The Essential Oils Definition

An essential oil, also called a volatile oil, is a liquid with a specific, plant-based chemical composition that may act on the skin to increase mood, calm the mind, or help with digestion. Essential oils include several different classes, including the following: alpha-naphthoic, carvacrol, and eucalyptus. A pleasant smell is the most obvious sign that an essential oil is present. Essential oils include several common scents, including lavender, basil, bergamot, eucalyptus, geranium, jasmine, lemon, rose, and sandalwood. Some essential oils are said to cause relaxation, others to have restorative properties.

essential oils definition

Essential oils can be diluted in carrier oil to use in a diffuser to add scent or to apply directly to the skin. Diffusers work by heating the essential oils to a boil and then letting them escape into the air where they can be breathed in by taking a deep breath. Some diffusers also use carrier oils that are heated as well to allow the oils to diffuse into a more even distribution. It is recommended that you dilute essential oils before applying to the skin or diffusing because using essential oils straight out of a bottle can be harmful.

Before using any type of essential oils or making essential oils at home, it is best to consult a professional who can make your purchase or give you information on the best carrier oils to purchase for ingesting or applying to the skin. Some essential oils are not safe to ingest and others can react with medications you may be taking. For example, citronella is not safe to ingest and must be properly diluted before you can use it to keep pets from itching itchy feet. Similarly, essential oils that react with medications need to be diluted to avoid overdosing.

Essential oils come in many varieties and are used for many applications. A good place to start understanding the uses of essential oils is to learn how they are used in aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is a healing science that uses essential oils, candles and natural products to promote relaxation, increase energy and balance emotions and body chemistry for healing. Ingesting lemon essential oil can help you with digestion, headaches, nausea and sore throat. Lemon essential oil is excellent for healing skin disorders, burns and insect bites, cuts and bruises, while lavender essential oils can help alleviate muscle pain, headaches and muscle tension.

There are many uses for essential oils including inhalation for those who suffer from asthma, headache and other sinus problems, as well as for headaches and stomachaches. You can use essential oils to soothe your pet, to relax yourself, to calm down your fears and dreams, and for your children to overcome their shyness. Lemon essential oil is excellent for balancing your emotions when you are angry or depressed, and lemon essential oils help improve your memory. Peppermint essential oils are excellent for improving concentration and also for treating insomnia, nausea and depression. To soothe your pet, use lavender essential oils for your pet’s health and comfort.

Essential oils can be diluted a number of times before applying them to your skin, and it is important to dilute oils properly. The ratio of carrier oil to essential oil varies according to the specific essential oils being used. You can find information on using essential oils and carrier oils on the internet. In fact, you can buy kits to make your own essential oil kit at a reasonable price.