Essential Oils Australia

What Are Essential Oils? 

Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids distilled from various plant parts (leaves, flowers, bark, roots, seeds, and resins). They capture the plant's distinctive scent, flavour, and therapeutic properties. In other words, its “essence.”  These potent aromatic compounds offer a wide range of potential benefits for both physical and emotional well-being. Each has its own unique chemical profile, so you can pick and choose specific oils depending on what you need at the time. Relaxation? Better sleep? Improved mood? There’s an oil for everything. 

How Do Essential Oils Work? 

These oils consist of complex mixtures of natural, volatile aromatic compounds. “Volatile” means they easily evaporate at room temperature, giving off the distinctive scent of the plant.  The compounds within each oil belong to various chemical classes, including terpenes, alcohols, esters, aldehydes, and ketones. Their unique combination gives each essential oil its specific aroma and potential therapeutic properties.  We can interact with essential oils in one of two ways: inhalation or absorbing them through the skin. Here’s how each one works: 

• Inhaling: The receptors in your nose (olfactory system) are connected to the brain’s limbic system, which processes emotion and regulates the nervous system. Certain oil scents can stimulate certain responses in this part of the brain, which then instructs the body. 
• Absorbing: The oils penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, making them useful for things like specific muscle relaxation or softening the skin. 

How Are Essential Oils Made? 

Here's a look at some of the most common extraction techniques: 

• Steam distillation: The most widely used method. Steam is forced through the plant material, vaporising the volatile compounds. They are then condensed, separating the oil from the water. 

• Cold pressing: Mainly used for citrus essential oils. This involves mechanically pressing or grinding the rinds of fruits to release the essential oils. No heat is applied. 

• Solvent extraction: Plant material is dissolved in a solvent (like hexane or ethanol). The solvent is then evaporated, leaving a concentrated substance called an absolute, which may be further processed. 

• CO2 extraction: Uses pressurised carbon dioxide as a solvent. This creates highly concentrated extracts that closely represent the true scent of the plant.

• Maceration/enfleurage (rare): Maceration involves soaking plant material in oils to absorb the fragrance. Enfleurage uses animal fats to capture delicate flower scents. 

Popular Essential Oils and Their Properties 

Good essential oils have very specific properties that you can rely on. Here are some of the “essential” essential oils and what they can help you with. 

Lavender 

A common scent that promotes deep relaxation, calm, and sleep. It’s also often used for skin healing. The scent of lavender can be quite overpowering, so use it sparingly! 

Peppermint 

Peppermint oil can be amazing for stimulating healthy digestion. It’s also very helpful for relieving headaches and can be quite invigorating if you need a bit more energy. Also, peppermint oil can help chase spiders away. 

Tea Tree 

Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and antifungal. It’s a wonderful oil to have if you need topical treatment for skin issues, like eczema. Tea tree oil can also be fantastic for healing burns, but make sure you use pure essential oils (preferably one you make yourself). Oils with additives can open you up to infection. 

Eucalyptus 

Feeling congested? Eucalyptus oil can help open up your respiratory system and make it easier to breathe. If you use a humidifier, you can add some eucalyptus oil to it for an extra breathing boost. 

Lemon 

Lemon is a surprisingly uplifting oil. It just smells fresh and clean, which can give you a mental boost. If you enjoy the scent, you can include a few drops in your cleaning supplies, so your home will always smell fresh. 

How Can You Use Essential Oils? 

You already know that essential oils can be inhaled or applied to the skin. Here’s how you can use them to gain the benefits. 

Aromatherapy 

The most common way to get the benefits of aromatherapy is by using a diffuser. They come in many different forms, but all are easy to use. Simply add a few drops of your chosen oil to water and place it in the diffuser.  It disperses a fine mist infused with your oil. This is a great way to improve the general ambience of your room and get the benefits at the same time. You can use any essential oils for a diffuser – no limits!  You can also use an oil burner. These heat your oil and water mixture, giving off a stronger essence than a diffuser. However, essential oils for oil burners can be altered by the heat, so they may not offer as many benefits.  For on-the-go aromatherapy, you can find personal inhaler sticks that contain a small amount of your chosen oil. They are small, portable, and easy to use. 

Topical Application 

Applying an essential oil topically can be tricky, but is perfectly doable. Diluting it properly is the key to a safe experience. Never place undiluted oil on your skin, as it can cause damage. Effective dilution ranges from 1% to 5% in a carrier oil.  Choose your carrier oil carefully, too. Coconut oil offers excellent soothing properties and is readily available. Other popular choices are olive oil, sweet almond oil, and jojoba oil. It’s a good idea to test the carrier oil on a small area of skin to make sure you aren’t sensitive to it.  Once your oil is diluted, you can use it for massage purposes or apply it to specific areas like your temples or behind your ears. 

Using Essential Oils Safely 

Essential oil safety involves diluting your oils properly, keeping them away from the sun, checking with your doctor before using them, and keeping them away from children and pets. 

