Absolutes are only recently becoming part of aromatherapy. Historically a method known as enfleurage was used to extra an absolute. This meant putting the flowers in lard and replacing them every so many days. This method was superseded by solvent extraction long ago because of the time and labor involved; even though twice the amount of oil an be produced.
Currently an absolute is created by putting the flower or plant matter into hexane, separating the heavy matter from the plant and leaving the oil and waxes, then evaporating or vacuum extracting out the hexane making a concrete. The concrete is then put in ethanol and the temperature is dropped it minus 25C solidifying the waxes for removal. Then ethanol is vacuum extracted from the oil which leaves just the essential oil.
Absolutes are similar to essential oils in that both are extracted from plants. In fact, an absolute is a more concentrated form of an essential oil. How absolutes differ from essential oils is the method that is used during the extraction process. Essential oils are primarily extracted using a steam distillation process.
However, the process of extracting absolutes involves the use of chemicals and solvents. This extraction method creates a more concentrated version of the plant's essence - one that is far more fragrant. The only drawback as it relates to aromatherapy is that the process does not produce a pure essence. The extracted substances often will contain traces of the chemicals and solvents that were used during the extraction process.
It is for this reason that absolutes have been used primarily by those involved in the fragrance or perfume industries. They can be used successfully in aromatherapy however, extreme care must be taken. It's also important to note that absolutes can trigger an allergic reaction in some people.
And even though those true to the principles of aromatherapy prefer essential oils over absolutes, there are some plants whose essences cannot be extracted using traditional distillation methods. To extract the essence, chemical extraction processes must be used. Jasmine and honeysuckle are two such plants.
Some popular absolutes
Jasmine absolute
Extracted using solvents, Jasmine absolute offers an exquisite scent. Used for years in perfumes and therapy sessions, this sweet heady fragrance is among other things an effective aphrodisiac. Women with irregular menstrual cycles use jasmine absolute because it can help regulate these cycles. It can relieve headaches and is an effective antiseptic and antidepressant. It also has sedative qualities.
Lavender absolute
Extracted using alcohol, Lavender absolute has a sweet, floral and woody fragrance reminiscent of a lavender shrub. It's perfect for use in soaps, creams and lipsticks.
Oakmoss absolute
Extracted using solvents or alcohol, Oakmoss absolute has a rich scent that is both earthy and woody. Imagine the smell of damp oak along the seashore and this is what oakmoss absolute smells like - very comforting.
Rose absolute
Extracted from rose blossoms using chemical solvents, rose absolute is a feminine scent that is very intense. It's perfect for relaxing after a hard day or for when you're feeling particularly sexy. Used in creams, soaps and lotions, rose absolute also has anti-viral and anti-bacterial qualities. It takes many, many rose blossoms to produce rose absolute which is why it's very expensive.
Lotus absolute
Extracted from either pink or white lotus flowers using solvents, lotus absolute has healing qualities. It can also help build confidence and self-esteem.
Essential oils have long played a roll in the health and fitness of athletes around the world - perhaps without them even knowing it! Sports massage for enhanced performance and recovery almost always includes massage blends including , and - essential oils that enhance circulation to the muscles and enhance recovery by clearing post-exercise lactic acid and other waste products. 'Tiger Balm' - a popular remedy for muscular aches and pains contains camphor, menthol (found in ), cajuput, mint and s. Other blends can greatly speed healing time of injuries, getting one 'back in the game' as fast as possible. Here we'll have a look at some of the most popular means of enhancing the sporting life with the magic of .
Essential oils can promote the health and fitness of athletes in many ways, the most common being the pre- and post- exercise (or competition) massage. Long used by top athletes around the world, sports massage with essential oils plays an important part in warming up the muscles before exertion and removing lactic acid (thereby speeding recovery) after a hard effort. Massage formulas often these essential oils - Eucalyptus, for invigoration, circulation and opening airways; Lavender, with anti-inflammatory effects, relieves pain, relaxes spasms, and brings mental calm without sedation; Rosemary relieves pain, stimulates the mind and body, and has a warming effect on the muscles; Juniper Berry, used in the post-exercise formula, detoxifies and helps eliminate lactic acid from muscles; and Sweet Marjoram which helps relieve cramping in over-exerted muscles.
