Ever wondered what’s in an essential oil? How it is extracted from the plant, if it works, or if there are possible side effects?
Essential is synonymous to quintessential, integral and absolute essence. Thus, an essential oil is a liquid that contains the fundamental chemical compounds of a plant. Essential oils are produced by distillation, expression, solvent extraction and florasols extraction. (Stay with me, the fun part is close) There are more than 90 essential oils, and I have used at least 12 for skin and hair benefits.
How to use Essential Oils
Using oils safely and effectively requires basic knowledge about what they are and how they work.
Here are some precautions you need to take:
When applying oils topically, always use a carrier oil. These are oils used to dilute essential oils, like jojoba oil , almond oil, coconut oil, and grapeseed oil.
Always do a patch test before applying anything to larger areas of your skin.
Many essential oils are toxic and shouldn’t be taken by mouth, applied on kids, or used in pregnancy unless under the specific care of a healthcare professional.
Fun Facts
When buying essential oils, buy “pure” essential oils. There are all kinds of knock-off versions
Perfume oils don’t contain the same benefits of essential oils
Some plants produce more than one essential oil, example, the orange tree, nearly all its parts yield different essential oils. The actual orange essential oil comes from the fruit, neroli essential oil is from the blossoms, petitgrain essential comes from the leaves
Uses of some Essential Oils (concise)
Essential Oils could be used for aromatherapy, personal care, food production, medicinal purposes and aesthetically.
The list is endless. My favorites are Tea tree, Lavender and Geranium
Today’s post was written by Guest Blogger Attracta Enyinnia
