Essential Oil Basics
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years in various cultures for medicinal and health purposes. Because of their antidepressant, stimulating, detoxifying, antibacterial, antiviral and calming properties, essential oils are recently gaining popularity as a natural, safe and cost-effective therapy for a number of health concerns.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants.
The oils capture the plant's scent and flavor, also called its "essence."
Unique aromatic compounds give each essential oil its characteristic essence.
Essential oils are obtained through distillation (via steam and/or water) or mechanical methods, such as cold pressing.
Once the aromatic chemicals have been extracted, they are combined with a carrier oil to create a product that's ready for use.
The way the oils are made is important, as essential oils obtained through chemical processes are not considered true essential oils.
Essential oils are used by many people to:
Improve immunity and speed illness recovery
Inspire a positive emotional state
Enhance spiritual awareness
Deal with infection (under the care of a professional)
Balance hormones
Make homemade cleaning or beauty products
For diffusing and natural air cleansing
Topically (when diluted)
In recipes like homemade bug spray to avoid outdoor pests naturally
Fun Facts:
There are 188 references to essential oils in the Bible.
Essential oils were even part of the ingredients used by ancient Egyptians in the embalming process for mummification.
Essential oils have been used traditionally in Greek, Roman, and Chinese medicine, although the extraction methods in ancient times certainly differed widely from today’s high-tech distillation processes.
Essential oils are also used by plants themselves. Naturally occurring essential oils in plants help with infection control, humidity control, hormonal effects, wound healing, and attracting or repelling insects, birds, and animals.
Essential oils do not feel oily; they are called "oils" because they contain the oil-soluble chemicals in the plant (usually 100 to 200 chemicals per essential oil). This complex chemistry gives essential oils their therapeutic properties and explains why different essential oils may have overlapping effects.
Important to Remember: Essential oils are extremely potent and it is important to use as little as needed, not as much as possible. When a few drops of an oil used topically or aromatically will work, using more or consuming it internally is not only unnecessary, but may actually be harmful. It’s crucial to do your research or take a class regarding essential oils, in order to ensure you are using them correctly and safely.
Sand Hills Community Wellness Center is excited to host their second “Introduction to Essential Oils Workshop” on Tuesday, July 10th @ 7pm. Taught by Carolyn Peucker who is an Essential Oil Educator & Certified in AromaTouch™ Technique, attendees can come experience certified pure therapeutic grade essential oils!
The workshop will cover: how to use essential oils, 10 popular oils for everyday use, why certified pure therapeutic grade is important and essential oils for summertime. There is a $10.00 fee and registration is recommended as space is limited.
Register by phone, text or email: 732-809-4664 or oilways@outlook.com. Learn more at: http://sandhillswellness.wixsite.com/sandhillswellness/introduction-to-using-essential-oil
