Aromatherapy massage oils are commonly used in combination with massage therapy as well as acupressure to treat certain conditions and afflictions. This type of treatment is note not advisable for all ailments – check with your physician first. The reason for this is due to the way that different herbs and botanicals react with your body.

Befor you start using aromatherapy oils, ou need to be aware of both the benefits and dangers of using as they relate to specific aromatherapy massage oils. Most of the oils used for aromatherapy massages are highly concentrated and cannot be used “neet” – in other words, they cannot be used in their concentrated form – they must be diluted. Also, you should know that some aromatherapy oils are for the skin, and others are for diffusers or burners – most of these cannot be combined!

Oils That Warm and Oils That Cool

One of the many benefits of aromatherapy massage oils are their warming and cooling properties. Some muscular conditions will benefit from a warming oil which will allow the muscles to relax and recover from their condition. Sesame and peppermint oils can cause warming to form in the place where the oil is applied and are great for massaging sore and overused muscles. Arnica and sandalwood are great when the muscles need to be cooled down.

Treating Muscle And Joint Pains

Aromatherapy treatment is often used to give relief to people who suffer from muscle and joint pain. Amongst some common conditions relieved by aromatherapy are arthritis, rheumatism, and cramps. Aromatherapy massage oils can be effective in lessening inflammation and relaxing tight muscles that are often the cause of cramps. Muscle pain will often benefit from the massage therapy, but when combined with aromatherapy, it becomes even more effective.

Once again, massage itself does wonders for sore and tires muscles. But when combined with the relaxing properties of aromatherapy massage oil, there are more benefits for the person.

Creating The Mood

Aromatherapy massage oil can also be used to set the mood or ambience. A person being massaged usually seeks to be more relaxed and calm, which is where aromatherapy massage oil enters. Many of the aromatherapy oils available in the market today cater to this purpose. Aromatherapy massage oil can be applied on the skin for the essences to permeate the skin and work their magic as well as be a stimulant to the sense of smell of the individual being massaged.

Getting your feet wet in therapeutic aromatherapy, beyond burning a scented candle or soaking with a pleasing pre-packaged bath salt blend, can be a little daunting to many people. All those little bottles of pricey liquids, electric contraptions, and fancy-sounding blends – how does one actually use essential oils to improve their health, happiness and well-being? It’s easier than one might think – getting started can open a whole new world of fun and effective natural remedies that can lift your mood, calm your nerves, and support healing of a great many common ailments. The trick, like beginning anything really, is just getting started. Start with some commonly used oils like Lavender and Tea Tree, and you’ll open up the doors to a whole realm of natural medicine for you and your family. Read on for an introduction to a few of the many ways of using these wonderful gifts from nature.

Aromatherapy really has a bad name in North America. Kinda soft and fuzzy, and maybe a little too ‘new age’ for many folks. But essential oils share many traits with other natural medicines; they’re really concentrated plant extracts that just happen to smell exceptionally good. ‘Volatile-Plant-Extract-Therapy’ would be a much more appropriate name. ‘Volatile’ simply means ‘easily evaporated’ – in this sense, essential oils are more like alcohol than oil. But unlike alcohol, essential oils are made up of very complex molecules that have a great breadth of healing properties. These properties vary greatly depending on the plant from which the oil was extracted. Many oils are known potent antibacterials, antivirals, anti-inflammates, and stimulate wound healing. Of course, their aroma’s DO have profound effects as well; laboratory studies have conclusively shown this in clinical settings. Inhalation is the simplest method of using essential oils, and is an excellent place to start with aromatherapy.

When inhaled, essential oils effect our limbic system, the seat of the brain’s emotional centers. Many oils have been found to sharpen concentration, reduce tension and anxiety, and even reduce depression. How can we reap these magnificent benefits? There are a few simple, cost-effective ways to prepare essential oils for inhalation and experience these wonderful effects: the ‘handkerchief method’, making your own ’smelling salts’, and making your own aromatherapy ‘mister’. More advanced users will want to use an electric diffuser that disperses a fine mist of essential oil throughout your environment. With a little research, you’ll be able to find the right oil or oil combination to suit your needs, and we’ll go over several effective ones here.

