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An essential oil is often a liquid that is extracted from just about any section of a plant -- root, stem, leaf, bark, etc. by distillation. They are derived from an authentic plant and therefore are not artificially made. They aren't the same thing as oil which has been perfumed or has had a scent put into it.

Essential oils are extremely concentrated so they're often seen in tiny bottles. The essential oil is generally mixed with a "carrier oil" to dilute it. Carrier oils are veggie oils such grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, organic olive oil, and cranberry seed oil. It is the carrier oil that "carries" the essential oil in to the skin. It is because of the carrier oil that an essential oil can feel and appears oily.

A common way to use an essential oil is to use it on the skin. Many aroma therapists make use of it as massage oil. Another way to use an essential oil is by means of inhalation. Some methods to safely inhale essential oils are by adding a few drops to a warm bath or a heated up tank of water. Other equipment used for dispersing essential oils in aromatherapy are an oil burner, diffuser or vaporizer. Adding water and a few drops of the preferred essential oil can scent an entire area.

A brief history of using these oils as therapies could be traced back for 100's of years. They'd become less popular as more pharmaceutical treatments became available. However, within the last few decades aromatherapy has become more popular and mainstream. People are now seeking this alternative remedies to help remedy their emotional, mental and physical needs.   

When purchasing essential oils, rates and quality can differ greatly. The grade of an essential oil is important when using it for therapeutic purposes. Poor plant quality, including chemicals, or even the oil sitting for too much time may greatly decrease its effectiveness. Some essential oils might be priced high based on how rare the plant it is derived from is or because of conditions related to the country it is indigenous to.

There are some risks to essential oils that are worth observing. Many essential oils are not recommended to be used throughout pregnancy. They need to also always be watered down when they are applied to the skin. Some individuals may have certain sensitivities to essential oils in addition to allergic reactions. Before using any essential oil the very first time it is always recommended to do a patch check on a small section of skin.

Essential oils have infiltrated our lives whether we actively seek them or not. They've been used for 1000's of years to aid in depressive disorders, promote hair growth, and relieve congestion to name but a few. Regardless if we don't seek out essential oils for aromatherapy we do appreciate their fragrances to freshen our homes and laundry.