The Fundamentals of Essential Oils

First what is an essential oil?
Essential oils are aromatic compounds made of hundreds of carbon-based chemical components that create therapeutic benefit. Essential oils are also volatile, meaning they can evaporate or oxidize in the presence of light, oxygen or heat. Essential oils are derived from plant parts: stems, leaves, petals, roots, grass, bark, resins, etc. and are steam distilled or cold-pressed to extract the aromatic compounds from the plant material. Herbal infusions and herbalism have been used in plant medicine for thousands of years and essential oils have been introduced in the last 100 years with the development of steam distillation equipment.

Just as salt is a natural substance, essential oils are natural. But regardless if it is natural, anything used in excess or incorrectly can cause harm. A basic understanding of oils, safety, dilution and storage is a must for anyone using oils at home. A trained aromatherapist can assist you with these issues.

What is an aromatherapist?
“Aromatherapy” was first coined in 1910 by Rene Gattefosse, a French chemist who was deemed the “Father of Aromatherapy.” He developed a skin burn in his lab, which resulted in gas gangrene. After rinsing his hands in “lavender essence” the acute infection began to heal after one day. He became famous for this and his story is told on nearly every aromatherapy education site. Jean Valnet, a French surgeon, pioneered the medical use of essential oils, which he used as antiseptics for the wounded during WW2. The study of essential oils became huge in the 1970’s with a resurgence in the last 10 years due to social media and multi-level marketing companies. Aromatherapists are practitioners who have trained under clinical aromatherapists in the areas of: anatomy/physiology, plant medicine, plant botany, chemistry, blending and formulating, natural perfumery, therapeutic and medicinal applications, essential oil properties, research and much more.

Why sit down with an aromatherapist?
Navigating through the “rules” of essential oil use and blending can be quite overwhelming. Things to consider are medical conditions, medications, pets or small children/babies in the home, and the elderly. There is quite a bit of misinformation from untrained bloggers and laypersons on the internet about oil usage. Anyone can purchase oils from a network-marketing group and therefore become a self-proclaimed “holistic health consultant or wellness coach.” An aromatherapist can help guide you regarding safe usage but also the ideal oils and dilution rates for your needs. They can educate you based on learned facts about essential oils.

At Z Salon, you can schedule a consult with our experienced, in-house aromatherapist, Julie, who has been working with oils for over 17 years. All of the aromas at Z Salon are batch-tested, 100% pure therapeutic grade, organic essential oils sourced from Plant Therapy ensuring only the best for your wellness. An Aroma Consultation is only $50 for the session and that amount can be applied to your oil purchase. Give us a call to set up an appointment today or click here.