Food grade essential oils are those produced from plants using the following specifications:
They should have been grown under specific growing conditions, and in an enclosed environment that maintaining good environmental conditions. They should have been harvested and held at four to six weeks in temperature ranging from fifty-five to seventy degrees Fahrenheit. During the drying process, the plants’ saponins are drained, and then the upper most volatile oil is extracted through a cold press method. A method called steam distillation is then used to convert the oil to a liquid. When the oils are bottled, they are then labeled with the specific plant material they come from and may have a trade name such as “essential tenching.”
There are some major benefits to using food grade essential oils: For over one hundred years, they have been recognized for their healing qualities. Since ancient times, these oils have been used to heal patients suffering from everything from minor stomach aches and pains, to serious ailments such as cancer and HIV/AIDS. Today, they can be found in ointments, bath products, and even cosmetics. These oils can be purchased directly from producers or can be made at home.
There are five basic grades of essential oils: Extra virgin, light, medium, deep, and hybrid. There are also several other grades, but the ones listed above are the most widely used. Some of the most popular essential oils include: Calendula, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Marjoram, Mastic, Marigold, Neroli, Oatmeal, Parsley, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Shea Butter, Spearmint, Sunflower, and Yogurt. For a list of more specific oils, simply do a search on the Internet.
The health benefits of these oils go far beyond the occasional spritz of lemon. In fact, many of them have antibiotic, antifungal, and antiviral properties. In addition, they can provide relief from allergies, and help to reduce the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression. They are even believed to be beneficial for pain management. As you can see, there are numerous uses for this oil.
One of the problems with purchasing these oils is the lack of quality control. Generally, manufacturers will claim that the highest quality oils are used, and then grade the oil to remove any imperfections. This often leads to the oils being extremely synthetic, and unable to provide the same benefits as those sold by the company in question. While the problem cannot be completely removed, it can be minimized. To minimize the risk of purchasing an inferior quality oil, make sure to purchase your oils from a reputable food producer, rather than someone who is just trying to get his or her hands into something profitable.
It’s also important to pay attention to how the oil is applied. Is it applied directly to the skin, or is it mixed with a carrier oil (such as grape seed oil) before being used on the skin? The best oils for use on the face are olive, jojoba, and coconut. These oils provide a luxurious feel, due to the richness of their ingredients. When these oils are mixed with carrier oils like grape seed or lavender, they form a smooth, creamy consistency that works well to soothe and heal the skin. Using pure grape seed oil, for example, provides a soft, velvety feel, while using jojoba oil creates a medium-weight, deep lather.
There are a lot of benefits associated with food grade essential oils, but it is also important to understand that not all of them are created equal. Before purchasing an oil, it is a good idea to do some research on the internet and learn about the different properties each type of oil has. Then, when you are ready to purchase, be sure to ask the retailer what percentage of those properties is included in the oil. If a retailer won’t tell you, it’s best to look elsewhere. In this way, you can be assured that you are getting pure, undiluted oil.