Simple inhalation is very straightforward – for example, put a part or two of an oil or blend on a tissue and inhale (careful with some oils though – peppermint, for example, can burn the sensitive skin around your nostrils if put in direct contact). You can even leave the tissue, handkerchief, or piece of cloth in a room or your workspace and the oil will continue to evaporate and have its effects. Making your own ’smelling salts’ is similar, and your preparation will last a while longer. To make the salts, fill a small vial with natural sea salt and part essential oils into the salt. The amount of oil is not too critical – enough that there is detectable aroma, and not so much that the salt gets completely wet. Just unscrew the cap and inhale from the bottle whenever you need a lift, or, like the handkerchief, leave the vial open in your space, letting the aroma slowly fill the area. A ‘mister’ can be used infuse a room with aroma – just add essential oils to water in a small spray bottle (20 parts per 2 cups of water is a good starting point), shake before each use and spray. When you’re ready for a greater impact from the aromatic use of oils, find a quality cold-air nebulizing diffuser. These units make fine mist of oil, creating a significant concentration in your environment, and can have valuable health benefits beyond stimulating the smell sense – they can purify the air in your home or office, and can help with many infectious illnesses when used as directed by a health practitioner.

Here are a few easy recipes for the inhalation method (Note: in all recipes, the number of drops of oil can be used as a ratio, which you can increase or decrease as you need): For uplifting the mood and brightening the mind – 4 drops of Rosemary Cineol, 3 drops of Lavender, 2 drops of Lemon and 1 drop of Peppermint, OR 3 drops Clary Sage, 2 drops Bergamot and 1 drop Sweet Orange. For calming anxiety – equal parts of Roman Chamomile, Bergamot and Orange, OR 3 drops Lavender, 2 drops Neroli and 1 drop Bergamot. For creating a harmonious atmosphere – 3 drops Jasmine, 1 drop Ylang Ylang and 1 drop Sandalwood, OR equal parts Geranium, Patchouli and Bergamot. For simply bringing calm or inducing sound sleep, pure French Lavender oil by itself may be perfect. These and other blends can make wonderful natural perfumes when diluted to 15% in Jojoba oil; Rose and Jasmine oils can be used this way by themselves. Other single oils to consider for your environment are Balsam Fir, which has a lovely ‘deep forest’ scent; Juniper Berry brings a brighter evergreen aroma; and Lemon Tea Tree is a powerful oil where offensive odors may be a problem.

Aromatherapy massage and topical application – Ideally, this is done with a partner, but self-massage will work as well. Creating your own massage oil is a straightforward process – just dilute 10 – 20 drops of essential oil (single or blended) per ounce of carrier oil. There are a variety of carrier oils available; Sweet Almond is a great all-around oil and is recommended for general aromatherapy massage. As for the massage, itself, any technique will do – let your intuition be your guide. The blends listed above will work effectively as massage oils as well, when diluted in a carrier, though here are a few more fun recipes: For a sensual massage, per ounce of carrier oil, add – 8 drops Sandalwood, 6 drops Rose, 4 drops Lavender and 2 drops Ylang Ylang. For opening the heart, try 4 drops Spikenard, 4 drops Lavender and 2 drops of Rose. Finally, for sheer relaxation, use 6 drops Lavender, 4 drops Neroli and 2 drops Bergamot. Note that topical application of citrus oils (Orange, Bergamot, Tangerine, Lemon, Lime, etc.) should be avoided on skin that will be exposed to direct sunlight in the following few days – these oils are known to be photo-sensitizing, and can make the skin more susceptible to burning by UV rays. The feet are excellent receivers of essential oil energy; this is the basis of reflexology. Many oils that can irritate sensitive skin elsewhere can be applied ‘neat’ (undiluted) to the bottoms of the feet; the tops of the feet are more sensitive, though this area will also have significant energetic results.

Don’t be afraid to create your own blends! You will certainly find particular oils that you enjoy – and aromatherapy is like that. It is the oils you find most enjoyable that are likely those that are most effective for you. An important starting note is to change the ratios of oils you are blending very slowly. Start with one drop of each oil in a small vial, mixing them and allowing a few minutes for them to blend before adding more oil 1 drop at a time. In general, citrus oils (Orange, Bergamot, Tangerine, Lemon, Lime) tend to bring alertness while calming at the same time. Herb oils (Peppermint, Rosemary and Basil) tend to be invigorating, while floral oils tend to be relaxing (Lavender, Chamomile, Jasmine, Neroli). This is only a guideline – many oils have complex properties and will affect individuals differently – use your nose as a guide.

