Essential oil is the essence of nature. Plants produce essential oils to either attract beneficial insects which help with pollination (like bees and ladybugs) or to deter harmful insects (ants and termites) and animals that graze on them. Essential oils are also mostly antimicrobial so that they also help a plant by warding off fungal, bacterial, and viral infections, some more than others. When essential oil-producing plants are stressed or are becoming older, they produce even more essential oils as a means to enhance their survival. The oil may be extracted from dried seeds (like Aniseed or Carrot Seed), peel (citrus), or resin (Frankincense), while from others it is extracted from the roots (Vetiver), bark (Cinnamon), as well as leaves and/or flowers (Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Tea tree, and many others).

Extraction

Extraction of essential oils is mostly by steam distillation, but with citrus fruits, the oil may also be pressed out of the peels. The steam travels through the plant material and carries the volatile oil with it as it goes. The oil-water mixture is cooled down, and when it condenses back to the liquid phase, the oil separates from the water. For geranium, for instance, 1 ton of biomass is required to produce only 2kg of essential oil. Because the yield is that low, the production of essential oils is a very costly affair!

The extracted essential oils are highly concentrated mixtures of up to 300 different tiny volatile very aromatic types of compounds known as terpenes. Together they give each oil its own unique properties and fragrance. This also means that the essential oils are concentrated chemicals able to impart all the plant’s unique therapeutic benefits, such as protecting against microbial infections. For this reason, essential oils are beneficial in helping our bodies heal.

Using an essential oil: Less is More

Because the oils are so concentrated, we only need to use a minute amount at a time to have the desired effect, and for this same reason, we should rather not apply the oils or ingest the oils without diluting them first. We do this by mixing them with other oils called carrier oils, such as Grapeseed oil or Fractionated Coconut oil. Carrier oils are non-volatile oils, normally extracted from the seeds of plants through a process of cold-pressing. They are normally edible and consist of long-chain fatty acids.

There are approximately 150 essential oils that are used in aromatherapy today. Each one has its own unique chemistry which produces a distinct therapeutic effect. Some are anti-inflammatory, some pain-relieving, de-congesting, and others are antiseptic. Many have a mood-mind effect so that they are able to assist in easing anxiety or helping us to sleep or focus. These components can help us restore the balance and vitality our bodies need so desperately.

Storing & shelf-life

Although the shelf-life of most essential oils is longer than 2 years, it should be noted, however, that some of the oils, if exposed to air for long periods, may become rancid due to oxidation, e.g. myrrh and tagetes. It is then important to store your oils in dark glass bottles away from direct sunlight in a cool place (such as the fridge or bathroom cabinet, out of reach of small children and clearly labeled).

The major component in peppermint oil is Menthol, terpene alcohol. It makes up approximately 40 % of the oil’s components. Menthol is used to treat aches and pains in muscles and joints. Along with the other minor components, this oil is an effective aid in the management of all sorts of pain from migraine to muscle pain.

Some of the essential oils contain a volatile compound that is oxygenated, i.e., the compounds have several oxygen atoms in their structures, for example, esters and ketones. These compounds are normally stronger smelling and last longer (they are less volatile). Ginger and Clove, for instance, contains esters that are known to be antiseptic, whilst camphor contains ketones known for their regenerating properties which are important in wound-healing.

At OilGrow we have a deep love for the oils, and understanding the constituent components helps us to appreciate the special applications of each oil. Using essential oil is literally using the essence of the plant to nourish and heal our bodies. What an amazing realization!