Distillation is a method of separating the essence of the plant from the plant material.  In modern times there are several methods of distillation.  Although the simple method is still the most widely used.

It is now possible to distill plants at low pressure and low heat.  This method is desirable because it causes less damage to the more sensitive constituents.  The essential oils distilled in this way tend to be higher in constituents which are heat sensitive, making them more desirable, but also more costly.

During the process of distillation the plant material is heated either in, or over boiling water.  The steam rises and is cooled in a long condensing tube.  The liquid (distillate) is then collected in a container at the end of the cooling tube.  This liquid separates into two layers.

The top layer is the essential oil and underneath is the water layer, which is call the hydrosol, or floral water.  The hydrosol is often used several times to distil more plant material.  It is then saved and used as a hydrosol.

Hydrosols are also very therapeutic and widely used in skin care.  The hydrosol contains many constituents that are water-soluble and therefore not contained in the essential oil.

The constituents of essential oils vary from one plant to another.  Most essential oils contain a wide variety of properties, which adds to their holistic nature.  All are anti-bacterial.  Some are also fungicides, anti-inflammatory, and anti-depressant.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are the product of plant distillation.  They are considered the essence, or life force of the plant.  They are often referred to as the blood of the plant.  The essential oil contains all the chemicals the plant uses for defense, communication, and it’s immune system.  Which is why they have such strong healing properties.  Each essential oil has its own unique properties.

Essential oils are basically lipophillic (oil loving).  They disburse easily in carrier oils.  And are easily absorbed by the skin.  The skin has a lipophillic layer on its surface, which it uses for protection.  The essential oils can easily penetrate this layer, making application and absorption of essential oils very effective.  In cosmetics, for example, hormones or liposomes are often added to creams in order to be absorbed by the skin.

As well as cutanious absorption (through the skin), essential oils can enter the body through the olfactory system.  These are the two most common methods of application.  In some countries, such as France, essential oils are also taken orally.  This is not a widely recommended method.  Toxicity is more likely to occur this way.  The essential oils also decompose due to the acids in the digestive tract.

Each essential oil has its own unique properties.  Often times by knowing which part of the plant the oil is produced from we can determine its use.  For example the flower is the most ethereal or spiritual part of the plant, so flowers are generally used to be uplifting or on the spiritual/energetic level.  Keynotes are also helpful as a place to begin.  A keynote is what the essential oil is most commonly used for, or most famous for.  Once we know the keynote we can add to our knowledge and understanding piece by piece, the keynote is merely where we begin.

Application

Aromatherapy is the most potent form of herbal medicine.  The essential oils are highly concentrated and need to be diluted in a carrier oil.  Carrier oils are generally unrefined vegetable oils such as Olive Oil or Almond Oil.  A simple dilution that can be use safely in most situations would be 10 drops of essential oil in 1 oz (30 ml) carrier oil.

The two most popular methods for using essential oils are topically and through inhalation.  Massage is probably the best method for topical use.  Not only do the essential oils have a therapeutic effect on the client, but also the process of massage makes it even more effective.  The oils are well absorbed during massage, and the massage itself is very relaxing to the client.

Other methods of topical application are cosmetics, treatment oils, compresses and bathes.  Essential oils do not dissolve easily in water.  Methods using carrier oils (vegetable oils) are safer.  Essential oils can easily be added to unscented creams and carrier oils.

An Aromatherapy bath is very therapeutic.  Bathing has it’s own therapeutic value.  The heat and the water aid absorption, the oils are also inhaled during the bath.  Care must be taken when adding essential oils to the bath.  Although bathing is extremely therapeutic the essential oils do not dissolve in water.  It is best to use an emulsifier, such as milk.  Another alternative is to dissolve the essential oils in carrier oil and use it as bath oil.

Inhalation is another method of application.  Although we may not use our sense of smell to the extent that we once did, it is still wired in to the very primitive part of our brain.  The olfactory pathway is directly linked to the limbic system in the brain.  The area of our brain that is the seat of our basic drives.  The limbic system governs areas such as memory, emotions, heart rate, sex drive, respiration and blood sugar levels.  Because of this connection to the very basic part of our brain Aromatherapy is effective on all levels, the physical, emotional and spiritual.

Whenever essential oils are used they are inhaled.  Other methods of inhalation would be diffusers or aromatic pottery.  Essential oils can also be put on a tissue and inhaled.  Care must be taken not to get the pure essential oil directly on or in the nose.

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