Medical aromatherapy, the use of essential oils to treat specific medical conditions, requires a bit more knowledge in many cases. There are a few excellent examples of employing oils for common needs: Lavender works very well for minor burns; it is anti-inflammatory and helps the skin regenerate. Blended half and half with Tea Tree, it can be used in place of other antibacterial agents on small cuts and scrapes. Helichrysum italicum oil is a remarkable healer of bruises and sports injuries; it can be used undiluted or at a 5-10% dilution in Hazelnut oil. Melissa oil is documented as an excellent treatment for the herpes virus. For support for common colds, inhale equal parts Lavender, Rosemary and Eucalyptus. For support in clearing chest and sinus conditions, use Lavender, Tea Tree and Eucalyptus. These blends can be added to a carrier oil and rubbed into the chest, inhaled from a steaming bowl of water (with the eyes closed!) or used in a diffuser. The greatest promise for medical essential oil use lies in their profound ability to eradicate bacteria and viruses – this is where the need of an experienced professional arises, however. As with any medication, matching the correct oil and it’s application with the illness is critical, otherwise the oil may have no effect, and the patient may not heal. When done properly, however, remarkable results have been achieved.

Chakra acupuncture combines the wisdom of ancient Indian medical knowledge and Chinese acupuncture. In Indian traditional medicine (such as Ayurvedic medicine), the chakras are seven key energy centers. The word comes from the Sanskrit for wheel of light. In contemporary alternative therapies the two systems have been usefully combined, both in reaching a diagnosis and in treatment. Aromatherapy and the use of essential oils add a third level to this way of healing.

The seven principal chakras, or energy centers, are the material incarnation of the spiritual. They are located on the midline of the body, in line with the spine from the cranium to the groin area. There are many more chakras, but these seven ” the root, spleen, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye, and crown chakras ” are the most important. The chakras correspond more or less to the organs in Chinese medical terminology. The fourth chakra, for example, correlates with the liver and spleen in Chinese medicine. The different chakras are foci for different types of power and consciousness, such as personal power (third chakra), sexual potency (second chakra) and creative energy (fifth chakra).

The chakras are not only concerned with the flow of energy in the body but also with mediating positive and negative energy from the surrounding environment, that affects physical, emotional and spiritual health. Chakra imbalances are caused by stress, illness, poor nutrition and social and spiritual problems, amongst other things. Similarly to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is concerned both with energy locations and the flow of energy, or qi, along channels or meridians. Yin and yang are the positive and negative forces of qi. Both acupuncture and the chakra circulatory system aim to restore balance, to release energy blockages and boost qi.

Chakra acupuncture brings together the power of the two systems. Acupuncture needles inserted at the chakra locations are believed to achieve the aim of revitalizing the life forces and unblocking the energy channels.

The philosophy of aromatherapy, using essential oils, complements Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine still further. The oil can be inhaled, applied to the hands or feet, matched to the particular chakra that needs re-balancing or simply placed within the patients energy field. The specific oil used may also be chosen according to principles of color therapy, with different colors corresponding to different chakras and their particular energies. Different oils also have differing energizing effects.

Chakra acupuncture is a holistic option that is a favoured path to healing for many people in search of spiritual balance. It is a drug-free way of looking after our emotional and physical selves that recognizes the connectedness of mind and body and treats both entities together.

Never apply any essential oil to your bare skin: This is a very important rule for anyone interested in using essential oils. If you put undiluted oils on your skin, it will cause burning and irritation. While essential oils can certainly help you when used correctly, it can cause plenty of problems when used incorrectly. Instead of putting it on your skin undiluted, you will want to get some good carrier oil and mix it in the right amount. This will ensure that you are using it on your skin safely.

Essential oils are flammable: You must remember that all essential oils are flammable. You should NEVER use essential oils over an open flame and this includes candles. There is a method of using essential oils with candles, but extreme caution will have to be use. You will light the candle and allow some of the wax to melt. Then, extinguish the candle and add the essential oils to the wax that is melted without allowing it to touch the wick. You can then relight the candle. Never leave them unsupervised. Make sure you are watching it all times.

