Many aromatic compounds from plants are volatile - that is they quickly dissipate into the air, even at room temperature. Essential or volatile oils are the most important group of chemicals from plants that make their aromas. There are many different volatile oils within the differing essential oils, each complex mixture giving different aromas and properties.
Essential oils are super concentrated substances. For example, it takes about 7kg of fresh peppermint leaves to produce one ounce of essential oil. These oils are what give the flavour and aroma to the spices that add a zest to your cooking. The essential oils also have therapeutic effects that you can put to work in many different situations.
Essential oils are biologically active when inhaled, stimulating our sense of smell, which in turn stimulate certain parts of the brain. These molecules may stimulate an immune response after entering the lungs, and so may help your body to fight infection. When used on the skin with a carrier oil, individual components from the essential oil penetrate the skin and enter the blood vessels where they may be useful for pain relief, healing etc.
We have a wide range of high quality essential oils, including some of the more unusual varieties. Many people are familiar with using lavender oil and tea tree oil around the home, but one of our favourite oils is Frankincense. We have sourced a particularly good Sacred Frankincense Oil straight from the Middle East, where it has been used for millennia to support mind, body and spirit.
Essential Oils can be used diluted in a carrier oil and applied to your skin, a few drops can be put into a bath or added to an oil burner or diffuser.
We also have carrier oils such as:
- Almond Oil
- Grape Seed Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Apricot Kernel Oil
- Wheatgerm Oil
- Sesame Seed Oil
- Avocado Oil
- Hemp Seed Oil
You can get creative and make your own beautiful massage oils.
Essential Oil Safety Guidelines
When using oils, you should always follow the safety guidelines:
Most essential oil should be not applied undiluted to skin: Essential oils are extremely concentrated and many of them can cause skin damage or burns. You also stand the risk of absorbing too much through the skin, which can lead to an overdose.
Do not take internally: Essential oils can be toxic. Use with care, keeping essential oils away from your mouth, nose, ears, or any other body opening.
Use as recommended only. Overuse can cause headaches and dizziness. If you will be making something with essential oils such as soap or lotion, do so in a well ventilated area and take frequent breaks for fresh air.
Store carefully. Essential oils should be stored high and out of reach of children and pets.
Keep away from heat. Essential oils are flammable. Keep them away from heat, flames, or ignition sources.
Use extreme caution around babies, young children or pets. Dosages are much different for these individuals and need to be used with extreme caution.
Consult with your medical professional, especially if you have any kind of medical condition such as sensitive skin, epilepsy, heart or kidney problems. Overuse of essential oils can cause damage to the liver and kidneys, so people with certain conditions should not use them. They can also react with various medications.
Additionally, you should do a patch test before widespread use of new oils. Use a carrier oil that you know you don’t react to and a small amount of essential oil. Patch test on your upper arm, neck, leg, or other area. If you have any kind of reaction, discontinue use immediately.
Know the effects and risks of each type of essential oil you use. Each essential oil is different. Some are not safe during pregnancy, some are irritating, and some can quickly become toxic or hazardous.