounded soldiers with oils, while Marguerite Maury, an Austrian beauty therapist and biochemist, is recognised for introducing the use of essential oils in massages.

Aromatherapy is a traditional practice that can safely and effectively boost mood and promote healing that can positively improve our lives today.

How Essential Oils Are Made

Tiny sacs on the surface of a leaf or flower, and sometimes within bark, seeds, and roots, hold the essential oils of a plant. When you scrape a lemon peel and smell a strong lemon scent, it means you have ruptured the sacs present on the surface of the peel and have released the lemon oil.

Rubbing the leaves of a herb between your fingers releases the oil by breaking the vessels, producing a smell. One of several methods is used to rupture the sacs and collect the oils when producing essential oils.

There are three main techniques for obtaining essential oils from aromatic plants: distillation processes, expression or cold-pressing processes, and extraction methods that use volatile solvents.

Distillation

The process of distillation involves heating plant material until it transforms into vapour, which is then condensed back into a liquid state through cooling.

Water distillation involves placing the plant material in water and heating it within a container that is vacuum-sealed. Steam distillation is often faster and better than this method because some fragile elements of essential oils can be harmed by heat exposure, making this method slower and sometimes lower in quality.

The most popular method for extracting essential oils, steam distillation is a method of extracting essential oil that uses pressurised steam to make the process faster and more efficient. The essential oil is extracted from the plant material by using steam from boiling water. When the steam rises and goes through a cold coil, it becomes a liquid, and the essential oil is separated from it. Steam distillation is a widely used method that produces high-quality essential oil.

Cold pressing

Cold pressing is primarily used for citrus fruits. The oils found in citrus fruits are located near the surface of the peel and can be extracted by squeezing or puncturing the peel. Cold pressing, which is also known as mechanical pressing, literally involves squeezing the rind of a fruit to extract its volatile organic compounds.

In the past, people used sponges to manually collect the oil, but they don’t do that anymore. Although citrus oils can be steam distilled, it is important to note that the aroma and therapeutic properties can vary considerably compared to other methods of extraction.

Solvent extraction

Solvent extraction processes are used for delicate plant materials, such as flowers, and those that have a small amount of essential oil. Although this method is gentle, the essential oils obtained contain not only the oil but also non-volatile waxes and plant dyes. Modern production primarily employs volatile hydrocarbons, specifically hexane, as the main solvents.

A new process called hypercritical carbon dioxide has been developed. According to some experts, this process can produce very high-quality and pure essential oils. However, other experts have expressed criticism about the oils produced through this method. The process requires very expensive equipment, so essential oils produced in this manner are difficult to obtain and expensive.

Popular Uses of Essential Oils

Essential oils have gained popularity in recent years due to their versatility and potential health benefits and there are many ways of using them.

Aromatherapy

Although modern aromatherapy has only been practised for the past century, essential oils have been used for healing the mind, body, and spirit in ancient civilisations from around the world.

René-Maurice Gattefossé conducted experiments on essential oils and discovered their potential for healing. After he burned his hand in a laboratory accident, he dipped it into lavender essential oil and was amazed at how effectively it healed his burn. This experience motivated him to conduct more research on essential oils, and he introduced the term “aromatherapie” in a scientific paper in 1928. This marked the beginning of modern aromatherapy and the significant role plants can play in healing and recovery.

Skincare and beauty

“Cosmetic aromatherapy” is a natural method that has been used for a long time to improve and beautify the skin of the face and body. It involves the use of essential oils for maintaining the skin’s good health.

For centuries, essential oils have been used for cosmetic purposes. The Egyptians used frankincense and cedarwood for embalming. According to scientific studies, rose, frankincense, neroli, and lavender essential oils stimulate the regeneration of new healthy skin cells. They can also rejuvenate the skin by restoring vitality and regulating capillary activity. Thus, essential oils are helpful for skin care.

Some of the many benefits of using essential oils in skincare and beauty are:

• Natural ingredients: Essential oils are derived from plants, making them a natural and non-toxic alternative to synthetic ingredients found in some skincare products.
• Moisturising properties: Some essential oils, such as lavender and geranium, have moisturising properties that can help hydrate and soothe dry or irritated skin.
• Anti-aging properties: Certain essential oils, such as frankincense and rose, have anti-aging properties that can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Essential oils such as tea tree and chamomile have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe inflamed skin and reduce redness.
• Antimicrobial properties: Some essential oils, such as tea tree and oregano, have antimicrobial properties that can help fight against bacteria and other microbes that can cause skin infections.
• Aromatherapy benefits: Essential oils can offer aromatherapy benefits that can help promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can help improve overall skin health.

