What are Essential Oils?

There are two kinds of oils: natural and synthetic. Synthetic oils are used for perfume, and they mimic the aroma of natural oils. They contain harmful chemicals and should never be applied to the skin.On the othe hand, Natural essential oils are volatile oil concentrates distilled from plants.Natural oils contain real benefits that have been clinically measured and recorded.Essential oils are highly concentrated natural extracts located in a plant’s seeds, leaves, bark, flowers, roots, stems, rinds and other parts. Distillers of essential oils use various methods to extract these oils that render them even more potent than they were in their respective plants. In such a concentrated form, it’s important to know how to use oils safely and what precautions to take.

The 4 Types of Essential Oils:

Grade A oils are pure and therapeutic. These are the most expensive oils because they are made from organically grown plants and distilled numerous times.

Grade B oils are not necessarily unsafe, but they contain chemical additives that you may not want to put on your skin.

Grade C oils are perfume grade, and they contain the same chemical additives as grade B oils in addition to a synthetic fragrance. 

Another grade of essential oil is floral water, which is the byproduct of the distillation process. Floral water may only be safe if the distillation process was grade A.

How to use Essential Oils?

Different oils offer different benefits, depending on how and where you apply them. So, before using any new essential oil, be sure to check that oil’s uses and benefits and read any labels and instructions that come with it.

Aromatherapy: You can use essential oils aromatically by simply opening the bottle and inhaling its aroma. They can also be applied topically as a personal fragrance, but always dilute them with a carrier oil, which is a plant-derived oil like coconut or almond oil. Dilute a few drops of essential oil with your carrier oil and then rub it into your palms and inhale or dab some behind your ear or on your neck. You can also use a diffuser to disperse the essential oil into the air.

Massage Therapy: Another favourite way to apply essential oils is topically, where you allow the oil to absorb into your skin. As mentioned before, always dilute oils with a carrier oil before you apply them topically. Topical oils can become part of a massage or added to your preferred lotion, moisturizer or other personal care product. Some oils, particularly those from the citrus family, can cause photosensitivity. A carrier oil is a plant-derived oil like coconut and almond oil that can be used to dilute an essential oil’s concentration.

Precautions:

Everyone is different, so as you start out with small amounts of these oils, watch for any reactions to the essential oils you use. If your skin becomes irritated, apply a carrier or fatty oil to the affected area to dilute the essential oil.

Only use one new oil at a time to see how your body will react to it. After applying the new oil, wait at least 30 minutes before applying another new one.

Don’t apply essential oils to your eyes, ears, nose or other areas with sensitive skin.

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider before trying any oils.

Some oils, mostly those from the citrus family, can cause photosensitivity to direct sunlight for at least 12 hours after application. Make sure you stay out of direct sunlight after applying these undiluted essential oils to your skin.

References:

https://www.rainshadowlabs.com/pages/different-grades-of-essential-oils

https://www.youngliving.com/us/en/learn/how-to-use-essential-oils