What are Essential Oils?

An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled (most frequently by steam or water) from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, seeds, fruits or other elements of a plant. Essential oils, contrary to the use of the word "oil" are not really oily-feeling at all. Most essential oils are clear, but some oils such as patchouli, orange and lemongrass are amber or yellow in colour. Essential oils contain the true essence of the plant it was derived from, and help to promote emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing.

Clinical research has shown that essential oils are capable of raising the frequency of the human body, restoring it to its normal, healthy level. As powerful antioxidants, essential oils are also anti-bacterial, anti-cancerous, anti-fungal, anti-infectious, anti-microbial, anti-tumoral, anti-parasitic, anti-viral and antiseptic. They are lipid soluble and can penetrate the cell wall, even if it is hardened due to oxygen deficiency, and can be metabolised like other nutrients. By providing much needed oxygen to bodily cells, essential oils can also work to stimulate the immune system, and may detoxify the cells and blood in the body.

Now used in Aromatherapy for psychological and physical well-being, essential oils could be said to have been mankind’s first medicine. From Egyptian hieroglyphics and Chinese manuscripts, we know that priests and physicians have been using essential oils for thousands of years. Egyptian temples were dedicated to the production and blending of the oils, with recipes recorded on the walls in hieroglyphics. There are 188 references to essential oils in the Bible. Oils such as Frankincense, Myrrh, Rosemary, Hyssop and Spikenard were used for anointing and healing the sick.

As we begin to understand the power of essential oils in the realm of personal, holistic healthcare, we understand that there can be no substitutes for the purest therapeutic grade essential oils. Chemists can replicate some of the known individual constituents, but they have yet to successfully recreate complete essential oils in the laboratory.
Essential oils are not the same as perfume or fragrance oils. Where essential oils are derived from the true plants, perfume oils are artificially created fragrances, containing synthetic substances and do not offer the therapeutic benefits that essential oils offer. The chemical composition and aroma of essential oils can provide valuable psychological and physical therapeutic benefits. These benefits are usually achieved through methods including inhalation and application of the diluted oil to the skin.

My personal experiences have shown me that they can assist in achieving a healthy and positive outlook in life. By bringing these therapies into daily practice I believe we can all benefit greatly from the wonderful gifts from nature that are all around us, for which there are simply no substitues.

Important Note: The information provided throughout this website is for general interest and educational purposes only. It is in no way intended as a substitute to medical counselling. It is not provided in order to diagnose, prescribe or treat any disease, illness, or injured condition of the body.