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Come harvest wild lavender in Provence, France like it has
been done for
centuries. Ooh la la!
Flowers seem intended for the solace of ordinary humanity -- John Ruskin
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Important Information about Pure Essential Oils
and Aromatherapy
What are pure essential oils?
Pure Essential oils are the healing essence of medicinal plants. They have been used for thousands of years by ancient peoples from many cultures to provide relief from pain, illness and infection, and to support the healthy functioning of the body. They are like herbs, in that they come from medicinal plants, however, they are much more concentrated than herbs, as literally hundreds or thousands of pounds of plant material are used to produce a relatively small quantity (a pound to several pounds) of oil.
Essential oils offer a natural, powerful alternative to synthetic (pharmaceutical) drugs and preparations, which often have serious side-effects…sometimes more dangerous than the illness or symptoms they are designed to treat. When essential oils are produced for medicinal purpose…not perfume, candles, or bath salts…they are incredibly potent and effective in addressing conditions ranging from insomnia to menopause to depression. And, they have little or no side effects.
Further, because of the natural complexity of their chemical make-up, it is virtually impossible for a virus or bacteria to become “immune” to the essential oil’s ability to kill them. So, while many synthetically produced drugs become ineffective because of the foreign molecule’s ability to become immune to them, this is unknown as far as essential oils are concerned.
Photo above, right: Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics frequently depict urns or flasks, thought to hold essential oils.
How are pure essential oils produced?
The vast majority of essential oils are produced via steam distillation. The part of the plant or tree which has the greatest concentration of its healing essence (e.g., the roots, branches/leaves, flowering tops, etc.) is placed into a huge vat, much like a pressure cooker, through which steam is forced, allowing the plant material to release its essential oil.
The vast majority of our pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils are produced via steam distillation.
Other methods used to obtain essential oil are cold pressing (e.g., used to produce citrus oils, as they are held in the outer skin/rind of the fruit) and chemical extraction (used to produce “absolutes”…most frequently essences made from flower petals, like Jasmine or Violet). While there are some natural chemicals that can be used to perform a chemical extraction, many used are not. For a medicinal grade essence, like Wisdom of the Earth essences, the extractant used is filtered out of the finished product (the essential oil) until the PPMs (parts per million) remaining meet a medicinal standard.
What can therapeutic-grade essential oils do for me?
Essential oils can address virtually any condition humans and animals experience, as nature’s healing power, combined with the healing intelligence of our own bodies, is not “single-action” or limited to certain illnesses or situations. Essential oils are highly complex in their composition and in their action in the human body. Their primary orientation is to BALANCE the body…to bring an aspect of our body’s functioning back to harmony. So, for example, rather than raise or lower blood pressure, suitable essential oils, like spearmint or rosemary, will balance blood pressure.
Sprig of rosemary
I have worked with clients who have any number of common or severe ailments…insomnia, diabetes, digestive problems, sore muscles, wounds, burns, severe bruising, migraines, allergies, chronic respiratory problems, severe menopausal symptoms, ADD-ADHD, etc. They are often delighted and relieved to find a powerful, natural alternative to synthetic drugs.
I also have worked with many clients who are in general good health, but who wish to strengthen their immune system, reduce stress, or feel more energetic. Finally, some clients are seeking to develop spiritually or address emotional issues (e.g., fear, grief, anger, isolation/separation).
Often, medicinal aromatherapy is used in conjunction with other modalities, such as chiropractic, massage therapy, reflexology, acupuncture, reiki, color therapy, hypnotherapy, etc. Diet, nutrition and exercise are key to health, as well.
Wisdom of the Earth’s portfolio of pure plant and tree essences (essential oils)
Wisdom of the Earth’s essences are among the purest available on the planet. My business partner, Barry Kapp, spends untold hours sourcing our essential oils from farmers throughout the globe. Most have small family farms, and either distill the essential oils from the plant material themselves, or participate in cooperatives, where a number of small farmers are able to utilize the services of a distillation facility. Many of our farmers are second and third generation producers, and their involvement in plant and tree medicines is a labor of love for them.
Margrit, one of our interpreters / sources in France, with Suzanne,
who produces our heavenly Rose Hydrosol
Rosa damascena
View our Comprehensive List of Therapeutic Essential Oils
Shining Sun Aromatherapy
(505) 438-0855
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