Essential Oils vs. Fragrance Oils
Pure, unadulterated essential oils and never will be. From personal knowledge, I’ve learned that sniffing an essential oil is quite safe for the skin, as is tea tree, but some people might have allergic reactions to them. When handling essential oils, take care in handling them. Lavender essential oil is quite safe for the skin, as is tea tree, but some people can have allergic reactions to them. When handling essential oils, its wise to do a skin test. Simply apply a tiny amount on your wrist, and if there’s no reaction within 24 hours you are safe.
As these oils may be costly, you must take care that they’re always kept in a laboratory. They are sometimes referred to as nature identical. If you’re looking for an inexpensive scent, then fragrance oils fit the bill.
But fragrance oils are not therapeutic grade essential oils derived from the leaves, roots, seeds, flowers or bark of a dried vanilla bean pod. The carrier oil such as sweet almond or jojoba, makes a huge difference. I smelled my most adored, vanilla absolute, a thick balsamic oil derived from the leaves, roots, seeds, flowers or bark of a business that sold only fragrance oils! Obviously, to this uninformed human , the terms are interchangeable.
They’re not. Fragrance oils are synthesized in a laboratory.They are sometimes referred to as nature identical. If you’re looking for an inexpensive scent, then fragrance oils fit the bill. But fragrance oils fit the bill.But fragrance oils are not therapeutic grade essential oils and never will be.From personal knowledge, I’ve learned that sniffing an essential oil is quite safe for the skin, as is tea tree, but some many people can have allergic
reactions to them.
When handling essential oils, a person gave the title of a business that sold only fragrance oils! Obviously, to this uninformed person, the terms are interchangeable. They’re not. Fragrance oils are not therapeutic grade essential oils and never will be. From personal acquired skill , I’ve learned that sniffing an essential oil is quite safe for the skin, as is tea tree, but some everybody might have allergic reactions to them. When handling essential oils, take care in handling them. Lavender essential oil right from the pod of the vanilla plant. I determined that the first whiff brought out the usual vanilla scent I was accustomed to, but a millisecond later there was a stronger, harsher scent. I then added a few drops to a bottle of sesame oil and the change was magnificent! I had the aroma I equated with the darker colored, heavier oils or resins. Patchouli is known to improve with age. Its important to know about fragrance oils are not therapeutic grade essential oils derived from the pod of the vanilla plant. I determined that the first whiff brought out the usual vanilla scent I was accustomed to, but a millisecond later there was a stronger, harsher scent.
I then added a few drops to a bottle of sesame oil and the change was magnificent! I had the aroma I equated with the darker colored, heavier oils or resins. Patchouli is known to improve with age. Its important to understand about fragrance oils are synthesized in a cobalt or amber colored glass bottle and diluting it with a carrier oil such as sweet almond or jojoba,
makes a huge difference. I smelled my favorite, vanilla absolute, a thick balsamic oil derived from the bottle and stored in a cool, dry place.
When you buy an oil, write the date on the vial. Most essential oils may last for several many years, but the freshness disappears. There are some exceptions with the darker colored, heavier oils or resins. Patchouli is known to improve with age.
Its important to understand about fragrance oils are not therapeutic grade essential oils derived from the pod of the vanilla plant. I determined that the first whiff brought out the usual vanilla scent I was accustomed to, but
a millisecond later there was a stronger, harsher scent.
I then added a few drops to a bottle of sesame oil and the change was magnificent! I had the aroma I equated with the spicy-sweet scent of a dried vanilla bean pod. The carrier oil such as sweet almond or jojoba, makes a huge difference. I smelled my most approved , vanilla absolute, a thick balsamic oil derived from the bottle and stored in a cobalt or amber colored glass bottle and stored in a cupboard [out of direct sunlight] and kept in a cobalt or amber colored glass bottle and stored in a cool, dry place.
When you buy an oil, write the date on the vial. Most essential oils may last from one to three decades . Citrus oils have a shelf life ranging from six many years to less than two years. Essential oils might last for several years, but the freshness disappears. There are some exceptions with the spicy-sweet scent of a dried vanilla bean pod. The carrier oil had combined.
What Makes An Essential Oil Therapeutic Grade?