Watch for allergic reactions: Just as with any product you use in your home or on your skin, you will have to watch carefully for allergic reactions. It is not too uncommon for people to have allergic reactions to some types of oils. These can include strong oils such as cinnamon. In order to find out whether or not you are allergic to the oil, try adding just one drop to a small amount of carrier and then put it on your skin. If you do not see a reaction after several hours, then you can continue using the oils. This is the best way to make sure that you do not have allergies.

Use caution around pets, children and pregnant women: Interestingly enough, while essential oils are all natural products, care must still be taken when used around pets, children and those who are pregnant. There are some essential oils that can induce premature labor. In addition, essential oils should never be ingested. You should never put the oils where children and pets can get into them. You should also never put the oil on your pets. They could lick it off and it could cause illness.

Watch for interactions with medications: When you take prescription medications or have some type of medical conditions, then you should use care when using essential oils. Those who suffer from asthma and other upper respiratory infections may have trouble using certain essential oils such as rosemary, fennel and sage.

The bottom line is that you should be very careful when using any type of essential oils to ensure your safety.

Tea Tree Oil: This popular oil is a fabulous essential oil that has a wide array of medicinal purposes. When used properly, tea tree oil can help fit head lice, treat skin breakouts and irritations and even can be use as an antiseptic. When you first open a bottle of tea tree oil, you will notice it has a slightly minty, pungent odor. Do not let this stop you from using this helpful oil. You can dilute tea tree oil with water and put in spray bottles to spray directly on the skin in case of slight burns, sunburns, skin irritations and even break outs. You can also shampoo with tea tree oil if you want to ward off lice or even treat dandruff. Tea tree oil is also incredible for insect bites. Apply it directly to the bite to help itching and swelling. In fact, many health food stores sell lines of shampoos, lotion and soaps that contain tea tree oil. One word of caution: it is not recommended that you place concentrated tea tree oil directly on the skin, as this can cause irritation. Make sure you dilute it first, or mix it with a carrier.

Chamomile: You have probably heard of chamomile tea. Taken before bed, it can help alleviate stress and help you sleep the natural way. Did you also know that chamomile can also ease the pain for teething babies? It doesn’t take much for this soothing essential oil to take effect. Simply add a drop or two of this oil to a wet, cold washcloth and rub it on your baby’s gums. This would also work well if you are experiencing pain and are waiting for your dentist appointment.

Basil, Jasmine, Peppermint: These are all essential oils that when used properly can help you relax and help ease muscle pains, including painful menstrual cramps. You can add a few drops of any of these oils to your warm bath along with a handful of Epsom salt and wash away the pain. A bath in essential oils not only makes you feel relax, but it smells great, too.

Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus popular around the world and for good reason. This essential oil smells wonderful and has healing powers, too. If you are fighting off a cold and congestion, then use eucalyptus to help. You can mix this oil with a carrier and rub it up the upper chest and neck. In no time, you will feel better and will be able to breathe again without taking dangerous medications. You can also place a few drops on a washcloth or tissue and breathe in. Add it to boiling water and inhale the steam. This is perfect for kids and adults.

Do you know that aromatherapy is not just for rejuvenation but fantastic for your entire body? Its true and one of the ways you can immediately benefit from it is to use scent emitted from aromatherapy candles.

The way it works is this: From the blend of essential oils that is embedded in these candles, a therapeutic smell is produced by burning it. This smell will enter the body and not only produce a nice fragrance, but make you more energetic and heals the body.

Well now just how are these aromatherapy candles made? Why are they so different from normal candles? Im glad youve asked. First a selection of ingredients is made to prepare for making the base of the candle. These ingredients are wax (duh), beeswax, aromatherapy oils, herbs and extracts of dry flowers and fruits. If you wish to make these candles yourself, the ingredients can be easily purchased from aromatherapy stores or general stores.

Next comes the customization of the candles to your individual likes and dislikes. You dont want to create a candle only to hate the smell after burning it! Ok so to get the right smell for you, first create different mixes of the herbs, oils and wax and forge only small candles out of them. Use only a little wax and some essential oils. Then light up the candles individually and see which smell attracts you. The scent may not be as strong due to lesser quantity of ingredients used, but it should give you an idea.

Let each candle burn sequentially in the room for about an hour or so. The smell will linger in the room afterwards, so you can better savor which mixture you like. This is the fun part, so enjoy it!

