Information On Essential Oils

An essential oil is a concentrated liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants. These aromatic oils are extracted from the leaves, stems, flowers and other parts of plants and then typically diluted before use. Thus, essential oils hold the true essence of the plant they are derived from. They are used for aromatherapy, massage, cleaning, skin care and pharmacological purposes.

Distillation

According to "Simplers Botanical Company," there are numerous ways to produce essential oils. The most common is steam distillation in which steam runs through the plant material, breaking down the cells and carrying the essential oils to a cooling chamber. In this chamber, the hydrosol---water portion of the plant and the essential oil---volatile oils of the plant are separated. The resulting oil is dependent upon factors such as the methods utilized, climate, soil conditions and technique of the distiller. Lavender, peppermint and eucalyptus are some of the most commonly distilled.

Solvent Extraction

Solvent extraction is another production method. As reported by Mana Kai Rangahau in "Essential Oils and Their Production," solvent extraction uses a volatile solvent such as hexane or supercritical carbon dioxide. The plant is placed on a tray and then sprayed with the solvent which is readily absorbed by the plant, making it release their essences. Alcohol is then added to extract the essence. Solvent extraction is typically used to extract essentials from delicate flowers such as rose and jasmine. The state of the plant material, whether dried, fresh, crushed or intact can significantly impact the composition and character of the oil.

Grades

Karrie Osborn in "Essential Oils: What We Must Know," notes that there are five grades of essential oils. The highest grade is pure, meaning that the essential oil contains trace elements which are not found within synthetic versions of the natural oil. Standardized oils have been altered from their natural state and extending indicates that the oil has been diluted with a vegetable oil, isolate from cheaper oils, or alcohol. Fractioning is a process of distilling oil at a low pressure. The final grade, reconstitution, requires using chemical components in an attempt to reconstruct natural oils. This grade is most commonly used in food and cosmetic industries.

Common Uses

Essential oils are known for their use in aromatherapy and massage as a means of holistic healing and relaxation. Additionally, essential oils prove beneficial in pest management, food service, cosmetics and fragrance production and antimicrobial and anti-fungal roles. M. Elgayyar et al. in "Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils from Plants Against Selected Pathogenic and Saprophytic Microorganisms," state that essential oils protect against food borne pathogens, bacteria, yeasts and molds. Essential oils have the potential to be useful for pharmaceutical, medicinal and nutritional applications in the future.

Safety

While there are safety concerns with the use of essential oils, taking the proper precautions and understanding simple guidelines can promote safe use. Essential oils should be diluted according to package directions when used on the skin. In addition, these oils can cause some individuals to experience allergic reactions. Some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy or by those with asthma, epilepsy or with other health conditions. It is always a good idea to consult a health care practitioner.