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What are essential oils? "In purely practical terms, essential oils are concentrated compounds extracted from aromatic plants to capture that plant’s scent, flavor and natural benefits. You’ll find these highly potent compounds in a plant’s seeds, flowers, bark, roots, leaves, stems, rinds, fruit and resin. As an example, in citrus fruits, essential oils are found inside the peel. There are many who also see essential oils as the essence of a plant, the purest distillation of nature’s living energy. These oils have enhanced lives for thousands of years, with new uses and benefits still being discovered today. Within the plants they’re extracted from, essential oils create that plant’s signature scent along with other benefits. For example, plants depend on their oils to attract pollinating insects and repel predators. Once extracted, essential oils will often have a stronger scent than the plants they hail from and exhibit more concentrated effects. To enjoy these concentrated effects—the benefits of essential oils—you can apply them topically, typically added to other carrier oils, creams and lotions. Other benefits come from diffusing these oils’ inviting aromas throughout your living or workspaces with an essential oil diffuser. Certain grades of oil can even be ingested and are used to flavor food and drinks. Of course, concentrated extracts like essential oils should be handled with care. Be sure to always check individual labels for instructions on how to use and apply an essential oil. Ask your doctor if you’re not sure a particular oil is right for you."
How Are Essential Oils Produced? "One of the most commonly asked questions, from both novices and those well versed in oils, is how are these essential oils made? How an essential oil is produced can often determine its purity and potency. In the essential oil industry, the most frequently used methods of extraction are steam distillation and cold pressing. Steam distillationSteam distillation is the most common way to extract essential oils. It involves placing water and select aromatic plants into specialized equipment called a distiller. The water is boiled to the point where it creates steam. The steam pulls the essential oils out of the plants. Once separated, the oil-laden steam is cooled in a condenser where the oil becomes a liquid again. Different essential oil companies will use different distillation methods, some more gentle than others. Essential oils contain hundreds of small molecules called constituents and too much heat and pressure will destroy these beneficial components. That’s why the slightest variation in the temperature or pressure can alter the oil’s chemical profile. The gentler the process, the more potent the oil. Cold pressingOil companies generally use cold pressing to extract oils from citrus fruits such as lemons, grapefruits, limes, oranges and tangerines. Cold pressing is preferred with these fruits because other oil extraction methods can compromise the potency of the oil. In the past, cold pressing was performed by hand. These days, the rind of the citrus fruit is placed in a container with spikes that puncture the peels while the device rotates. The punctures release the rind’s essential oil, which is then collected and separated from the natural juices."
How To Choose The Right Essential Oils How do you choose the right essential oils for you? As you make this decision, you’ll find that deciding on the right oil starts with selecting the right provider. Once you determine the oil you need, you want a company you can trust. Picking a provider can be daunting, especially with so many of them out there making all kinds of claims about the purity of their oils. Here are a few tips on what to look for in a reputable essential oil company.
Beware of jargon Many companies sling around terms like “pure” or “therapeutic” or “medical grade.” Be aware that these aren’t industry terms. They don’t have any concrete definition or standard, so they can mean anything that the company wants them to mean.
Check the label Quality essential oil companies are upfront and transparent about their product. They’ll list the plant’s name or Latin name from which the oil is derived and provide web pages, booklets and other material about the product. Look for any additions or synthetics that might dilute the oil’s purity.
Research the company Look for an oil company with a reputable and established name.
Look for dark glass containers Dark-tinted glass protects the quality of the oil, and unlike plastic bottles, glass will not degrade over time when in contact with essential oils. Oil companies who know what they’re doing will make sure their product arrives in the best condition.
Compare prices You’ve probably heard the phrase “You get what you pay for.” With essential oils, it’s the truth. Prices for individual oils will vary, depending on harvesting and how much raw plant material is needed to produce each drop of oil. The cheaper an oil, the more likely that its purity is compromised.
Hopefully, once you find an oil company you can trust, they’ll become more than a vendor taking your money for their product. The leading essential oil companies become a partner and advisor in your journey to wellness and a cleaner, healthier lifestyle.
