What are Essential Oils?
      Essential oils are extractives of plant material. The most common way to extract the essence is to pass hot steam through the flowers, leaves, etc., in a process known as steam distillation (see diagram). The hot steam vaporizes the essences, which cling to the droplets of steam. The mixture of steam and essence is then converted back into liquid in a condenser. The watery component or hydrosol combined with the essential oil is collected and separated for use (the essential oil floats on the surface). Another method is to extract the essences with a solvent, such as alcohol or hexane, then remove the solvent through evaporation, leaving behind what's referred to as an absolute. This process is commonly used for Rose and Jasmine, as well as other low oil content botanicals, and usually raises the price considerably. Reportedly it takes a ton of rose petals to make a liter of absolute! Essences such as Rose Otto are vacuum-distilled from the absolute, making the yield even smaller and the price even higher.
      Essential oil is not really "oil", but is instead a mixture (of sometimes hundreds) of different chemical constituents. There are major constituents as well as minor constituents. Several oils will often share many of the same constituents, but the different percentages of each constituent give each oil it's own unique characteristic (a major constituent of one oil may be a minor constituent in another oil, and vice-versa). Each constituent has its own unique characteristics, both chemically and in its actions, i.e.: anti-inflammatory, analgesic, bactericidal, anti-viral, fungicidal, decongestant, expectorant, calmative, etc. There is evidence that many of these constituents, both major and minor, work synergistically; that is, the combined effect is greater than the sum of the individual effects. There's also some evidence that the minor constituents may counteract negative side effects caused by the major therapeutic constituent. Often when the major therapeutic constituent of a plant is isolated and/or synthesized its use causes adverse side effects not present when the whole herb or essence is used. The absence of these synergies is most likely the underlying reason.
How Do I Use Essential Oils?
      There are several ways essential oils can be used, depending on the desired effect. The oils can be added to hot, steaming water and the vapors carefully inhaled. This works well for sore throats, sinus infections and respiratory ailments, such as coughs and bronchitis. The oils can also be used in a vaporizer or aromatherapy diffuser, a good way to help prevent nighttime respiratory ailment attacks. This is also a good way to keep the air free from airborne pathogens, such as bacteria, molds and viruses. For migraines and asthma, blends of essential oils can be packaged in small glass vials for portability. A few drops is placed on a handkerchief and then held up to the nose and inhaled. Essential oils can also be used in the shower by dripping 10 - 15 drops in the tub and letting the hot water vaporize them. This is a great way to start or end the day! Try Bay Laurel, Black Spruce or Bergamot, for starters.
      Essential oils can be applied topically, but because of their high concentration, they are usually diluted with a carrier-oil first. Tea Tree, Lavender and Helichrysum are exceptions to this rule, and can usually be applied "neat" (undiluted). When in doubt, always spot check for sensitivity by applying oil to a very small area first and waiting 5 - 10 minutes to see if redness or sensitivity develops. Check for this is on the inside of the forearm. The general rule of thumb is: DISCONTINUE USE IF REDNESS OR RASH DEVELOPS AND SEEK PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY IF THE CONDITION PERSISTS OR WORSENS!
      When adding essences to massage oil, 1 - 5 drops per ounce of carrier oil is fine if only a scent is desired. 25 drops or more essence per ounce of carrier oil can be used if the intention is therapeutic. As for carrier oils, sweet almond, apricot kernel, sesame and hazelnut are all good choices. Refrain from using hemp, safflower or sunflower oil, as they become rancid very quickly. You can enrich your blend by adding up to 15% extra-virgin olive, avocado, hazelnut or wheat germ oil(s). If you want antibacterial and fungicidal action, adding 1 - 2% tea tree oil will do the trick. It's always a good idea to add some Vitamin E as a preservative (and skin nutrient). To insure that it's always fresh, mix only what you think you'll use in a few weeks time.
      Waxes and / or petroleum jelly can also be added to essential oil / carrier oil mixtures to create a therapeutic salve or balm. These ingredients function as fixers, protectants and thickeners, effectively slowing the evaporation of the essences, while creating a waterproof layer on the skin. The wax / butter is melted in a double boiler and the oils and essences are stirred in. Waxes used for this purpose include paraffin, microcrystalline wax, beeswax, carnauba and candelilla wax. Paraffin and microcrystalline wax are derived from petroleum, while carnauba and candelilla are vegetable waxes. Beeswax is an animal product. Jojoba, Shea butter, and cocoa butter are good emollients to include in the mix if you're trying to soften and moisturize the skin. Salves / balms can contain up to 50% cocoa or shea butter; jojoba wax or oil is usually kept under 10%. Click here for more information