Useful Tips On Essential Oils
Essential oils come from different parts of plants. In some they seem to accumulate in the petals, in others the roots, rinds, stalks, seeds, sap, nuts, leaves or bark. Sandalwood oil gathers in the heart wood of the tree, but only once the tree is 40 years old. Jasmine is most concentrated in the petals on the night when the flowers are one day old, so they need to be hand picked before dawn to give the best oil.
Rose is the rarest and most expensive of all essential oils. Two tons of fresh petals in full bloom yield a mere one kg (two pounds) of essential oil. The humble orange tree on the other hand produces three oils neroli from the blossoms, petitgrain from the leaves and, orange oil from the fruit rind – each of which has its own distinct properties.
The quality of an essential oil can vary from year to year, just like the vintage of a fine wine. Altitude and soil affect quality, as much as climate and the exact moment of harvest. Picking the raw ingredient is only the first consideration, for if they are left too long or not extracted using the best possible method, the essential oils might end up being inferior.
It is important to buy pure essential oils from a reputable source, as inferior quality or prediluted ones may have lost potency. Fortunately, with the increased interest in aromatherapy it is now possible to buy fine oils from specialist beauty outlets, mail order companies and health food shops throughout the Western world. Your nearest Aromatherapy Association will be able to offer guidance.
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