After all the candles have been tested, write down the exact ingredients and percentage of each that were used. This is so you can re-make the candle again with a much stronger scent if you like a particular one. One extra tip: You can also use the scent-candle recipe you like as a base and further mix in other ingredients in the future for a more subtle difference.

In conclusion, the above tips will help you get started on producing aromatherapy candles you like. But it is by no means easy. It may take some time and much experimenting before your hit the jackpot. But trust me if you put in the time and effort you will reap the results.

New methods of essential oil extraction are entering the mainstream of aromatherapy, offering new choices in oils never before available. With the new labels of ‘CO2′ and ‘SCO2′, along with the traditional ’steam’ and ‘hydro’ distillations, ‘absolutes’, and ‘cold pressing’, a little education for the aromatherapy enthusiast can go a long way in essential oil selection. Is one process better than another? Does one produce a nicer smelling oil, or one with greater aromatherapeutic value? It turns out that essential oil production, like winemaking, is an art form as well as a science. The value of the newer processing methods depends greatly on the experience of the distiller, as well as the intended application of the final product. Each method is important, and has it’s place in the making of aromatherapy-grade essential oils.

Steam and Hydro-Distillation

Steam distillation, the most common method of essential oil production, involves the flow of steam into a chamber holding the raw plant material. The steam causes small sacs containing essential oil to burst. The oil is then carried by the steam out of the chamber and into a chilled condenser, where the steam once again becomes water. (Hydro-distillation is a similar process where the plant material is boiled, with the resultant steam being captured and condensed). The oil and water are then separated; the water, referred to as a hydrosol, can be retained as it will have some of the plant essence. Rose hydrosol, for example, is commonly used for it’s mild antiseptic and soothing properties, as well as it’s pleasing floral aroma.

Several parameters determine the quality of a steam distilled essential oil. Besides the quality of the plant material itself, there is the distilling time, temperature, and pressure. Aromatic oils are very complex – each is made up of many distinct molecules which come together to form the oil’s aroma and therapeutic properties. Some of these molecules are delicate structures which will be altered by harsh environmental conditions. So, much like a fine meal is more flavorful when made with patience, oils generally benefit from patient processing.

The temperature of the extraction chamber cannot be too high, lest some components of the oil be altered or destroyed. The same is true of the chamber’s pressure. Lavender essential oil, for example, should not be processed at over 245 degrees F and three pounds per square inch of pressure (3 psi). Higher temperatures and/or pressures result in a ‘harsh’ aroma – more chemical than floral – and lessen the oil’s therapeutic effects. Also, the extraction period must be allowed to continue for a certain period of time in order to flush ALL the oil’s components from the plant, as some are released more quickly than others.

Despite the drawbacks of aggressive processing, high temperatures and pressures are often used to produces large quantities of oil in a short period of time. These oils are usually destined for use in cosmetic and processed food manufacturing, but are sometimes sold to final consumers as essential oils for use in aromatherapy. These oils will be less expensive, but are of limited therapeutic value, and the difference is apparent when the aromas are compared side-by-side.

What are Absolutes?

Some plants, and their flowers cannot be processed through steam distilling. They are too delicate, or their fragrance and therapeutic essences wil not be totally released by water. These oils will be produced as ‘absolutes – and while not technically considered essential oils they can still be of therapeutic value (the technical description of an essential oil is the aromatic compounds of a plant produced by steam distillation). Jasmine oil and Rose oil in particular are delicate flowers who’s oils are often found in absolute form. Jasmine oil is only found as an absolute, whereas rose is available in both a a steam distilled form and as an absolute.

Making an absolute is a two-step process – the first involves the hydrocarbon solvent extraction of a ‘concrete’ from the plant material, a semi-solid mixture of typically 50% wax and 50% volatile oil. This concrete is again processed using alcohol of the type found in beer, wine, etc., in which the wax does not dissolve. The volatile plant oil separates into the alcohol and this mixture is removed. The alcohol is then evaporated and the result is an almost pure plant extract – depending on the care taken in the evaporation process, only minute quatities of ethyl alcohol should remain. The use of solvents in the extraction process notwithstanding, absolutes can have incredibly deep and complex aromas.

