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Frequently Asked Questions
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy that uses essential oils to improve one’s
health and psychological well-being. Essential oils are highly
concentrated extracts from the aromatic parts of herbs, flowers, trees and
grasses. Valued for thousands of years, they are totally natural
substances that have the ability to positively influence the mind and body.
How are essential
oils used?
Because essential oils are highly concentrated, they need to be used with care.
Apply them by the drop. The general rule is to dilute them before using
topically. They may be diluted in carrier oils, lotions and hair care products,
added to a bath, diffused in the
air using an aroma lamp or diffuser, or added to water in a spray bottle. Select essential oils with similar properties and blend together to create
your own unique aromas.
How long
do they last?
Most essential oils will last
approximately one to two years or more if properly stored. To preserve
your oils, always store them in a tight container in a cool place. Heat
will cause the oils to evaporate and the light will alter them
chemically, reducing their effectiveness. Citrus oils are an
exception; they will start to oxidize after a year. They can be
preserved longer with refrigeration or adding
vitamin E. There are some oils, such as Patchouli, Vetiver and
Sandalwood, that only get better with age.
What is
steam distillation?
Steam distillation is the most
common way
to extract an essential oil. The plant
material is placed in the chamber of a still and subjected
to concentrated steam; the steam passes through the aromatic
capsules of the plant, causing them to release
the essential oil. The
aromatic steam now carrying the essential oil droplets then
passes through a tube
surrounded by cold water which causes the steam to condense
back to water. Because of a difference in weight, the
essential oil and distilled water separate and the oil is
siphoned off. The water is also collected and called a
hydrosol or floral water. The quality of the final
products are dependent on the quality of the plant material
and the distillation equipment used as well as the skill of the
person distilling.
What is
cold pressed?
Typically employed on citruses, the essential oil is
mechanically pressed out of the rind of the fruit. This method is also
known as "expression."
What is an
absolute?
The
exquisite fragrance of some flowers is spoiled by heat using
steam distillation, therefore other means of extraction are
used. An absolute is one of those means and is obtained by
immersing the flowers in a solvent
(usually hexane) which produces a waxy substance known as a
concrete. The solvent is then removed from the
concrete resulting in a thick oil known as an absolute which
carries the properties of the essential oil in the flowers.
Can
I use essential oils internally?
No. We never
recommend internal use of essential oils. Essential oils are very
concentrated and, therefore, can be potentially toxic if taken internally.
Also, ingesting oil is very dangerous because some of the oils are skin and
mucous membrane irritants. Our oils are therapeutic grade and research
indicates that because of the concentrated nature of pure oils, they are much
more effective either through inhalation using a room diffuser or topical
absorption using a 1%-3% dilution in a carrier oil or lotion.
Can I
use essential oils if I'm pregnant?
Yes, however you should
do so with caution. It is suggested avoiding the use of
essential oils during the first trimester, and then use only
a 1% dilution (or less) for
the
duration of the pregnancy. Oils that are suggested as safe are Geranium,
Grapefruit,
Jasmine, Mandarin, Neroli, Tangerine, and Ylang Ylang.
Are
essential oils safe to use on children or the elderly?
Yes, but it is suggested that
no more than 1% dilution be used due to children and
elderly sensitivities. Examples of oils which are safe to use on
children are Chamomile Roman, Lavender, Myrtle, Neroli, Petitgrain,
and Rose. They can be diffused
into a child's bedroom, added to the bath, or combined with
a carrier oil or unscented lotion and massaged very
gently into the skin.
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Wyndmere Naturals, Inc.
11572 K-Tel Drive
Minnetonka, Minnesota 55343 USA
952-935-3838 fax 952-935-3553
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