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What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are concentrated extracts derived from various parts of plants, such as leaves, flowers, stems, roots, and seeds. They capture the natural aromatic compounds that give plants their characteristic scents and flavors. Essential oils are often used for their therapeutic, aromatic, and flavor-enhancing properties. They have been employed for centuries in traditional medicine, aromatherapy, and as ingredients in cosmetics and perfumes.

How do They Work?

Essential oils work through several mechanisms:

1. Inhalation: Inhaling essential oils stimulates the olfactory system, and therefore the central nervous system.  As they are inhaled, they come in direct contact with the nasal passages, sinuses, trachea and lungs creating many benefits on the internal structures of the respiratory system. The respiratory system is often a "first avenue" of infection. Since essential oils can cross into the bloodstream from the lungs, inhalation is a quick way to deliver essential oils to the whole internal system of the body.

2.  Skin: Essential oils can penetrate the skin through a combination of processes, primarily driven by their chemical properties and the permeability of the skin's layers. Here's a breakdown of how this penetration occurs:

• Lipid Solubility: Essential oils are composed of volatile compounds, many of which are lipophilic (fat-loving). The outermost layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum, is primarily composed of lipids (fats). Lipid-soluble compounds have an easier time diffusing through this lipid-rich barrier.

• Diffusion: Essential oil molecules are tiny and can move through the gaps between skin cells. They diffuse through the stratum corneum, which is not a solid barrier but rather a semi-permeable one. This process allows essential oil compounds to gradually penetrate deeper into the skin.

• Blood Circulation: Once essential oil molecules pass through the stratum corneum, they can enter the capillaries in the dermis (the layer of skin beneath the epidermis). From there, they can be transported via the bloodstream to various parts of the body.

• Carrier Oils: Often, essential oils are diluted with carrier oils before topical application. Carrier oils can help by spreading the essential oil evenly on the skin, reducing the risk of irritation and providing a longer contact time, which may enhance absorption.

• Temperature and Massage: The application of essential oils in the form of a warm compress or as part of a massage can also facilitate their penetration. Increased skin temperature and mechanical pressure can enhance absorption.

• Chemical Properties: The specific chemical composition of essential oils can influence their ability to penetrate the skin. Some essential oil components may have better skin-penetrating properties than others.

3. Ingestion: Some essential oils are considered safe for internal use according to certain professionals, but this should be done with caution and under the guidance of a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare professional. Ingested oils can affect the digestive and other systems. This method is outside my scope of practice and I do not recommend it at this time.

https://tisserandinstitute.org/safety-guidelines/

Are Essential Oils Safe?

The safety of essential oils depends on several factors:

1. Dilution: Most essential oils are highly concentrated and should be diluted with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin to avoid skin irritation or allergic reactions.

2. Quality: Using high-quality, pure essential oils is crucial to ensure safety and efficacy. Poor-quality or adulterated oils may contain harmful substances.

3.  Allergies and Sensitivities: Some people may be allergic or sensitive to certain essential oils. Always perform a patch test before using a new essential oil topically.

4.  Age and Health: Certain essential oils are not safe for infants, young children, pregnant or nursing women, or individuals with specific health conditions. It's essential to research and consult with a healthcare professional or aromatherapist before using essential oils in these cases.

5. Ingestion: Ingesting essential oils should be done cautiously, if at all, and only under the guidance of a qualified professional.

6. Storage: Essential oils should be stored in a cool, dark place, and out of reach of children and pets. EO's can oxidize with over-exposure to air and light, causing skin sensitivities and an ineffective product.

• Not all oils can be used for inhalation. For example, oils high in phenols, aldehydes (citral in particular) and some monoterpenes can be irritating. This depends on the individual and may require some experimenting.
• Some oils may be contraindicated with asthma and serious allergies.
• Be careful with the dosage, as too much oil inhaled can cause headaches, dizziness, and can irritate the membranes of the nose and lungs.

Resources:

1. National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA): [https://naha.org/](https://naha.org/)

2. Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA): [https://www.alliance-aromatherapists.org/](https://www.alliance-aromatherapists.org/)

3. American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) - Aromatherapy Safety Resources: [https://achs.edu/resources/aromatherapy-safety/] (https://achs.edu/resources/aromatherapy-safety/)

4. "Essential Oil Safety" by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young - A comprehensive book on essential oil safety.

5. "The Complete Bood of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy" by Valerie Ann Worwood.

6. https://tisserandinstitute.org/safety-guidelines/

Plant hydrosols, also known as floral waters or distillates, are aromatic waters produced through the steam distillation of plant material, such as flowers, leaves, or other botanical parts. This process involves passing steam through the plant material, capturing the volatile compounds and essential oils. The resulting condensate, or hydrosol, carries the water-soluble components and a subtle fragrance from the plant. 

