Essential oils are the fragrant, volatile liquid components of aromatic plants. They are derived from herbs, flowers, trees and fruit. Various parts of plants are used to source these essences, such as seeds, petals, leaves, resins and gums. Extremely concentrated and much different from “fixed oils” like vegetable oils, essential oils, being highly volatile, have the consistency of water or alcohol and are not greasy like the fatty vegetable oils. They are soluble in vegetable oils, beeswax and alcohol.

Essential oils have been used for healing for centuries. It is thought that Arab physician Avicenna in the 10th century invented the technique of distilling essential oils, and over the centuries methods of extraction and distillation have been perfected to yield the oils. The classic method is steam-distillation, although there are also other processes such as carbon dioxide extraction, which is best for oils with high amounts of lipophilic, or fatty, components and yields a higher volume of extract. Modern science has proven that essential oils have antiviral, antiseptic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, among other benefits, thus the historical use of plant compounds to ward off disease is validated. Legends such as “Four Thieves Oil” during times of the plague, for example, bear this out.

Essential Oil Essentials

There are many applications for using these oils. Aromatherapy massage using the oils diluted in a vegetable carrier oil, as misters, bathwater additions (essential oils are only very partially soluble in water and will not leave a film), skincare and perfumes. Topically, oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint and rosemary, appropriately diluted in a carrier oil, are stimulating to circulation and helpful for sore muscles and other tissues. Respiratory health may benefit from eucalyptus and many of the conifer oils when used in inhalations, even as simple as a basin of steaming hot water and a towel tent. Inhalation is a powerful way of realizing the potential of essential oils’ healing powers since the olfactory sense is linked to the nervous system, and also to the limbic system of the brain. The limbic system houses emotion and memory, and along with evocation of memories, scents may trigger the brain to respond physiologically, such as boosting mood or initiating pain relief. Relief from stress, insomnia and other undesirable conditions may be achieved by smelling these fragrant essences. Lavender, for example, is universally regarded as a relaxing, calming scent, useful for sleeplessness and nervousness. Try sprinkling a few drops of organic lavender or neroli (orange blossom) oils on your pillowcase before bedtime.

The Other Side of the Coin: Hydrosols

Related to essential oils are hydrosols, sometimes known as flower waters. Hydrosols are the liquid (water) remaining after the distillation of essential oils. Compounds from the essential oils are present in much less concentration than the actual oil, and this means that hydrosols may be used more liberally and with less care taken than the very concentrated oils. A true hydrosol possesses the same properties as the essential oil, although less powerful, of course. Keep in mind that products often sold as “flower waters” are merely water with essential oils added, and these products have no therapeutic value, as essential oils themselves and water do not mix and therefore will not impart their benefits into a water. A true essential oil hydrosol, on the other hand, is a plant-essence in liquid form and once you have smelled the sublime complexity of a true rose hydrosol, for example, you will understand that the artificial so-called “rosewaters” you may have smelled earlier are a sad, pale imitation of the flower. There are many true hydrosols available but the most popular are the floral versions such as rose, lavender, geranium and orange blossom. They may be used as misters or air fresheners, and are particularly beneficial in skincare, being regenerating, hydrating and soothing. Their acidic pH makes them an excellent toner to restore the skin’s acid mantle after cleansing.

Something in the Air: Diffusers

As inhalation of essential oils is so well-known and therapeutic, there are various tools for diffusion, or dispersion, of the oil molecules into the air. Since many oils are disinfectants and antimicrobial, this method can be particularly effective during times of colds, flu, coughs or respiratory issues. Some diffusers use water to disperse a fine mist of essential oils, similar to a humidifier. Others simply use a heat source for dispersion. We have a professional quality Atomizing Oil Diffuser from Simpler’s Botanicals that is both water-free and heat-free. There are also simple diffuser balls which plug into an electrical outlet and to which one applies the oils onto a paper strip for diffusion. Evergreen carries several kinds of essential oil diffusers as well as a large selection of oils from Aura Cacia and Simplers Botanicals. Here are a few traditional usage ideas for essential oils:

• Insomnia: Lavender, Marjoram, Neroli, Chamomile
• Colds: Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Pine, Spruce, Manuka
• Muscle Massage: Lavender, Helichrysum, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Rosemary
• Headache: Melissa, Lavender, Peppermint
• Hair/Scalp: Cedar, Rosemary, Lavender, Sage
• Skin Health/Beauty: Lavender, Rose, Neroli, Frankincense, Geranium

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