Essential Oils

What is an Essential Oil?

Essential oils are often called the 'life blood' of the plant. They are subtle, volatile liquids and aromatic compounds that are distilled or pressed from plants. Essential oils are present in the oil glands, hairs, ducts, bark, stems, leaves and flowers of many plants. They are volatile, meaning they evaporate or flash off quickly.

Essential oils support a plants internal structures. When properly cultivated and distilled, Essential Oils can support a healthy lifestyle.

Different Processes to Obtain Essential Oils

Four types of processes are used to obtain Essential Oils.

Steam-distilled Oils

Plant material is inserted into a cooking chamber, and steam is passed through it.
After the water is condensed, it is processed through a separator to collect the oil.
Almost all Young Living essential oils are produced through steam distillation using a proprietary low-pressure, low-temperature process.
Young Living's steam chambers are constructed of stainless-steel alloys to reduce the possibility of steam reacting with metal (such as aluminium or copper).
Low-pressure steam distillation, combined with stainless-steel vessels, ensures that the majority of each essential oil's delicate constituents are preserved.

Expressed Oils

Expressed oils are pressed from the rind of certain fruits such as tangerines, grapefruits, lemons and oranges.
Rich in terpene alcohols, expressed oils are not technically essential oils, even though they are highly regarded.
Expressed oils should be obtained only from organically grown crops, since pesticide residues - especially highly toxic, oil-soluble, carbonate and chloride-based petrochemicals - can concentrate in the oil.
Lemon (Citrus limon) is an expressed oil.

Absolutes

Absolutes are essences, not essential oils.
They are the solid, waxy residues derived from hexane extraction of plant material, usually flower petals.
This method of extraction is used when the fragrance and constituents of the plant can be unlocked only using solvents.
Jasmine (Jasminum officinalis) and Neroli (Citrus aurantium) are examples of absolutes.

Solvent-extracted Oils

This extraction method uses oil-soluble solvents such as hexane, dimethylenechloride and acetone.
There is no guarantee that solvent residues will not remain in the finished product.

How to use Essential Oils

Aromatically

The aromatic use of essential oils may be the most familiar. Perhaps you’ve wandered into a spa and been delighted by the aroma of Eucalyptus and Tea Tree oils or maybe felt the soothing calm of Lavender’s scent in one of your favourite at-home products. Now you can learn how to get the benefits of essential oils by diffusing their aroma!

If you don’t know how to use an essential oil diffuser, check the instructions specific to your product for water and oil ratios.
Try this combination in your diffuser before bedtime to promote rest and relaxation:
- 4 drops Lavender
- 3 drops Cedarwood
- 2 drops Frankincense
Even without a diffuser, you can enjoy many of the aromatic benefits of essential oils. Add drops of your favourite essential oils to a cotton ball and place it in areas where you want to disperse the scent. You’ll be amazed by how well this simple solution works!
- Freshen a smelly space in minutes by adding a few drops of your favourite citrus oils on a cotton ball, then place it in a gym bag, garbage can, or anywhere else that needs a scent upgrade.
The easiest way to get the aromatic benefits of an essential oil is by simply taking a few drops from the bottle into the palm of your hands. Cup your hands around your mouth and nose and inhale, breathing deeply for as long as needed—but, you know, take it easy so you don’t hyperventilate or anything.

Topically

The topical use of essential oils is one of the most popular. Once you get the hang of this application, it will probably be one of your favourites! Usually, finding out how to use essential oils on the skin is what turns most people from casual oil users to devotees.

Use your head, literally! Essential oils can be applied to the crown of your head, behind the ears, to your neck, and to your temples.
- If the aroma of an oil is too strong, or your skin is sensitive, you can dilute it with a carrier oil. Carrier oils let you adjust the strength of the oil according to your preference. You can apply essential oils to most parts of your body, but you want to be cautious of your most sensitive skin. To get the most benefit from your essential oils, you’ll find that certain applications are more effective than others.
- Essential oils are great for massage! For a calming massage, Lavender and Cedarwood essential oils can be added to a carrier oil. For rejuvenating muscles after a long workout, experience the cooling effect of Peppermint essential oil’s menthol in a sports massage .
- In aromatherapy, many people choose to apply essential oils to the tops and soles of the feet. One common application is using Tea Tree essential oil as part of spa and beauty treatments—especially to help fight odour on particularly funky feet before a pedicure. Just 10–15 drops in a bath of lukewarm water ought to do the trick.
Essential oils can help improve the appearance of healthy skin! With these tricks in your arsenal, you’ll know how to use essential oils on skin to reduce the appearance of blemishes and to give yourself a healthy glow!
- Another great use for Tea Tree essential oil is reducing the appearance of blemishes. You can use a cotton swab to apply the oil directly to the affected area.
- For smoother-looking skin, you can add Bergamot essential oil to your nighttime routine. Keep in mind that Bergamot and other citrus oils can cause photosensitivity, so you should avoid sun exposure after application.
- For an aromatic treat that can also help give your whole body smoother-looking skin, add Lavender essential oil to your next bath.

Internally

Did you know that you can get the benefits of essential oils by ingesting them? Young Living’s Vitality™ line was developed to provide a clear distinction between oils for internal use and those for topical and aromatic use. All are the same pure, authentic essential oils, they're just labelled differently so there’s no confusion!

Adding a drop or two of your favourite Vitality oil to water throughout the day is a great way to stay hydrated. Oils like Lemon Vitality, Grapefruit Vitality, and Orange Vitality provide a hint of flavor in a calorie-free replacement for soda or juice. Other flavours like Peppermint Vitality and Thieves Vitality provide a spicy kick throughout your day.
Adding essential oils to recipes is a great way to get potent and unique flavors into your favorite foods.
- Love homemade ice cream? Add a sophisticated twist with Lavender Vitality™ in our Blueberry-Lavender Ice Cream.
- To give your pasta sauces authentic Italian flair, a drop of Oregano Vitality and Basil Vitality oil each will give your meals powerful flavour.
- If you love Thai food, try adding Black Pepper, Lemongrass, and Ginger Vitality oils to this simple soup recipe!

Essential Oil Safety

Essential oils are very potent, so you have to be cautious when you use them. Remember, a little goes a long way!

Less is more! You can always add another drop, so start slow, whether you’re using your oils topically, aromatically, or internally.
Due to potency, some oils may be irritating to the skin. If irritation occurs, immediately apply a carrier oil or pure vegetable oil to the affected area to dilute.
Always read label directions for each individual oil before use.
Do not put essential oils in eyes, ears, nose, or other areas with sensitive skin.