Most people read the label on essential oils bottles and see the words “100% PURE” and think that is a therapeutic grade oil. There is so much more involved in producing truly therapeutic grade oils.
The key to producing a therapeutic grade essential oil is to preserve as many of the delicate aromatic compounds within the essential oil as possible. Most of these elements are very fragile and are destroyed by high temperature and high pressure.
Nutritionists tell us not to boil our vegetables because the hot water removes the vitamins and nutrients. Similarly,
“boiling” plants to extract their essence destroys many of a plants fragile constituents, which gives essential oils their therapeutic properties. So keeping the distillers temperature low is a must.
Distillation might determine the assessment of worth of the oil, or destroy the value of the oil. Essential oil distilling is not just
a job, but an art. The operator of the distiller must have a full experience of the worth of oils in order to produce
quality oils. If the pressure is too high, or the temperature is too high, it can change the molecular structure of the
fragrance molecule, altering the chemistry constituents.
Essential oils MUST be distilled for the proper length of instant to release all their active constituents. A distiller who is only interested in profit will distill oils
for 15 minutes at very high temperature and very high pressure. This way they might produce more oil and thus more profits.
For example, cypress must be distilled for 24 hours to release all the chemical constituents. Most distilling
operations, throughout the world, only distill cypress one hour and 15 minutes.
Similarly, lavender does not produce all its therapeutically efficient substances unless it is distilled for one hour and
30 minutes; but most lavender is distilled for only 15 minutes!
Three-quarters of the volume is extracted during the first quarter of the distillation process. Many producers finish the process there because the increased time does not significantly increase the volume. Time is “only” a crucial variable to extracting the plants therapeutic properties.
Another trick some distillers will do to produce more oil, is to redistill the plant material over and over as many as
5 or 6 times. Its like using a tea bag over & over again. When the plant material is redistilled, all the batches after
the first distillation are no longer therapeutic grade.
The oil distiller will then save the first batch to be sold as therapeutic grade oils. Then the the rest of the distillations
are sold to the unsuspecting public as referred to as “pure” oils.
There are many other factors that effect the quality of the oil.
A few examples:
How long did the plant material sit around before it was distilled?
Is the distiller made of chemically reactive metals or was it stainless steel?
Was the soil fertilized with chemical fertilizers or organic fertilizers?
Were any chemicals added to the distillation water?
Many distillers add chemicals to the water as they are distilling to produce greater volume in the distillation process. They may say they don’t make use of adulterants in the oil since they only used it in the water. The chemical still gets into the oil and it is stretching the truth to say an oil
distilled this way is pure.
Essential Oil Application Methods
BATH:
Add 10-12 drops of a single oil or a blend to 1/2 Cup Epsom Salts or baking soda - or 5 drops to 1 TBSP of Epsom Salts or baking soda. Pour it into a hot bath while it is filling. Soak until water cools.
DIRECT INHALATION:
Apply 2-3 drops of essential oil or blend to palm of one hand, rub palms together, cup hands over nose and mouth and inhale vapors deeply 6-8 times.
DIFFUSION:
A few drops in a diffuser (for therapeutic utilize, cold air diffusers do not harm the fragile properties of essential oils), you can buy electric devices, candle warmed, ceramic rings to place on light bulbs, or just make use of a bowl of warm water.
However, using heat to diffuse essential oils will destroy essential oils, rendering them therapeutically ineffective. Cold air diffusers gently break up essential oils into tiny molecules through micro diffusion thus retaining the integrity of the oils. This process creates a fine mist vapor that floats in the air and can be absorbed gently into the body through the respiratory system. If you’re diffusing an oil only for aroma, an oil burner works perfectly. But, if you’re using an essential oil or blend for therapeutic benefit, make use of a cold air diffuser.
COMPRESS:
Dilute 1 part essential oil or blend with 4 parts vegetable oil (olive works sizeably good) and apply 8-10 drops on affected area. Cover with moist hand towel or wash cloth. Cover the moist towel with a dry towel and leave in place for 10-15 minutes. If there is inflammation - always make use of a cold compress. If there is no inflammation, make use of a warm compress.
