Minerva Aromatherapy Products

AROMATHERAPY... FOR A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE

WHAT IS AN ESSENTIAL OIL?

Essential oils are pure, natural and extremely concentrated substances derived from the
flowers, leaves, stems, seeds, peels or bark of different plants. They are liquids obtained
from the secretor structures in plants that evaporate at room temperature and have
characteristic aromas. They are also called volatile oils because of this ability to evaporate
readily. The substances contain hormone-influencing substances, antibiotics and
antiseptics. These oils are far more "alive" and potent than dried herbs.

Although called oils, these liquids are not made of the fatty acids that are found in fats
and oils. They are not soluble in water, quite soluble in high-proof alcohol, and entirely
soluble in true oils - such as jojoba, sweet almond and wheat germ oils.

You can experience naturally occurring essential oils by rubbing your hands on the leaves
of rosemary, lavender or peppermint plants and smelling your hand. This essence is the
soul, or unique identity of the plant.

Plants contain tiny pockets of aromatic oils -
natural chemicals for attracting pollinating insects
and defending against pests. These oils are highly
concentrated and full of health-giving properties.

Essential oils give each plant its characteristic
smell and flavor. They can be contained in any
part of the plant from the roots to the flowers.

Each essential oil extracted has a unique chemical composition. They are the "life force"
of the plant. Each plant has its very own particular energy consisting of many different
flavors of the same molecule. That is why man-made products manufactured in a chemical
lab are unable to match the many nuances that each essential oil holds. It is impossible
to produce synthetically. Synthetic oils lose their healing property. Thus, essential oils are
valued as precious commodities and powerful therapies with much complexity.

It's important to know that plants grown in different locations with differing climates and
soil types will have different chemical properties. Plants also must be harvested at the
proper time of day, at the best time of year, in the best location in order to guarantee the
finest oil.

Using the purest essential oils is always the goal. There are tests that can be done (Gas
Chromatographic Analysis) to determine the quality of the essential oils. The best test is
your nose; a trained, experienced nose can distinguish a natural from a synthetic
fragrance source. It becomes a marriage of art and science.

Essential oils each have their own therapeutic properties including antiseptic, antibiotic,
anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal actions and many more. For example: Lavender (Lavandula
angustifolia) actions are: analgesic, anticonvulsive, antimicrobal, antiseptic, sedative,
parasiticide, and a tonic - among others! Lavender can be used for anything from skin care
- treating burns, abscesses, insect bites, sunburn and wounds to respiratory system
ailments such as asthma, flu and bronchitis, and to nervous system problems such as
depression, headache, insomnia and stress. I also use lavender in my cleaning water and
on my air conditioner filter to freshen up my home!

It is good to get yourself some good books that list all the uses and properties of each of
the essential oils you want to use so you can become familiar with them.

Some basic essential oils I would recommend starting with would be: Lavender, tea tree
oil, peppermint, chamomile and bergamot.