Parameters to Check for Therapeutic Essential Oils

With the growing level environmental pollution, our skin tones get a beating. It’s a daunting task to keep it healthy and glowing. Aromatherapy by using various types of 100% organic therapeutic essential oils is a great way to recover from all different types of psychosomatic disorders, depression and stress-related medical conditions those results more from our indiscipline, and artificial lifestyle.

The benefit of essential natural oils is widely acclaimed and has been practiced for centuries by different alternate healing practitioners all over the world. However, it is the Oriental medical tradition that initially used pure essential oils to soothe our senses that later on finds place in modern allopathic medicines. No matter if the therapeutic essential oils are used for therapeutic or cosmetic purpose, its positive effect on human nervous system is unquestionable. Hence, it is essential to understand purity standards, conditions of usage, and precautions that needs to be taken while using.

Essential Oils 

Essential Oils are natural oil typically obtained by distillation and having the characteristic odour of the plant or other source from which it is extracted. These are naturally occurring and free from chemical adjuncts, and are applied in several cosmetic and therapeutic medicaments. Oils that extracted from various natural sources such as: rose, lemon grass, jasmine, agarwood, basil, benzoin, bergamot, black pepper, betel vine, peppermint, lavender, sesame, and blue lotus have been known not only to heal skin, hair, and other external skin conditions but also help to balance internal physiological problems. The question arises on how to know about the purity of such extracts!

With a plethora of brand claiming to be 100% authentic, the following criteria should be looked at for authenticity of certified pure therapeutic grade essential oils:

• Essential oils are obtained from different plant parts, either from flowers, leaves, barks, stems, roots, fruits, and seeds by the process of steam distillation or carbon-di-oxide extraction.

• The method of extraction actually gives us a better idea on the actual purity of the volatile liquid components.

• The potency of extracted oil is also depends upon the environmental factors such as: the area where it is grown, the soil condition, the climate of the region & its suitability for such plants, and the method of cultivation, etc.

• The grades of essential oils depend on the season when the plant is harvested, distillation process, and oil collection processes.

There is no universal legal grading mechanism that can provide the gradation of certified pure therapeutic grade essential oils by manufacturers. However, the Association French Normalization Organization Regulation (AFNOR) standards or ISO certification (ISO standards) is the only agency that offers reliable chemical constituent indicating parameters to judge whether the extracted oil is therapeutic or otherwise.

With no stringent rules that govern oil extraction methods, obtaining the best grade therapeutic benefit in oils depends upon your personal judgement and it comes with years of experience. So, if you are looking to purchase 100% pure organic essential oils, then you should procure them from certified manufacturers or marketers. You can look for the percentage of the organic component in the concentrated extract to ensure high therapeutic value of the essential oil used in medicinal products.

Beware Of ‘Fake- Natural’ and Chemically Derived Soaps

For manufacturers of handcrafted natural soaps and their ingenuity, the range of available soap bars is not restricted to floral or herbal resources. If you believe in the efficacies of rice oil-based soap bar, then your next bet could be goat milk soap or bamboo charcoal milky soap.

All natural soaps have a scientific and ancient background in the choice of its ingredients and manufacturing process. Current processes are more adapted to cold-pressed technology based on European standards. However, the ones related to Thai tradition of vegetable and fruit carvings, dates back 700 years and has found an offshoot in handmade carving of soap bars with natural ingredients.

Typecasting Soaps

The benefits you derive out of your soap determine your choice and the consistency of the products. You can choose from:

• Hard Soap: Generally, a white or grey coloured bar soap that is dry. Its components can vary with adding olive oil or other essential oils in natural bars. But, manufacturers of chemical soap bars add animal fat and sodium hydroxide.

• Soft Soap: The consistency is sometimes like jelly or honey and can be made from either natural ingredients like essential oils and incorporated with olive oil. A majority of commercial products are soda-based.

• Liquid Soap: Commercial products are made up of potassiumhydroxide, while hog plum oil, cotton seed oil or bean oil is added for handmade natural soap products.

Additionally, some adjuncts are also added to render anti-bacterial action to soap products such as triclosanor triclocarban. Adding lanolin to soaps enhances its moisturizing property.

It is however safer to go in for natural soaps as opposed to those obtained from the chemical process of saponification. Chemically derived soaps:

* Can irritate skin, making it dry and parched out

* Can also fracture skin in worst case scenarios

* Is a safe option for normal skin;but using excessive hydroxide-based soaps can deprive the skin of protective natural oils

* Glycerine used in chemically derived soaps is also extracted chemically that can dry the skin instead of lubricating it.

Pure soap made of natural ingredients therefore is a safer and healthier option for skin and hair treatments.

* These use lesser chemicals in the overall process of manufacturing soap in comparison to the chemical process of saponification

* These use natural compounds and glycerine as a common ingredient that is derived from the soap making process itself.

With the soaring popularity of naturally derived handcrafted soaps, it is important to be wary of ‘fake’ natural soaps that have flooded the market too. These mislead consumers by way of its look and texture, but contain synthetic elements.

With natural health and holistic healing gaining grounds, naturally derived essential oils and handmade soap segments are seen as eco-friendly options to mass produced synthetic derivatives.

