What Are Spiritual Oils?

Essential oils are volatile aromatic substances extracted from the flowers, leaves, stems, roots or fruits of plants by steam distillation, extrusion, cold soaking or solvent extraction. Essential oils are divided into diluted (compound essential oil) and undiluted (unilateral essential oil) such as cactus seed oil. Essential oils are very volatile and will volatilize quickly when exposed to air, so essential oils must be stored in dark bottles that can be sealed ^[1] .

Chinese name: Essential oil

Foreign name: Essential oil
Alias: Western herbs

Essential oil essential information

Broadly speaking, essential oil refers to the general term for volatile substance-containing products obtained by processing and extracting from spice plants or fragrant animals. However, the essential oils for daily use refer to steam-distilled, squeezed, or cold-milled, or dry-distilled, fragrant products extracted from perfume plants. These products are mostly liquid at room temperature, with only a few The variety is solid.

Essential oils are extracted from the leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, roots, bark, resin, wood heart and other parts of the plant by steam distillation, cold pressing, liposuction and solvent extraction. Volatile substances. In addition to extracting essential oils from certain parts of plants, some plants can extract essential oils from several parts. For example, bitter orange can extract essential oils from three parts: buds, leaves and fruits.

Not all plants produce essential oils. Only plants that contain balsam glands can produce essential oils. The balm glands of different plants are distributed differently, some are on the petals, leaves, rhizomes or trunks. After refining the sachet, it becomes what we call "plant essential oil". Essential oils contain many different ingredients. Some essential oils, such as roses, can be made from more than 250 different molecules. Essential oils are lipophilic and are easy to dissolve in fats, because the molecular chains of essential oils are usually short, which makes them very easy to penetrate into the skin and enter the body through the rich capillaries under the subcutaneous fat. Essential oils are composed of small molecules. These highly volatile substances can be absorbed into the body by the nasal mucosa and send information directly to the brain, which regulates mood and physiological functions of the body through the limbic system of the brain. Therefore, in aromatherapy, essential oils can strengthen physiological and psychological functions. Each plant essential oil has a chemical structure that determines its aroma, color, fluidity, and the way it interacts with the system. Each plant essential oil also has a special set of functional characteristics ^[2] .

Essential oil history information

The history of plant essential oils can be traced back to ancient China, Egypt, Arabia and Greece. The essential oil had Shennong's taste of Baicao during the period of "three emperors and five emperors", which is also the earliest historical material for using plants in the field of medicine. The famous doctor Hua Tuo during the Three Kingdoms period used bursa and benzoin to prevent and treat diseases such as dead body, lung dysentery, and qi.

Essential oil product efficacy

All natural plant essential oils have the following main functions:

Olfactory nerve

The scent is fragrant. After the natural aromatic essential oil enters the brain, the essential oil will not enter the brain. It stimulates the anterior lobes of the brain to secrete two hormones, endorphin and enkephalin. Moreover, different essential oils can be combined with each other to formulate their favorite fragrance, which will not destroy the characteristics of the essential oil, but instead promote the function of the essential oil.

Skin system

Bactericidal effect, anti-inflammatory effect, healing effect, deodorant effect, sedative effect, insect repellent effect, soft and delicate skin;

Respiratory system

Strengthen the immune function of the respiratory tract, sweating or antipyretic effect, and phlegm reduction effect;

Digestive organ

Antispasmodic effect, appetizing effect, expelling wind and stomach, and promoting digestion;

Muscles and bones

Anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, purifying, soothing muscle tissue, detoxifying effect;

Endocrine System

Balance the effects between various secretory systems, contain estrogen-like, and contain plant steroids;

Female reproductive system

Anticonvulsant effect, menstrual effect, prolactin effect, adjust milk secretion, affect hormone secretion, strengthen uterine effect, aphrodisiac effect;

Essential Features of Essential Oils

1. Fragrance-free-does not mean no fragrance, only the original flavor of natural essential oils or natural plant extracts is used instead of artificial flavors. Has the effect of aromatherapy and does not irritate the skin.

