If you've ever used or smelled essential oils, you may have noticed that they smell much more intense than the plants they come from. This is because they're highly concentrated and contain higher levels of active ingredients. Essential oils are typically extracted through three different methods:

• Steam Distillation: Hot water or steam coaxes the essential compounds out of plant matter.
• Cold Pressing: Mechanically extracts essential juices or oils from plant matter through a good old squeeze.
• Solvent Extraction: Essential compounds are coaxed out using solvents, but be careful, as it can include alcohol or hexane, making it a bit of a party animal.

Once these essential compounds are liberated from their plant house, some manufacturers may mix them with a carrier oil to make the product go further. This is when they're no longer pure essential oils, but a less potent blend.

What's the Buzz? Uses and Benefits

So, what do people use these aromatic elixirs for? Essential oils have been the secret weapon for centuries when it comes to supporting physical, emotional, and spiritual health. There's a reason that many natural medicine practitioners use essential oils in their practice. People from all walks of life have noticed and reported their benefits. Here's how they're typically used:

• Topical Application: Rubbing essential oils into the skin can deliver their active compounds to the body. Just remember, your skin is like a sponge – it absorbs what you put on it. We definitely don't suggest putting pure essential oils directly onto your skin. They're so potent that they may cause irritation. Instead, pop a few drops in with a carrier oil, such as coconut, almond or any other natural oil of your choosing.
• Aromatherapy: Ah, the sweet smell of aromatherapy! Diffusing essential oils into the air is believed to allow their potentially helpful compounds to enter your lungs and bloodstream. A diffuser doesn't have to cost the earth and there are lot's of options available. Here's a link to the one we use, we love it because of the different colour choices allowing you to pick one that reflects your mood and the remote lets you operate it from the coziness of your lovely warm bed - bonus!
• Limbic System Influence: Inhaling these fragrant oils can stimulate areas of your limbic system, the part of your brain that deals with emotions, behaviours, and your sense of smell. It's also a memory magician, partly explaining why certain scents trigger memories and emotions. While many people (including us) hero that these oils can have many medicinal and wellness effects, it's important to note that this hasn't been confirmed in medical studies because of lack of research. Just remember, essential oils are not meant to be ingested, so don't get any ideas about tossing them in your smoothies willy nilly!
• Beauty and cosmetic industry. They've hopped on the essential oil wagon, using these fragrant gems to create perfumes, add fragrance to creams and provide natural antioxidants for beauty care products but the cosmetic industry is fraught with issues. Just because a product says that it includes essential oils does not mean that they're actually good for you. We'll do another post on this soon.

Things to Keep in Mind

Did you know that there's no official definition of the term “pure” when it comes to essential oils? That's why it might be hard to tell which brands are truly high-quality—and which ones just want to sell you something. Here are some tips to help you spot the difference:

Purity Matters: When it comes to essential oils, the term "pure" is a bit of a slippery fish. Look for oils that contain only aromatic plant compounds without any additives or synthetic oils. Pure oils often list the plant's botanical name rather than using vague terms like "essential oil of lavender."

Quality is Key: True essential oils have been minimally altered during the extraction process. Opt for chemical-free oils extracted through distillation or mechanical cold pressing.

Reputation Counts: Purchase from a brand with a reputation for producing high-quality products.

We've all heard that "natural" is better, and that if it's natural, it must be safe. But just because something is natural doesn't mean it's safe. Plants and herbal products contain many bioactive compounds that may harm your health, and essential oils are no different. That being said, when inhaled or combined with a base oil for use on your skin, most essential oils are considered safe.

While it's tempting to think that "natural" always equals "safe," remember that plants and herbal products contain bioactive compounds that can affect your health. When used correctly, most essential oils are considered safe when inhaled or applied to the skin. Just keep in mind that others around you might inhale the aroma, so consider the well-being of pregnant women, children, and pets. If you have small children in the house, it is very important to keep any essential oils away from them, safe, locked away and out of reach.

Despite their popularity, essential oils aren't a one-size-fits-all solution. If you have a serious health condition or are taking medication, it's crucial to do your own research and discuss their use with your healthcare practitioner.

In a world where essential oils promise everything from relaxation to mental clarity, the key is to tread carefully, educate yourself, and make informed choices. Remember, these tiny bottles of nature's wonders can offer many benefits, but they're not a magic fix for everything. It's all about balance, wisdom and finding out what works for you. So, take a deep breath, inhale that essential oil infused tranquility and embark on your aromatic journey with caution and curiosity!

Love,

Happy Healthy and Wealthy.

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