Essential oils have been successfully used for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, including Greeks and Egyptians, commonly utilized them as remedies, relaxants, and even perfumes. Different oils have varying effects on the body's systems.

Essential oils are the highly concentrated volatile extract of flowers herbs, grasses, shrubs and trees. These tiny droplets are present in particular glands, hairs or specific structures of the plant and contain some (but not all) of the active principles of the plant. Non-oily in texture, these highly concentrated substances are obtained by steam distillation, cold pressing, and solvent extraction methods. Only the utmost quality of essential oils should be used in therapeutic treatment.

Pure-Li Natural Essential Oils are certified Kosher and Parve, 100% pure, and unadulterated.highly concentrated plant extracts obtained through steam distillation of flowers, seeds, berries, roots and barks or citrus rind expression.

Steam distillation is the most common extraction method of Essential Oils in which a still is charged with plant material to be processed. Steam is introduced at the base of the still and the plants volatile elements evaporate with the steam. A condensation process turns this vapor-mix into a liquid form of water and Essential Oil. The Essential Oil floats on the top of the water and is separated off.

Cold pressing, also known as expression, is used exclusively for citrus oils. This is a very mild and gentle pressing treatment in which the outer layer of the peel is ruptured and the oil is then pressed out.

Essential oils work in harmony with the body to normalize and balance. They produce certain effects that we can count on, but can also adapt to the needs of different people. Used for their undisputed anti-microbial and antiseptic effects, essential oils are not only less toxic than synthetic substances but also support healing by stimulating the body's own natural healing abilities.

Because of olfaction's (the sense of smell) direct connection to the brain, sending electrical messages directly into the limbic system, essential oils can have profound effects on emotions and mental states. Perception of odors can have a major impact on memory, learning, emotions, thinking and feeling. As therapeutic agents, essential oils work similarly to tranquilizers but in a subtle organic way. Most scents uplift spirits and calm the nervous system.

The majority of essential oils produced in the world market are used in the food flavor and fragrance industry, so essential oils are often found on the market adulterated with similar essential oils, chemicals and synthetics, as well as extenders such as dipropylene glycol. Unfortunately, even the type used in food can be adjusted with chemicals from a natural source and still legally be called natural. Therefore, it is wise to purchase only from a reputable source. All Pure-Li Natural Essential Oils are certified Kosher and Parve, 100% pure and unadulterated. They meet or exceed all requirements for Therapeutic Aromatherapyuse.

Essential oils can have an incredibly powerful emotional effect. Through the sense of smell, essential oils can bring back long forgotten memories, and the corresponding emotions. For example a person smelling cinnamon oil might suddenly recall their grandmother's hot cinnamon apple pie and the feeling of love and security it brought with it.

Essential Oils are the most potent form of herbal medicine and are classified as the "active ingredients" to any Aromatherapy formulation. The therapeutic properties of Pure-Li Natural Essential Oils are widely varied as are the different plant sources available.

Many essential oils require that they be inhaled to experience the beneficial effects. Using essential oils therapeutically through inhalation is called Aromatherapy. Once in the respiratory tract, the small oil droplets are absorbed by the blood vessels in the lungs and transported throughout the body.

Inhalation is not the only method to obtain the benefits of essential oils. Some oils can be applied directly on the skin, while others must be diluted first in a Carrier oilto avoid irritating dermal tissue. To make essential oils safe and therapeutic for massage use, they are blended with carrier oils. For a list of the most common uses and cautions for Essential Oils follow this link: Essential Oil Uses

Aromatherapy is the inhalation and application of essential oils to restore or enhance health, beauty and well-being. The basic intention of Aromatherapy is to bring together the scientific achievements of man with his intuitive understanding for the treatment of illnesses with the most effective and useful natural essential oils. Aromatherapy provides health and body care on a completely natural basis, and the subtle qualities of the oils lend themselves best to a gradual experience.

Essential oils can also be added to bath water, or to bath salts for a very enjoyable and relaxing experience.

Essential Oil Notes
One of the ways which essential oils are classified is into notes. These notes describe the oil's smell, general effect on the body and evaporation rate (when left open and exposed to the air).

Top Note - Top notes are used to stimulate the mind and body. They have a sharp smell and evaporate quickly, lasting approximately 24 hours.

Middle Note - Middle notes are usually used to help with bodily functions. They evaporate moderately quickly, lasting 2 to 3 days.

Base Note - Base notes are used to soothe the mind and body. They are known as fixatives, as they 'hold back' the fast evaporation of the top notes. They last approximately 1 week.

Essential Oil Categories
One of the ways which essential oils are classified is into plant types. The three most common types are Citrus, Floral and Spice.

Herbs - Carrot Seed oil, Clary Sage oil, Peppermint oil, Spearmint oil

Citrus - Citronella oil, Grapefruit oil, Lemon oil, Lemongrass oil, Lime oil, Orange Sweet oil, Tangerine oil

Floral - Calendula oil, Geranium oil, Lavender oil

Exotic - Patchouli oil, Sandalwood oil, Ylang Ylang oil

Spice - Aniseed oil, Basil oil, Black Pepper oil, Capsicum oil, Cinnamon oil, Clove oil, Coriander oil, Fennel oil, Rosemary oil, Thyme oil

Trees - Camphor oil, Cedarwood oil, Cedarleaf oil, Eucalyptus oil, Pine oil, Tea Tree oil