2. Does not contain chemical pigments-it does not mean that there is no color, but the natural color is replaced by natural plants or biochemical extraction.

3. Contains no preservatives-using natural Va, Ve, wheat germ oil, carrot oil as antioxidants to prevent product spoilage.

4, does not contain mineral oil-all use of plant-based breathable fat or non-greasy breathable fat, instead of excessively greasy mineral oil, wool oil, moisturize after use, absorb quickly.

5. No chemical ingredients that cause allergies-completely free of artificial flavors, lanolin, alcohol, chemical sunscreens, pigments and other ingredients that can cause allergies, and the use of raw materials for each addition has been experimentally proven that it will not Generate irritation.

6. No bad chemical compositionEach raw material used has passed safety test and toxicity test. Does not contain heavy metals such as mercury and lead, or other harmful and harmful chemical components.

Essential oil product classification

1. According to different requirements, essential oils can be further refined into terpene-removing essential oils, refined essential oils, concentrated essential oils, formulated essential oils and reconstituted essential oils.

Deterpene essential oil

The monoterpene compounds or sesquiterpene compounds contained in the essential oil are partially or completely removed by using a reduced pressure distillation method, a selective solvent extraction method, or a combined distillation and extraction method.

Refined essential oils

The essential oils treated by distillation or vacuum distillation are used to remove certain essential oils that are not safe for the human body, have bad odors or contain pigments, and are used to improve the quality.

Concentrated essential oil

In order to meet the requirements of the flavor and strength of some flavors, vacuum fractionation, or quenching, or preparative chromatography is used to remove the components without aroma value in the essential oil.

Preparation of essential oils

In order to reduce costs or make up for the insufficient supply of natural products, artificial blending methods are used to make essential oils that approximate the aroma and other quality requirements of the natural product.

Reconstituted essential oil

A certain method is used to remove harmful ingredients, so that the aroma and other quality requirements are similar to those of natural products. This essential oil is called recombinant essential oil.

Plant essential oils can be divided into two categories: unilateral essential oils and compound essential oils. Unilateral essential oil is simply a kind of essential oil extracted from plants without any addition. It is usually named after the extracted plant name. Compound essential oil is a mixture of two or more plant essential oils. The coordination between essential oils and essential oils can enhance the efficacy.

2. According to location

Floral	rose essential oil	Borneol	Jasmine oil	lavender essential oil
	Chamomile essential oil		Ylang Ylang Essential Oil	Geranium essential oil
	Neroli essential oil		Clary Sage Essential Oil	Yarrow essential oil
	Osmanthus essential oil		Peony essential oil	Marigold essential oil
	Laurel essential oil		Honeysuckle essential oil	Violet essential oil

Leaf class	Tea tree oil	Eucalyptus essential oil	Peppermint essential oil
	Patchouli essential oil	Juniper essential oil	Cypress essential oil
	Pine needle essential oil	Spearmint essential oil	Basil Essential Oil

Root class	Ginseng essential oil	Ginger essential oil	Lollipop Essential Oil
	Garlic essential oil	Vetiver essential oil	Angelica essential oil
	Wormwood essential oil

Grass	Rosemary essential oil	Verbena essential oil	Citronella Essential Oil
	Lemon balm essential oil	Gansong essential oil	Thatch essential oil
	Tarragon essential oil	Tibetan Fennel Essential Oil	Vetiver essential oil
	Mustard essential oil	Dill essential oil	Valerian essential oil
	Houttuynia Cordata	Baby calla essential oil	Panax grass essential oil
	Long Yai Essential Oil	Evening Primrose Oil

Woody	Sandalwood oil	Cedar essential oil	Rosewood essential oil
	Agarwood essential oil	Birch essential oil	Holly essential oil
	Camphor essential oil	White Melaleuca Essential Oil	Cedar essential oil
	Alder Essential Oil

Resin	Frankincense Essential Oil	Myrrh essential oil	Benzoin essential oil
Resin	Fir tree essential oil	Amami Essential Oil	Linseed oil

