GLOSSARY
Aromatic Use : Essential oils can be used aromatically to enjoy the aroma of an oil through the air by diffusing the oil in an essential oil diffuser , or by inhaling the oil straight from the bottle .
Carrier Oil : Lipid-based substances that can be used to dilute essential oils . The carrier oil literally helps “ carry ” the essential oil to the desired area . Using a carrier oil allows the user to effectively apply the essential oil topically , without reducing the potency of the oil .
Diffusion : Diffusion is the most effective way to enjoy essential oils aromatically , and is most efficiently accomplished by using an essential oil diffuser . Essential oil diffusers take a whole oil and transform it into a mist , or microscopic droplets , that allows the user to experience the aroma of the essential oil for an extended period of time .
Essential Oils : Natural compounds found within the bark , stems , roots , flowers , seeds , and other parts of plants . These compounds are highly concentrated and extremely potent . They give plants their smell , protect them from environmental conditions , and play a role in plant pollination .
Expression : Also referred to as “ cold pressed ,” this process extracts essential oils from the peels of citrus fruits by breaking open tiny sacs on the rind of the fruit that contain the essential oil .
FDA GRAS List : The Federal Drug Administration ( FDA ) has produced a list called Generally Recognized as Safe ( GRAS ), which identifies essential oils that are safe to be used internally as non-medical constituents . The GRAS list provides general safety suggestions as well as information about plants and other substances that have a well-documented history of safe internal use .
Internal Use : Internal use of essential oils consists of consuming the oil by dropping oils directly into the mouth , placing oil drops in a glass of water , or adding oil drops to veggie capsules and swallowing .
Limbic System : The system of the brain where your emotions and memories live . As you breathe in the scent of an essential oil , the limbic system creates a response in your brain based on your memories associated with that particular aroma .
Olfactory System : The portion of the brain that controls sense of smell . When you inhale the aroma of an essential oil , the scent is processed in the olfactory system of the brain by way of the olfactory nerve . The olfactory system is connected to the limbic system of the brain where your emotions and memories live .
Steam Distillation : The process of steam distillation uses heated steam and pressure to extract essential oils from their plant parts . This is the most common process for producing essential oils because the method of pressurization protects the complex chemical compounds found in essential oils , as it allows the oil to be distilled at temperatures well below the normal boiling point .
Topical Application : Applying essential oils topically is a safe , effective way to yield the benefits that essential oils hold for the skin and other aspects of the human body . Due to their chemical makeup , essential oils can easily penetrate the skin and offer a localized benefit to the applied area . Essential oils are easily absorbed into the skin ; however , you can prolong the benefits of an essential oil by using a carrier oil to slow down the evaporation of the oil , allowing it to moisturize the skin .
Toxicity : The point at which a substance becomes harmful or damaging to the body . Seemingly harmless substances like water , vitamins , and minerals that are vital to human life can become toxic when consumed at an inappropriate dose . While essential oils have the potential for toxicity , the toxic dose of an essential oil is always far above the appropriate use .
Volatile Aromatic Compounds : The naturally occurring compounds found within plants . Comprised of tiny , organic molecules that are known to quickly transform from a liquid or solid state into a gas when they reach room temperature .