Understanding Herbal Preparations: Essential Oil

Essential oils are likely the most popular Herbal Preparation we'll cover on this blog. There is a lot more to these little bottles than most people realize. Cultures worldwide and throughout history have documented using some form of essential oil. We also see them time and time again in sacred texts such as the Bible. Almost every alterative medicine practioner uses them and Western medicine is starting to as well. Some hospitals even now offer oil diffusers for patients! They work on the physical and emotional level making them popular in different healing modalities. 

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are made from highly concentrated plant materials- as well as a few resins. Think olive oil but much, much more concentrated.

How are they used?

Dozens of different methods of use are available! Here are a few-

• Topical
  • Desired oil(s) are diluted in a carrier oil such as coconut oil and applied to the body.  Often they are rubbed into the feet. They can be used directly on acupressure points and other parts of the body.
  • Massage therapists often use oils in their blends and may cater them to your specific emotional and/or physical needs
  • Added to an existing bottle of lotion for scent or benefit
  • Mixed with water, hydrosols, or witch hazel as perfume or cologne 
  • As a compress
  • In a bath or foot soak
• In body care products
  • Store bought and homemade body care products from hair care to skin care can have oils added in
  • Deep treatments such as scalp treatments, face masks, and foot soaks
• Dental care
  • Toothpaste, mouth wash, and gargles can be made with essential oils
• Olfactory
  • This is using scent/inhalation such as with a diffuser
  • Opening a bottle and sniffing it is another option- use with caution as some can damage your nose and should not be smelled close up!
  • Mixed with water or hydrosols for a room spray 
  • On the bottom or walls of a tub/shower for a steam shower
  • Personal inhalers for essential oils are an option to bring your favorite oils with you
  • On a piece of cotton in front of a fan makes a DIY diffuser- this is especially nice in the car
  • Specialized jewelry allows folks to place a few drops of an oil on a bracelet or necklace to smell all day 
• Cleaning
  • Citrus oils are especially popular in cleaning products but lots of different oils can be used all around the house for cleaning! 
• Internally
  • We do not recommend internal use unless you're using a specially prepared product like ASMA or working with a highly trained professional

Note- anytime an oil is mixed with water or a hydrosol it will need shaken before each use!

How are essential oils made?

It depends on the type of plant material or resin being used. The most common preparation method is pressing the pure oils out of the plant material and cleaning/refining as needed. It's a fascinating process and we encourage you to look into it if you're interested. Sometimes small-batch manufactures, especially at lavender farms, will let people come watch the process. 

What herbs are commonly used?

Almost every herb exists as an essential oil!!

Come back in a couple of weeks to learn about each product we sell that contains essential oils. 

Learn More

Understanding Herbal Preparations- Hydrosol
Understanding Herbal Preparations- Infused Oil
Herbalism 101- An introduction to common terms