Specifications
Aromatherapy oils (or aroma therapy oils) can include all the different types of oils that help in the practice of aromatherapy.Here are some of the oils that can be used in aromatherapy.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are the most commonly used aromatherapy oils. Essential oils are extracted from plants by steam distillation. The essential oil has a scent that has a therapeutic effect. Different essential oils have different effects. Not all essential oils are safe for use in aromatherapy. Some unsafe aromatherapy oils include bitter almond, mug worth, mustard, arnica, onion, pennyroyal, rue, garlic, horseradish and wormwood.
Absolutes
Absolutes are more concentrated than other essential oils. Absolutes are extracted from plants through chemical expression, instead of steam distillation. Absolutes contain trace amounts of solvent, which may cause an allergic reaction in some people. Absolutes are not as natural as essential oils, because of the chemical process involved in extracting them. They are usually highly concentrated and thick.
Carrier Oils
Aromatherapy carrier oils are oils that serve as a base for aromatherapy treatments. Usually low-scent natural oil is used, like jojoba oil or almond oil. For many purposes, essential oils cannot be used by themselves, but need to be mixed with carrier oil. This is particularly the case where people want the essential oil to be applied to their skin. Carrier oil means that people can reap the benefits of an essential oil on their skin, without risking irritation. Carrier oils can serve as the base for face oils, massage oils or aromatherapy perfume oils.