CO2’s and SCO2’s – Using Carbon Dioxide as a Solvent

And now for the most modern methods, Carbon Dioxide and Supercritical Carbon Dioxide extraction. Both methods involve the use of carbon dioxide as the ’solvent’ which carries the essential oil away from the raw plant material. The lower pressure CO2 extraction involves chilling carbon dioxide to between 35 and 55 degrees F, and pumping it through the plant material at about 1000 psi. The carbon dioxide in this condition is condensed to a liquid. Supercritical CO2 extraction (SCO2) involves carbon dioxide heated to 87 degrees F and pumped through the plant material at around 8,000 psi – under these conditions, the carbon dioxide is likened to a ‘dense fog’ or vapor. With release of the pressure in either process, the carbon dioxide escapes in its gaseous form, leaving the essential oil behind.

These carbon dioxide methods have noteworthy benefits: Like steam distillation, there are no solvent residues left behind, and the resultant product is quite pure. Like solvent extraction, there is no heat applied to the plant material or essential oil to alter it in any way. The oil produced is very accurate with respect to the original state of the plant. The CO2 methods also are the most efficient, producing the most oil per amount of plant (one of the reasons for the high cost of essential oils is the low yield of oil from most plants – one ton of Rose petals produces less than 1 pound of oil, for example). The efficiency of CO2 extraction is particularly important when rare or endangered plant species are involved, such as Indian Sandalwood oil – less of the precious plant is needed to produce an equivalent amount of oil.

Cold Pressing

Cold pressing from the rinds of citrus fruit proudces oils such as Bergamot, Sweet Orange, Lemon, Lime, and the like. This involves the simple pressing of the peels at about 120 degrees. Little, if any, alteration from the oil’s original makup occurs – these oils retain their bright and uplifting aromas, like that of smelling a wonderfully ripe fruit.

Does one of these make a better essential oil?

CO2’s, with some obvious advantages, are not always the best choice for a particular need. They still are the most expensive, despite their higher yields. The resultant product differs slightly compared to one produced another way – the oils produced by steam distillation of some plants may sometimes be found to have a more agreeable aroma. Patchouli oil, for example, seems to benefit from the steam distillation process by becoming a little warmer and richer. Many other essential oils are quite effectively produced via steam distillation, with little alteration from the original plant state. Oils from other plant species do seem more ‘complete’ with CO2 processing, with Frankincense oil and most of the ’spice’ oils being good examples where a little something special is present in the aroma. This likely translates to greater therapeautic properties.

Producing well-rounded essential oils is skill requiring years of experience – it takes the work of a dedicated artesian at every step. The making of a great essential oil relies far more on knowledge and experience than it does on the particular extraction method. There are of course legitimate reasons to select one distillation method over another. In the end, as is often the case in aromatherapy, your own sense of smell can tell you which oil will work best for you.

Browsing the Aromatherapy market, especially medicinal grade essential oils, you’ll find a great many methods of essential oil production. Labels like ‘SCO2′, ‘Hydro-distilled’, and ‘Absolute’ are common, amongst the most popular ’steam distilled’ varieties. Some of these methods employ very high-technology equipment, technology that was not available to the average distiller only 25 years ago. Which method produces the best oil? It seems that each distillation process has plants with which it works best, and there’s not a ‘best way’ for making the most healing essential oils. And like many artesian processes, there are many other factors determining an oil’s quality: the health and vigor of the plant itself, it’s cultivation method (farmed, organic, wildcrafted, etc.), the weather during that growing season, and the skill and intention of the grower and distller. Here’s a great review of essential oil distillation techniques used today, so you can understand what you’re buying and using when shopping for essential oils…

Steam and Hydro-Distillation

Steam distillation, the most common method of essential oil production, involves the flow of steam into a chamber holding the raw plant material (Hydro-distillation uses boiling water directly). The steam causes small sacs containing essential oil to burst. The oil is then carried by the steam out of the chamber and into a chilled condenser, where the steam once again becomes water. The oil and water are then separated – the water, or’hydrosol’, is often retained for it’s own therapeutic properties.

Several parameters determine the quality of a steam distilled essential oil. Besides the quality of the plant material itself, there is the distilling time, temperature, and pressure. Aromatic oils are very complex – each is made up of many distinct molecules which come together to form the oil’s aroma and therapeutic properties. Some of these molecules are delicate structures which will be altered by harsh environmental conditions. So, much like a fine meal is more flavorful when made with patience, oils generally benefit from patient processing.

