Guide to essential oils
Guide to essential oils
More corporations than ever are trying to find ways to “go green” and cut potentially dangerous chemicals out of their lives.
Kessab Herbs one of those corporations in U S A which working to developing such products that maybe are chemicals to go green where essential oils step in.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils, which are obtained through mechanical pressing or distillation, are concentrated plant extracts that retain the natural smell and flavor of their source. Each essential oil has a unique composition of chemicals, and this variation affects the smell, absorption, and effects on the body. The chemical composition of essential oil may vary within the same plant species, or from plant to plant. As an example of how concentrated essential oils are, 220 pounds of lavender flowers are required to produce approximately one pound of lavender oil. Synthetic oils are not considered true essential oils.
The science of essential oils is a new science even in the U S A. We as kessab herbs call this science a Green Science, Its effectiveness much better than the medicines available in pharmacies, being is 100% natural, essential oils have been used since ancient times.
Guide to Essential Oils
Essential oils are the backbone of any modern aromatherapy treatment. They are compounds extracted from plants with unique aromatic qualities that have been used around the world for thousands of years for a variety of different purposes. Essential oils may be used for health reasons, as a form of art, during social gatherings, in perfumes and beauty products, or in cleaning products.
In some of those cases, essential oils are used primarily for their aromatic qualities, but in some uses, it is the chemical composition of the oil and its effects on the body that is most important. Essential oils are Herbal Medicine in the Ancient World.
Ancient Egypt
Many experts credit the Egyptians with developing the earliest essential oil extraction methods. Several hieroglyphics from the time depict alchemists and priests as they extracted oils from plants. These oils were later used in ceremonies, for medicinal purposes, or as perfumes.
Ancient China and India
It wasn’t only Egypt that was making great strides with the use of essential oils. Both China and India had developed the technology necessary to extract oils via distillation, and the Chinese, in particular, focused on discovering the potential medicinal benefits of a variety of herbs and aromatic oils.
From the Dark Ages to Modern Times
The fall of the Roman Empire marked the beginning of the migration period, more commonly referred to as the Dark Ages. Intellectual prowess did not fare well during this time period. Even bathing had become somewhat of a taboo act.
Women were mostly prohibited from attending the mixed-gender bathhouses left by the Romans, and bathing for pleasure was also condemned by religious leaders at the time.5 This prevented previously popular practices like aromatherapy bathing.
Modern Essential Oil Extraction Techniques
The most common way of extracting essential oils in the modern era is actually very similar to the techniques used by ancient cultures. Distillation remains one of the most effective methods for extracting oils from flowers and herbs. To be more specific, the method of extraction is called steam distillation.
Steam distillation works by placing the flower or herb onto a grid material inside of a sill. The sill is then sealed and a distillation catalyst is injected. For steam distillation, steam is blown into the sill. Other options include water, a combination of water and steam, or a hydro diffusion technique.
Top Benefits of Essential Oils
Countries like China, India, and France set a positive example of the medicinal power of essential oils. It took some time before the rest of the Western world decided to follow suit. Today, though, more people than ever are trying to find ways to “go green” and cut potentially dangerous chemicals out of their lives. This is where essential oils step in. From alleviating stress to promoting sleep, essential oils can provide a wide range of health and wellness benefits when used topically, aromatically, or even in a bath.
Immune-Boosting Oils
Perhaps one of the most important body systems to keep in good shape is the immune system as this can affect a range of other bodies systems, body processes, and just day-to-day life.
Many essential oils have been shown to boost the immune system function or minimize risk factors like stress which may lead to a compromised immune system.
Natural Cleaning Products
There are troubling truths about the products that people used on a daily basis. For example, people once thought Freon was a safe and efficient refrigerant. It is now known that causes severe damage to the ozone layer and its production is being phased out entirely. People have learned similar truths about some popular cleaning products used in the home.
The companies that manufacture cleaning products are not legally required to provide a list of the ingredients. However, there are strong regulations in place that require the companies to disclose any potentially hazardous chemicals. There are more than 26 synthetic fragrances used in cleaning products that are known to be toxic after a certain level.
Aromatherapy Massages
The combination of essential oils and massages is one that has been promoted since the days of Hippocrates. It’s well understood that oils can have direct effects on organs, muscles, and various functions in the body when applied topically.
In some cases, these are unique benefits that cannot be experienced by inhaling the oils. However, you may still inhale some of the metabolites during the massage, which means that you will enjoy the full spectrum of possible benefits.
The quality and effectiveness of an aromatherapy massage are going to depend entirely on who is providing it. Ideally, you will be able to find a massage center that offers you full control over the oils that are used. This will allow you to target specific symptoms or needs. If you don’t know which oils are best, then you can discuss the options with the masseuse.
There are a number of different massage techniques available and most of them can easily incorporate essential oils. Aromatherapy massages are still an important part of modern-day Ayurveda medicine. They often use a combination of oils massaged onto the body, as well as oils diffused into the air. By doing so, they are able to diffuse oils that promote relaxation while massaging oils that will soothe the muscles.