Household cleaning

Essential oils can be used for cleaning around the house and not just restricted to personal use. Tea tree, oregano, and eucalyptus oils are effective for cleaning the bathroom, including toilets, sinks, and drains, while pine oil is great for killing germs in toilets as well. Additionally, essential oils can add a pleasant scent to your cleaning routine.

Essential oils have several benefits when used in household cleaning. Here are some of them:

• Natural and non-toxic: Essential oils are derived from plants, making them a natural and non-toxic alternative to harsh chemical cleaners.
• Anti-bacterial properties: Some essential oils, such as tea tree and lemon, have natural antibacterial properties that can help kill germs and bacteria in your home.
• Pleasant scent: Essential oils can provide a pleasant scent to your cleaning products, which can help freshen up your home.
• Multipurpose: Essential oils can be used for multiple cleaning tasks, from removing stains to disinfecting surfaces.
• Eco-friendly: Using essential oils in your cleaning routine can help reduce your carbon footprint by reducing your reliance on chemical-based cleaning products.
• Cost-effective: Essential oils can be more cost-effective than store-bought cleaning products, as a small amount goes a long way.

Natural remedies

Essential oils are commonly used in natural remedies because they contain concentrated plant extracts that may have therapeutic properties. When used in natural remedies, essential oils are typically diluted in a carrier oil, such as coconut or almond oil, and applied topically to the skin or inhaled through a diffuser. For example, tea tree oil is commonly used as a natural remedy for acne due to its antibacterial properties, while lavender oil is often used to promote relaxation and alleviate stress.

It’s important to note that while essential oils may have potential health benefits, they should always be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Cooking

While it is generally not advised to consume essential oils internally, incorporating them in small amounts into food and beverages is safe as they are heavily diluted and pose minimal risk of causing any negative reactions. Essential oils are already used by the flavourings industry to add taste to food, drinks, and personal care items including toothpaste, so we frequently consume tiny quantities of these oils.

Using essential oils in cooking can provide a distinct taste and scent to food, while also offering various advantages. Here are some of them:

• Concentrated flavour: Essential oils are highly concentrated, which means that a small amount can add a lot of flavour to your dishes.
• Versatility: Essential oils can be used in a variety of dishes, from sweet to savoury, and can be used as a substitute for fresh or dried herbs.
• Shelf-stable: Essential oils have a longer shelf life than fresh herbs and can be stored for longer periods without losing their potency.
• Health benefits: Some essential oils, such as peppermint and ginger, have digestive and anti-inflammatory properties that can help promote better health.
• Cost-effective: Essential oils are cost-effective, as a small amount can go a long way in adding flavour and aroma to your food.

However, it’s important to note that not all essential oils are safe for ingestion. Some essential oils are toxic and should not be used in cooking. It’s important to use high-quality, food-grade essential oils and to consult with a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare professional before using essential oils for culinary purposes.

Benefits of Essential Oils

Aromas can evoke strong memories because our sense of smell is more sensitive and quick to react than any of our other senses. The fragrance’s chemicals can cause physical reactions and impact our emotional state. The aromatic oils have a holistic effect on the mind, body and spirit, which brings a sense of balance, healing, and often a profound feeling of well-being.

Holistic healing involves addressing the body, mind, and spirit as a whole to achieve overall harmony. This approach differs significantly from the conventional one where drugs are used to target and suppress symptoms, but do not always address the underlying cause of those symptoms.

Physical benefits

After entering the body, essential oil particles move through the bloodstream and target specific organs or body systems that they have therapeutic effects on. This is because most essential oils have an affinity for a particular organ or body system.

Natural essential oils have medicinal properties that come from plants and can be used for healing purposes. Essential oils have various benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. They are also anti-microbial which helps in eliminating harmful microorganisms that can cause diseases. People frequently use essential oils because of their mild anaesthetic properties that can alleviate localised pain. Due to their analgesic properties, essential oils are particularly helpful in relieving muscle and joint pains, as well as providing pain relief for tension headaches, aches, and sprains in specific areas.

Emotional benefits

Essential oils can significantly impact your mental, emotional, and psychological well-being in a positive way. Depending on your specific needs at any given time, essential oils can be used to promote a desired state of mind. They are known for their unique fragrances and therapeutic properties that can positively impact our emotions and mental well-being.

Essential oils have a positive reputation for boosting mood, treating symptoms of stress and anxiety (both mental and physical), improving focus and concentration by refreshing the mind, and balancing energy levels by either relaxing or stimulating the body. It’s important to note that while essential oils can offer emotional benefits, they should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health treatment if needed.

Spiritual benefits

Aromatic plants have been used for religious and spiritual purposes since ancient times. Because of their healing properties and divine scents, they were considered sacred and burned as a sacrifice. The fragrant smoke was then offered to the gods.

