Types Of Aromatherapy Oils

Aromatherapy is an art of strengthening and amplifying the self-healing process, by indirect stimulation of the immune system. It relaxes, rejuvenates, balances and restores not only the mind and body, but also the spirit. Though aromatherapy oils are mostly used for their therapeutic qualities, their use as a subtle fragrance cannot be ruled out either. Talking about the types of aromatherapy oils, did you think that essential oil is the only type of oil that is used in aromatherapy? If yes, then be ready for a big revelation. Though essential oils are the most popular aromatherapy oils, they are not the only ones. In the following lines, we have mentioned the various types of aromatherapy oils, in detail.

One of the most popular types of aromatherapy oils, essential oils are extracted from plants by steam distillation. There are different varieties and types of essential oils, each having its own effect. While some essential oils have therapeutic effect, many radiate a good essence and there still are others that are harmful and should not be used. Some of the harmful essential oils include bitter almond, mug worth, mustard, arnica, onion, pennyroyal, rue, garlic, horseradish, and wormwood oil.

A concentrated form of aromatherapy oil is known as the absolutes. The main reason for their being resolute is that unlike essential oils, absolutes are extracted from plants through chemical expression. Due to this, these oils contain the traces of solvent, making them highly concentrated and thick. Absolutes might also cause allergic reaction in people, as they are not as natural as essential oils.  

This type of aromatherapy oil is created by putting pressure, to turn the gas in plants into liquid. Mainly, the pressure applied is on the carbon dioxide, until it turns into a liquid form. However, when the liquid is brought back to its normal pressure, the carbon dioxide evaporates, leaving only the essential oil. Volatile substances, which cannot be extracted through steam distillation, are made using this process. Co2s or hypercritical carbon dioxide is generally thicker, as compared to essential oils. 

Hydrolsols is the liquid form, which remains after extracting the oils from plants, through steam or water distillation. Also known as hydrolytes, these oils have the aroma of the plants, while retaining the characteristics of the essential oils. A hydrolsol is often referred to as floral water and ismilder than essential oils. Due to its gentle form, the organic form of hydrolsols is often used as skin toners or perfume mists.

Infused oil is a term given to those oils that are heated in carrier oil, in a way that the smell and flavor of the herb remains intact. This is good way to use aromatherapy properties of a certain herb, without extracting the oil or getting aromatherapy oils from the market. Easy to make, these oils can be used as massage oils or heated in burner and then made use of. Infused oils can also be used as carrier oils.

Used as a foundation for aromatherapy treatments, a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil or almond oil; is generally mixed with essential oils. Many a times, essential oils cannot be used all alone. It is then that a carrier oil is mixed with essential oils. They are mainly used as a base for face oils, massage oils or aromatherapy perfume oils. The main beneficiary feature of carrier oil is that it prevents skin irritation, without compromising on the benefits of an essential oil.