Essential oils are the very concentrated essences of different plants. They can be made in a few different ways. The uses for essential oils, commonly referred to by us as EOs, are numerous and widely varied. Aromatherapy is just one of the many important things that can be done with essential oils.

Usually, essential oils are produced by a process called steam distillation. When the plant is steamed, the steam that is released contains the essence of the plant. It is then condensed and the oil is separated from the oil.

Some plants can be pressed in order to get their essential oil. This is especially true with fruits like lemons and oranges. Their rinds can be put in a press, the result of which is the essential oil.

Because an essential oil has the very same properties as the plant it comes from, there is a plethora of essential oils to choose from. All of them serve particular purposes, many even have several uses. (Love: The Element also has a series that outlines uses of popular EOs) Many essential oils have disinfecting properties and can be used for cleaning, some can help you through a cold. While some have relaxing properties, others can energize you. Essential oils are used for aromatherapy purposes in soaps, lotions, creams, candles, massage and bath oils, incense and diffusers.

Most essential oils are VERY strong and must be dilluted with a “carrier oil” (I’ll explain the different carrier oils in the next part of this series). Just a few drops in a very mild oil, cream or lotion will ensure you get the effect of your essential oil, without irritating your skin.

It is also important to get high quality essential oils, which are much different than perfume oils. Essential oils have no other ingredients, only the essence of one plant. Other oils may be combined with other ingredients.

Depending on the rarity of the plant an oil is produced from and the process used to get the oil, the price of an essential oil can vary. Tea tree oil is relatively expensive, while rose oil is pricey.

If you do not feel like worrying about which essential oils do which things, or which ones combine well together. Mainelement: Love products may be a perfect answer for you. Tyrika’s expertise in aromatherapy combines beautifully with the wonderful essential oils and all-natural products that are used for our products.

Mainelement: Love products make great gifts for aromatherapy enthusiasts, too! And who knows? Maybe using our rich (but affordable!) products will inspire you to dabble more in aromatherapy, yourself!