How Do Essential Oils Work? "So how do essential oils work? There are three primary ways that the beneficial constituents in essential oils can interact with your body: aromatically through the olfactory nerves, topically through the skin and internally through ingestion. Not every oil is suited for skin contact without diluting the oil first, and only certain oils are safe for ingestion. Always check the label instructions to see which method is best with the specific oil you’re using. Aromatically: Breathe them inInhaling the scent of essential oils can stimulate the body on various levels. You’ll find that when you breathe in a certain scent, your body will react without you even realizing it. By simply inhaling or diffusing a scent, you can evoke a desired atmosphere or even recall a childhood memory through the limbic system—the brain’s center of memory, emotion and behavior. Using oils aromatically is an excellent way to reap the benefits of essential oils and positively impact your outlook and environment. Topically: Soak them upEssential oils can also work topically when applied to the skin, where they can be absorbed into the body. Remember that essential oils are extremely potent, though, and you should proceed cautiously with the topical application of a new essential oil, especially if you have sensitive skin. A patch test is a way to take an oil for a limited trial run to see how it interacts with your unique skin and system. With a patch test, you simply apply one or two drops of the new essential oil to your forearm. Any reactions typically occur within an hour or two. If you experience a bad reaction to the oil, apply a carrier oil to the affected area instead of soap and water. Carrier oils are neutral, plant-derived oils such as almond oil or coconut oil. They’re often used to dilute the powerful effects of essential oils. Carrier oils are recommended instead of water because oils are fat soluble. This means they’re attracted to fat and repel water. The skin contains layers of fat, which attracts essential oils. If an oil causes any kind of discomfort, washing with water will only drive it deeper into your skin. It’s important to keep essential oils away from sensitive regions of the body including the eyes, ears and other soft-tissue regions. Also, some essential oils, particularly those that belong to the citrus family, cause photosensitivity. Please check labels for any warning signs to dilute before application, wait 24 to 48 hours before exposing skin to the sun or to take any other precautions. Internally: Take them inThe rich, bright aromas of certain essential oils can add a delicious kick of flavor to your favourite recipes! Not all oils can be ingested, but some qualify as dietary supplements. Review the labels of oils to make sure they’re intended for internal use before you add them to your cooking or flavor your drinks with them. For example, you can add some Lime oil to fresh salsa or your favourite marinade, Lemon to grilled fish, Peppermint to hot cocoa or Oregano or Basil to homemade pasta sauce. Just remember that these oils are extremely powerful—one drop may overpower your recipe! One way to add essential oils to food is to dip a toothpick in the oil and mix that into your dish or drink. If you add oils to a drink, make sure you use a glass or stainless-steel bottle, because oils will degrade plastic."
The History Of Essential Oils "Essential oils were prized throughout history and by many ancient cultures for their various cosmetic, aromatic and dietary benefits. Many civilizations treasured these oils so much that they were incorporated into their spiritual and religious rituals. In fact, oils are mentioned in many historical texts from around the world. The Egyptians used aromatic oils as early as 4500 BC and their practices were the source for the Evers Papyrus, the first compilation of ancient healing practices that dates back to approximately 1,500 BC. India boasts a 3,000-year history of incorporating essential oils into their healing potions, with Vedic literature listing over 700 substances including cinnamon, ginger, myrrh, sandalwood, jasmine, rose, lotus and other essential oils. In China, the use of essential oils was first recorded between 2697–2597 BC during the reign of Huang Ti, the legendary Yellow Emperor. His famous book, The Yellow Emperor’s Book of Internal Medicine, contains uses for several oils. The ancient Greeks and Romans also documented the use of essential oils. During the Crusades, the European knights and their armies discovered the Middle Eastern use of essential oils and the distillation methods used to extract them. They became acquainted with the literature about the oils’ many uses and took it back with them, where the oils soon spread across western Europe. The modern essential oils movement builds on this foundation of ancient tradition and wisdom, re-introducing essential oils and their benefits to the world." Essential Oil Uses And Benefits"Though ancient civilizations documented essential oil uses and benefits, the modern essential oil movement is still seen as a new trend. The movement builds on this foundation of tradition and wisdom and, with the help of increasing scientific research, is re-introducing essential oils to the world. Throughout history, essential oils were included in spiritual, religious and meditative practices. They were also used for aromatherapy, cosmetics, personal care and food preparation. Today, manufacturers rely on essential oils to scent their perfumes and lotions. There are hundreds of essential oils, each with unique benefits and uses. Many people use oils to scent their homes, freshen their laundry, flavor their food and drinks or to enhance their DIY cosmetics and cleaners. Clinical trials are also being done to study whether essential oils can help calm everyday stress, promote restful sleep, etc., though more trials are needed. In our more sustainable, environmentally conscious society, essential oils make a compelling case as a green alternative to many of the standard cosmetics and cleaners. Essential oil-infused products are naturally derived without harsh, synthetic chemicals, making them an eco-friendly solution you can feel safe using on your skin, around your family and in your home." Why Should I Use Essential Oils?"Why would you want to use essential oils? Because a healthier world starts with small, simple changes in the home. The products we use in our homes impact our health and wellness in countless ways. Many people turn to essential oils as an alternative to standard industry products. Essential oils and oil-infused products contain naturally derived, plant-based ingredients that provide a cleaner lifestyle and safer solutions across the board when it comes to cosmetics, household cleaners, personal care products, etc. Additionally, the products we all use over time can impact the overall health of the planet. Leaders in the essential oil industry go out of their way to implement sustainable, responsible farming and harvesting methods that respect the planet and the people who live on it."
Essential oils are potent gifts from nature that can often be more powerful than expected. In order to prevent misuse of these precious oils and ensure their maximum benefit, Young Living Founder and CEO D. Gary Young, working with Director of Global Education and Health Sciences Dr. Lindsey Elmore and other product experts on her team, has created this helpful safety guide. Refer to it to learn the basics of essential oil use, how to handle skin sensitivity, and other valuable information.