Blending your own massage formulas for pre and post exercise massages is simple - just between 10 and 30 drops total essential oils to each ounce of carrier oil (Sweet Almond, Grapeseed and Hazelnut are good choices). Generally, the more essential oil in a blend, the more stimulating it will be; lower concentrations of essential oil will be more relaxing. For pre-exercise, to warm and loosen the muscles, open the airways and awaken the mind, try eight drops Rosemary, four drops lavender and four drops Eucalyptus essential oils to each ounce of carrier oil Peppermint can be used in place of the Lavender if you're really looking to 'get going' - though if you're prone to anxiety before strenuous efforts, stick with the Lavender. Use light, quick invigorating massage strokes. For post-exercise, a little deeper massage can be performed with longer strokes toward the heart - this will assist removal of lactic acid and other metabolic waste products. Try eight drops Lavender, four drops Juniper Berry and four drops Sweet Marjoram, or, when the muscles are really over-exerted, try eight drops Eucalyptus, eight drops Peppermint and eight drops Ginger essential oil.
can be used during pre and post exercise baths and showers as well, using the same oils and blends mentioned above. Oils can be added directly to bathwater (after the bath is filled) where they will be well-absorbed over the entire body. Before showers, essential oils can be applied undiluted to the body; this is particularly advised post-exertion to support the elimination of metabolic wastes. Try one drop each of Rosemary, Lemon and Eucalyptus. A massage oil blend as described earlier should be used after a shower or bath when the pores are open. Choose a stimulating or relaxing mix depending on your needs.
When the athlete is in need of more dramatic healing, essential oils can also offer significant support. Injuries both minor and major are common in many sports. While serious injuries should always receive proper medical attention, essential oils can aid in pain relief and healing in almost all cases. Many essential oils are well-known for their anti-inflammatory action, their antiseptic properties, and some contain compounds that signal the body's tissues to regenerate faster. The aroma of these oils are also often stress-relieving, which can further support the healing process.
For treating common bruises, strains and sprains, the most important and effective essential oil is Helichrysum. This essential oil has an incredible synergy of properties for healing of injuries accompanied by inflammation - the molecules in its makeup are pain relieving, anti-inflammatory and regenerative. It has been noted by one author as "practically a wonder cure" when used for injuries so often incurred by athletes. Further, it is an excellent choice for overall health, wellness and fitness, as there are no known side effects which can occur with pharmaceutical preparations for pain and inflammation. To use Helichrysum, simply place a small amount of the oil on the bruised area, either undiluted, or for larger areas or frequent applications, dilute to 10 or 20% in a carrier oil such as Jojoba. Relief is often quick, and injuries that may have otherwise taken many days to heal have been significantly improved in only a day or two. A blend of Helichrysum and Jojoba can also be used for chronic injuries such as tendonitis - simply massage a small amount into the affected area a few times a day.
Active athletes and fitness buffs will often incur minor cuts and abrasions. Essential oils are an excellent choice for caring for such wounds due to their antiseptic and soothing effects. A 50/50 blend of Tea Tree and Lavender is a wonderful, all-around skin healer. The Tea Tree prevents infection while the Lavender sooths the area. Apply directly to cuts and scrapes after the wound has been properly cleansed. If this is too strong a blend for the younger ones, simply apply a drop or two to the gauze portion of a band-aid and cover the wound for the same effect. The ratio of Lavender to Tea Tree can also be increased for an even more soothing result.
Other than the direct sports-related uses of essential oils, the overall health and fitness of any athlete should be supported for top performance. During periods of especially strenuous training or competition, athletes may be particularly susceptible to infectious illnesses - colds, flu and the like. Diffusing Eucalyptus, Thyme, Tea Tree and/or Lemon in your home can reduce the chance of illness, or the spread of colds. Niaouli essential oil, a relative of Eucalyptus, is also an excellent oil for supporting the immune system. The oil is recommended to be applied neat all over the body after showers for best absorption and effect (use 10-20 drops). A strong immune system goes a long way to keeping an athlete happy and in top form.
This is a brief overview of many common applications of aromatherapy for supporting the health, fitness and performance of any athlete. There are many variations of the essential oils suggested - if one oil is found offensive, too stimulating, etc., try another, as this is usually the body's natural way saying the timing of a particular oil is not right, or the oil is not compatible with the individual's chemistry at the moment. With a little research and experimentation, an effective and rewarding combination of essential oils can enhance nearly any athletes health, fitness and competition endeavors.
Both Alien & are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Alien has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pregnancy Problems, Fitness and Get Rid of Bed Bugs. Read out . Also check out for. Alien's top article generates over 673000 views. to your Favourites.
has sinced written about articles on various topics from . . 's top article . to your Favourites.