CO 2 extracted oils are high quality oils extracted using carbon dioxide in liquid form, as the solvent. When carbon dioxide is converted to liquid by using low temperatures and high pressure, it becomes a very safe and effective solvent that allows all the desirable active constituents of a plant to be collected without the risk of heat degradation. Once the extraction is complete, the carbon dioxide is allowed to go back to its natural gaseous state, leaving behind only the extracted essence of the plant. CO 2 extracted oils are the closest representation of the natural plant ever achieved.
Basil Oil
This crisp smelling essential oil is often used in aromatherapy, as it awakens the mind to clarity of thought, steadies the nerves, while easing sinus congestion, cooling down fevers and treating menstrual problems. The oil has a watery viscosity and is pale greenish-yellow in color. The aroma is clear, light and peppery and gives a sweet, green top note to blends. The essential oil comes from North Africa, Cypress, Seychelles and Europe.
Basil originates from tropical Asia and the Pacific Islands, but is now cultivated throughout Europe and the USA. The plant is an annual hairy herb growing up to 1 meter (3 feet). The flowers range from white to pink, depending on the species and attract swarms of bees in summer time. A much favored herb in India, it is held sacred to Krishna and Vishnu, and the leaves are even chewed before taking part in religious ceremonies.
It is said to have protective qualities, Basil leave is placed on the chest of a Hindu when resting. It is also used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine.Basil Essential Oil was used historically for respiratory, digestive troubles, fevers and snake bites. People inhaled the powdered leaves for migraines and chest infections in the 16th century. And wore it on their clothing to attract the perfect mate! Wow, maybe I should try that!
Benzoin Oil
Benzoin is useful for brown marks on the face, décolletage and hands, particularly in association with lemon oil. Mix 10 ml (2 tsp) almond oil with 2 drops lemon, 2 drops wheat germ and 4 drops benzoin oil. The simple benzoin tincture could be diluted with distilled water to make an effective skin toner. Benzoin is one of the most favored of perfume fixatives and is widely used in the perfumery industry and in pot-pour mixtures, old and new. It can also be used in herb pillows or in sweet bags to perfume linen. Benzoin was once burned as incense in churches, and the gum could be burned to perfume the air at home.
Benzoin is a tree which originated in Laos and Vietnam, but now grows in and around Malaysia, Java and Sumatra. It grows to a height of about 20 m (66 ft). The leaves are oval and hairy; the flowers are fleshy, greenish yellow in color and slightly balsamic. Benzoin is the gum resin which exudes from the bark after tapping and the trees can apparently produce resin in this way for about 15 to 20 years.
Black Pepper Oil
Black pepper oil is extracted from the plant Piper nigrum. The oil is made from the unripe red fruit of the plant, while white pepper for household use is made from the same fruit, but the berry is picked when fully ripe and the outside layer (per carp) is removed before drying. This warm and spicy essential oil helps to increase warmth of the body and mind, relieving sore muscles and joints, boost the immune and digestive system stimulate the kidneys and disperse bruising by increasing circulation to the skin. The plant originated from India, Malaysia, Madagascar, China and Indonesia and the oil is mostly made in Singapore, India and Malaysia.
The plant is originally a forest plant and this climbing woody vine uses trees or other supports to grow to about twenty feet high, but is normally kept to about 12 feet for commercial purposes and has a lifespan of about twenty years. The word pepper is derived from the Latin word piper, which in turn is taken from the Sanskrit word papal. It has been used since the times of the Ancient Romans and Greeks. Even the Turks levied a tax on pepper, while the French, Portuguese and Dutch often went to war in the middle ages to fight for this lucrative trade from the Far East.
Carrot Seed Essential Oil
Carrot Seed Essential Oil, high in carotenes, is considered one of the best oils to enhance the appearance of mature skin. Its chemical constituents may stimulate cell growth while removing toxins, which would give the skin a more toned, youthful appearance. It has been reputed to be useful in treating scars, wounds and burns. Carrot seed oil may also be helpful in the aromatherapy’s therapeutic treatment of arthritis, gout, edema, rheumatism and the accumulation of toxins in muscles and joints. It is thought to strengthen the mucus membranes in the nose, throat and lungs, thus having a beneficial effect on conditions such as bronchitis and influenza. The name is derived from the Greek Carotos and had great medicinal value to the Greeks and Romans in ancient times, especially for its carminative properties. The herb was transported to the Americas where it became known as Queen Anne's lace and the edible orange root as we know it was developed by the Dutch in the 1700's.
Bergamot Oil
Bergamot is a plant that produces a type of citrus fruit. Oil taken from the peel of the fruit is used to make medicine. Some people treat a skin condition called psoriasis by applying bergamot oil directly to the skin and then shining long-wave ultraviolet (UV) light on the affected area. Bergamot oil is also applied to the skin (used topically) for a tumor caused by a fungal infection and for pigment loss. It is also used as an insecticide to protect the body against lice and other parasites. Bergamot oil is sometimes inhaled (used as aromatherapy) to reduce anxiety during radiation treatment. In foods, bergamot oil is widely used as a citrus flavoring agent, especially in gelatins and puddings. In manufacturing, bergamot oil is used in perfumes, creams, lotions, soaps, and suntan oils. Bergamot oil has several active chemicals. These chemicals can make the skin sensitive to sunlight.