Whether it be in traditional rituals or personal meditation, essential oils have been known to assist in achieving spiritual goals. Aromas can enhance a space that’s conducive to meditation, introspection, contemplation, and prayer. Nowadays, you can customise your environment with different essential oils or blends to create the desired atmosphere and mood that best supports your meditation practice.

Safety Precautions When Using Essential Oils

It is important to use essential oils carefully as they are highly concentrated. Make sure to follow instructions on dilution and what to do in case of spills or misuse. Also, be cautious when using oils on infants and avoid certain oils during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and for certain medical conditions. It’s very important to note, essential oils should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. You should always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using essential oils.

Spillage

Applying undiluted essential oils directly on your skin can cause irritation. Additionally, be careful not to spill essential oils as they can damage furniture varnishes and stain fabrics like carpets and bedding.
Here are some tips for dealing with spillages or accidents:

• Apply a stain remover for oil stains and then wash with detergent if you spill on soft furnishings and bedding
• Drink milk to dilute the essential oil if you accidentally ingest it
• Place bottles on saucers or tubs to prevent spilling on furniture as you can damage the surface
• Rinse your eyes with milk or plenty of water if you splash water in your eyes
• Pour vegetable oil on your skin to dilute the essential oil if you spill it directly on the skin

Medical conditions

Although essential oils are generally safe to use with medical conditions, caution is needed in some cases. Despite concerns that oils should be avoided with hypertension, there is no evidence to support this claim.

If you suffer from asthma, it is best to use a diffuser instead of directly inhaling steam from a steam inhalation. Additionally, essential oils must be used in a well-diluted form. If you have epilepsy, then it’s advisable to avoid using hyssop and wormwood oils. For children with hypersensitive skin or atopic conditions, it is recommended to use a blend with no more than 1% essential oils and do a patch test before applying. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using essential oils if you suffer from any medical condition.

Age restrictions

Considering the sensitive and permeable skin of young infants, it is advised to exercise caution while using essential oils on them. Adverse effects can be difficult for babies to manage. Diffusers are the recommended method of using oils with infants. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using essential oils on babies, infants and children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, it’s important to avoid certain essential oils. Some oils like sage can be too stimulating in the early weeks of pregnancy, while others like basil can be toxic. Additionally, hypersensitivity can occur in the skin during pregnancy, so it’s best to avoid oils like cinnamon bark oil. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using essential oils while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Storage

When essential oils are exposed to light, air, and heat, they evaporate and degrade faster because they are volatile substances. To ensure the essential oils retain their therapeutic properties, it is important to store them correctly as exposure to sunlight can cause chemical reactions that degrade the oils.
To help you maximise the life span of your essential oils and enjoy their benefits to the full:

• Avoid storing essential oils in plastic
• Store bottles in a cupboard out of direct sunlight and heat
• Keep note of when the bottle was opened
• Keep essential oils in amber glass bottles
• Always use a dropper insert (dripulator) to control how much you use and keep children safe
• Keep essential oils away from children and pets at all times
• Never store essential oils near heat or flame as they are flammable

Conclusion

In conclusion, pure essential oils and essential oil blends are a wonderful way to enjoy their therapeutic benefits and enhance your well-being. Essential oils are concentrated natural oils extracted from plants through various methods such as steam distillation, cold pressing, or solvent extraction. They contain the essence or aromatic compounds of the plant and are highly potent, requiring only a small amount to achieve the desired effect.

Essential oils are commonly used in aromatherapy, cosmetics, perfumes, and cleaning products. Essential oils are obtained from plants through distillation, expression, or solvent extraction processes. Steam distillation is the most popular method, while cold pressing is used primarily for citrus fruits. Solvent extraction is used for delicate plant materials, and a new process called hypercritical carbon dioxide has been developed to produce high-quality essential oils.

Essential oils have become popular due to their versatility and potential health benefits. There are several ways of using essential oils, including aromatherapy, skincare, household cleaning, natural remedies, and cooking. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy to heal the mind, body, and spirit. They can also be used in skin care products due to their natural and non-toxic properties, moisturising, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

In household cleaning, essential oils are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and multipurpose. Essential oils are also used in natural remedies, but should always be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. When used in cooking, essential oils offer a concentrated flavour, versatility, longer shelf life, and some health benefits, but not all essential oils are safe for ingestion.

It’s important to use them safely and responsibly, taking into account age restrictions, medical conditions, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and proper storage. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional when using essential oils if you have any concerns as they will be able to advise on the best course of action. With the right precautions in place, you can reap all the rewards that come with using these natural products.