Bark

Cinnamon essential oil

Citrus	Bergamot essential oil	Grapefruit essential oil	Lemon essential oil
	Sweet Orange Essential Oil	Lyme essential oil	Lime essential oil
	Mandarin essential oil

Seed	Clove essential oil	Almond oil	Cardamom essential oil
	Carrot Seed Essential Oil	Pomegranate essential oil	Zanthoxylum essential oil
	Chili Essential Oil	Fennel essential oil

How to use essential oils

Essential oils are highly concentrated substances that require a large number of plants to extract a small amount of essential oils and need to be used properly. For example, if the muscles are stiff, you can choose wet compresses, baths, or massages. When you are uneasy, you can use incense, spray, or direct sniffer.

Essential oil olfactory absorption method

1. Incense type: it is the best way to maintain a smooth smell, breathe natural air, and not be harmed by pollutants; it can also improve environmental hygiene and purify the air; aroma can soothe mood and improve mental condition.

How to use: Pour boiled or clean water into the basin above the incense stand and place it about eight minutes full. Choose 1 to 3 kinds of essential oils and drop them into the basin. The total number of drops of water in a basin is about 6 to 8 drops. The ideal incense space of an incense stand is about 26.4 square meters. The room must not be completely closed. It must be breathable, and the air inside and outside must flow.

2. Vapor inhalation method: Vapor inhalation is to absorb essential oils through the respiratory tract. Vapor inhalation is usually used when suffering from respiratory diseases, such as cough and sputum, but it should be noted that patients with asthma should avoid strong vapor inhalation So as not to cause breathing disturbances; in addition, this method can also open the pores on the face, making the skin cleaner, and essential oils have a good effect on beauty. How to use: Inject nearly boiling hot water into a glass, ceramic or stainless steel container (wash basin, bowl or cup), drip 4 to 6 drops of essential oil, cover the back of the neck with a large towel or clothes, and lean over the container. Alternate mouth and nose breathing until you are comfortable. This is a quick way to treat colds and respiratory infections. It is also the best way to refresh and change your mood.

3. Handkerchief type: Drop 3 ~ 4 drops of essential oil on tissue paper or handkerchief, which can be used during meetings, driving, taking a plane, car, boat or during class.

4, palm friction type: 1 to 3 drops of blended essential oil friction with both hands to generate heat, you can immediately improve fatigue and boost the spirit.

5. Spray type: After filling 100ml spray container with pure water, add 5-30 drops of essential oil and shake evenly before use. When spraying directly on a person, spray from a 45-degree angle downwards in order: they are required to sit down first, relax, and close their eyes. Spray it over the top of your head to let the mist fall to your head. Wait until it smells before spraying other targets, such as hair, face and neck, to avoid getting into eyes.

Essential oil massage absorption method

Essential oils can only be used after diluting and blending with the base oil. After massage, they can be absorbed by the skin and penetrate into the body. The best time for a massage is when the body is slightly wet just after the shower. When massaging, the strength can be different depending on the needs. Faster and heavier massages such as rubbing, slaps can boost the spirit; gentle touches and compressions can relieve pressure and soothe or help sleep. This method can be used in facial care, body massage, weight loss and breast strengthening, menstrual pain, abdominal pain, constipation and so on. There are three principles to master: 1. Body massage: 10ml of base oil and 5 drops of essential oil. 2. Face massage: 2 ~ 3 drops of essential oil in 10ml of base oil. 3. Analgesic massage: 10ml of base oil and 50 drops of essential oil, only do local massage for 3 days.

Essential oil

This method can be applied to epidermal problems, such as knife wounds, abrasions, etc., like lavender can be directly applied to burned skin. Treat the affected area first, wipe it dry, and then apply it directly to the affected area. For small scars, use cotton swabs (avoid using plastic cotton swabs). Undiluted essential oils should not be applied directly to large areas of skin. For each kind of epidermal problem, there are more than two kinds of essential oils to choose from. You can choose according to your physical constitution. If the symptoms do not improve significantly after 3 days, you need to choose another essential oil. Take care to prevent essential oils from getting into your eyes.