1. I’m new to essential oils. How are they used? – Each bottle of Young Living essential oil is labeled with directions for how that oil can be used, and these directions vary based on location. Please consult with the product label for appropriate use directions. 2. I see the term “carrier oil” used in several places. What is a carrier oil, what does it do, and why should I use it? – A carrier oil is a vegetable oil such as coconut oil or grapeseed oil that can be used to dilute EO. YL V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex is an excellent carrier oil for all applications. Carrier oils ensure that EOs applied topically are comfortable. Dilution with a carrier oil does not dilute the effect of the EO, and prevents waste due to excessive application. Vegetable shortening, butter, margarine or petroleum derivatives (petrolatum jelly) should never be used as carrier oils. Some consumers choose to avoid olive oil as a carrier oil because of its strong aroma and thick viscosity. 3. What is a hot oil? – “Hot oils” are oils that, when applied to the skin, can cause a hot or burning sensation. YL recommends using a patch test procedure prior to first use. To perform a patch test, apply 1-2 drops of EO to a patch of skin such as the forearm. Observe that area of skin over the course of 1-2 hours for any noticeable reaction; usually reactions occur within 5-10 minutes. If you experience a hot or burning sensation or if you develop a rash, add V-6 carrier oil to the affected area as often as needed. Examples of “hot” oils include cinnamon, clove, lemongrass, peppermint, oregano, thyme, Exodus II, and Thieves. 4. What if I experience skin discomfort or irritation? – If discomfort or irritation occurs, stop using the EO, and apply V-6 or other carrier oil to the affected area. Never use water in an attempt to flush the oil off the skin, as this may increase discomfort. If a rash occurs this may be a sign of detoxification; drink adequate water to encourage the release and removal of body toxins. Toxins present in petrochemical based soaps and skin care products, detergents and perfumes may trigger some of the detoxification reactions. Consider discontinuation of these agents if a reaction occurs. Before using the EO again, perform a patch test (see above) and dilute with carrier oil as needed. Water drives oil into the skin and the eyes. If EO gets in your eye, flush with V-6 carrier oil to alleviate any discomfort. Discomfort should be alleviated within minutes. If eye discomfort does not subside within 5 minutes, please seek medical attention. Be aware that some documents suggest diluting the oil with water. YL suggests that you dilute with carrier oil to ensure that discomfort is alleviated as quickly as possible. 5. Can essential oils be applied to sensitive areas? – YL recommends that you avoid contact with EOs and sensitive areas such as eyes, ears, genitals and mucous membranes. If you choose to use the oil in any sensitive area, dilute 1 drop of the essential oil to 5-10 drops of V-6 carrier oil. 6. How often can essential oils be applied? How much do I use? – Proper usage is indicated on each EO label. Please follow label instructions. The idea of “if a little is good, a lot is better” is not always correct. Essential oils are very potent and powerful– start low and go slow. In most cases 1-2 drops are adequate and using more may waste product. Depending on the EO you can gradually build up to 3-4 uses per day if desired. Excessive use of essential oils may increase the risk for adverse reactions. 7. Can essential oils be used during pregnancy or while nursing? – As with any medical condition it is strongly recommended that, prior to use of essential oils, you seek the advice and recommendation of a competent, trained health care advisor who is experienced in EO usage. It is generally recommended to avoid overuse and excessive use of Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea), Sage (Salvia officinalis), Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) as well as the blends and supplements that contain these oils. 8. Can essential oils be used on children? – Many EOs are appropriate for use with children, and they should be diluted prior to use. Some YL products are pre-diluted with carrier oil as indicated on product label and are intended for direct application on children. Children generally respond well to EO, and use of a carrier oil is recommended. One-2 drops of EO such as SleepyIze, RutaVala, Gentle Baby and Peace & Calming may be diluted in carrier oil and applied to the bottom of the feet. 9. How does exposure to sun affect essential oil use? – Some EOs, especially citrus oils, contain natural molecules that react with sunlight (UV light) and cause a sensitivity reaction. All YL EOs and oil blends that contain these compounds are labeled with a warning to avoid sun/UV light for 12 to 48 hours after applying. Caution should always be used when starting to use a new oil: use patch testing (see above), dilute and apply the oil to skin that is protected from sun/UV exposure to reduce the risk of sensitivity. YL beauty and cosmetic products are formulated to remove sun-sensitizing agents to reduce the risk of sun sensitivity. 10. What about the use of essential oils if I have a medical condition? Can essential oils interact with prescription medications? – If you have a disease or medical condition, or if you are using a prescription medication, it is recommended that you consult with a health advisor who has experience with EOs prior to using an EO. Seek the advice of the prescribing physician and a pharmacist about potential interactions between the medication(s) and the essential oil(s).
Recommended 3rd Party sites, books, & apps, for more oily Information.
EO Desk Reference... the pocket reference is excellent too!
Easy to use, affordable reference guide.
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Reference Guide App! Look for it in your app store!
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