Essential Oils

Essential Oil Basics

Essential oils are volatile liquids that are distilled from live plants. Gasoline is derived from plants that have been dead for thousands of years, and it is volatile, but is not an essential oil. Motor oil is derived from plants that have been dead for thousands of years, but it is not volatile. So gasoline and motor oil are not essential oils.

Beside being highly volatile, these oils are also hydrophobic; they do not mix with water.

Because essential oils are volatile, they evaporate easily. If an essential oil is put on a piece of paper, it should evaporate completly, and leave no trace.

Base Oils

Extraction Methods

Most often, a low heat steam distillation process is used. For citrus fruits, cold expression, or cold pressing, is the method used to extract the oils.

How to use

The first time I tried to apply an essential oil to my face, I used my fingers. Then I tried to drop it onto my face because my fingers absorbed the oil before I got it to my face. It didn't go well. Using essential oils, like many other things, requires the right tools. Check out this website for a selection of tools and other paraphernalia.

Safty

Some essential oils may interact with prescribed drugs.

Putity and Quality

M.

Books

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Here are some link references on Essential Oils: