There are numerous uses for essential oils. They are used as scents for soaps, perfumes, potpourri, and candles, and to flavour foods and drinks. Additionally, essential oils are used in some pharmaceuticals, aromatherapy massages, baths, and compresses. One of the best benefits that essential oils can provide is stress relief, which makes them a great alternative to tranquilizers and other stress relief drugs. Essential oils have been known to help you relax, especially when the aromas are connected to strong memories that trigger soothing responses.

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Essential Oils Benefits:
*Relaxing, soothing aromas
*Supports mental health & wellbeing
*Relieves stress & anxiety
*All-natural essential oils

Synthetic Oils
There are two different types of oils: pure and synthetic. Synthetic oils are often referred to as fragrance oils. They duplicate the scent of pure oil, but not the medicinal capabilities. Fragrance oils are still useful for massages and baths. However, they do not have the same chemical compounds of pure oils and are thus not effective for medicinal purposes.

Essential Oils & Safety
Unlike conventional bath or massage oils, essential oils are extremely concentrated. Special care is necessary when handling them. Some essential oils can cause blisters if directly applied to the skin. Be sure to follow the directions exactly as written on the essential oil bottle. It is also a good idea to check with your doctor before using essential oils, especially if you have any allergies or sensitivities or are pregnant.

Essential Oil Storage
Essential oils are sensitive to light and they should be stored in dark bottles away from direct light. This helps preserve the chemical composition and effectiveness of the essential oils. It is also important to keep the bottles well sealed to prevent evaporation. Essential oils are highly concentrated, so sometimes you can get a little more use out of an empty bottle of essential oil by adding some water. This will lift off some of the oil residue that is stuck to the sides of the bottle.

Pure, Essential Oils
Pure or essential oils are named for the belief that they have the essence of the plant they are made from. There are four ways to make pure oils: effleurage, steam distillation, volatile solvents, and pressing.

Effleurage
In this process plant materials, such as flower blossoms, are put on layers of cold fat. The length of this process varies depending on the plant. The process is quickened when heat and pressure is applied. Blossoms or other plant material is added to the fat until the fat is totally saturated with the oil from the plant. This combination of fat and oil is known as pomade. The oil is extracted by dissolving the fat with alcohol.

Steam Distillation
This process is done by passing hot steam over and through the plant material. This makes the essential oils evaporate out of the plant. The droplets of essential oils are then captured and condensed.

Volatile Solvents
Volatile solvents like alcohol are mixed with the plant material in order to absorb the essential oil out of the plant material.

Pressing
In this process plant material is pressed in order to squeeze the essential oils out. The pressing process is similar to how grape juice is taken out of grapes.