Essential oil is described as a volatile material that is extracted from fragrant plants from a single botanical and species source by means of a physical process.
The oil is further described as a component formed by metabolic processes in the plant.
Among other things, the function of the oils is to help the plant keep away insects and other pests, and to attract pollinating insects and bees. The resin from which myrrh oil is made, protects the plant from wounds to the bark. The oils also give plants their characteristic fragrance.
Where the oils occur in plants
Oils are found in flowers, leaves, roots, twigs, gum, tree bark, wood, and more. Berries, pepper and seeds are also sources of oil.
Examples:
Flowers: jasmine, orange blossom, rose
Leaves: lemongrass, petitgrain, palmarosa, patchouli
Tree bark: cinnamon
Wood: cedar, sandalwood, rosewood
Roots: ginger, vetiver, nard
The whole plant: mallow, lavender, rosemary
Peel: orange, lemon, bergamot, mandarin
Gum: Frankincense, myrrh, copaiba, rock rose
Berries: juniper berries
Seeds: pepper
Flower buds: cloves (clove bud oil)
How the oil is extracted
The processes are complex, and each process has subsections, but in summary it can be said that the essential oil is extracted through steam distillation and pressing processes.
How much plant material is required?
People sometimes think that essential oils are expensive, but the following numbers help us understand four things:
Ø How concentrated the oil is
Ø Where the price comes from
Ø Why so little is needed
Ø Why most aromatherapists recommend that you don't take it internally.
Examples:
8000 jasmine flowers = 1g of oil
500kg orange blossoms = 500g neroli oil
5-7 tons of melissa leaves = 500g of oil
3000 lemons = 1kg of oil
3000 – 5000 kg of rose petals = 1kg of oil
If you add that a very large part of the plant material is harvested by hand, your appreciation for the droplet in your diffuser grows.
Effect on people
Essential oils are renowned for their powerful impact on individuals, both physically and emotionally. It is the emotional influence in particular that gives these oils a mystical quality, making them defy categorization. To me, one of the most remarkable aspects is the discovery that within a plant, there exists a remedy that can alleviate depression, induce sleep, alleviate pain, ease trauma, facilitate the grieving process, and foster a sense of positivity.
From Effort to Essence, to Exhilaration
Remember to stand in awe tonight as you put a few drops of oil into your diffuser.
May you always be touched by the effort, and experience exhilaration using these remarkable essences.
Warm greetings
Carina Falck
Contact: Carina Falck 060 526 1422
Disclaimer
The use of essential oils must be done responsibly and does not replace any medical treatment. It is used at your own risk.
Source:
Battaglia, S.
The complete guide to aromatherapy, 2nd edition.
The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Brisbane, Australia, 2003
P27-35.
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