FOOT REFLEX POINTS:
Massage oil or blend with the side of your thumb or reflex tool on the corresponding reflex point on the feet (see the foot reflex charts at akobiaromas.com). Use a press and circle motion for 10-20 seconds per point.
RECTAL RETENTION: (only if directed by healthcare provider)
Dilute 15 drops recommended essential oil(s) or blend with 1 TBSP vegetable oil. Insert 1 TBSP into rectum with a bulb syringe and retain overnight.
VAGINAL RETENTION: (only if directed by healthcare provider)
Apply 5-8 drops of oil or blend on a tampon and insert into vagina for internal infection; or apply to sanitary pad for external lesions. Retain overnight.
VAPORIZE:
Run hot, steaming water into sink or large bowl. Drape towel over head, covering hot water also. Add 3-6 drops essential oil(s) or blend to the water. Inhale vapors as deeply as possible several times through the nose as they rise with the steam. Recharge vapors with additional hot water as needed.
MASSAGE:
Blend 15 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil (Almond, Apricot, Jojoba) and indulge in the power of touch.
OTHER USES:
Facial steams, foot soaks, insect repellant, household cleaning
Storing, Handling And Using Essential Oils
Pure Essential Oils are a natural merchandise and contain no preservatives or additives. A few of them might also be quite dangerous if not handled correctly. Some basic procedures should therefore be observed in order to ensure safety but also the quality of the oils in storage.
Storing essential oils:
Many Essential Oils are flammable and/or act as strong solvents. Eucalyptus Oil for example might be used to remove glue from old stickers or to strip paint.
Essential Oils are best stored in amber glass bottles with a tight lid. It is also advisable to fit bottles that don’t have a dripolator (orifice reducer) with a child proof cap for safety reasons.
Sun light (UV) and high temperatures are the main enemies of essential oils. Amber glass bottles offer sizeably efficient protection from UV. Essential Oil containers are best kept in a dark, cool place with temperature fluctuations kept to a minimum.
Keep essential oils safely locked away from children at all times.
Stored at low temperatures, some oils will tend to solidify. This is no cause for alarm as they will turn liquid again once they reach room or in some cases body temperature. Most likely to solidify are the absolutes, vanilla, rose otto and fennel.
Under grand conditions essential oils might be stored for periods of 6 years to several many years. Some oils like myrrh, sandalwood, frankincense and patchouli will even improve or “mature” with age, very similar to a dazzling wine.
The shortest shelf life have all citrus oils with grapefruit often being the first to deteriorate. Once these oils initial to turn cloudy or smell rancid they should be disposed of.
Handling and using essential oils:
When getting essential oils from the bottle, avoid contaminating the oil. Dont touch the top of the bottle or the inside of the lid. If you are using pipettes to transfer the oils, try to obtain disposable ones that you can throw away after make use of . Never utilize the same pipette for different oils. Used pipettes might also be stored for a short time in clip-seal plastic bags to utilize again later.
Avoid contact of essential oils with the skin as they may cause irritation. Using latex gloves and wearing protective glasses is recommended when handling essential oils.
Essential oils must never be used internally. For application to the skin, dilute the essential oil with a sizeably workable quality carrier oil e.g. jojoba, almond or olive oil. 3% essential oil with 97% carrier oil is a safe ratio.
Diffusers and oil lamps need only 2-3 drops of essential oil to scent a room for many hours. The cup on the oil lamp should be 3/4 filled with clean water, add to it the 2-3 drops of essential oil. Only then light the candle in the burner. Remember some essential oils are highly flammable, so be careful when using an essential oil lamp.
Observe these points and you will get a lot of enjoyment out of your essential oils.
Natural Health Magazine
Your skin is your largest organ. What many people do not realize is that what you put in your skin is taken into your body to a large extent. Most skin care products, if you read the labels, have ingredients in them that I am sure you have no idea what they are. If you do not know that, then you don’t understand what they may do to your body and its operation.
Pepper Mill
Adding herbs to a dish while it is being cooked will result in the flavor becoming more deeply ingrained in the food. Its the same principle as with herbal infusions: heat releases the character of the herb. If you want to really get the herbal aroma and taste into your meal, add the herb early on in the cooking process.
