Monday, 1 April 2013

Aromatic Uses of Essential Oils

Pure essential oil is a highly concentrated hydrophobic liquid which comprises of aroma compounds from plants. Essential oils are also known as volatile oils, aetherolea or ethereal oil. Simply it is known as the oil of the plant from which it is extracted. It is essential in the sense that it carried a distinctive scent of the plant and does not come under a distinctive medical, pharmacological and culinary sub category.

Essential oil is usually extracted through steam distillation process. Other processes include solvent or expression extraction. They are basically used in perfumes, cosmetics, and soap used for flavoring food and drink. It is also added in scent, incense and in various household products. Since years essential oil has been used in medicine industry which includes from skin treatments to cancer remedies.

People also buy essential oil to use in aromatherapy which is wing of alternative medicine. These oils have certain aromatic compounds known for their curative effects. Usually they are volatilized or diluted in carrier oil. Sometimes they are used in massage, diffused in air with the help of nebulizer, burned as incense or heated over candle flame.

Sandalwood oil is the best essential oil ever known. It is characterized by a warm, rich and woody fragrance. It is basically used as an ingredient in fragrant products like perfumes, incense, aftershaves and other kinds of cosmetics. This oil has also been a part of various religious and spiritual traditions since the prehistoric times. Nowadays this oil is in high demand and is also used in Ayurvedic medicine.

Speaking about Jasmine oil, it is extracted from Jasmium Gradiflora which belongs to the Oleaceae family. Though this is expensive, it is known for its exquisite smell and helps to relax deeply, boasts confidence, eases childbirth, helps to cope up with sexual problems, soothes coughing, improves elasticity of the skin, reduces scar ad stretch marks.

No flower is as beautiful as Rose because it has a characteristic aroma. It is known for its rich fragrance and has spread its perfume since generations. Rose was first grown in Persian gardens and was widely used in Roman banquets where people would dine on its soft petals.  According to Rose oil manufacturer this oil is extracted through steam distillation process.