Essential oil contains volatile chemical compounds which are extracted from the natural herbal plants. The term "Essential" means an "essence" of the plant. Here it is clearly mentioned that the essence, chemical compounds or derivatives of the herbs are extracted and preserved.
HOW THESE ESSENTIAL OILS ARE PREPARED?
These oils are prepared by following the distillation process. In Ayurveda, these essential oils or volatile oils are explained under Arka Kalpana and named as "Arka" where the Arka is called as the essence that are obtained by the method of Arka Kalpana (the process of distillation). We can get a lot of references in Sara Sangraha and Ravan Samhita.
But this kalpana is explained beautifully and well elaborated by Ravana in arka praksha where he has mentioned the methods, the dosage, the actions and effects of these essential oils.
- Even modern science is also using these ways by just modifying the apparatus and given the name “Distillate” to it.
- In Unani – it is known by the name “Arkquites”
- In Homeopathy, these essential oils are known as “Tinctures”
- In Siddha system of medicine, these essential oils are called “Teenir”.
Basically, these Arkas are prepared by extracting the active chemical compounds from the herbs by soaking them in water for a certain period of time and then processed in the "Arka Yantra".
Distillation is the process of separating the active compounds of the plants by vaporizing the liquid where the parts of the plant are boiled on moderate temperature and then the vapors are made to pass through a cold surface (condensation process) and thereby converting them again into the liquid form.
THERAPEUTIC USES OF ESSENTIAL OILS
- Improve digestive fire – The essential oils are used to increase appetite and improve digestion. These oils help to relieve nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, acidity, stomach ache and other gastrointestinal conditions.
- Enhance complexion – Mostly essential oils are used to tone up the skin. They help to enhance complexion, remove dry flakes from the skin and even delay aging. Better to massage the oil on the body at bedtime to get a fair and flawless skin.
- Keep the mind calm – You can breathe in or inhale the oil and even can rub the oil on the head to relieve the pressure and tension. It is the effective and quite simple way to relieve stress, headache, insomnia depression, etc. Mostly to relax the body and mind aromatherapy is used and the aromas of the essential oils are utilized to get the desired effects.
- Oral hygiene – Essential oils are used in the preparation of the mouth washes that are widely used in case of halitosis, bad breath, oral thrush and to maintain oral hygiene.
- Antitussive – In case of inflammation of bronchioles, person may develop cough and breathing problem. Here, in this case, inhalation is the best way. You can inhale the oil directly or by boiling oils in the water.
- Carminative – To relieve constipation essential oils are the best option to be adopted. They can be mixed in the water and usually preferred at bed time. They make the stool softer and lubricate the colon hence, ease constipation.
- Alleviate skin problems – In case of skin problems these oils can be massaged on the body or affected areas. Due to penetrating property they will deeply reach the inner layer of the skin.
- Relive pains – Mostly muscular pains can be managed by these oils. Essential oils can be massaged on the body parts to relieve pain.
- Healing wounds – Essential oils can be applied over the wounds as they help to promote wound healing.
- Boost up energy – Some of the essential oils actually increase the blood circulation which directly increase the oxygen supply to the brain hence replenish the body with the energy and make you active throughout the day. Moreover they help to improve brain functions and enhance cognitive skills.
Moreover, these oils are used to purify the air through the Air purifier that indirectly impacts the health. Most commonly used oils are Tea tree oil, Lavender oil, and Eucalyptus oil.
"SPECIAL MEASURES TO TEST THE QUALITY AND PURITY OF THE ESSENTIAL OILS"
Nowadays usually the things available in the market are most of the time, impure or adulterated with similar products which are quite cheap. So it's better to test the purity.
- Completely evaporate – These oils if left uncovered evaporate completely without leaving a residue or strain.
- Fragrance – The fragrance of the oil is totally as that of the natural plant.
- Characteristic Color – These oils are generally clear
MODE OF USE
These oils can be used externally as well as internally.
- For external use – Apply these oils on the affected area, even you can inhale the fumes by boiling them in water or liquid media.
- Internally – Even you can drink some of the oils by mixing them in the water.
We may smell the oils, rub the oils or put them in water, inhale them and even can drink them.
WHY TO PREFER ESSENTIAL OILS
The reasons are -
- Fast absorption
- Fast action
- Easily palatable
- Have high potency
- Very less dose
- Cheaper and free from preservatives
Some very common essential oils that have been used since ages are the contribution of the Indian System of Medicine i.e. Ayurveda. They are -Ajmodadi arka, Shatpushpi arka, Karpurady arka, Brahmi arka, etc.
SHELF LIFE OF ESSENTIAL OILS
As per Ayurveda the shelf life period of the Arka (Essential oils) is 1 year from the date of manufacturing.
PRECAUTIONS
- Some people are allergic to some things so it is better that before using any essential oil, test them on your skin and see how your skin responds to it and then use them.
- It is better to dilute the oil before use as it will reduce the chance of a reaction.
- Avoid if the oil is turbid and has foul odour.
- Avoid the overuse of these oils.
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