Essential Oils »
Essential oils are the lubricants that are often used in aromatherapy massages. These aromatic oils are also used in other aromatherapy purposes, such as baths and inhalation therapy. Essential oils are mainly extracted from plants with the help of steam distillation or other chemical processes.
Use of essential oils
- Essential aromatherapy oils find application in many massages.
- Many of the oils contain therapeutic properties that help in treating psychological and physical conditions.
- Essential oils are the key ingredients in fragrance therapy.
- The oils can also be used in air fresheners, skin ointments, hair care products, compresses, baths and steam inhalation therapies.
Extraction of essential oils
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Distillation is one of the most common ways of extracting essential oils. Steam, rectification, cohobation, hydro,fractional and water are the various types of distillation processes.
- Solvent extraction is yet another method by which essential oils are extracted from plants.
- Machine abrasion, sponge expression and ecuelle a piquer are the processes used in expression extraction method.
Essential oil types
Some of the commonly used essential oils are:
- Cubeb Oil
- Ajwain Oil
- Turmeric Oil
- Asafoetida Oil
- Basil Oil
- Anise Oil
- Sandalwood Oil
- Lavender oil
- Spruce Oil
- Cajuput Oil
- Tarragon Oil
- Mustard Oil
- Myrrh Oil
Tips on essential oils
- It is recommended that you dilute essential oils with carrier oils before using.
- If you develop allergies or rashes after using any of the essential oils, immediately discontinue its use.
- It is better not to use essential oils if you are expecting.
- Do you have a sensitive skin? If yes, then it is suggested that you do a patch test before using the oils on your skin.
- Epilepsy, hypertension, liver problems, or cancer, if you are suffering from any such conditions, it is advisable that you do not use essential oils.
- The oils should be applied on children after consultation with a professional expert.
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