What
are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are the fragrant liquid components of aromatic
plants, trees and grasses. The oils are contained in oil glands
or sacs in various parts of the plant - depending on the type
of plant. In some plants it is the petals, rose for example,
others the leaves as in eucalyptus, others in the bark - sandalwood
and in some such as the lemon it is in the fruit.
How are the oils extracted?
The classic method is by steam
distillation. Others, such as citrus oils, are extracted
through a form of squeezing called expression. Oils have
to be stored carefully to keep their healing qualities.
How do the oils work?
They act on the central nervous system
through the sense of smell (the nerves for smell are the
shortest and most direct route deep into the brain) and also
through the skin. Some will aid relaxation, eg camomile and
rose, others can stimulate as in the case of rosemary and
black pepper while others like lavender will tend to balance
the body. |
