Uses of Essential Oils

Essential oils are the essence of the plant from which they are extracted. It is this essence which is necessary for the continued survival of the plant. These essences are so potent that they must never be taken internally. Instead they are absorbed into the body through the practice of aromatherapy. The word aromatherapy literally means treatment using scents. However diluted essential oils can also be massaged into the skin. These oils once absorbed into the body directly affect the brain and the body's nervous system. This oil uses are both to relax and energise the practitioner. They can also be used in order to treat problems such respiratory and circulatory ailments. One of the key things that you should learn first about this kind of oils is how they are made. This will give you a better understanding of where they come from and the principles underlying the practice of aromatherapy.

If you want to learn how to make essential oils you need to understand the following process. Firstly it is important to understand that these oils are concentrates which have been extracted from plants and plant materials. The process to do this involves distillation, expression or solvents.

The first way to extract oils is known as distillation. Firstly the plant material is placed in a container. Next steam is passed through it. The vapour produced then passes into a coiled glass tube where it is cooled and converted to the liquid oil. This is the most common method used to extract essential oils. The by-product of this process is floral waters known as hydrosols.

Another method used to extract oils is known as expression. This method uses a mechanical press in order to crush the oil from the plant material. This is most commonly used in order to extract oils from fruits such as lemons or limes.

The final method used to extract essence oil is known as solvent expression. Some of the oils found in plants are in such small quantities that it is necessary to use solvents in order to extract them. This process draws out these minute quantities into useable essential oils.

Essential oils uses are varied. People use aromatherapy according their own particular needs. A person who is stressed may turn to aromatherapy in order to relax. A person who is run down may use aromatherapy to reenergise themselves. Each of the essential oils as is own particular essence and curative powers. It is important to understand what the function of the essential is before using it. These kind of oils can be used for more than simple lifestyle improvements however. They can also be used to treat a variety of ailments. These include joint and muscular problems, chronic fatigue, skin problems and injuries. This may also be used for even more serious problems such as cancer in conjunction with more traditional medicines. It is important to consult with your medical professional before using essential oils though to make sure that they are right for you.

Article written by Sylvester Paul, pay a visit to http://www.essentialoilshealing.com/ for more information about Uses of Essential Oils.

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