Essential oil is a product that’s commonly used in aromatherapy and is a leading ingredient in a variety of skincare products. Essential oil has long been heralded as a form of alternative medicine and many of the health claims that come from essential oil are based off of hundreds of years of use in holistic medicine.
At their base, essential oils are compounds that are directly extracted from plants. They are also called essences and they often contain some of the aromas of the plant products that they come out of. Most essential oils are produced using a distillation method which involves the use of water or steam or cold pressing solutions.
When the essences are extracted they are then added into a carrier oil to dilute the essence. Any oil that’s obtained using a chemical process is not considered to be an essential oil because it will contain trace amounts of chemicals and non-natural ingredients.
Essential oils can be used along the skin in aromatherapy or diluted and diffused throughout a room. Inhaling some of these aromas can work to stimulate our limbic system which can often lead to positive memories associated with the smells that we experience. Essential oils can be used for relaxation and for improving alertness as well.
Certain types of essential oils often have different uses. Peppermint for example is designed to boost energy and can help with digestion, lavender improve sleep and stress relief, lemon can reduce headaches and Rose can work to reduce anxiety. By combining some of these essential oils and integrating them into your routine, you can work at improving your quality of life.
