What Exactly are 100% Pure Essential Oils
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What Exactly are 100% Pure Essential Oils
We are becoming increasingly aware that keeping our bodies healthy is much easier than fixing our sick bodies! The use of 100% pure essential oils is on the rise because of their therapeutic, and aromatic benefits. They are also popular among many for the healing properties they have. Of course this is not studied by the FDA but other studies have shown them to be very beneficial.
But what exactly are 100% pure essential oils, and how do they differ from fragrance oils? Let’s dive into the process of crafting essential oils and understand their unique qualities.
The Production of Pure Essential Oils
1. Sourcing Raw Materials: The journey of making essential oils begins with selecting high-quality plant materials. This includes flowers, leaves, bark, roots, and even the peel of citrus fruits. The quality of the plant plays a crucial role in the purity and efficacy of the final product. Some producers may take short cuts, but we are careful to source ours from those that are careful to produce high quality essential oils.
2. Harvesting: Timing is everything in the world of essential oils. Plants must be harvested at the peak of their aromatic potency to ensure the best oil yield. This might occur at a specific time of day or season, depending on the plant species. Some flowers such as Lilac and Honey Suckle do not produce enough oil to extract, therefore there is no 100% pure essential oil in these scents.
3. Extraction Methods:
- Steam Distillation: This is the most common method where steam is used to vaporize the plant’s volatile compounds. The steam is then cooled, allowing the essential oil to separate from the water.
- Cold Pressing: Commonly used for citrus oils, this method involves mechanically pressing the plant, capturing the naturally occurring oils.
- Solvent Extraction: For delicate flowers, such as jasmine, a solvent is used to extract aromatic compounds without damaging them.
4. Quality Testing: Ensuring the oil’s purity involves rigorous testing. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry are often used to analyze the chemical composition, confirming there are no contaminants.
5. Bottling and Storage: Once extracted, essential oils are bottled in dark glass containers to protect them from light and heat, preserving their quality. Essential oils are treated with care!
Essential Oils vs. Fragrance Oils
While essential oils and fragrance oils both contribute fragrance to a product, they are very different in origin and use.
- Composition: Essential oils are derived entirely from natural plant parts and are rich in therapeutic compounds. In contrast, fragrance oils are synthetic, crafted to imitate natural scents or create new aromas. This is were Lilac, and Honey Suckle and most vanilla can be found! Most of the time if you know what the "real thing" smells like, you can tell the difference immediately!
- Use and Benefits: Pure essential oils are known for their therapeutic and healing capabilities. They are frequently used in aromatherapy to promote mental and physical well-being. Fragrance oils, however, are primarily used for their aroma in products like candles and perfumes, lacking the medicinal benefits of essential oils.
- Sustainability and Allergenicity: Essential oils, when sourced responsibly, are more sustainable and eco-friendly. Fragrance oils may contain synthetic chemicals that can trigger allergies and sensitivities in some individuals.
Knowing the process of making 100% pure essential oils highlights their intrinsic value. They connect us to nature, offering genuine benefits that synthetic alternatives cannot replicate. When choosing between essential and fragrance oils, consider your purpose—whether it’s for therapeutic benefits or simply to enjoy an aroma.