Sometimes, names cause confusion and so is the case with Essential Oil. Basically this oil is an extract of aroma compounds from plants, like the leaves or flowers; for example extract from rose, lavender, sandalwood, chemomile etc. The extracts are processed and then they are categorized, bottled and are labeled. While labeling, the manufacturer would mention this oil as extract of the particular product.
In other words, the manufacturer would say the contents are Essential oil of say for example ‘lavender’. As you know, lavender is a common name and similarly each of the plant and flowers have a botanical name. At the same time, the common name used in the label may not be familiar to people who speak some other language. Therefore, to remove ambiguity, the manufacturer would use both the common name and also the botanical names so that there is clarity of the contents.
However, on the part of the user, particularly for those who speak some other language, they must be aware of the botanical name.
History of Essential Oils:
It is needless to say that some of these Essential Oils were in use since times immemorial when people were dependant on plants and flowers for curing ailments. As a matter of fact, many ancient system of medicines like Ayurveda in India and Chinese herbal system of medicines still use these oils for medicinal purposes. Of course in olden days, the oil was extracted using a different process. Now, the modern scientific world has a refined way of extracting the oil. On the other hand, modern scientific systems of medicine have expressed doubts on curative effects of some of these extracted oils because they say they have not been able to scientifically prove their advantages. Yet even today, these oils are being used in aromatherapy and many other ancient herbal systems of medicines and many people have been getting benefits from its use.
How Essential oils are extracted?
The process of extraction of Essential Oils is normally done by using steam or water or solvent distillation process. For example in steam process method, steam is passed on the extracted plants or leaves. The composition of the plant permeates with steam. Then the vapor is cooled and the oil from the plant is separated and by this process, the oil is collected. In the case of extraction using water, the plant is immersed in water and is boiled. The steam and oil are condensed and then oil is separated from the water. The other process of distillation is solvent distillation. This method is used particularly in cases where odor of the extract is to be preserved like the jasmine flower etc. This is because in other extraction procedure the odor of the flower would be lost. Therefore in the solvent extraction procedure the flowers or plant is immersed in a particular type of hydrocarbon solvent. The solvent absorbs the properties of the plant or flower. Then the solvent is processed and the extract is separated from the solvent.
Tips on buying and using Essential Oils:
At the outset buy Essential Oil manufactured by a reputed manufacturer and through a reputed dealer. This is because there are instances spurious oils are sold using the name of the manufacturer. If need be, get the oil tested from an independent laboratory. Normally, reputed manufacturers and dealers do not indulge in such unfair trade practice. At the same time, ensure that these oils are not stored in plastic containers or clear containers. Research has proved that plastic containers actually contaminate the oil and such oils become unsafe for use.
On the other hand, perfume or fragrance oil etc is not considered as Essential oils and these oils do not have any therapeutic quality. At the same time, these oils should not be mixed with any synthetic oils. The oil should be stored in dark glass and should not be kept exposed to sunlight. Keep them away from children. Carefully read the date of manufacture and the shelf or the expiry date.
Essential oils for therapeutic use:
Some of the essential oils are used for many therapeutic purposes like for example to get rid of insomnia, acne, prevent growth of mold etc. Some of the oils are used at the time of taking bath and there are oils which are used during bed time for purposes of relaxation etc. However, while using the oil, go through the possible side effects as printed on the label. It is also advisable that you take the advice of the aroma therapist before using the oil. Some experts even suggest that you dilute the vegetable oil before applying it on the body. Some of the oils may react adversely with certain prescription drugs. Therefore, wherever necessary, take the advice of your physician before you start using the oil. Particularly pregnant women and breast feeding women should take extra precaution before using the Essential oils.
