What are essential oils?
Essential oils are very concentrated plant extracts that are derived from different parts of a plant. For instance, lavender oil is obtained from the blooming tops of lavender; lime oil is cold pressed from the skin of the lime; and, cinnamon oil is distilled out of the leaves or the bark of the cinnamon tree. The most common method of extraction is steam distillation.
To obtain a good quality essential oil, there are several factors that are important. For example, the exact timing of harvesting and the right temperature during the distillation process. To distil 1 litre of rose oil, as much as 10.000 kg of rose petals are needed. This explains why rose oil is one of the most expensive oils available. For pine oil, approximately 500 to 1000 kg of pine needles and twigs are needed to produce 1 litre of oil. Essential oils are very concentrated and, therefore, very powerful. To obtain a certain effect with aromatherapy, however, often only a few drops are needed.
How can you use essential oils?
There are several ways to use essential oils. They can be inhaled through diffusing or absorbed by the skin by using a skin/massage oil or a relaxing bath. Essential oils can even be used internally, however this is only advisable under the advice of an expert. The only exception is one drop of peppermint oil. You can lick this off the palm of your hand to counteract nausea or to stimulate digestion. NOTE: Never do this right before going to bed as this stimulating oil might keep you awake.
How do essential oils work?
When diffusing essential oils they are inhaled through the nose and the lungs. The aroma molecules travel through the nose, directly into the limbic system* in the brain. This is the part of our brain where our emotions are triggered and explains why scent can have such an impact on how we feel and why it can stir up all kinds of memories. At the moment that the scent is received in the limbic system, several parts of the brain are activated. These centres are responsible for many things, including our appetite, sexual desire, sleep, euphoria, memory and the relief of pain or stress. By diffusing essential oils these areas of the body can be stimulated and balanced.
The aroma molecules also enter the nose and the respiratory tract. Here they are absorbed directly in the bloodstream through capillaries and pulmonary sacs in the lungs.
Essential oils can also be absorbed by the skin. Because of the composition of the oil it can penetrate the epidermis, the outside layer of the skin, where it can be picked up and transported to the blood stream and the various organs of the body. This is why application of essential oils through a local compress, skin oil, massage or bath can be very effective in relieving or healing certain issues.
* limbic system: the limbic system is situated in one of the oldest parts of the brain. It consists of different parts that are involved with emotions, memory, the autonomic nervous system and hormonal system, as well as the primary centres of the brain that control hunger, thirst and sexual desires. This is also the location within the brain where information regarding a scent is processed.
Air Purification
The purity of the air we breathe is very important. Nowadays the indoor air quality leaves much to be desired. This is due to factors such as lack of ventilation, dust, bacteria, traces of fungus and pets. Poor indoor air quality is linked with health conditions such as the development and aggravation of asthma, respiratory issues and assorted allergies.
Aroma diffusers help purify the air, thanks to their ionizing effect that causes dust to fall on the ground (so that they are no longer polluting the air). Furthermore, essential oils that are added to the diffuser increase the purifying effect because they can help kill bacteria and fungus present in the air. Research has shown that oregano, cinnamon bark, thyme and clove bud are the strongest and most effective antibiotic oils. For example, our essence ‘Healthy Air’ is designed to help purify and disinfect the air, kill germs and also stimulate the immune system. Additionally, when the aroma diffusers Lotus, Sha or Yunique are used, the air is also humidified.
These antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal benefits from essential oils can be used at home, in your office, in waiting rooms, schools, day care centres, hospitals and other areas where larger groups of people gather. Apart from eliminating disease-causing agents from the air that we breathe in, essential oils can also stimulate the immune system.
Another important aspect of air quality is the odour of air. Since scent has a large impact on how we feel, it is essential that the environment we live in smells pleasant. With the help of aromatherapy, odours can be eliminated and a nourishing atmosphere can be created. As an example, our essential oils are used by several day care centres and beauty salons in The Netherlands, to their complete satisfaction.
