How Essential Oils Are Made
Essential oils can be extracted either through distillation or expression.
The Practice Of Distillation
For distillation the plant material is placed on a slotted shelf inside a still. The still is sealed and, depending upon the method, water, steam, or a combination of the two slowly breaks through the plant material and removes its oils. These oils rise up as a vapor through a connecting pipe that leads through a condenser. This condenser cools the rising vapor back into a liquid form upon which the liquid is then collected in a container below the condenser. Since oil and water do not mix, these essential oils will be found floating on the surface of the water which is then siphoned off.
The Practice of Expression
Expression, also known as cold pressing, is an extraction method that is primarily used in processing citrus essential oils, such as lemon, lime, bergamot, tangerine and sweet orange. During the extraction process, the rind of the fruit is placed in a rotating container with spikes in order to puncture the peel. Upon puncturing the rind releases the essential oil which is then collected in a small container below the expresser.
Distilled Vs. Expressed Oils
Many aromatherapy companies sell both expressed and distilled citrus oils from the same species of plant. Distilled citrus oils will deteriorate much more quickly and are more unstable than their expressed counterparts. Because of this, distilled citrus oils are not recommended for aromatherapy use, with one exception. Distilled lime essential oil is considered to be superior in aroma and effect to its expressed counterpart and is the recommended oil to use.
Application Of Essential Oils
Essential oils are generally applied in one of three ways: topically (applied on the skin), inhalation, or ingestion. Within each of these methods, there are a variety of ways for their use. For example, if you wanted to apply an essential oil topically, you could use compresses, baths, sprays, creams, gels, or massage oils.
Which Application Method To Use
Choose your application method based on the effect you desire and the essential oil you are using. Some essential oils are irritants when used undiluted, so you may need to use those via inhalation or heavily diluted with carrier oils or water. If you are unsure about which application method to use, consult an experienced aromatherapist.
Inhaling Essential Oils
Essential oils can be inhaled using a variety of techniques and devices:
· Diffuser: Essential oils are placed in a diffuser device, with heat or water so they evaporate.
· Dry Evaporation: Several drops of essential oil are placed on a cotton ball or tissue and allowed to evaporate into the air.
· Steam: Drops of essential oil are added to a bowl of steaming water, which quickly vaporizes the oil. You then place a towel over your head and over the bowl of water with essential oil drop(s) and breathe deeply.
· Spray: Drops of essential oils are placed in a water-based solution, shaken, and sprayed into the air in order to deodorize a room or set a mood.
Applying Essential Oils Topically
Essential oils can be applied to the skin using a variety of techniques, however, most essential oils must be diluted before applying directly to the skin. Here are various methods of topical application:
· Compress: The essential oil is diluted in a liquid carrier (water or oil) and applied to a dressing or directly to the affected area. Optional heat or cold can be applied.
· Gargle: Drops of essential oil are added to water. You mix, then gargle the solution and spit it out. Do NOT swallow it.
· Bath: Drops of essential oils are added to bath water in a dispersant or in bath salts immediately before stepping in. This method results in absorption through the skin, as well as inhalation of the volatilized essential oil.
· Massage: Drops of essential oil are added to a natural carrier oil and applied to skin areas with gentle rubbing.
How To Dilute Essential Oils
Essential oils should be diluted in a carrier substance like coconut oil, vegetable oil, nut oil, or water at no greater concentration than 3%.
A 3% solution would be equivalent to 1tsp. of carrier substance to 3 drops essential oil. For massage or application over large areas of the body, a 1% solution (one drop of essential oil in one tsp. of carrier substance) is generally a safe concentration. Just remember that if you use water as a carrier, be sure to shake or mix your solution well before application.
Applying Essential Oils Internally
In the United States, the ingestion of essential oils is only recommended under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider, however, essential oils can be applied internally in a variety of ways, including oral ingestion and suppositories.
Aromatherapists - What Are They And Should You Use One?
What Is An Aromatherapist?
An aromatherapist is a professional who uses essential oils for healing purposes. Their healing process is referred to as aromatherapy.
Aromatherapists have a variety of responsibilities including:
· Identifying appropriate essential oils.
· Planning and explaining treatment requirements.
· Blending oils together.
· Applying oils and undertaking treatment, creating oil blends that can be used at home.
· Advising clients about the use of remedies.
· Providing advice about diet, exercise and lifestyle.
· Keeping accurate confidential patient records.
· Keeping up-to-date with research and new developments in the profession.
How Do I Find An Aromatherapist?
The most reliable way to find a good aromatherapist is by asking your healthcare provider, friends, family and colleagues.
When choosing a practitioner, it is important to consider their training, education, philosophy of care and experience. There is no national certification for Aromatherapists; however, there are groups that offer their own certification programs.
The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) is a not-for-profit, educational organization that has worked within the industry to establish educational guidelines for aromatherapy training programs. The Aromatherapy Registration Council (ARC) also offers registration to Aromatherapists who have shown that they have an understanding of the core knowledge of aromatherapy and essential oil safety. This is done through a national examination program. An aromatherapist who has passed this national exam can then use the initials RATM (Registered Aromatherapist) after their. You can find registered Aromatherapists in most areas at the ARC website.
When To Consult An Aromatherapist
If you are in doubt of how to properly use essential oils, contact a knowledgeable aromatherapist. It can help to have an aromatherapist who is experienced and who can answer any questions you might have about application methods, interactions, purity, mixture and dosage.