Today's world owes much to an older world, as we re-invent some things that aren't as new as we may think they are. Such is the case with essential oils, enjoyed for centuries and newly come into their own again. Once available only to the rich, they are now within reach of millions.
There are modern methods now to extract the oils. The plants are carefully cultivated in their native habitats and harvested at optimum times. Quality-control protocols surround their distillation and production. The result is both an increased yield and a more pure essential oil product.
Stems, seeds, bark, leaves, flowers, and roots are the plant parts harvested for oils. They go through a steam distillation process, releasing drops of oil that are gathered and processed. Amazingly, it can take up to 12,000 roses to produce 5 ml of essential rose oil.
Our modern senses are captivated by more than roses however; equally valued are such scents as lemon, lavender, vanilla bean, and geranium, all of which were enjoyed through earlier periods of history.
Consider the energizing atmosphere created by some of the more vibrant essential oil aromas: basil, for example, or white fir. Sage, or cinnamon for that matter, bring instant energy into the space around you. Eucalyptus can bring a clean, bracing touch to the air.
Kings were once anointed with precious essential oils. They have long had a place in beauty treatments. The flavor and aroma of food was often due to a few drops of oil; and essential oils were often used for medicinal purposes.
Skin treatments and beauty treatments owe much to the use of essential oils. The Greeks used them in massage therapy and prized them for their aromas. The Romans found them useful for personal cleanliness. Then, as now, essential oils are natural disinfectants.
We continue today to make our own additions to age-old remedies or totally new ones. We include oils in soaps, lotions, and even cleaning formulas. We use them for weight management, for nutrition supplements, for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Think about it. The age-old practice of diffusing essential oil aromas is thriving in our day. We still turn to wintergreen when a toothache hits. We still prize the sensation of a massage given with drops of essential oil. Certainly, those who use essential oils today can truly claim the luxuries of kings.
HTML Ready Article. Click on the "Copy" button to copy into your clipboard
