Collection: Rituals

Essential Oils & Base Oils: What Are They?

Essential oils and carrier oils are two fundamental raw materials used in aromatherapy – a protective medicinal system with a tradition of over 6000 years – obtained from different parts of plants: bark, leaves, fruits, flowers, seeds, stems or roots. We believe that essential oils represent the essence and spirit of the plant . They are highly concentrated extracts of the aromas that plants produce to survive and protect themselves, which is why they are called “essential oils” in English. Through smell, they stimulate the body and mind, reaching the subconscious and contributing to holistic healing.

Base oils, also known as carrier oils, are suitable for direct contact with the skin and can be combined with essential oils. They carry the healing and balancing molecules into the lower layers of the skin.

The Differences Between Essential Oils and Base Oils

Essential oils and base oils are distinguished by their extraction methods and the parts of the plant they come from.

• Essential oils are generally obtained by steam distillation, with the exception of citrus oils such as Orange or Bergamot , which come from the peel.
  
• Base oils are extracted by cold pressing or maceration .
  
• Essential oils are too concentrated for direct application to the skin, while most carrier oils can also be used in food.
  
• Aromatherapy also includes incense, scented sticks, and diffusers , which you can integrate into your rituals.
  

The Benefits of Base Oils

Base oils contribute to:

• Maintaining the oil balance of skin and hair
  
• Increasing skin elasticity
  
• Accelerate wound healing
  
• Protection against solar radiation and cold
  

They can be used as a base for massage blends . For example: sesame or coconut oil can be used for a sunscreen oil , and argan oil is ideal for hair care. Jojoba oil balances even very oily skin, and rosehip oil provides vitality to the skin and helps reduce blemishes.

The Benefits of Essential Oils

Essential oils are not just for fragrance; they bring physical, emotional and mental healing . Each plant has unique frequencies and benefits:

• Heals the physical body and stimulates the mind and soul
  
• Cleanses unwanted energies and balances chakras
  
• Integrates into daily life both practically and spiritually
  

Examples:

• Lavender essential oil relaxes the body and prepares for sleep.
  
• Ylang Ylang essential oil is associated with feminine energy.
  
• Patchouli essential oil balances masculine and feminine energies
  
• Lemon essential oil energizes and purifies the air, making it an excellent natural antibacterial for cleaning the house.