These pure essential oils - also called aromatherapy oils - are best derived from organic sources whenever possible. The reason is that these plants are raised under very strict conditions, free of petroleum-based fertilizers and chemical pesticides that work their way into virtually all parts of the plant - and ultimately, into essential oils. Although the rules and regulations regarding what can be sold as "organic" vary from one country to another, in general farmers who raise plants for use in organic essential oils must keep very careful documentation of their procedures as well as submit to yearly inspections and audits. This is your guarantee of the best quality when it comes to essential oils.
What Exactly Are Essential Oils?
Aromatherapy essential oils are the "hydrophobic" (i.e., oily) liquid extracts from plants that contains aromatic compounds. Most all plants have such oils; one that you've probably consumed the last time you ate at an Italian or Greek restaurant is olive oil; sesame oil is used extensively in Asian cuisine. However, the aroma of these particular pure essential oils is very mild, and of little use in aromatherapy. It is worth noting however that olive oil has been used as body oil in the Mediterranean for several thousand years. When wealthy Romans bathed, it was a common custom after exiting the baths to have their bodies oiled and scraped by slaves; olive oil was virtually the only kind of oil used for this purpose.
When it comes to aromatherapy however, it is the scent that is the most important. These oils are called "essential" in that they have distinctive scents or smells. These oils are what give certain flowering plants, such as roses and carnations, their pleasant smells.
How are Aromatherapy Essential Oils Made?
There are three basic ways in which these oils are extracted:
1. Distillation: the substance is boiled, causing the various biochemical substances to separate and allowing them to be collected
2. Expression: the plant, its pedals, leaves or seeds are crushed (this is how olive and sesame oils are produced)
3. Solvent Extraction: biochemical compounds are separated by using some other type of liquid.
Uses of Aromatherapy Oils
Essential oils have been used for centuries for many different reasons, ranging from medicinal to supernatural. An example is the use of such oils in incense that is burned during the ceremonies of many religious faiths. There are claims that certain oils used in aromatherapy actually have curative properties, however these have not been proven scientifically. However, there is no harm in using essential oils simply for the sensual pleasure of their scent.
Related Articles
How Can You Benefit From Essential Oils
By: George Key | 25/07/2008 | Alternative Medicine
Essential oils are liquids that are taken from the leaves, flowers, roots or stems of plants or flowers. Essential oils are typically clear and sometimes amber or yellow in appearance. They are highly concentrated and have many great and versatile uses. They can be used to help relieve stress and anxiety, thin out congestion in the lungs and chest and even clean the house.
All About Orange Essential Oil
By: Rebecca Noel | 09/08/2008 | Health
Some cool facts and tips about the many uses of orange essential oil.
What are Aromatherapy Essential Oils?
By: Lizzi | 20/09/2008 | Stress Management
These synergistic oils are considered to have a greater total effect than the effect of any one oil working independently.
Essential Tips for Aromatherapy
By: peterhutch | 25/03/2008 | Alternative Medicine
Don't buy perfume oils thinking they are the same thing as essential oils. Perfume oils do not offer the therapeutic benefits of essential oils.
Aromatherapy Skin Care Products – Do They Work?
By: orsondixon | 23/10/2008 | Skin Care
As you can see, the ancients had laid the foundation of aromatherapy for skin care, long before Gattefossé stumbled upon the healing properties of pure lavender oil.
How To Use Aromatherapy To Keep Your Home Clean And Smelling Fresh
By: Stacy Richford | 28/08/2006 | Non-Fiction
If your going to clean your home, why not make the most of it and reap the benefits of aromatherapy while you clean!
Are Herbal Vitamins Safe?
By: orsondixon | 23/10/2008 | Skin Care
To avoid side effects associated with modern medicine, there is a general preference for 100% natural remedies. Many studies prove the therapeutic ability of natural herbal extracts. The evidence suggests that the intake of herbal vitamins when complemented with a regular and healthy diet is enough to ensure good health.
Bowtech: a New Holistic Therapy
By: George Kakaris | 18/06/2007 | Alternative Medicine
Do you suffer from backache, myalgia, neck syndrome, migraine or allergies? Bowen Technique can cure your condition with only few sessions and without any medicine, by activating the human body’s self healing mechanism.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Liver Cleansers...Do they work?
