Essential Oils...What are they and how to use them
Essential oils are concentrated volatile aromatic compounds produced by plants - the easily evaporated essences that give plants their wonderful scents. Each of these complex precious liquids is extracted from a particular species of plant life. Each plant species originates in certain regions of the world, with particular environmental conditions and neighboring fauna and flora. The result is a very diverse library of aromatic compounds, with some essential oils being made up of more than one hundred distinct organic chemicals.
The most effective way to use most essential oils is by external application or inhalation. The methods used include body oils, compresses, cosmetic lotions, baths (including hand and foot baths), hair rinses, inhalation (by steam, direct from the bottle or from a tissue), perfumes and room sprays. Essential oils are VERY potent - some will cause skin irritation or have other harmful effects if not used properly. Unless specifically noted, it is best to dilute all essential oils in a carrier of base like masage oil, a cream or even in the hot water of your bath.
Tip to remember: the appropriate dilution is usually only 1 - 10% essential oil in carrier (in babies and small children the portion should be even smaller).
Essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy (first 3 months), during suckling and if you have problems like epilepsy, hypertension or skin diseases like psoriasis.
