Generally, essential oils are prepared by steam distillation of the roots, flowers, bark, leaves, or other plant matter. The resulting oil is usually clear in nature and not slippery, even though it is an oil. Sometimes oils are too delicate for distillation and a cold extraction with ethanol is used to remove the oil from the plant material. People have been enjoying the health benefits of essential oils since ancient times.
With pure essential oils, a little goes a long way because of their high level of concentration. This ensures they are easier on the pocketbook than lotions and creams that contain fillers. They are also not fragrances or perfumes and, therefore, contain no artificial elements as are found in many other beauty products.
A vast array of health and beauty products are on the market, but formulated cosmetics do not have therapeutic benefits. People have used various oils in aromatherapy, as antiseptics, and even to stimulate the mind body connection. Tea tree oil applied to the skin treats most skin fungus. Geranium oil helps treat headaches. Clary sage in the bath helps one think philosophically.
