Aromatherapy (11)
What type of equipment do you recommend for extraction of essential oils?
Posted: jul 7, 2021
in
Aromatherapy
We have several models that can be used for extraction of essential oils, but the one we believe to be most effective is our Split Top Rotating Column Copper Alembic Stills. These allow for quicker distillations where you don't have to keep changing the water after each distillation and the column can be emptied and re-filled simply by tipping the column over.
Why is my essential oil cloudy?
Posted: jul 7, 2021
in
Aromatherapy
That may be an indication that the condenser is too cold resulting in cloudy essential oils. In the case of hydrosols it may that there as components such as saponin present in the plant.
Why are my Essential oils greyish green in colour?
Posted: jul 7, 2021
in
Aromatherapy
Some plant materials such as eucalyptus may react with the copper. Eucalyptol (cineol) will react with copper imparting a greenish hue to the resultant distillate. If this is the case, the essential oil should be filtered and citric acid (lemon juice) added to separate any copper pickup and allow the oil to be decanted leaving any copper deposits behind. On the other hand copper may be beneficial when distilling other plants such as lavender as it will react with sulphur compounds present reducing any unpleasant or off-notes called "still" notes
Do Essential Oils and Hydrosols have a shelf life?
Posted: jul 7, 2021
in
Aromatherapy
Your essential oils should be carefully preserved so they may remain in the best possible condition and retain their therapeutic properties for longer. In ideal conditions the essential oils may keep up to 6 years but generally last up to 2 years. Carrier oils and hydrosols have a shorter shelf life, generally 6 months. For more information please consult Preserving Essential Oils.
What are Hydrosols?
Posted: jul 7, 2021
in
Aromatherapy
Hydrosols are a by-product from the distillation of plant materials to obtain the essential oils. As such these hydrosols retain some of the therapeutic qualities of the essential oils and may be applied on the skin as a toner or used for cosmetics. They may be applied directly on the skin as they only contain minute quantities of the essential oils. For more information please consult Hydrosols.
What is the best method to extract Essential Oils and Hydrosols?
Posted: jul 7, 2021
in
Aromatherapy
Distillation is considered to be the best method to obtain the purest form of essential oils and hydrosols. During distillation the plant material is distilled through steam vapour to release the essential oil molecules present. Other methods of essential oil extraction include cold pressing, infusion and solvent extraction. For more information please consult Methods of Extraction.
What is Aromatherapy?
Posted: jul 7, 2021
in
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of volatile substances with therapeutic properties extracted from plants with the intention of stimulating the body and mind to restore the natural balance between both. For more information please consult Aromatherapy.
Why do Essential Oils need to be diluted before being applied?
Posted: jul 7, 2021
in
Aromatherapy
This is a safety issue. In fact most Essential Oils can cause allergies or burn if applied undiluted in their pure state. Besides that, the effects of essential oils such as lavender, are not heightened when applied undiluted. Consequently its dilution permits you to save on the quantity of essential oil used. For more information please consult Precautions.
What is a Carrier Oil?
Posted: jul 7, 2021
in
Aromatherapy
A Carrier Oil, also known as a base oil is a vegetable oil used to dilute the more volatile essential oils for massage or when applied directly to the skin. For more information please consult Carrier Oils.
What are Essential Oils used for?
Posted: jul 7, 2021
in
Aromatherapy
Essential Oils have numerous therapeutic properties. Depending on the plant they are extracted from they may be anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, laxative, diuretic, relaxing, analgesic or reinvigorating. They also have various industrial purposes such as in the making of perfumes, cosmetic products, soaps, food products, toothpastes and medicinal products amongst others. For more information please consult Types of Essencial Oils..
What is an Essential Oil?
Posted: jul 7, 2021
in
Aromatherapy
Essential oils are highly concentrated, aromatic, volatile and insoluble substances that may be extracted from leaves, flowers, stems or roots of plants. For more information please consult essential oils.