Cold compresses: Cold compresses with essential oils can relieve and relieve pain in injured muscles and bones. They are usually used in emergency situations, such as when a sprain or bruise is needed, and cold compresses should be used to reduce inflammation and pain in the affected area. The method of cold compressing essential oil is to prepare a basin of cold water or ice water, drip the essential oil and dip it into the towel, then pick up the towel, absorb the essential oil floating on the surface, wring the towel and apply it to the injured area to relieve discomfort.

Hot compress: Hot compress with essential oil is to accelerate the absorption of essential oil components into the skin and blood by heat, so as to relieve pain and stiffness of muscles and joints. Effective for deep cleansing, softening keratin, menstrual pain, hangover, etc. Apply to the abdomen during menstrual pain, and hangover to the front chest liver and back kidney. Hot compresses are the same as cold compresses, except that the water is replaced with hot water.

Application: The application is mainly through the skin, so that the skin directly absorbs essential oils; the application is divided into pure oil application and diluted massage oil application. If there is an emergency, you can use pure essential oils, about 1-2 drops, and apply directly to where needed. In addition, the more commonly used method is to dilute the essential oil with vegetable oil and fragrance-free emulsion and apply it where needed.

Essential oil bath

Essential oils can be used for bathing or bathing feet, but undiluted essential oils may damage bathtubs of certain materials. Because the chemicals in essential oils react with certain materials, ceramic, stainless steel and wooden basins can be used. Stir the essential oil well before soaking. The water temperature should not be too hot, otherwise the essential oil will evaporate quickly and the whole body will be soaked for about 20 minutes.

Bathtub: This method can be used for physical conditioning, eliminating fatigue and other issues, promoting metabolism and losing weight. Bathing with essential oils is based on the principle of 37 to 39 degrees Celsius, because excessively high water temperatures will make essential oils volatilize too quickly and cause fatigue, and each soaking time is 15 minutes.

Foot bath: For foot swelling, cold caused by tired work, cold feet in winter, you can use 4-6 drops of foot oil to soothe the symptoms. Because the essential oil is concentrated, the foot bath tub used is preferably stainless steel.

Hip bath: It is the best method for physiological health care. The formulated formula is lavaged with warm water, which can prevent gynecological problems and diseases.

Shower: You can use pure plant essential oils. When taking a shower, mix 3 to 4 drops of essential oil with a shower gel to scrub your body, breathe steam while showering, apply massage oil after showering, and dry with a towel.

Essential oils

Various essential oils are composed of different organic compounds. These compounds are soluble in alcohols, oils, emulsifiers, ethers and chloroform. The aroma and therapeutic properties of each essential oil are related to the composition and concentration of the molecules that make up the essential oil. ^[2]

The ingredients mainly include the following categories: alcohols, aldehydes, acids, phenols, esters, ketones and terpenes.

Essential oils precautions

Some safety measures are required during the use of essential oils. Do not use thick, undiluted essential oils on the skin. Use the essential oil for the first time or try a new one. Use a skin test to check for allergic reactions.

Do not use too often. To achieve the effect, a low dose is required and it lasts for a period of time, so that the effect of conditioning the body function is appropriate. For normal use, the concentration should be 3-5%. For more dangerous essential oils, it should not exceed 3%.

Do not use photosensitive essential oils. Some essential oils contain ingredients that can cause light sensitivity. If used in the sun, the skin will turn black and even cause skin cancer. Photosensitivity is also a matter of severity, such as grapefruit, which is used at low doses at night, and it does not matter if exposed to the sun the next day. But like citrus essential oils, lemon, bergamot, orange, sweet orange, lime, lolium root, lemon verbena, coriander, etc., are all light-sensitive essential oils.

Oral administration must be specified by an expert or manufacturer. Not all essential oils can be taken orally, and the quality of the essential oils varies, and caution cannot be taken when taking the essential oils.

