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WHAT MAKES OUR OILS SPECIAL?

The integrity of an essential oil is determined by the botanical from which it was derived, proper harvest, and gentle extraction methods to bring the finished products to life. At NOW® Solutions, we utilize exceptional raw materials from growers who share our passion for quality from start-to-finish. This constant attention to detail ultimately allows NOW® Solutions to bring you essential oils that are 100% pure and unsurpassed in quality and purity.     

Our oils are tested using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography (GC) to ensure the highest retention of active aromatherapeutic constituents.  

EXTRACTION METHODS

Before an essential oil becomes an essential oil, it must first be extracted from its original botanical. To accomplish this, one of three specialized extraction methods are used. Extraction is a critical step in the essential oil manufacturing process, and must be performed at just the right time, depending on the plant and oil in question. Proper extraction will yield the strongest concentration of active compounds, while incorrect or incomplete extraction efforts may significantly affect the finished oil’s potency.

Distillation, Water or Steam

With distillation, essential oils are converted into vapor and then condensed into liquid form where they can be bottled for your enjoyment. It is a popular, natural and precise way to gently extract essential oils without damaging the botanical.

Cold Expression

Cold press extraction is used primarily for citrus extracts, such as orange, lemon, lime, bergamot and tangerine. It involves carefully applying a cold “press” to the botanical to extract the highest concentration of volatile oils.

Solvent Extraction

Fragile botanicals such as Rose and Jasmine have a difficult time surviving the distillation process. Solvent extraction method is used most commonly when working with Essential Oil blends, such as absolutes from Rose and Jasmine. Sometimes solvents are necessary to coax the essential oils out of the botanical material, and we ensure that these are removed to ensure safety.

USING ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils offer boundless versatility and can be used in a number of ways to enrich the quality of life. From aromatherapy and massage, to personal care and household applications, they can serve as wonderful additions to any home or lifestyle. Essential oils are intended for aromatherapeutic, and in some cases, external use. They should be kept away from direct sunlight and used with caution at all times.
 
Diffusion—Diffusion provides continuous distribution of the oil’s scents and active constituents, making it easy to absorb them within the body. The nerve fibers of the olfactory cavity do not pass through the brain’s switching station, and are therefore immediately recognized by the limbic system. Diffusion is an effective and non-invasive way to reap the benefits of essential oils.  

Skin Applications—Certain oils can be applied to the skin, though it is very important to use caution when doing so. 100% essential oils are highly concentrated and may need to be diluted for safe, topical use. Carrier oils, such as grape seed and jojoba, are two of the most popular carrier oils and are ideal for diluting. For more information on topical applications, we suggest consulting an aromatherapist or a credible aromatherapy book such as the one listed below.

Bath—Adding just a few drops of Lavender, Chamomile, Eucalyptus or other essential oils to a warm bath is a wonderful way to unwind after a long, stressful day. As with all highly concentrated essential oils, be cautious when allowing any essential oil to come into contact with the skin, as some may cause skin irritation or discomfort. They can make your tub slippery too, so watch your step.   

Cosmetics—Some essential oils can be complementary to your favorite cosmetic and personal care products. These include soaps and body wash, shampoos and conditioners, moisturizing lotions and creams, and many others. Always make sure that the oil you’re working with is appropriate, or diluted appropriately, for topical use.

How To use Essential Oils Work?

Essential oils enter the body in three ways. They can be:

• Applied to the skin
• Inhaled
• Ingested ( NOT recommended for the general public)

Within each of these, there are many different kinds of application methods. For example, you can apply essential oils topically using compresses, sprays, baths, or massaging them into the skin.

How do I choose an application method?

The application method chosen depends on the desired effect and the essential oil selected. For example, some essential oils are irritating to the skin because of their chemistry. These would need more dilution or might better be used by inhalation.

Once you have purchased an essential oil, the application method depends on the condition to be treated and the desired effect. For example:

• Wound care most often involves topical applications.
• Mood effects might be addressed by either inhalation or topical application. For fast action, inhalation might be preferred.
• Baths involve both inhalation and topical absorption.

How do I apply essential oils to the skin?

Essential oils can be applied to the skin using a variety of techniques. It is important to note that most essential oils can not be applied directly to the skin without being diluted.

How do I prepare a solution?

As a rule of thumb, essential oils should be diluted in a carrier substance (vegetable or nut oil, or water) at no greater concentration than 3-5%.

That means if you have one teaspoon (5cc) of carrier, you would add 3 drops of pure essential oil. This would make a 3% solution that could be used on a portion of the body.

For massage or for application over large areas of the body, a 1% solution (meaning, one drop of essential oil in one teaspoon of carrier) is generally a safe concentration. For infants, using a 0.25% solution is recommended (.5% for toddlers). 

Note: If you use water as a carrier, be sure to shake or mix your solution well before application.

What carrier oil should I use?

