Faq About Aromatherapy Essential Oils

Are you interested in Aromatherapy? Aromatherapy is the use of fragrant essential oils in lotions, creams, baths, gels, and sprays to affect mood and boost health. Many people are curious about the components of the aromatherapy essential oils. Where do these aromatherapy essential oils come from? How are they produced? How are they used in the lotions, creams, sprays, etc? Read on to find out.

Where do aromatherapy essential oils come from? Aromatherapy essential oils come from nature. They are not made in a factory out of synthetic substances. These essential oils are extracted from tiny droplets in the glands, glandular hairs, sacs, and veins of different plant parts. The plant parts include stems, leaves, flowers, roots, bark, and fruit. This diverse set of sources yields a vast array of aromas.

These essential oils are the backbone of the fragrance of the leaves, plants, fruit, and bark. For example, when you sniff a flower the aroma that you smell is due to the release of the flower’s essential oils into the air.

What are properties of aromatherapy essential oils? Essential oils are volatile in nature. Therefore, you need to be careful when you handle them. They can turn to gas even at room temperature so store them in a cool, dry, dark place. This volatility is the reason why flowers are more potent smelling in warmer temperatures such as summer.

Essential oils are water-like as opposed to being oily. Essential oils are very concentrated. For example, one drop of certain essential oils is equivalent to nearly thirty cups of herbal tea. In addition, the concentration level is also dependent upon where the essential oil is extracted from on the plant. For example, essential oils can be distilled in several places from an orange tree. The oils can be distilled from the blossoms, the leaves, and the citrus fruit itself.

How can you determine the quality of essential oils? The type of plant you have determines the quality and quantity of the essential oil that you can extract. Other factors that affect the essential oil include: soil condition, cultivation methods, and how the oil was extracted. It is best to find a reputable supplier that will inform you of their essential oil techniques and where the oil came from. Make sure you find 100% natural oils as opposed to synthetic substitutes.

What are other essential oil tips? Make sure that you buy aromatherapy essential oils that are housed in dark-colored glass bottles. An amber bottle is preferred. Also note the cost of the oils which can range from as little as $5.00 per bottle to $40.00 per bottle. It depends on the type of essential oil. Be wary of buying a variety of different oils that are all the same price. This may mean that the quality of the essential oils is less than desirable.

In addition, watch out for synthetic oils disguised as natural oils. If the bottle says “fragrance”, “perfume” or “potpourri” then it is a synthetic blend and you should shy away from it. You want all natural essential oils because they provide the most therapeutic properties and have a much richer scent.