Hydrosols contain trace amounts of essential oils, giving them a mild aroma and therapeutic properties associated with the specific plant. They are often utilized in skincare, aromatherapy, and various cosmetic applications. Unlike essential oils, hydrosols are less concentrated, making them suitable for a broader range of applications, including being gentle enough for use on sensitive skin or even by children. The careful production of plant hydrosols involves selecting fresh plant material and employing precise distillation techniques to maximize their therapeutic benefits.

It's important to note that hydrosols often smell very different than the essential oil derived from the same plant part.

 NAHA 

Here are some of the key advantages of using soy wax in candles:

1. Cleaner Burn: Soy wax burns more cleanly and produces fewer black sooty marks on walls and ceilings compared to paraffin wax. This cleaner burn is not only aesthetically pleasing but also better for indoor air quality.

2. Renewable and Biodegradable: Soy wax is made from soybean oil, a renewable resource. It is biodegradable and environmentally friendly, making it a sustainable choice for candle production.

3. Longer Burn Time: Soy candles typically have a longer burn time compared to other candles of the same size. This means you can enjoy your candles for a more extended period before needing to replace them.

4. Even and Steady Burn: Soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin wax, which results in a more even and steady burn. This characteristic helps the candle last longer and ensures that all the wax is used up, reducing waste. Warm soy wax can also be used as a massage oil. Idea for date night? Hey, if you're into it, why not?

6. Non-Toxic: Soy wax is a natural and non-toxic material, making it a safer option for those with allergies or sensitivities to chemicals. It doesn't emit harmful toxins when burned, contributing to better indoor air quality.

7. Easy Cleanup: Spills and drips from soy wax are typically easier to clean up than paraffin wax because soy wax is water-soluble.

9. Support for Agriculture: Choosing soy candles supports the soybean farming industry, particularly if the soy used is sourced from local, sustainable farms.

10. Reduced Allergenic Reactions: Some people with sensitivities or allergies to synthetic fragrances may find that soy candles scented with natural essential oils are less likely to trigger allergic reactions compared to candles containing synthetic fragrances.

**It's important to note that while soy wax offers these benefits, the scent throw of a soy candle made with essential oils is more subtle and milder than a candle made with fragrance oils.

• First Burn Matters: Allow the candle to burn for at least 1-2 hours during the first use, ensuring the wax has melted across the entire surface of the candle. This prevents the formation of a tunnel and promotes an even burn in subsequent uses.
• Trim the Wood Wick: Before each use, trim the wick to 1/4" (wood wicks to approximately 1/8 inch). This helps maintain a clean burn and prevents the wick from becoming too long, leading to excessive flickering and potential smoke.
• Avoid Extended Burning Sessions: Refrain from burning the candle for more than 4 hours at a time. Extended burning can cause the candle to overheat, affecting its performance and diminishing the overall burn quality. 
• Avoid moving candle while burning as the vessel may be hot.
• Mind the Wax Pool: Allow the wax pool to reach the edges of the container during each burn. This helps maximize the fragrance release and prevents the formation of a tunnel in the center of the candle.
• Extinguish Safely: To extinguish the candle, use a wick dipper or gently blow it out. Avoid blowing forcefully to prevent hot wax splatter. This ensures a clean and safe extinguishing process.
• Keep it Clean: Remove any debris, such as wick trimmings or matches, from the wax pool before lighting the candle again. This prevents unwanted particles from affecting the quality of the burn.
• Protect from Drafts: Place your candle in a draft-free area to prevent uneven burning and excessive flickering of the wood wick. Drafts can affect the candle's ability to maintain a consistent and steady flame.
• Store with Care: When not in use, store your candle in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This helps preserve the integrity of the wax and ensures the fragrance remains intact. If your candle came with a lid, put the lid on when not in use.
• Reuse or Recycle: Once the candle is finished, consider repurposing the container or recycling it. Soy wax residue can be easily cleaned with warm, soapy water, allowing you to enjoy the container for other purposes.

By following these care instructions, you can maximize the longevity and performance of your candle, ensuring a safe and delightful experience with each use. 

Physical benefits include...

Improved:

• Blood and lymph circulation
• Muscle pain
• Joint pain
• Quality of sleep
• Range of motion
• Immune system
• Lower blood pressure

Mental health benefits include...

Improved:

• Mood
• Relaxation
• Overall Wellness
• Increases serotonin.
• Boost energy.

Reduced

• Stress (can lower cortisol)
• Anxiety
• Can reduce symptoms of depression.

• https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/s
  peaking-of-health/benefits-of-massage-therapy
• Benefits of massage therapy - Mayo Clinic Health System 
• Top 10 Health Benefits of Massage - Health2wellness (health2wellnessblog.com)
•  Mayo Clinic explores: The role of massage therapy for mental health - Mayo Clinic Press