Revitalize4Life

An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled (most frequently by steam or water) from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant. Essential oils, contrary to the use of the word “oil” are not really oily-feeling at all. Most essential oils are clear, but some oils such as patchouli, orange and lemongrass are amber or yellow in color. Essential oils contain the true essence of the plant it was derived from and are highly concentrated,so a little goes a long way.

Perfume oils are artificially created fragrances or contain artificial substances and do not offer the therapeutic benefits that essential oils do.  Essential oils are derived from the true plants and are used for many purposes such as aromatherapy.  The chemical composition and aroma of essential oils can provide valuable psychological and physical therapeutic benefits. These benefits are usually achieved through methods including inhalation and application of the diluted oil to the skin.  Stress relief, insomnia, pain management, mental alertness, positive attitude and mood enhancement are just some of the many benefits that essential oils can bring.  You can use them in cooking too for flavor and aroma!  I love lemon oil and its versatile usage for both cooking and cleaning!

Essential oils are often used by diluting them with a carrier oil (sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, grapeseed oil) and then applying this blend to the skin for absorption. Careful inhalation of the oils can also provide therapeutic benefit as the oil molecules enter the lungs and are absorbed into the bloodstream.  Lavendar oil has long been used for its soothing and calming properites.  Great for young children or after a long, stressful day!

Essential Oils are usually sold for individual use in very small bottles.  Although essential oils do not become rancid, they can oxidize, deteriorate and lose their beneficial therapeutic properties over time. Citrus oils will oxidize and begin to lose their aroma and therapeutic properties in as little as six months. Not all essential oils diminish in quality as time passes. Essential oils such as patchouli and sandalwood mature with age. All essential oils, however, will benefit from proper storage and handling.

To avoid deterioration and protect the aromatic and therapeutic properties of your essential oils, store them in amber or cobalt blue bottles. Dark glass such as amber or cobalt helps to keep out deteriorating sunlight. Be leery of purchasing any oils sold in clear glass bottles. Clear glass bottles are not harmful to essential oils, but clear glass does not protect the oils from damaging sunlight.  Avoid purchasing pure essential oils sold in plastic bottles as the essential oil will eat at the plastic, and the essential oil will become ruined over a short period of time.

Essential oils can very greatly in quality and price. Various factors that can affect the quality and price of the oil include the rarity of the plant, country and conditions that the plant was grown, quality standards of the distiller, and how much oil is produced by the plant. They can often be purchased as blends of several essential oils. The advantage if it is a blend of pure essential oils is that you may experience greater health results by using more than one that are expertly combined.

Here’s a few tips, add your favorite oil and use in a diffuser to get the aromatic benefits of it.  Put some on a tissue and leave in a drawer. Add some to the disposal to rid bad odors or even in the waste can.  Put some in your vacuum cleaner bag and see how much fun this chore becomes!