Essential oils seem to be everywhere today. They are advertised as being in hair care products, fragrances, and alternative medicines. That is great but what in the world is an essential oil? Here we are going to answer that exact question.

An essential oil is an oil that is derived from a plant or part of a plant. Most of them do not feel oily at all and they have the fragrance of the plant that they originated from. Most of them are clear in color, although there are a few that have an amber tint to them. In their pure form they are extremely concentrated. They are, almost, always diluted before we come in contact with them.

Essential oils are naturally fragrant and not the same as perfume oils. Perfumes are created artificially and their use is limited to what they were created for - to make us smell better.

These oils are often used in alternative medicine because of their healing and soothing effects. These benefits can improve our physical and psychological health. Inhalation, digestion, and direct application are all used to acquire these benefits.

If you are looking to purchase some of these oils you will be getting small bottles. They are sold in small quantities and vary greatly in price. Some oils are more expensive, simply, because they come from plants that are rare or that have been affected by trends in the weather.

Eucalyptus oil is the most popular essential oil world-wide. This oil is made from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus and used as a disinfecting agent throughout Asia and South America. The second most widely used oil is rose oil.

There are a few minor dangers associated with these oils. Some are very aggressive with rubber and plastic and can eat through things made of those products. Also, there are some of these oils that have a low flash point and are considered flammable liquids. There is some discussion in the medical world about the dangers of essential oils to women who are pregnant. Nothing has been proven for or against this theory. Domestic pets should be kept clear of these products as they can be hazardous to their health. That has been proven by the scientific community.