By: LOLDIS | 18-10-2008
I am curious to know if liver cleansers really work. I have a "recipe" for a soup that supposedly cleans your liver. Is that even possible?
I'd like to offer this boy and his mother the idea ...
By: Sherrin | 22-09-2008
I'd like to offer this boy and his mother the idea of doing a supportive intention-based aromatherapy ritual at night together. Mom can diffuse 10 drops of essential oil of lavender in a bowl of warm water next to the bed, then they can visualize their bodies as ice sculptures melting under the warm covers and breathe the relaxing fragrance together. Sincerely, Sherrin Bernstein, LMT attractessentials@mac.com
Fragrance Blend Sets - Where can you get them Wholesale?
By: Jeannie | 11-09-2008
I saw a fragrance blend gift set from 7th Heaven (catalog) with scents, a bottle and a dropper where you could create your own scent. It was a gift set. Does anyone know where to buy these gift sets wholesale?
Acupuncture in Jeddah, KSA
By: asking | 02-09-2008
Is there an Acupuncture Center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia?
Does alternative medicine really work?
By: MackTheKnife | 14-08-2008
Lately I've been feeling a bit run down, and someone suggested that I should try some alternative medicine remedies. I'm not too keen on it, as I don't really believe in all that stuff.
I'd really like to hear from people who have tried alternative remedies, and what kind of results they had. What worked and what didn't
Can anyone get the authentication of the Japanese ...
By: mamadi | 05-08-2008
Can anyone get the authentication of the Japanese study that resulted in 54% fewer errors when lemon oil was diffused.
Q&A Powered by:
More from Anne Harvester
The Benefits of Shea Butter
By: Anne Harvester | 22/06/2008 | Skin Care
Despite its name, shea butter is not true dairy butter, nor is there any such animal known as the shea that gives shea milk. However, it looks like and has the consistency and look of dairy butter, and has been used in the preparation of fried foods in West Africa for many centuries.
Save yourself and the Planet With Safe Personal Care Products
By: Anne Harvester | 21/06/2008 | Wellness
If you’ve never enjoyed the benefits of using safe personal care products before, there’s no time like the present to make the switch. Using safe cosmetics, chemical free shampoos and other natural skin products will not only make you look better, you’ll feel better as well.
Put the Fun Back in Your Relationship With Trashy Lingerie!
By: Anne Harvester | 19/06/2008 | Clothing
Plus size lingerie will set off your full figure in trashy wonderful style. Why not try on a vinyl fishnet baby doll for a glamor look, or experiment with a leather chastity thong for raising the trash level to a new high in fun. How about a plus size lingerie lace-up corset, a vinyl school girl skirt or a cupless mini dress to show off all your voluptuous curves?
Protect yourself With Natural Skin Care Products
By: Anne Harvester | 17/06/2008 | Skin Care
Sensitive skincare is necessary to help ward off the ravages of the sun, the weather, environmental toxins and not the least of all, aging. However, there is a bewildering variety of natural skin care products on the market - how does one choose?
Sheer Lingerie for Sexy Nights!
By: Anne Harvester | 17/06/2008 | Clothing
One classic style of sheer lingerie is the teddy. Teddies come in a wide variety of styles, such as deep V-neck or halter styles, and are decorated in a plethora of ways, including floral embroidery, rings, lace, satin and keyholes. For the adventurous, open bust teddies are available. Some teddies can be worn on their own, or you could wear them under a jacket or blouse for a sexy glimpse of lace under your clothing.
All About Glycerin Soap
By: Anne Harvester | 16/06/2008 | Skin Care
Glycerin soap is one of many safe personal care products that may be more appropriate for people with sensitive and/or delicate skin. In an increasingly toxic environment, more and more of us are finding our resistance strained to its limits.
Stay Healthy With Organic Teas
By: Anne Harvester | 15/06/2008 | Tea
Part of tea-related traditions include tea accessories such as tea pots, tea warmers and platters. If you are purchasing organic loose teas, you’ll definitely need tea balls, as bulk tea comes loose – there are no tea bags.
Add a Little Spice to Your Romance With Sexy Lingerie!
By: Anne Harvester | 15/06/2008 | Fashion
Add the polishing touch to your adult lingerie outfit by using fun accessories to set off the look. For instance, a deep V-neckline can be accentuated with an appropriate drape necklace crafted from shimmery rhinestones.
Health 
