Essential oils are highly concentrated compounds obtained from plants that have the odor and other characteristic properties of the plant like their chemical constituents, essentially the capture of the plant’s scent and flavour or “essence”.

This is obtained through distillation or mechanical methods, such as cold pressing.

Distillation (I think) is the most popular way to obtain isolates from essential oils. Distillation involves the separation of a liquid into fractions differing in boiling points. 

As the (insert many names here) material is heated, the vapors rise into a column above the still. This vapour is then condensed and re-evaporated repeatedly as it rises towards the top.  

The substances that are less volatile in the vapor tend to return back down the column after they condense, and that causes them to concentrate near the bottom. 

And then some of the substances concentrate near the top, and with this you can pick (tap) various levels to draw off the different fractions.

Fractionation of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) essential oil using vacuum fractional distillation

The most common use of Essential oils is in the practice of aromatherapy, in which they are inhaled through various methods (by use of a diffuser, applied to your wrist, etc).

The chemicals in essential oils can interact with your body in several ways. And when applied to your skin I have heard them say they will absorb in 30 seconds or less.

But the fact that when they are applied to your skin, some of the plant is absorbed and there are medical documents behind this. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25557808, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20225652

One big reason that essential oils are used by aromatherapy or Inhaling the aromas from these essential oils is that they say the oils can stimulate areas of your limbic system. This system is a part of your brain that plays a role in emotions, behaviors, sense of smell, and long-term memory. (read this article)

“The limbic system (emotional motor system) is responsible for the experience and expression of emotion. It is located in the core of the brain and includes the amygdala, hippocampus and hypothalamus.

In the limbic system of the brain, experience is translated into expression. The amygdala of the limbic system processes input from all of your sensory systems — vision, touch, hearing, taste and smell. The olfactory system of smell is wired directly into the limbic system. Emotional experience is mediated by two-way connections between the amygdala and the frontal lobes (the thinking brain). Your rich inner emotional life depends upon this interrelationship. The amygdala is the gateway to the limbic system and passes sensory input on to the hypothalamus.

The hypothalamus is the control center of the limbic system and is connected to the pituitary gland and the autonomic nervous system. It is responsible for the bodily expression of emotional responses, such as fear and anger. These emotional responses to perceived threat are like computer programs that operate in your defense, helping you to face danger and threat. Neuroresearcher Joseph LeDoux writes that emotions are hard-wired biologic functions of the central nervous system (CNS) that evolved to help animals survive in a hostile environment. Stimulation of this emotional motor system affects every organ of the body through the mind-body-spirit communication systems. This explains how the sight of a threatening tiger can raise your heart rate and blood pressure, cause you to sweat, tighten your muscles and contract your gut. This is how bodily symptoms are related to emotional states of mind.”

So Interestingly enough, the limbic system is heavily involved in forming memories. This kind of explains why familiar smells can trigger memories or emotions.

The limbic system also plays a role in influencing the endocrine system and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). 

The ANS is the part of the nervous system that supplies the internal organs, including the blood vessels, stomach, intestine, liver, kidneys, bladder, genitals, lungs, pupils, heart, and sweat, salivary, and digestive glands.

The autonomic nervous system has two main divisions:
-Sympathetic and Parasympathetic

After the autonomic nervous system receives information about the body and external environment, it responds by stimulating body processes, usually through the sympathetic division, or inhibiting them, usually through the parasympathetic division.

And that controls several unconscious physiological functions: Blood pressure, Heart and breathing rates, Body temperature, Digestion,
Metabolism (thus affecting body weight), The balance of water and electrolytes (such as sodium and calcium), The production of body fluids (saliva, sweat, and tears), Urination, Defecation and Sexual response.

And for this, it is believed that essential oils can exert a physical effect on your body.

Stress, Anxiety, Nervousness

43% of people who have stress and anxiety. use some form of alternative therapy to help relieve their symptoms, in this study here. 

I know I make a “Liquid Xanax” roller to help me in my stressful times. 

With respect to aromatherapy, initial studies have shown that the smell of some essential oils can work alongside traditional therapy to treat anxiety and stress.

Many Massage therapists are using essential oils during a massage, and it is shown that it may help relieve stress while receiving the massage.

Headaches and migraines

Recent studies have also observed reduced headache pain after applying peppermint and lavender oil to the skin.

I have made a roller for my headaches.

Sleep and insomnia

It seems that everyone you talk to knows that lavender is soothing, and Smelling lavender oil has been shown to improve sleep or falling to sleep faster. Here is an article on Sleep.

I diffuse a little concoction of oils in my diffuser for sleeping better.

There is an article that describes 15 quantitative studies, including 11 randomized controlled trials that examined hypnotic effects of inhalation of essential oils. The majority of studies showed that smelling the oils, most importantly lavender oil, had positive effects on sleep. 

Reducing inflammation

There are some test-tube studies that show essential oils have anti-inflammatory effects.

I have made compresses, rollers and creams with essentials oils when I have joint pain or arthritis like symptoms.

Antibiotic and antimicrobial

More Test-tube studies investigated peppermint and tea tree oil for their antimicrobial effects.

I know that when I am feeling like I am getting sick, I use thieves in my diffuser at night and herbal remedies.

Other uses for Essential Oils

Essential oils use is endless, you can diffuse blends in your home to freshen up the scent, throw a little in your laundry.

The options of what you can make are endless:

  • Homemade cosmetics and face creams
  • Household cleaners
  • Hair products
  • sun screen
  • Bug Spray
  • Perfume
  • Endless Opportunities

How to choose the right essential oils

Many companies claim that their oils are “pure” or “medical grade.” However, these terms aren’t universally defined and therefore hold little weight. Kind of like in the vitamin world.

Essential oils, like most vitamins and herbs are products of an unregulated industry and therefore; the quality and what is used in the essential oils can vary greatly

Use these following points in mind when choosing an oil company:

  • Purity: Look for pure oils, they usually list the plant’s botanical name, Rosmarinus officinalis L., rather then using terms like “essential oil of rosemary” or”essence of rosemary”. 
  • Quality: Choose an oil that is chemical free and extracted through the fraction distillation or mechanical cold pressing.
  • Reputation: if you know someone that uses a specific brand and stands by it. Try it out.

On a side note, using essential oils as a complementary therapy is likely harmless.

That being said, if you have a serious health condition or are taking medication, you should discuss the use of essential oils with your healthcare practitioner.

I have put together a few pages to help you with your Essential Oil Journey.
I personally have been using essential oils for many many years. I use them for all kinds of medicinal reasons and for overall health and wellness.

Essential Oils 101

Learn how to make essential oil roller bottles.

See more Essential Oil Recipes like this.

Learn more about Essential Oils

Learn more about Carrier Oils

Learn about how to care for your Diffuser

See Some Essential Oil Diffuser Recipes and Blends

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