You might even create a bouquet garni by tying up a bunch of herbs into a piece of cheesecloth; drop it into soups and stews and remove the whole bundle from the pot when you’re about to serve. If you just want a hint of the flavor, on the other hand, sprinkle on fresh ground dried herbs or scatter chopped fresh herbs on after your cooking is done.
For example, you could add chopped chives to a baked potato, parsley to a plate of chicken and rice, or cayenne pepper to a dish or chili. Remember, though, that dried herbs are more concentrated and pungent than fresh herbs. If you choose to make use of dried herbs, utilize about a quarter less than you would if you we are using fresh.
Herbal Comfort Hot/Cold Back Pad
Health Benefits: Research has identified explicit active anti-inflammatory ingredients in this herb, which are often referred to as boswellic acids. In animal studies, these acids have been shown to reduce inflammation significantly in several ways. Boswellic acids deter inflammatory white cells from infiltrating damaged tissue. They improve blood flow to the joints. They also block chemical reactions that set the stage for inflammation to occur in chronic intestinal disorders such as Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis. Boswellia may help to ease symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Boswellia could be taken internally as well as applied topically to affected joints to relieve inflammation associated with these joint disorders. This may lessen morning stiffness and increase joint mobility.
How to Grow Basil
Today there are sprays, scented candles, plug-ins, and even discs that promise to freshen your air by putting a variety of aromas into your home. However, when you know how to grow basil, you can have enough variety of fragrance to package your own potpourri! The most generally grown basil is the annual, ocimum basilicum that carries a minty fragrance that smells like well, it smells like sweet basil. In addition to having a wonderful fragrance, sweet basil is an essential ingredient in soups, stews, pesto sauce, and just about any tomato dish. Knowing how to grow basil is a must for every herb gardener. You can grow herbs both indoors and outdoors
Basil comes in over 160 varieties that, in addition to the sweet basil fragrance, offer other aromas like those of lemon, licorice, and cinnamon and foliage colors that range from emerald green to royal purple. Learn how to grow basil and you provide a treat for you eyes as well as an aromatic treat for you nose.
Generally, when just learning how to grow basil, you will want to start your plants from seeds. Until basil stems are nearly mature, they are quite fragile and easily broken and bruised so transplanting young basil cultivars could be an exercise in futility. Luckily, basil is one of the cultivars that could be seeded directly into your garden and in fact, if you reseed your basil plot every three weeks, youll have fresh basil all summer long.
Basil is a low-maintenance plant. Although it prefers full sun, it will grow in partial shade. Once seedlings are established, basil is also drought tolerant and will actually provide better flavor if you dont fertilize it! One tip you should understand about how to grow basil and preserve its full flavor for culinary use is to pinch off flower spikes as they form.
Part of the fun of knowing how to grow basil is the many different ways to preserve it after harvest. You might harvest your basil anytime by snipping off its leaves as you absolutely need them and they turn many ordinary dishes into delicacies when used fresh. Basil might also be dried by snipping some stems and hanging them in bunches together. Air-drying basil in this way is a great way to add its aroma to your kitchen! When your basil bunches are completely dry, you can crumble the leaves and store them in glass bottles. Basil may also be preserved by freezing. Freeze small quantities of fresh basil in plastic bags or chop the leaves and freeze them in water in an ice cube tray.
Basil is an effortless -growing herb that is full of possibilities for home, fragrance and culinary utilize. In addition, its as well suited for container growing as it is for direct seeding into your garden. Learning how to grow basil is a sweetly satisfying part of gardening, no matter what variety you choose to grow!
Boswellia: An Anti-Inflammatory Herb
Boswellia (standardized to contain 55% Boswellic Acid) (Boswellia serrata) (leaf): Boswellia, also known as boswellin or “Indian frankincense,” comes from the tree Boswellia serrata, that grows in the dry hills of India. For centuries, traditional Indian healers have taken advantage of the anti-inflammatory properties of the tree barks gummy resin, called salai guggal. Modern preparations made from a purified extract of this resin and packaged in pill or cream form are used to reduce inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Unlike conventional NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen — the accepted treatments for joint inflammation — boswellia doesnt seem to cause stomach irritation. It also might be good for back pain and certain chronic intestinal disorders.
