Usually inhaled or topically applied as oil, essential oils are concentrated hydrophobic liquid with volatile chemical compounds derived from plants. You have to understand the appropriate use of these oils to enhance your appearance. These oils are derived from various plant materials including berries, roots, flowers, seeds, leaves, and twigs in various ways.
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Extraction
The first method for the extraction of essential oils is steam distillation. This involves passing pressurized steam through plant material causing oils to evaporate out. Steam and oil are collected for condensation back into a liquid to skim the oil off. For some plants including orange blossom and rose are too fragile to undergo steam distillation, using solvent extract is recommended. This leads to absolutes used in perfumes and diffusers. The solvent residue is not suitable for topical application.
Another extraction method for essential oils is carbon dioxide extraction. This is where pressurized carbon dioxide is the solvent creating thicker oil with a rich aroma without harmful residue. Essential oils are also extracted through cold-pressing fruit. Keep in mind that essential oils have efficacy and refrigeration is necessary when not using them often. The best way to store essential oils is away from sunlight in small bottles with limited air space.
Nature
After understanding the production methods, it is equally important to know about doTERRA pure essential oils. This requires understanding the plant rarity, production method and location, number of plants to make the oil, and manufacturer’s quality standards. Some oils are extremely expensive for requiring various plants to make a single drop. Keep in mind that reputable brands are upfront regarding the nature of their products.
Variety
It is important to understand the various plant varieties and uses. Some plants are ideal for making skincare products while others might be good for making diffusers (https://www.farmersalmanac.com/diffusing-essential-oils-19741), sleep air, and bath products. Understanding this is very important since a single plant might have different varieties and purposes. Additionally, a plant might be used to produce various oils. There is a significant difference in essential oil derived from a fresh and dried plant. Ensure to purchase essential oils open about ingredients in their products.
Grading
Essential oils have immense therapeutic benefits but lack production regulatory standards and grading by a recognized body. However, brands like doTERRA have the CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® protocol. This guarantees that each bottle of their products is naturally pure and free from any contaminants and synthetic fillers.
Packaging
When in the market for pure essential oils, look for packaging with 100 percent natural or biodegradable. Manufacturers of these oils include this to prove that their products contain purely organic ingredients. Such products are free from artificial colors, fragrance oils, and synthetics. Additionally, essential oils are packaged in 5, 10, and 15 milliliters with more expensive essential oils available in 2 milliliters and 1 dram.
Storage
The recommended storage for essential oils is in clear glass bottles. However, use cobalt blue or dark ember bottles. These bottles limit sunlight from passing through. This allows the organic essential oils to stay safe from deterioration. Invest in a special wooden box made for storing essential oils to protect them from sunlight and temperature fluctuations that might cause contamination.
Synthetic content
All products with essential oils are sold for aromatherapy including those some synthetic fragrance content. Synthetic fragrances are diluted synthetic aromas with:
- Mineral oil
- Propylene glycol
- Vegetable oil
- Phthalates
Keep in mind that synthetics are cheaper than pure essential oils and have a stronger scent. Additionally, some plants can’t be harnessed to produce essential oils including lily of the valley, lilac, and gardenia. So, avoid any products that claim to contain these plants. The ideal essential oils to use should be free from synthetics.
Use
The safest way to use essential oils is diluting for topical use of diffusing for direct inhalation. For topical use, apply the essential oil using a barrier substance like lotion, oil, or aloe jelly. When using in a bath, mix the essential oil using a barrier substance at first because the oils can’t mix with water. It is not proved whether the application of essential oils to the feet bottom is the best way to allow the absorption of properties.
Applying essential oils (https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/essential-oils-are-potent-risky-and-promising-heres-what-you-need-to-know/2019/12/10/1470d7c4-1623-11ea-8406-df3c54b3253e_story.html) to arms, feet, wrists, neck, and behind the ear produces better and consistent results for some people. For inhaling essential oils, use a water-based or waterless diffuser. The waterless diffuser is ideal for people with respiratory issues or having immune-compromised conditions. The absence of water lessens the risk of waterborne bacteria that might exacerbate the condition.
Bottom line
Acquiring the right knowledge and understanding of precautions is necessary before you begin using essential oils. Equally important is using products from a reputable brand that is open about ingredients in their products. Doing this will allow you to harness the wonderful benefits of essential oils to improve your life in various ways.