Smart Choice in Aromatherapy Oils

Ailing under stress and pollution can be daunting even for regularly healthy individuals. With psychosomatic disorders, depression and stress-related medical conditions as clear winners in today’s modern and ‘virtual’ or e-World, aromatherapy could be the way forward.

The benefit of essential natural oils is not new and has been propagated by healing practitioners. It is the Far-Eastern tradition and healing potencies of pure essential oils that finds parallel place with modern allopathic medicines. Whether for therapeutic or cosmetic use, understanding purity standards of therapeutic essential oils, its advantages and drawbacks are equally essential.

Essential Oils

Oils that are naturally occurring and free from chemical adjuncts find application in several cosmetic and therapeutic medicaments. Oils such as those extracted from natural sources have been known to heal skin, hair and other external conditions but, others also help to balance internal physiological problems. Extracts of peppermint, lavender, sesame and rose find common usage. But, how do we understand purity of such extracts?

With a plethora of brand claiming to be 100 % authentic, there is a need to look for criteria for selecting your oil concentrate for effective efficacy. You need to understand that:

* Essential oils are obtained from plant parts, either from roots, barks, seeds, stems, leaves, flowers or fruits by the process of steam distillation or carbon-di-oxide extraction.

* The oil obtained is actually the volatile liquid components of plant parts. How purity of the end-oil product depends on the method of extraction.

* The potency of extracted oil is dependent on environmental factors such as the area it is grown, the soil sown and fertilizer type (organic vs. chemical).

* The period in which the plant is harvested, distillation and bottling processes also determine grades of essential oils.

* Be aware of commercial products that use excessive solvents to extract the oils which might adulterate the oil potency. Therefore, make sure to procure your essential oil from certified producers.

Manufacturers of certified pure therapeutic grade essential oils do not have scientific or legal standards to fall back on when grading their oil extracts. However, the Association French Normalization Organization Regulation (AFNOR) standards or ISO certification (ISO standards) is the only agency that offers the best reliable chemical constituent indicating parameters to judge whether the extracted oil is therapeutic or otherwise.

With no stringent rules that governs oil extraction methods, obtaining the best grade therapeutic benefit in oils, is time consuming and expensive. The expense incurred in procuring plants such as pine, geranium, lavender, clove, black pepper or lemon balm is worth the cost; if extracted authentically.

Look for percentage of the organic component in the concentrated extract to ensure high therapeutic value of the essential oil used in medicinal products.

The Fragrant Path of Health with Essential oils

Undoubtedly, the ‘sense’ of oils via aromatherapy or in herbal treatments is rejuvenating. But, the crux is in knowing the difference in their properties and uses of aromatherapy oils, base oils and therapeutic grade essential oils.

Can you figure out the difference between your rose essential oil from peppermint, lavender or geranium? Perhaps yes, but, the efficacy of each has to be counted beyond its physical properties of fragrance and on its healing prowess.

A look at some of the widely accepted certified therapeutic grade essential oils, with health benefits:

1. Clove:

An important ingredient in Asian kitchens, the spicy base of clove oil is a much touted remedy for headaches related to hangovers. Alternate health physicians prescribe clove as a solution for dental pains caused due to gum swelling and toothaches. A natural antiseptic - cuts, scrapes and bug bites can be treated with clove oil. Ear and stomach aches and nasal congestions can be checked with clove. Considered an aphrodisiac, clove is a good stress buster too.

2. Black Pepper:

An essential ingredient in almost all recipes, the oil extract aids digestion, offers relief from convulsions and cramps. It is good for warming up muscles joints and offers pain relief from arthritis. It has good anti-bacterial properties too.

3. Pine: 

The Christmas pine is harvested for its’ sharp needles that holds medicinal properties. It is an analgesic or pain reliever and offers good antiseptic and anti-bacterial cures. A treatment against dry skin diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, acne and pimple can find solace with pine oil. It acts as an antidote against food poisoning and also aids to cure respiratory disorders.

4. Rose:

Rose Otto is most popular as an essential oil and is ideal for women and their well-being. Touted as a source of rejuvenation for women’s health needs, rose oil is reputed to balance hormones, treat PMS and menopause while improving overall skin health.

5. Lavender:

Popular for its first-aid action, this oil aids digestion, and fights headaches too. The soft fragrance of lavender has a calming impact on the nervous system; thus helps to, improve sleep, is a good adjunct for joint pain, urinary and respiratory problems. It also helps to manage high blood pressure and acne. Its’ anti-bacterial properties fights germs - no wonder it is used as a medicinal adjunct as well as in home cleaning products.

6. Sesame: The oil extract has moisturizing qualities, which make it a choice ingredient for hair and skin therapy. With a mild SPF factor, the fatty acid component in sesame is understood to relieve and lower stress and blood pressure.

Pure essential oils are mildly fragrant and do not have the strong scent in oils used for perfume. This mildness factor marks the ‘grade’ for aromatherapy.

Herbal Remedy with Aromatic Soaps

The plethora of coffee vanilla soap, green tea, lemongrass, carrot or, carrot and tamarind soaps find new vistas in modern cleansing and curing process.

