Essential oils can be defined in two ways: their scientificexplanation is that many plants contain high concentrations of volatile oils,which give plants their distinctive flavour and aromas. These aromaticessential of volatile oils are made up from a wide variety of differentchemical constituents. A single essential oil may contain as many as fiftyindividual ingredients, including substances such as phenol, carvacrol, linalol,and geraniol. Aroma therapists, who use essential oils for therapeutic massage,are more likely to adopt a less clinical approach when it comes to definingessential oils. They often describe them as the ‘life force’ or ‘soul’ of theplant and believe that each essential oil has different characteristics anduses. Whether you take the more pragmatic and analytical approach, or prefer tofollow the folklore, there is no doubt that essential oils can be extremelyuseful in caring for the body and encouraging well-being.
Essential oils can be extracted from plants in two main ways- by using either steam or solvent distillation. Steam distillation involvesplacing the plant material in a flask, heating to a high temperature andcollecting the steam. As the steam cools and turns back into water, theessential oil from the plant floats to the surface where it can be collected.Steam distillation is the best method for extracting pure essential oils andmost of the expensive varieties are extracted this way. The other method ofsolvent extraction is faster and involves placing the plant material in a flaskand mixing with a chemical solvent such as hexane. The mixture is stirred andheated to release the essential oils from the plant before the solvent isevaporated away. Solvent extraction is common in the perfume industry wherenatural footwear fragrances are still used by some of the more expensivescents. However, it is not the best method for producing essential oils forskincare as traces of the solvent are invariably left behind in the oil.
Technically, anything that has been produced by solventextraction should be called ‘absolute’ and not ‘essential’ oil. Common examplesof these include rose absolute of jasmine absolute, which are extremely rare tofind as essential oils made by steam distillation. The main problem when buyingessential oils is knowing exacyly what is inside the bottle. Always look forthe words ‘pure essential oil’, on the label, which mean that the oil has notbeen diluted with a cheaper vegetable oil before bottling. Some oils are soldas ‘aromatherapy oils’ or ‘fragrance oils’ and should not be confused withgenuine, highly concentrated essential oils. A good – quality essential oilwill last long time if kept cool and dark, and most oils have many health andbeauty uses. All essential oils are naturally antiseptic and many are naturallyantibiotic. Some even help to boost the immune system and fight off bacterial, viral,and fungal infections.
Aromatherapy andessential oils
Aromatherapy is the art of using these essential oils mixedin a base or ‘carrier’ oil, such as almond or grape seed oil, combined withmassage. Aromatherapy works by releasing the aroma of these oils into theatmosphere where they are taken up by the nerve endings in the nose and relayedto the brain. Here they can have a powerful effect on mood, emotions, andmental state. Essential or volatile oils also have a very small molecularstructure enabling them to slip through the surface of the skin and end up inthe blood stream. This is why the oils used on the skin in massage can be soeffective in treating not oily skin complaints but also disorders as diverse ashormonal problems and cellulite. Because essential oils end up circulating inthe bloodstream it is wise to use caution if using them during pregnancy.Stimulating herb and spice oils should be avoided and replaced with gentleroils such as chamomile, sandalwood, geranium, and lemon. While small amounts ofany oil are quite safe, for regular use it is best to consult a professionalaroma therapist for personal advice during pregnancy.
Pregnant or not, all essential oils are highly concentratedan should only ever be used in small quantities and always diluted either in acarrier oil or cream, or diffused in a warm bath. The only exceptions to thisrule are when using lavender oil neat on burns, or dabbing small amounts of teatree oil on the spots and pimples.
Essential oils toavoid during pregnancy
Aniseed, bay, basil, cassia, clary sage, cedar wood, clove,coriander, cinnamon, cypress, eucalyptus, hyssop, juniper, lemongrass, nutmeg,sage, savoury, thyme, marjoram (including sweet marjoram), myrrh, pennyroyal,pine, rosemary, sage, tansy, tea tree, wintergreen and wormwood.
Essential oils are recommended by many aroma therapistsduring pregnancy.
Citrus oils (e.g. mandarin, tangerine, bergamot and lemon),sandalwood, neroli, jasmine, geranium and chamomile. After the first threemonths, lavender rose and Melissa may also be used in moderation.
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