Essential oils differ from other types of oil in that they are lighter than water. They also evaporate quickly when they come in contact with air unlike other oils and when dropped onto paper, do not leave an oily mark/spot on it.
It takes less than 20 minutes for essential oils to penetrate the skin. After skin penetration, essential oils get into the fatty parts of the skin and then on to different layers, finally reaching the blood stream. It takes anything between 20 – 70 minutes for essential oils to reach the bloodstream, so it must take less than 20 minutes to penetrate through the skin.
The three types of essential oils in terms of evaporation rates are: top note oils, middle note oils and base note oils.
Top Note Oils: These are the fastest acting essential oils and the lightest. They are uplifting and stimulating in nature and affect conditions of mental exhaustion and disinterest, apathy, etc. These oils are effective for a period of 24 hours. Examples are lemon and eucalyptus oils, basil oil, bergamot oil, Clary sage oil, and eucalyptus oil
Middle Note Oils: These oils are neither too heavy nor too light and absorb semi-easily. They are used most commonly and affect many functions of the body including digestion and metabolism, etc. They are balancing in nature. These are effective for approximately four days after application. In the middle note oils, marjoram oil is the most versatile and addresses the widest range of conditions. Other examples are chamomile oil, lavender oil, cardamom oil, marjoram oil and oils of most spices and herbs.
Base Note Oils: These oils are heavy and are used in the management of chronic conditions, so they are often used on elderly people. They act on mucus membranes and these oils belong to cellular and vegetable domain which influences the quality of tissue. These are effective for approximately seven days after application. Examples are rose oil, cedar wood oil, jasmine oil, and sandalwood oil.
Carrier oils: These are those oils which are basically vegetable or fruit-based oils and serve as a solvent for the essential oils, which are too concentrated to be used neat and too powerful to be used directly. They provide lubrication during a massage so that friction over the client’s skin is avoided. Carrier oils are generally unperfumed oils. However, some carrier oils have therapeutic benefits as well such as avocado oil, sandalwood oil, grape seed oil, sweet almond oil, etc.
*Please note that all essential and carrier oils can potentially start an allergic reaction on sensitive skin and most of the oils should not be used during pregnancy. Some oils are harmful to conditions of epilepsy or asthma etc. Do not use any oil whose aroma you are uncomfortable with. Consult your aroma therapist or holistic health therapist before using any oil.
Mamta Singh is a published author of the books Migraines for the Informed Woman (Publisher: Rupa & Co.), the upcoming Mentor Your Mind (Publisher: Sterling Publishers) and An Urban Woman's Integrated Fitness Guide (Publishers: Hay House). She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Link: http://www.migrainingjenny.wordpress.com. Visit www.mamtasingh.com