| ABOUT ESSENTIAL OILS Essential oils are the concentrated extract of plants. Apart from a few exceptions, they should never be used neat on the skin. They are widely used for therapeutic properties, and simply smelling the fragrance can trigger the bodies natural healing process. They may be used everday whether you feel ill or not, to promote a sense of well-being or heightened emotions. The oil may be extracted from several parts of the plant; take the orange tree for example: Neroli is the essential oil extracted from the flowers, Petitgrain is from the bark/twigs, Orange is made from the fruit. Each different oil has properties that overlap others, the therapeutic qualities entwining. They may be mixed and matched to provide a personal blend. The cost of an essential oil is usually determined by how much oil can be yeilded from a specific plant ~ this is why some are much more expensive than others. Essential oils are not particularly oily ~ place a drop on a piece of paper, and you will notice that as the oil evaporates and disperses, it will leave no trace. Essential oils are extremely volatile and sensitive to light. They should always have the lid tightly replaced directly after use, and stored out of direct sunlight. Most important of all: Be very careful to only use the amount stated on the bottle. The dosage is very important ~ and be aware of the differences between adult and child amounts to be used. The smallest amount is most effective. |