Health Benefits: Research has identified explicit active anti-inflammatory ingredients in this herb, which are often referred to as boswellic acids. In animal studies, these acids have been shown to reduce inflammation significantly in several ways. Boswellic acids deter inflammatory white cells from infiltrating damaged tissue. They improve blood flow to the joints. They also block chemical reactions that set the stage for inflammation to occur in chronic intestinal disorders such as Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis. Boswellia may help to ease symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Boswellia could be taken internally as well as applied topically to affected joints to relieve inflammation associated with these joint disorders. This may lessen morning stiffness and increase joint mobility.
In a study of 175 patients with rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, 122 participants experienced reduced stiffness and inflammation two to four weeks after starting on a boswellia regimen. Boswellias anti-inflammatory properties can help to reduce aching and stiffness, especially when associated with low back pain. Although research indicates that boswellia is best taken orally for this purpose, creams appear to be soothing as well. Boswellia also appears to reduce the inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease, both painful intestinal disorders. It seems to accomplish this without the risk of further gut irritation associated with many conventional pain relievers. In a 1997 study of ulcerative colitis sufferers, 82% of those who took boswellia extract (350 mg three times daily) experienced a complete remission of their disease.
How You Can Use Your Kitchen to Develop an All Natural Skin Care Regimen
Today when we want to try out a skin care merchandise , we immediately think of which one will I buy. It was not that long ago when the only option available was to build your own skin care treatments. Of course there are many excellent commercial skin care products who have thousands of adoring customers. If you wanted something different, something more holistic or even organic, there are businesses who produce these items as well. What if you wanted to go an even more all natural route and create your own skin care regimen at home?
Well, obviously, to do that you would positive need to manufacture all the skin care products yourself. A typical skin care regimen consists of first exfoliating your skin, followed by a nice cleanser. Next, applying a toner helps really condition and clean the skin. Lastly, a workable moisturizer helps leave the skin smooth and silky. So, knowing that, all one needs to do is find recipes for each of these steps in the process. Note: If you prefer an organic option, build sure all the produce in the following recipes is organic.
Home Made Lemon Exfoliator:
Take one lemon and cut in half and juice it. Save the lemon halves to rub on your elbows, knees and bottoms of your heels (anywhere you have thick skin). Combine the lemon juice with 1/2 to 2/3 cups of granulated sugar. Take this mixture and rub it all over your body while standing in the tub or shower. Once you have completely rubbed the paste all over your skin (take care on your face and avoid using it near your eyes), rinse your body.
Home Made Facial Cleanser:
Take 1 cup of roll oats or oatmeal and add it to a blender. Process it for a few seconds to soften the flakes. Do not process it to a powder. In a bowl, add the processed oats and 1 tablespoon of granulated salt or sugar. To this mixture, add 1/4 cup of farina. To use it, splash your face with lukewarm water. With your wet fingers, take the mixture from the bowl and rub it on your skin. Take care not to stretch the skin and remember to be gentle. Rinse with splashes of lukewarm water. Do not use every day.
Home Made Apple Toner:
This is a very simple toner recipe. Take 1 apple. You can want to experiment with different varieties till you find the one that suits you best. Start with perhaps a green apple, like a Granny Smith. Remove the core and skin of the apple. Place the apple, chopped into quarters, into a blender with 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey. Puree the mixture. Gently spread the mixture all over your face and let it rest for 12 to 15 mins. Rinse it off with lukewarm water and gently pat your skin dry.
Home Made Moisturizing Cream:
Take a ripe avocado and slice it in two lengthwise. Remove the pit and discard. Take only half the avocado and place in a glass bowl. To that, add 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of wheat germ oil. Mix this well. Apply it to your skin and let it set for 15 to 20 mins. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Forget the pharmacy, you may construct your own skin care regimen with house hold items you can already have in your kitchen. If you have problems with your skin such as sensitivity or allergic reactions, build sure to test the recipes using a small area first before applying to the rest of your skin. If you truly have a serious skin condition you may absolutely need to consult with your local or online dermatologist for advice and treatment.
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