Aromatherapy

Archive for the ‘Essential Oils’ Category

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.

Have you ever walked into a home and been struck by how great the house smells? You may wonder whether the owner sprays air fresheners, or burns candles all of the time. More often than not, essential oils are being used. Essential oils are wonderful for the home and they can actually do a lot more than give your home a great scent. Essential oils can also be used for first aid and cleaning, too.

Using essential oils as an antiseptic: You can go to your local grocery store and purchase expensive antiseptic and disinfectant sprays for your home, or you can go the natural way and use essential oils. When you add essential oils to vinegar, you have just created a great way to ward off germs. This method has actually been used for centuries—way before you could buy those sprays in stores. Some of the essential oils that you can look into for this purpose include poppy, pine, peppermint, tea tree oil, rosemary and eucalyptus.  

Once you have gotten the hang of mixing your essential oils, some great uses for disinfectant include using the essential oils mixed with water as a spray to kill germs in your bathroom. This can also double as a great room freshener, too depending on the oils you choose. If someone in your home is sick, then your essential oil spray can help kill those germs in the air, as well.

Do you have pest in your home? Did you know that using drops of peppermint and cold water can help fight off mice and other small insects? These small pests dislike the smell of peppermint and will steer clear of these areas. The added benefit is that peppermint is safe for your home and you can use it around children and pets without the fear of getting them sick.

You can also add essential to your first aid kit. Do some research and find out which ones can help aid healing. Eucalyptus is great for congestion when rubbed on the chest and neck area and tea tree oil can help with a multitude of ailments. It can ward off lice, soothe insect bites and help sunburns and small cuts and scrapes, too.

Now, you can also focus on using essential oils in your home to make it smell great, too. There are many ways of using oils in the home for that purpose. You can purchase a wide variety of diffusers and let the calming scents fill the air in your home. Light a candle and let some of the wax melt, then blow out the flame. Add a few drops of the oil to the wax and relight. You will soon have the wonderful fragrance filling the air. Experiment with the different scents and mixes of essential oils you can use to create a mood in your home. Citrus smells are always clean and refreshing any time of the year and lavender and vanilla can calm even the most stressed. You can easily add the oil to boiling water, too for a nice smell in the home.

When choosing essential oils and other aromatherapy products, you know that you will have to seek out good quality items. A poorly made essential oil will not give you the results you are looking for. Besides looking for top quality oils, another item you will want to carefully consider are the carrier oils that you will use.

Carrier oils are very important to you and your essential oils. Carrier oils will help dilute your essential oils and make them usable for your body. You must remember that undiluted essential oils are very strong and they can burn and irritate your skin if not diluted. Carrier oils will also help your essential oils last longer and this is a good thing. When you purchase bottles of essential oils, you will notice that you will only get a very small amount. Usually only two or three drops is all you need to use for each use.

So, how to you go about choosing carrier oils? Like essential oils, you will need to do your research and find the ones that are right for you. You may like a certain texture or a certain feel. Some will absorb into the skin better than others. It is really a matter of personal choice, but you should also know that some carrier oils have healing properties of their own. Here is a closer look at popular carrier oils that you can use.

Almond Oil: Sweet almond oil is probably the most popular carrier oil used today in aromatherapy. It is because it works well with all skin types and conditions, it is smooth to the touch, does not leave a waxy or oily feeling and it is easy to find. Sweet almond oil is great to use alone, too. It can relieve all sorts of skin irritations from itchy rashes to insect bites. It is full of helpful vitamins and minerals and with its very mild aroma, mixes well with almost all essential oils on the market.

Coconut oil: Also called coconut butter, this carrier is a popular choice for many people. Most people enjoy its scent and will tell you that it makes their skin feel silky, smooth. It works very well even for sensitive skin and can be used to soothe very dry skin, as well. You can easily find coconut oil and mix it with your favorite essential oils for wonderful body treatment.

Grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is also quite common and can be used for all skin types and conditions. This oil is rich in minerals and vitamins that can help the skin heal from burns, rashes and even minor cuts and scratches. Grapeseed is also a top choice because when massaged into the skin, it does not leave an overly-greasy feeling on the skin. It also has almost no smell, which makes it perfect for mixing with all sorts of essential oils. You will be able to find grapeseed oil at most locations that sell essential oils and aromatherapy products.

Another beautiful holiday season is upon us, and this time we’d like to do a little something different. A different decor, a different meal, maybe a whole different attitude…What simple thing can one do to make the season special? Bring a little extra cheer to the family? Perhaps even sneak it in to the festivities so they don’t even know it’s happening, but they’re a little happier and healthier? A naturopath’s suggestion: consider aromatherapy. With the chaos of shopping, cooking, cleaning and visiting family, bringing an uplifting, warming atmosphere to your home with the touch of lovely aromas can really make a difference. And pure, real essential oils are a truly effective way to do this – natural aromatics can have a profoundly positive effect on our spirits and the spirits of those around us.

Natural aromatics have been used as mood lifters and to create warm and comfortable atmospheres for many years. Thousands, even. The methods are tried and true. Our olfactory sense and our psyche have an affinity for things that smell nice. Science says they even make us healthier – essential oils have been shown to lower stress levels, blood pressure, help us get better rest and even make us stop fighting – well, they’ve been shown to stop rats from fighting, anyway. We can hope for the best when using them in our own homes!

