What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are extracted, usually by distillation, from the flowers (i.e. lavender and ylang ylang), fruits (i.e. oranges and lemons), leaves (i.e. eucalyptus and peppermint), or roots (i.e. sandalwood and cedarwood) of aromatic plants.  Some essential oils can be rubbed directly on the skin to provide therapeutic benefits.  Others may be ingested.  When inhaled, scents affect the limbic system of the brain, causing shifts in brain wave function that can trigger emotional and/or physical reactions.

Light, heat and oxygen make essential oils deteriorate.  So they should be kept in a cool place in dark glass bottles, and tightly sealed.

Discover how essential oils work on your body, mind and spirit to improve health, vitality and well-being.