Dilute Them Properly 

Essential oils are highly concentrated, and even a few drops can be too potent without a carrier oil. People with sensitive skin should start with extra-low dilutions (1–2%) and gradually increase (up to 5%) as tolerated. 

Keep Them Away from Sunlight 

There are two things to consider here. One, you should store your oils in a cool, dark place as exposing them to UV light can degrade their quality.  Two, certain essential oils, especially citrus oils like bergamot, lemon, and grapefruit, contain compounds that make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Applying these oils topically and then going into the sun can lead to severe sunburn or blistering.  Always read the label and avoid sun exposure for the recommended time after using photosensitizing oils. We recommend using them at night instead. 

Be Pet-Wise 

Pets, especially cats, are far more sensitive to essential oils than humans! Their livers lack certain enzymes that break down these compounds.  Use caution when diffusing oils around pets, avoid applying oils directly to them, and we recommend doing some research on specific oils known to be toxic to certain animals. 

Consider Medical Conditions 

If you have any underlying health conditions or take medications, it's vital to consult your doctor before using essential oils. Some oils can interact with medications, make existing conditions worse, or cause other health risks depending on your situation.  Essential oils require extra caution with pregnant women and children. Some oils can negatively affect foetal development or cause sensitivities in young children. Always consult a healthcare professional with expertise in aromatherapy before using essential oils during pregnancy or on very young children. 

Essential Oils Buying Guide 

Don’t buy essential oils before you’ve checked them against these standards. This will make sure you get pure aroma oils and not tainted ones. 

Factors to Consider When Buying Essential Oils 

Purity 

Always choose 100% pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils. These contain only the concentrated essence of the plant with no additives, fillers, or synthetic fragrances. Adulterated oils won't provide the same therapeutic benefits and may even cause adverse reactions. 

Certifications 

Look for certifications like “organic” or “wildcrafted” as they guarantee sustainable practices and no harmful pesticides or herbicides were used in growing the plants. Other relevant certifications may include specific chemotyping analyses or fair trade practices. 

Brand Names 

Do your research to find reputable brands known for their transparency, quality testing, and commitment to sourcing pure oils. Check company websites and customer reviews, and consider recommendations from aromatherapists or other trusted sources. 

Latin Names 

Essential oil bottles should always display the plant's Latin name (e.g., Lavandula angustifolia for lavender). This ensures you're getting the exact species you want. Common names can be misleading, and different plant varieties within a species can have distinct chemical profiles. 

Price vs Quality 

While pure essential oils can be more expensive, it's important to understand the cost factors. High-quality oils come from careful cultivation, precise extraction techniques, and thorough quality testing. Be wary of extremely cheap oils, as they may be diluted or synthetic. 

Making Your Own Essential Oil Blends 

Interested in making your own pure aromatherapy oil blends? 

Understanding the Basics of Blending 

Essential oils are categorised by their evaporation rates. Top notes evaporate quickly, providing the initial burst of fragrance. Middle notes are the “heart” of the blend, lasting longer. Base notes anchor the blend with their slower evaporation and deeper aromas. Understanding these categories helps you create balanced blends containing complementary notes that evolve beautifully over time. 

Popular Blends 

Many tried-and-true essential oil blend “recipes” exist. For relaxation, try lavender, chamomile, and bergamot. For focus, rosemary, peppermint, and lemon are stimulating. For immunity support, consider tea tree, eucalyptus, and clove. These recipes provide a starting point and can be easily adjusted to your preferences. 

Personalising Blends 

The true joy of blending comes from experimentation! Start by smelling individual aroma oils and noting which ones you enjoy. Try combining two or three oils with complementary scents in simple ratios. Keep a notebook to record your favourite blends and tweak them as desired. Trust your intuition and have fun with the process! 

Tips and Tricks 

Ready to make your own aromatherapy essential oils? Stick to these tips and tricks to make sure they are good quality and safe for use: 

• Don’t forget to use a safe carrier oil. 
• Use a dilution ratio of 1% to 5%. 
• Label each oil with the date, ingredients, and dilution ratio. 
• Test topical oils on a small patch of skin first. 
• Store your essential natural oils in a dark glass bottle. 

Essential Oils FAQs 

What’s the Best Way to Store Essential Oils? 

The best way to store essential oils is in dark glass bottles, tightly closed, in a dark, cool place. This keeps them safe from light, heat, and air. Some oils require refrigeration if they are particularly delicate.  Avoid storing your oils in plastic containers, as the oil can degrade the plastic. Chemicals in the plastic can also leach into the oil, diminishing its quality. It’s a good idea to label your bottles with the name of the oil and the date on which you bought or made it. 

Can Essential Oils Be Dangerous? 

Yes, essential oils can be dangerous if not used properly. They are very concentrated and can irritate the skin, cause allergic reactions, or be toxic if swallowed. Always dilute them before applying topically, and consult a healthcare professional if you have any health concerns. 

Where Can I Buy Essential Oils in Australia? 

Range Products stocks pure essential oils, vegetable carrier oils, and raw materials for making your own essential oils and self-care products. Visit our warehouse in Welshpool, Western Australia, or order online.