Essential oils are used in perfumes, in aromatherapy, in creams and lotions and for many other purposes where pleasant aromas are needed. Several methods are used to extract essential oils from flowers and other plant material. Essential oil makes up only a very small percentage of the plant or flower so a large amount of plant material is needed to produce a small amount of oil.
More than a hundred pounds may be needed to produce an ounce of oil. Some flowers are also too delicate to use the easier methods and more time consuming and expensive methods must used. Essential oils can be expensive but they are very concentrated. Most recipes only require a few drops so a small bottle will last for a long time.
Steam Distillation
Steam distillation is used for the majority of essential oil production. Pressurised steam is passed through flowers or other plant material spread on screens inside a still. The oils are absorbed by the steam which is then passed into another chamber and cooled. On condensing the oil floats on the top of the water and is skimmed off. The water remaining is not wasted as it contains small amounts of the oil and can be used for toners and facial mists. As it is not as concentrated as the essential oils floral water can be used by people who are sensitive to essential oils.
Dance Therapy For Spinal Injury
Dance your heart out to get rid of the terrible spinal injury!
Surprised? Well, if we are to believe the recent medical report published by the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC), dance therapy is used to cure patients who are suffering from spinal injury. If we look at the global figures, estimated 20,000 spinal operations are carried out in the UK each year, than any other type of operations. The same figure probably applies for operations in the USA.
Deepti Aggarwal, head of the lifestyle management department of the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre said, “The benefits of dance therapy – both psychologically and physically has been identified since long. But it is for the first time that it has been introduced in a healthcare centre under strict medical supervision. Needless to say the results have been amazing,” The dance not only did strengthen the muscles but also boosts the morale as well as enhances the patient mood.
The Magic of Aromatherapy Essential Oils
Aromatherapy utilizes the essential oils from plants and other aromatic compounds to revitalize and relax the human mind. Aromatherapy essential oils are the pure essence of plants, known to cure certain forms of illnesses. One should know that these essential oils which have a pleasant and calming odor are not the same as perfume oils or fragrances.
Perfume oils contain artificial compounds, as against the natural essential oils, which have therapeutic and curative benefits.
Aromatherapy seeks to find the effects of various aromas on human behavior. It can be taken through inhalation. Aromatherapy essential oils also can be absorbed by the skin through massages, compresses and baths.