As remedial measures for skin allergies or for healing therapies, essential oil-based soap adjuncts find usage among believers of holistic healing.

Pure handcrafted natural handmade soaps and their corresponding boutique variants find much demand as gifting ideas too. Natural soaps are predominately made from extracts and, oil distillates obtained from flowers, herbs and barks of potent medicinal plants. The science and infusion techniques in harvesting these add-ons to handmade soaps, authenticates its usage for skin and hair treatments and against allergies.

The Rule of Natural Excipients

With pure essential oils and natural colours forming part of handcrafted soaps, manufacturers can avoid use of animal fats in their products which often clog pores and can add to long-term skin damage.

With recipes of naturally made soaps a closely guarded secret, makers pride themselves in adding the correct proportions of the ingredients in getting the best cure.

Whatever be the proportions of ingredients, rest assure that most natural soaps and lotions have one or the other of these basic ingredients:

• Glycerine: Naturally obtained glycerine promotes good moisture balance and can hold moisture for long. An advantage is that this form of glycerine does not interfere with other skin functions or cause any bodily harm; so is a choice adjunct for all herbal soaps.

• Rice Bran oil: An authentic extract, it is utilised for its high grade moisturising property.

• Palm oil: Known to contain a higher percentage of oleic acid, palm oil has superior cleansing and conditioning impact on the skin.

• Palm Kernel and Coconut Oil: Touted through centuries as naturally occurring moisturizers, ancient scientists have deemed these elements as integral to making any home remedies, whether medicinal or cosmetic in use. They permeate well into the skin and in soap recipes, can help to build up lather for ease of application.

• Olive Oil: An effective emollient, the potency of olive oil rests on its deep-rooted moisturizing effect and is used by almost all manufacturers of soap bars.

Skin Typified Soap Bars

• Oily Skin: Thai lemongrass and citrus scented soaps made from either Florida Citrus Sunshine or South Africangrapefruitare effective in balancing oily skin textures. Citrus scented soap bars are popular for their grassy odour and citrus-toned fragrance; that can refresh, soothe and stimulate skin surface. Besides, lemongrass also helps to reduce acne and pimples; also tones up tissues and muscles.

• Dry Skin: Coconut oil and shea butter added to essential oils can be an effective remedy for dry skin and those with extra sensitive skin.

Besides, there are myriad of naturally occurring plants and vegetable options which when added to basic soap recipes make it more effective. Cucumber extracts act as an astringent while charcoal-induced facial bar contains cleansing agents to unclog pores - so take your pick and suit your skin-type.

Natural Soap - The life Of Your Skin

it is important to give your skin an essential care the natural skin products play a vital role in maintaining the tenderness and flexibility of the skin. The best natural soaps or lotions containing pure organic essential oils, you end up buying the so-called “natural” products.
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Your Organic Soap vs. Other Commercial Body Cleansing Agents

The billion dollar power packed marketing industry is definitely unbelievable. Along with you, millions of other unwary people tend to fall prey to hidden messages, catchy slogans and awesome looking products. It’s true, many big conglomerates would cease to exist if consumers could see through their tactics and refuse to pick up what they had on offer. This is especially true in the case of personal skin care products –where cut-throat competition dominates the scene and commercial beauty products are being sold like never before.

For instance, don’t be surprised if while hunting for the best natural soaps or lotions containing pure organic essential oils, you end up buying the so-called “natural” products that have no trace of any organic material except water. On the contrary, they contain toxins, chemicals, pesticides and other inorganic elements that prove to have harmful side effects and leave your skin dry, itchy and flaky.

In an era when the heavily regulated term ‘soap’ –which is supposed to be used by companies manufacturing handcrafted, real bars of soaps only, is being increasingly replaced by the words “dry skin cleaners”, “beauty bars” or “moisturizing bars”; your sin is surely at risk. Most of these commercial skin cleansing products contain detergents and are cleverly labeled to misguide those who believe in their marketing strategies.

At this stage, you would probably like to know the difference between the best natural soaps and the “fake” ones.

• While natural soaps are generally made in small batches from a chemical reaction that takes place between lye (sodium hydroxide), water, oils and fats; commercial detergents and inorganic soaps are manufactured by mixing chemicals ( ex. petroleum) in a big slurry mixer.

• Handmade soaps have no traces of any synthetic ingredients and are made from natural butters, pure organic essential oils and other products that are devoid of unnatural fragrances, preservatives, chemical compounds and so forth. Unlike those contained in other soaps, the ingredients here are capable of locking moisture in, act as protective barriers and most importantly, keep your skin intact.

Remember, the chemicals contained in “beauty bars” do more harm to your skin than good. More alarmingly, in many cases, some toxins can also disrupt the hormones or disturb the natural development of your body, and in many more ways than one.

Way Forward….

Here, it is important to state that your skin is the most precious part of your body and requires the utmost levels of care and attention. Instead of subjecting it to harsh ingredients, its best to take a walk down the aisles of natural beauty products , get a good idea about the ingredients in the soap that appeals to your immediate requirements and go head and pay—you will not be disappointed.