Essential oils are products prepared from flowers by distillation with water
or by mechanical processing of the epicarp of the citrus fruit or by dry
distillation. Since these essential oils are volatile they are used for
therapeutic treatment. An oil is said to be essential in the sense it has a
distinctive smell of the plant from whose product it is prepared .The essential
oils are used only externally and as a treatment. These oils blend with lotions or creams which are applied on the
body and there by get absorbed by the body. They are not to be swallowed.
The essential oils are prepared naturally and since no chemicals are used
which can lead to irritation of the skin. On the other hand they only help us to
relax, revive and reenergize ourselves.
There are various kinds of essential oils found in the market. And so is
their importance. Many of the essential oils have medicinal value and are used
in the treatment of a particular disease. Example - Clove oil is used for tooth
ache. The treatment from essential oil ranges from treatment of tooth ache to
treatment of cancer. However such claims are put under strict regulation.
None the less the usage of essential oils is not free from dangers. As it
is very thick it should not be applied directly on the body. If applied it may
cause irritation or allergy. Instead in order to get the best effect it must be
blended with pure coconut oil and then applied. Some of these oils may contain
pesticide residues. So it is advisable to buy organically produced oils.
Some of the therapeutics may suggest the intake of these oils but they are
more harmful than giving relief. Even if oral intake is done then it should be
suggested by a qualified and licensed practitioner. The smoke which arises from
the burning of the essential oils may contain carcinogens such as polycyclic
hydrocarbons. They are also considered to be volatile which means they evaporate
into gas if kept open. So they must be kept in air tight containers
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