Common carrier oils are often available in natural foods stores or stores that specialize in natural bath and body products. Organic and cold-pressed carrier oils are preferred and examples include sweet almond oil, apricot oil, jojoba oil, and avocado oil. These oils do not have a strong smell of their own. They should be kept refrigerated until used and should be discarded if they smell rancid. (Oils typically keep about a year if refrigerated.)

For wound care, an ideal essential oil would be gentle to the skin and antimicrobial. Some essential oils can be used in different ways. For example, true lavender essential oil can be used on the skin for cuts and minor burns, and it can be inhaled to promote relaxation and sleep. Lavender is one of the few essential oils that can be used undiluted on small areas of the skin.

What are the techniques?

• Compress: The essential oil is diluted in a liquid carrier (water or oil) and applied to a dressing or directly to the affected area. Optional heat or cold can be applied.  

• Gargle: Drops of essential oil are added to water. You mix, then gargle the solution and spit it out. Do NOT swallow it. For example, one drop of tea tree oil in a glass of water can be gargled for sore throat discomfort

.

• Bath: Drops of essential oils are added to bath water in a dispersant immediately before stepping in. This method results in absorption through the skin, as well as inhalation of the volatilized essential oil. A few tablespoons of full cream milk can be used as a dispersant.
  
  Remember, essential oils are not water soluble; thus they will float on top of the bath and skin passing through the oil will be exposed to full strength essential oil. Bath salts can also be used to disperse essential oils. A relaxing bath base can be made by mixing one part baking soda, two parts Epsom salts, and three parts sea salt. Add six drops of true lavender essential oil to about two tablespoons of this mixture and mix it into bath water just before entering.

• Massage: Drops of essential oil are added to a natural carrier oil and applied to skin areas with gentle rubbing. As noted earlier, massage blends should not exceed 1% concentration of essential oils (one drop in a teaspoon) for adults. For children, concentration should not exceed 0.25% for infants, 0.5% for toddlers age 6 months to 2 years, and 1% for children 2 years and older. The choice of essential oils for massage depends on the desired effect.

DO NOT use the following essential oils on skin unless you are directed by an essential oil book or other professionals :

Bergamot, Cinnamon Cassia, Clove,  Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Tangerine. ALWAYS read the label before use. 

ALWAYS perform a patch test if you are using an essential oil on your skin for the first time. Mix 1 drop of essential oil with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil and apply a small amount of the mixture to your arm. If there are no itching, redness or swelling, it should be safe to use the oil.

How can I inhale essential oils?

Essential oils can be inhaled using a variety of techniques and devices.

• Diffuser: Essential oils are placed in the device, sometimes with water (be sure to read the directions), and sometimes with heat so they evaporate. Some diffusers have a timer for convenience. Essential oils should never be directly burned as the chemical structure is dramatically changed with incineration.

• Dry Evaporation: Several drops of essential oil are placed on a cotton ball or tissue and allowed to evaporate into the air. If you want an intense dose, sniff the cotton ball. If a milder, more constant exposure is desired, simply keep the cotton ball in your immediate vicinity (for example, leave it sitting on your desk next to your computer).

• Steam: Drops of essential oil are added to a bowl of steaming water, which quickly vaporizes the oil. Place a towel over your head and over the bowl of water with essential oil drop(s) and breathe deeply. This method is very direct and potent—the use of more than 1-2 drops may be overwhelming. It is important keep the eyes closed when using this method. The use of eucalyptus essential oil in this way can feel helpful with upper respiratory and sinus infections Note: This is not recommended for children younger than 7 years old. Children older than 7 who use this method of aromatherapy can use swimming goggles to protect their eyes.

• Spray: Drops of essential oils are placed in a water-based solution, shaken, and sprayed into the air in order to deodorize a room or set a mood. An example might be a solution of peppermint oil to stimulate alertness. It is important to shake the bottle before spraying in order to spray the solution and not just water.

Aromatherapy for Everyone, by PJ Pierson and Mary Shipley, 137 Pages Paperback Book

• Discover the Scents of Health and Happiness with Essential Oils

For the beginner, Aromatherapy for Everyone will provide sound advice to get started on this ancient and proven natural therapy.

• Which oils are best to start with?
• Which essential oils should I use myself?
• Are there essential oils I should avoid?
• How can I receive the maximum benefit from essential oils?
• Can I mix oils to create my own unique scent?
• How do I tell a good quality brand of essential oil from a low quality brand?

For those who have already discovered the joys of aromatherapy, this book makes a great reference.

• The therapeutic, aromatic and creative uses of more than 45 different essential oils
• A description and brief history of each herb from which an essential oil is derived
• Information on treating common ailments such as colds, wounds, muscular aches and pains, headaches, and stress
• Includes beautiful color herb photographs by Stephen Foster

"Aromatherapy for Everyone makes the subject fun, practical and immediately accessible to all who wish to use essential oils for aromatherapy. From the Fun Fact section to the useful tips on aromatherapy for health and delight, this book is an essential guide to the subject." - Steven Foster