About Essential Oils
Principally derived from distillation which is a process were plants are heated in steam or boiling water until the oils vaporize. Other extraction methods are maceration where plant materials are immersed in hot oils to release the essence, which scents the oil. Expression extraction is where plant material is crushed to release the oils. Enfleurage is used to press flowers unto fat-coated glass plates although this form of extraction is not used much today. Essential oils are volatile and highly fragrant substances, which are essential to the survival of plants for either protection or propagation. These oils help to protect the plants from disease and parasites. They also have a role in helping plants to adapt and in fertilization. These essence molecules are located between the cells of the plant and are regulators and messengers.
When you crush a leaf or petal what appears is the liquid called essential oil. Orange and other citrus oils are taken from the peels or rinds of the fruit. The therapeutic properties of a particular essential oil are determined by its chemical constitution. Carbon is the basis of essential oil constitutes. Many oils have multiple properties.
Essential oils can be:
Aromatic or having a stimulating quality and agreeable odor Analgesic or pain relieving
Anti-allergic, helps with allergy symptoms Anti-inflammatory helps to alleviate inflammation
Anti-spasmodic, relieving or checking cramps and spasms Anti-viral, inhibits or destroys virus
Antiseptic, destroys or inhibits pathogens and putrefactive bacteria
Bactericidal, killing bacteria
Carminative, expels gas
Cicatrisant, helps against scarring
Decongestant and Diuretic, increasing the secretion and expulsion of urine
Expectorant, promotes mucus discharge from the respiratory system
Fungicidal, inhibits or kills fungus Hepatic, beneficial to the liver
Hypnotic: promotes or produces sleep. Nervine: calming or soothing to the nerves
Sedative, soothing irritation, distress and nervousness Warming More
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