When there is a wound on the skin, avoid using the essential oil on the wound, but if it is a small cut or small wound, you can use the essential oil to heal the skin quickly.

Do a skin test before use. Adjust the concentration of 3% of the essential oil. Use it under the armpit or chest. At least 24 hours later, you can use the essential oil.

Except that lavender and tea tree oil can be applied on a small area with cotton swabs, unilateral essential oils must be diluted or formulated with a base oil before they can directly affect the skin. Compound oils and base oils can be used directly.

Breastfeeding women avoid breastfeeding within 6 hours of massage and bubble bath, because essential oils will participate in human blood circulation, and essential oils are almost completely metabolized after 6 hours.

Women's menstrual period is generally not recommended to use essential oils, because more than 85% of essential oils have a menstrual effect, blood volume may increase during menstrual periods, and occasionally blood collapse.

During pregnancy, you can use incense during the whole process. During the first 3 months of pregnancy, bathing or massage with essential oils is forbidden, or because of the menstrual effects of essential oils, avoid using estrogen-effective essential oils during pregnancy, such as basil and sage. , Fennel, etc.

Essential Oil Selection Tips

1. Selection through appearance labeling: There are international requirements for the appearance labeling of essential oils. Product labels usually need to include: the common name of the plant variety (which can be the language used in the country of production and sales), the scientific name of the plant variety (must be in Latin), the extraction site, the extraction method, the place of origin, purity, capacity, etc. Packaging is usually in dark glass bottles.

2. Select from familiar flavors: some varieties that we can come into contact with daily can help us judge the overall quality of the brand from one aspect, even if the essential oils of the same variety are different due to the origin, extraction method, season and year Has a different scent, but still retains the aroma unique to this variety of essential oils.

3. Choice of alcohol test method: Most of the essential oils will be completely dissolved in alcohol, and if mixed with vegetable or mineral oil, delamination will occur-that is, the vegetable or mineral oil floats on the surface of the alcohol, while the essential oil part is Dissolved in alcohol. However, there is no inspection effect on essential oils whose blends are volatile substances.

4. Select by skin reaction: The more refined the essential oil, the stronger the penetration. When buying essential oils, you can gently wipe the diluted essential oils on the back of your hands or the inside of your wrists for skin tests, and then massage them with your fingertips. Good quality oils will be absorbed instantly without leaving bright oil on your skin. ingredient.

5. Selection by essential oil chromatogram: Essential oil chromatogram is a scientific method used to analyze the molecular structure of essential oils. The SGS agency uses essential oil chromatograms to check the quality of essential oils. The application of essential oil chromatograms is mainly reflected in the identification of essential oil quality. The results obtained by chromatographic analysis are like the DNA data of essential oils-through these data, the content of each essential oil component can be clearly obtained, and the quality of essential oils can be judged scientifically and effectively.

Essential oils

Essential oils overview

Base oil, also known as base oil or blended oil, is a non-volatile oil obtained by pressing and extracting seeds and fruits of various plants. Its main ingredient is linoleic acid, which is also rich in various vitamins and other nutrients. Because pure essential oils are very irritating and rub directly on the skin, it will cause harm, so essential oils must be diluted before use on the skin. The base oil has high nutritional value and good curative effect, and is mild in nature and easy to be absorbed by the body. Therefore, it is selected as a medium for diluting essential oils in aromatherapy. Of course, the base oil can also be used alone. It can be used as an oil for skin care and a base oil for making massage oil. With it, the body generates heat, it is an excellent source of protein, and vegetable base oils can be used to dilute essential oils.

Essential oil types

Sweet Almond Oil

Ingredients: Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, E, protein, fatty acids

Characteristics: light yellow, light flavor, lubricating but very refreshing, it is a neutral and non-greasy base oil. The mildest base oil that can be used on babies, suitable for normal to oily skin.

Apricot Kernel Oil

Ingredients: Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, C, minerals, etc.

Characteristics: light yellow, sweeter, almond oil is thicker and stickier

Wheat germ oil

Ingredients: protein, pantothenic acid, vitamins A, D, E, B1, B2, B6 and minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, magnesium, etc. There are also unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid, linolenic acid, oleic acid and lecithin.

