What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are concentrated liquids containing volatile compounds from plants. These are also called volatile or ethereal oils and are often named after their source, such as clove oil.
Plants store these compounds in their seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and leaves. These substances create the plants’ unique scents, protect them, and aid pollination. People have used essential oils for centuries in cooking, beauty, and health practices.
The fragrance of essential oils can lift your mood and help you relax. Some people also find them helpful for certain symptoms. To use them effectively, consult an integrative medicine expert.
CAUTION:
Just because it’s from a plant doesn’t mean it’s safe to rub on your skin, or breathe, or eat, even if it’s “pure.” Natural substances can be irritating, toxic, or cause allergic reactions. Like anything else you put on your skin, it’s best to test a little bit on a small area and see how your skin responds. Most of the times one should use an essential oil in a carrier oil.