Essential oils are highly concentrated oils that are extracted from flowers, leaves, roots, and other parts of plants. Typically extracted using steam distillation (a process that involves applying steam until the oil vaporizes), essential oils have the characteristic scent of the plant.
essential oils as an alternative and safer form of treatment for certain conditions or ailments, you are exposing yourself to a plethora of health benefits. You can improve your overall quality of life while taking full advantage of the therapeutic use of essential oils extracted from plants. It is a more natural, effective, and safe form of treatment to consider for a number of ailments including chronic health conditions.
A number of different essential oils have been shown to provide relief of symptoms for common health issues like colds and flu but are also being used to provide healing benefits for more serious medical conditions.
Essential Oil Use
Inhalation
Being highly concentrated, the oil shouldn't be inhaled directly from the bottle. To release the oil into the air, a device such as an aromatherapy diffuser is often used.
Other inhalation methods include steam inhalation or applying a drop or two of the oil to a cotton ball, tissue, or handkerchief and placing it nearby.
Topical Use
Essential oils are too potent to be used full-strength on skin. They are diluted in a carrier oil (such as almond, apricot kernel, or avocado oil) before being applied to skin during an aromatherapy massage, spa treatment, bath, compress, or spot treatment. Essential oils can also be found in soap, lotion, shampoo, bath salts, and candles.
Many oils rely on the inhalation of the scent to provide health benefits. These oils can be used on a cotton ball, tissue, or handkerchief from which the scent can be inhaled. Diffusers, which plug conveniently into a wall outlet, are also available to provide a constant scent of the oil.