Characteristics: light yellow, natural preservative.

Jojoba Oil

Ingredients: minerals, vitamins, protein, collagen-like, vegetable wax.

Characteristics: It is yellow, extracted from jojoba beans, very moist, without any taste, and has relatively smooth oil, like the secreted fat from the glands. Jojoba is a desert plant, such as Southern California, Arizona, Israel, Australia Produced in other places, it has high stability, strong light resistance, high temperature and keeps the structure unchanged. It is an oil that can be stored for a long time.

Grapeseed Oil

Ingredients: trace minerals, vitamins B1, B3, B5, C, F, chlorophyll, fatty acids, fructose, glucose, minerals, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and grape polyphenols. Contains essential linolenic acid that cannot be synthesized by the body.

Characteristics: light yellow or light green, tasteless; delicate, refreshing and non-greasy, the largest place of production is in China. The most easily absorbed base oil, suitable for oily skin, the most common body massage base oil.

Macadamia Oil

Ingredients: minerals, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, palmitic acid

Characteristics: dark yellow, mainly produced in Australia; heavy flavor, such as nutty, thick texture, good moisturizing.

Avocado Oil

Ingredients: Minerals, Protein, Vitamin A, B1.B2.D, E and Lecithin

Characteristics: Sweet fruity flavor, with a greasy feel and fruity taste, heavy taste, greenish color, not suitable for single use, mainly produced in the equatorial regions of the Americas.

Olive Oil

Ingredients: unsaturated fatty acid, protein, vitamin E

Characteristics: It is pale yellow, mild and non-irritating, but has some bitter tastes. The varieties and quality planted along the Mediterranean coast are the best. Oily, suitable for dry skin, it can activate the cell's regeneration ability and restore the skin's radiance.

How to choose essential oils

Base oil selection

Oily skin: sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, jojoba oil, grape seed oil

Dry skin: avocado oil, wheat germ oil, olive oil

Sensitive skin: sweet almond oil, grape seed oil

Aging skin: wheat germ oil, olive oil

Wrinkled Skin: Avocado Oil

Acne Skin: Jojoba Oil

Selection by use range

Body: sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, grape seed oil

Face: Sweet Almond Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Jojoba Oil

Partial: wheat germ oil, avocado oil

Essential oil special purpose

When it comes to base oils, most people think of sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, wheat germ oil, grape seed oil and so on. However, for some special base oils, such as rose seed oil, evening primrose oil, and calendula oil, there is less concept. However, many professional aroma therapists will use these vegetable oils to help users solve skin, scalp problems, and even whitening and wrinkle prevention.

[Rosehip Seed Oil / Rosehip Seed Oil]

Ingredients: -linolenic acid, fatty acids, citric acid and vitamins A and C.

Traits: Dark yellow or light brown, light bitterness.

Origin: Chile, 100% pure natural rose seed oil, extracted from Chilean rosehip fruit. Suitable for normal skin and aging skin, it is helpful for soft skin, whitening, anti-wrinkle, stretch marks, scars, dull skin, acne, moisturizing, psoriasis, eczema. It can also prevent pigmentation and sunburn after sun exposure.

[Evening Primrose Oil]

Characteristics: Dark yellow, slightly herbal.

Ingredients: -linolenic acid, magnesium, zinc, vitamins C, E, B6 and nicotinic acid.

Country of origin, UK, 100% pure natural evening primrose oil. It is helpful for preventing premature skin aging, helping nail development, solving scalp problems, odorous dermatitis, wound healing, psoriasis, eczema, menopause and cardiovascular diseases.

[Calendula Oil]

Ingredients: flavonoids, saponins, tripeptenol.

Characteristics: yellowish green, bitter with some woody and musky notes.

100% pure natural calendula oil imported from the United Kingdom is refined by advanced CO2 extraction. It is helpful for acne, frostbite, diaper rash, skin scars, varicose veins and abrasions.