Essential Oil Basics

Essential oils are the highly concentrated, volatile, aromatic essences of plants. Essential oils contain hundreds of organic constituents, including hormones, vitamins and other natural elements that work on many levels. They are 75 to 100 times more concentrated than the oils in dried herbs.

Understanding the Grades of Oils
There are significant differences between synthetic fragrance oils and pure essential oils. All Young Living Essential Oils are pure. There are 4 grades of essential oils.

• Grade A oils are pure therapeutic quality and are usually made from organically grown plants, and are distilled at the proper temperatures.
• Grade B oils are food grade, they may contain synthetics, pesticides, fertilizers, extenders, or carrier oils.
• Grade C are perfume grade and may contain the same type of adulterating chemicals as food grade oils. They usually contain solvents which are used to gain a higher yield of oil per harvest. Solvents are not healthy.
• Floral Water is a byproduct of the distillation process, a very high quality, IF it comes from a Grade A distillation process. Accordingly, it is a low quality if it comes from poor quality raw materials and/or poor distillations processes.

Synthetic fragrance oils may duplicate the smell of the pure botanical, but the complex chemical components of each essential oil created in nature determine its true benefits. In other words, synthetic fragrance oils will not have the medicinal properties; they are NOT suitable for aromatherapy. Young Living sells only Grade A therapeutic quality essential oils.

Gems of Nature
Pure essential oils, like precious jewelry or fine wine, are gems of nature — the quintessential life force of aromatic plants, sometimes called the “soul” of the plant. People who truly appreciate the qualities of pure essential oils consider each drop a precious jewel to be savored, enjoyed and protected.

Essential oils are absorbed into the fluid surrounding the cells beneath the skin’s surface for a variety of effects including deep cleansing, nourishing, rejuvenating and balancing. Essential oils also diffuse into the air to provide olfactory benefits.

There are three main ways to use Essential Oils:

Direct Application
Because Essential oils are soluble with the lipid membranes of cells, they have an unmatched ability to penetrate and disperse within minutes throughout the body. Apply directly over area of concern, but, avoid getting oils in the eyes, flush with V6 mixing oil if an essential oil accidentally gets in the eyes. The spicy oils such as Cinnamon, Clove, Thyme, Oregano and Peppermint can be warming to sensitive skin. Dilute your Essential oils with V6 mixing oil or a pure Olive oil if skin sensitivity is a concern.

Diffusing or Inhalation
A Diffuser is specially designed to disperse a fine mist of essential oils that will fill a room in a few minutes. It disperses your oils without heating or burning, which can render oils less therapeutically beneficial. Diffusing can help reduce bacteria, fungus and mold, help with weight management, help you to relax and relieve tension, improve concentration and mental clarity and much more!

Internally as Supplements
Only a Therapeutic, Grade A oil, such as Young Living’s oils, are safe enough to ingest. By ingesting the oils, optimum benefits can be achieved. Put a drop or two in goat, soy or rice milk, or in empty capsules and take internally. It is indicated on each bottle if the oil can be taken internally as well as by application. Young Living offers empty capsules; 250 for $9.87 retail. They are natural and ideal for those with vegetarian, diabetic, or other restrictive diet needs.

Please feel free to post a comment or email me with any questions that you might have.