What are Essential Oils?
An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled using steam or water from the flowers, bark, leaves, seeds, stems, roots, or other elements of a plant. Contrary to the use of the word oil, essential oils are not oil. As oils are derived from many different parts of a plant, they are not oil in the true sense. They come in a variety of colors and consistency, from a clear, watery texture, to thick, syrupy and dark.
Essential oils contain the true essence of the plant. They are very concentrated and therefore should be used sparingly. Oils therefore represent outstanding value for money as a little oil goes a long way.
Essential oils are not the same as perfume or fragrance oils. Where essential oils are derived from the true plants, perfume oils are artificially created fragrances and contain artificial substances fragrant oils are not to be used in Aromatherapy. Additionally, as it is unknown what chemicals are in fragrance oils, they are never to be consumed. If you see oils at an unusual price, it is probably a fragrance rather then a true essential oil.
Essential oils can very greatly in quality and price. Many factors affect the quality and price of oil such as the rarity of the plant, the country where it is distilled and grown and conditions that the plant was grown as well as quality standards of the distiller, and how much oil the plant produces.
It is important to look at the ingredients label when seeking Aromatherapy products, as many companies use artificial fragrance and not the true essential oils. Not all Aromatherapy products labeled with the word “Aromatherapy” are pure and natural. Many of these products contain artificial ingredients (i.e. fragrance) and do not provide Aromatherapy benefits.
The Next Article: What are Absolutes?
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