What is an Essential Oil?

One of the questions I get is:  What is an oil?  Since I call them oils or EOs, I thought the best thing to do at the start of my blog is to define what it is that I'm so excited about!

An essential oil is an aromatic liquid substance which is extracted from certain species of flowers, grasses, fruits, leaves, roots, and trees.  (p. 1, The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood)

There are several processes by which we obtain these liquids, steam distillation being one.  It is not my plan to get into how we obtain EOs today, just to give a brief summary as to what they are.

Once we get these wonderful liquids in their beautiful little bottles, we can use them in several different ways depending on what we need them for.  For some, it's aromatically, or for smell, like in perfume.  Others, use it topically for a health concern, such as a cut or sore.  I like to make a salve and add Frankincense and Lavender for scrapes.  Some even take oils internally for health issues, such as equal parts Lemon, Lavender, and Peppermint in a gel capsule for allergies.

I hope this short post has given you some information on what an EO is and how it may be used.  I will be getting into using EOs more in future posts!  Remember to use your oils responsibly, just as you would medications!!!