OIL SCHMOIL – ARE THEY ALL THE SAME?

First, we must know what makes an essential oil.  The following is taken from an essential oil website: An essential oil is a naturally produced liquid obtained from the roots, flowers, fruit, bark, stems and other elements of a botanical. Extracting essential oils requires sizable amounts of raw botanicals; for example, it takes about 150 pounds of lavender flowers to produce just one pound of  True Lavender oil. This makes them highly concentrated, potent, and valuable. (Some companies may not have the concentration and potency you want, read labels)  

Different distillation processes are used to extract the oil. Steam is the most common. After steaming, the cooling process starts bringing it back to a liquid. The water and oil separate naturally. Just like people, oil and water don’t mix. There is also cold pressing, which reminds me instantly of the good kind of olive oil to purchase. So, with lemon and oranges, the peel is scored and the oil is pressed out.

Essential oils have been valued throughout history. Frankincense was highly valued and traded on the Silk Road. Today, it is still highly valued. From the beginning of time, essential oils have been prized for their therapeutic and medicinal properties. They can soothe, as well as give energy. They can heal, be used in cooking, cleaning,  and give a feeling of well-being. Essential oils can be singular oils or a blend of oils. Basically, we can smell the oil, ingest it, or apply it directly to the skin.

What I have discovered so far, is that all companies seem to have scientific ways to extract the oils. All companies seem to have certified pure essential oil. And even some companies say that their oils reach the cellular level.  I had to ask what in the world was “reaching the cellular level”?  So I researched further. While many companies can advertise their oils reach the cellular level, it seems very few can prove that 100% of their oils permeate and actively reach inside the cells. 

First, I had to discover just what it meant to have an oil reach the cells.  I watched a few videos that showed scientists explaining the machines they used, watched oil being dropped onto actual cells and then another clip that showed oil reaching the cells. The explanations got a little intense at times; not being a medical person. But, I am an Oiler, so I hung in there.

It seems that when an oil is absorbed by cells, the cells actually react and behave in a certain manner. This can all be measured by scientists. Cells take in the oil and use the oil metabolically (a word I don’t usually use, but it’s scientific and sounds good). If the oil is pure and concentrated, the cells actually embrace the oil and use it where the body needs it.  What impressed me is that from the oils I checked, very few oils permeate the cells and have a cellular response.   

Bottom line. All oils ARE NOT created equal. If you are just liking the way an oil smells or that some of the oils take away a headache or make you breathe easier for a short amount of time, then stick with your current oils and embrace them.  For me? I like the scientific data and the clinical grade of oils.  Even though I may not totally understand all the medical jargon the scientists use, I embrace it.

You may have guessed by now, that I embrace Essential Oils. This blog will be giving tips and tricks and uses for ANY essential oil.  I am really enjoying this Oiler's journey.