Are you new to essential oils? Essential oils are substances created inside aromatic plants that are both volatile (evaporate quickly) and oil soluble (they easily mix with oils and fats). They have been around since the beginning of early civilization. To help you get started on learning more about essential oils please take a look at a few definitions we have put together that will help you better get acquainted with essential oils.
Please note that we will continue to add definitions to our essential oils dictionary as we develop more products and explore with different types of essential oils.
Definitions
Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy can be defined as the controlled use of the essential oils to maintain and promote physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being.
Aromatic: Referring to plants that have an aroma.
Topical Application: Placing an essential oil directly to the skin or other surface of the body.
Aromatic Application: Often referred to as aromatherapy, aromatic application refers to inhaling an essential oil or its aroma.
Internal Application: Internalizing an essential oil, typically through the mouth.
Carrier Oil: A carrier oil refers to a vegetable oil, wax, fat, or other oil that an essential oil is mixed with. The carrier oil “carries” the essential oil and dilutes it so its effects can be spread over larger area.
Neat: Refers to applying an essential oil by itself, without diluting it in a carrier oil.
Dilution: Refers to mixing an essential oil in a carrier oil so its effects are not as concentrated in one area.
Volatile: A substance that will evaporate when exposed to air in referred to as volatile. Volatile substances are typically light substances with small molecules.
Single Oil: A single oil is one type of oil (i.e. bergamot, lavender) on its own.
Oil Blend: An oil blend is a mixture of two or more single oils. Oils are typically blended to combine their individual properties or aromas.
Photosensitizing: Some essential oils (typically the citrus oils) contain natural substances called furanocoumarins. Furanocoumarins can react with ultraviolet light to create substances that may cause hyperpigmentation or burning on the skin. While essential oils with furanocoumarins have many beneficial properties, care should be taken after applying these oils on the skin to protect these areas from direct, prolonged ultraviolet light exposure for 1-3 days.
Types of Essential Oils: To learn about different type of essential oils and the benefits of these essential oils take look here.
Source: essential oils dictionary. modern essentials by aroma tools.