The temperature of the extraction chamber cannot be too high, lest some components of the oil be altered or destroyed. The same is true of the chamber’s pressure. Lavender essential oil, for example, should not be processed at over 245 degrees F and three pounds per square inch of pressure (3 psi). Higher temperatures and/or pressures result in a ‘harsh’ aroma – more chemical than floral – and lessen the oil’s therapeutic effects. Also, the extraction period must be allowed to continue for a certain period of time in order to flush ALL the oil’s components from the plant, as some are released more quickly than others.

High temperatures and pressures are often used to produces large quantities of oil in a short period of time. The oils are often destined for use in cosmetic and food products, but can sold as essential oils for use in aromatherapy. These oils will be less expensive, though they are of limited therapeutic value.

What are Absolutes?

Some plants, and particularly flowers, do not lend themselves to steam distilling. They are too delicate, or their fragrance and therapeutic essences cannot be completely released by water alone. These oils will be produced as ‘absolutes’ – and while not technically considered essential oils they can still be of therapeutic value. Jasmine oil and Rose oil in particular are delicate flowers who’s oils are often found in ‘absolute’ form. Jasmine oil, in fact, is only found as an absolute, whereas rose is available in both an ‘otto’ (an expensive steam distilled form) and an absolute.

Making an absolute is a two-step process – the first involves the hydrocarbon solvent extraction of a ‘concrete’ from the plant material, a semi-solid mixture of typically 50% wax and 50% volatile oil. This concrete is again processed using alcohol of the type found in beer, wine, etc., in which the wax does not dissolve. The volatile plant oil separates into the alcohol and this mixture is removed. The alcohol is then evaporated and the result is an almost pure plant extract – depending on the care taken in the evaporation process, only minute quatities of ethyl alcohol should remain. The use of solvents in the extraction process notwithstanding, absolutes can have incredibly deep and complex aromas.

What are CO’s and Super Critical CO2’s?

The most modern technologies are Carbon Dioxide and Supercritical Carbon Dioxide distillation. Both methods involve the use of carbon dioxide as the solvent which carries the essential oil away from the raw plant material – though the gas essentially acts as the steam in steam distillation. The only difference between the two are the temperatures and pressures used – though neither uses a temperature greater than 87 degrees. With release of the pressure in either process, the carbon dioxide escapes in its gaseous form, leaving the essential oil behind.

These carbon dioxide methods have noteworthy benefits: Like steam distillation, there are no solvent residues left behind, and the resultant product is quite pure. Like solvent extraction, there is no heat applied to the plant material or essential oil to alter it in any way. The oil produced is very accurate with respect to the original state of the plant. The CO2 methods also are the most efficient, producing the most oil per amount of plant (one of the reasons for the high cost of essential oils is the low yield of oil from most plants – one ton of Rose petals produces less than 1 pound of oil, for example). The efficiency of CO2 extraction is particularly important when rare or endangered plant species are involved, such as Indian Sandalwood oil – less of the precious plant is needed to produce an equivalent amount of oil.

Cold Pressing

Cold pressing from the rinds of citrus fruit proudces oils such as Bergamot, Sweet Orange, Lemon, Lime, and the like. This involves the simple pressing of the peels at about 120 degrees. Little, if any, alteration from the oil’s original makup occurs – these oils retain their bright and uplifting aromas, like that of smelling a wonderfully ripe fruit.

Is there a Best Method?

CO2’s, with some obvious advantages, are not always the best choice for a particular need. They still are the most expensive, despite their higher yields. The resultant product differs slightly compared to one produced another way – the oils produced by steam distillation of some plants may sometimes be found to have a more agreeable aroma. Patchouli oil, for example, seems to benefit from the steam distillation process by becoming a little warmer and richer. Many other essential oils are quite effectively produced via steam distillation, with little alteration from the original plant state. Oils from other plant species do seem more ‘complete’ with CO2 processing, with Frankincense oil and most of the ’spice’ oils being good examples where a little something special is present in the aroma. This likely translates to greater therapeautic properties.

Producing well-rounded essential oils is skill requiring years of experience – it takes the work of a dedicated artesian at every step. The making of a great essential oil relies far more on knowledge and experience than it does on the particular extraction method. There are of course legitimate reasons to select one distillation method over another. In the end, as is often the case in aromatherapy, your own sense of smell can tell you which oil will work best for you.