Essential Oils are regaining popularity as individuals seek alternatives to standard medical treatments. Folk medicine has used essential oils throughout history with the earliest mention in the 1100’s.
Oils are created with plant material, flowers, leaves, seeds, peels etc. and put through a process called distillation where the matter is put into a distillation component over water. As the water is heated, steam passes through the material, vaporizing the volatile compounds. The vapors flow through a coil where they condense back to liquid, which is then collected in the receiving vessel. Sometimes distillation is performed a 2nd time for purity.
Oils are volatilized, diluted in a carrier oil and used in various ways. Massage oils, diffusers, and skin treatments are some of the most common. Some of the most common plant materials are lavender, peppermint, tea tree oil, patchouli, and eucalyptus.