Using essential oils as means to create an uplifting atmosphere is very straightforward. Selecting the oils may be the hardest part, as there’s so many to choose from (we’ll look at a few effective ones shortly). You can get just a single oil, or mix and match several to your liking. You’ll even find pre-blended ones that are popular this time of year. Beyond the oils themselves, you’ll need an aromatherapy diffuser – something that evaporates the oils into the air. Diffusers are available in several varieties, from basic warming models, to high-end therapeutic units.

Diffusing essential oils, which really means evaporating them from their oil state into the air around you, can be done in a number of ways. The least complex of all might be making your own potpourri, adding several drops of oils to the bowl or basket. Other folks add a few drops of oil to pinecones and place them about the house. Using this diffusion method, you may want to mix a small amount of a vegetable oil with the essential oil, as to slow the oil’s evaporation rate, and lengthen the time you’ll be enjoying the aromas. As for the more modern devices, there are warming diffusers which just plug into an outlet and evaporate the oil from a cotton pad. There are ‘fan’ models which blow air over a similar, but often larger pad. Then there are the high-end units of nebulizing diffusers which make a mist of the essential oils to get higher concentrations into larger areas. ANY of these will work for making your home smell lovely for the holidays; if you think you may want to pursue aromatherapy in the future, you may consider investing in a nebulizer-style diffuser, as they generally have a more broad range of therapeutic possibilities.

And now for the fun part – the essential oils. There are SO many to choose from, and you may start by just browsing sites on the internet which will often have listings of over a hundred oils available. Here we’ll have a look at just a few of the favorites for this time of year. Perhaps the most popular are the ‘needle’ oils, distilled from the needles and twigs of evergreen trees. Balsam Fir is especially nice, with a lightly complex aroma of both high and middle notes. Black Spruce is another favorite, much for the same reason – their sweetness is quite uplifting, and their complexity keeps us interested. Juniper berry, while not strictly a ‘needle’ oil is also wonderfully bright and uplifting. While some find it a bit strong on its own, it blends very well with other essential oils distilled from evergreens.

If you’re wishing to bring a little more exotic scents into your home, the oils of Frankincense, Myrrh and Sandalwood are perfect choices – aromas that have been used extensively for both their psychological and physiological health benefits for ages. These are grounding oils, one’s that are known for bringing peace and stillness. Frankincense is both bright and earthy at the same time, with its citrus and woody notes. Myrrh is more hypnotic and mysterious, useful in small amounts. Sandalwood is a classic favorite with both sweet and woody notes, with lovely varieties coming from India, Australia and the South Pacific. These oils can be blended together, or added in small amounts to one or more of the evergreen oils for a pleasant combination.

There are of course over a hundred common essential oils to choose from. French Lavender or Roman Chamomile can be useful to calming the little ones – and maybe help you sleep better. Cedarwood, spice oils like Clove, Cinnamon (in small amounts) and Cardamom, or the brightening citrus oils of Sweet Orange, Tangerine, Bergamot and Petitigrain are popular, wonderful choices. Many blends can be found with these oils, or, if you prefer creating your own aroma, buy a little of each and mix up some small test batches. Start slowly, as pure oils seem to have their best effect when their aromas are just pleasantly noticed, rather than overwhelming. With a little practice and intuition, you’ll be able to create your home’s personal flavor for the season.

Just a little essential oil can bring a new kind of cheer to you and your family this season. One small bottle is often enough to scent your home for several days – more potent oils will last even longer. As you become familiar with the array of aromas available, you’ll be able to pick and choose oils particularly suited to your needs. The effects of aromatherapy may surprise you; maybe enough to get you hooked and keep you smiling through the rest of the winter.

What man would not love the idea of a nice massage? However, you have to be careful when indulging your man with essential oils. Whether used in aromatherapy to scent the home or used in a massage, your manly man, probably will not appreciate the floral and fruity smells that you like. You have to go beyond the “girly” scents and look for the ones that are masculine. After all, you would not like to have you man go around smelling like flowers either, would you? If you are ready to indulge your man in a little essential oil, then consider the following “manly” scents.
When reading the list of masculine smelling essential oils, it is important to remember that everyone has a unique sense of smell. What works for one man, may be hated by another. Get a few different scents and try them out. When you have found one or two that your man likes, remember that and use it often. Whether you use these essential oils alone with carrier oils for a massage, put a few drops in the bathwater or use them in lotions and crèmes, your man will like they way these oils smell and makes him feel.
Cedarwood: Cedarwood is certainly a manly scent. Think outdoors and you have the smell of cedarwood. Cedarwood does carry a strong outdoors scent that a lot of men really enjoy. A fresh scent that is not floral will be appreciated. Not only will this essential oil be loved by your man, it can also reduce the day-to-day stress at the end of a long week and wipe away worries. Use it in a massage and your man will feel relaxed and ready to conquer the world, or at least the yard work!
Lavender: While lavender does have more of a floral scent, many men do like the smell and the calming affect it has on them. You can use lavender in a warm bath, in candles or in a massage. You might also try mixing a bit of lavender with other more masculine scents for a nice touch. Lavender is widely known to help reduce stress and anxiety for men and women, so it is certainly worth a try.
Rosemary: It does have a feminine name, but rosemary has a strong, woodsy scent that most men appreciate. In fact, the smell of rosemary is very fresh and “herby”. Men will like this scent when mixed with other masculine scents. Try using it for a massage for added benefit.
Other popular manly essential oils include sandalwood, patchouli and cypress. You may not think of vanilla as a manly smell, but many men respond well to it. The idea behind using essential oils for your guy is to not rule out anything. Get him to the store with you and try out a few scents. You may be surprised at his likes and dislikes. When you find the right scent for your man, you can be sure he will get the therapeutic benefits because he won’t feel like he smells like a flower.