Aromatherapy Essential Oils

Essential oils are aromatic liquids extracted from flowers, trees, roots, bushes, rinds, and seeds and are used extensively in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and perfume industry. Essential oils are concentrated aromatic plant extracts collected through a process of steam distillation and should be used with care and respect. They are highly concentrated and a little goes a long way. Essential oils are the natural by-product of plant metabolism and are considered to be the liquid immune system of the plant. They are classified by their "notes" or scent characteristics.

Essential oils are not the same as perfume or fragrance oils and are usually sold for individual use in very small bottles. They are usually lipophilic (literally: "oil-loving") compounds that usually are not miscible with water and are generally most effective via inhalation or absorption through the skinand and are very efficient in leaving the body through exhalation and perspiration. Essential oils are extracted from the same herbs and plants that are used to create more than 80% of modern pharmaceuticalmedicines. They are volatile and their aromatic properties will definitely evaporate when given the opportunity.

Essential oils can be massaged into the skin, added to bath water or vaporised in an oil burner and can be used in a multitude of ways especially in the practice of Aromatherapy, to restore harmony of body and mind. Essential oils are some of nature's most powerful products.