Essential oils are extracts based on secondary metabolites from different plants. They are highly volatile (many of them evaporate at room temperature). Naturopathic healing therapies include the use of essential oils to support both physical and mental well-being.
Many of them have biologically active substances that produce benefits when applied to the skin.
They come from medicinal plants, and their extraction allows the active principles they contain to be preserved for a longer time.
There is a multitude of scientific documentation that attributes the advantages of the use of this type of essential oil.
The distillation of these essential oils is usually done with water or steam, so the extraction is a physical process known as hydro distillation.
However, most of them are insoluble in water, so the most convenient and practical way is to mix or solubilize them with alcohol or acetic acid (present in vinegar extract).
Essential oils are not only in the flowers or leaves of aromatic and medicinal plants. They can be found in a multitude of places of plants and trees:
Cold extraction is the most common and accepted method by consumers. It is the process that best preserves the properties of essential oils without impairing their composition and/or concentration.
The process basically consists of squeezing without increasing the temperature. Although with heat the extraction is much easier, there is a risk of evaporating many of the components due to their high volatility.
There are many different mixtures and compositions of oil extracts, but they are characterized by their content of the following organic compounds:
There are 10 classes of terpenoids, each present in different families of medicinal and aromatic plants. For example, monoterpenes are present in the extract of many citrus fruits (citronella, limonene, myrcene, pinene, etc.).
Compounds that give the characteristic odor include those of structure in the form of ketones, esters, aldehydes, etc.
The terpenes of the essential oils we smell in a forest are the triggers of the successful Forest Bathing therapy that helps us connect with our inner selves.
What are the health benefits of the terpenes in the essential oils we smell in the forest when we practice Forest Bathing?
We are surrounded by a broad range of trees and plants while we practice forest bathing, each with its distinct combination of essential oils and terpenes. Terpenes are naturally occurring chemicals that give many plants and foods, especially forest trees, their distinct fragrances, and tastes.
These terpenes can have a variety of therapeutic impacts on our body and mind when we inhale them while forest bathing. Among these impacts are the following:
Terpenes like alpha-pinene and limonene have been demonstrated to have a calming and relaxing impact on the mind and body, which aids in the reduction of stress and anxiety.
Terpenes including beta-caryophyllene and myrcene have been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting characteristics, which can assist improve general health.
Terpenes like eucalyptol and alpha-pinene can open up the airways and enhance respiratory function, making it easier to breathe in the fresh forest air.
Terpenes like linalool and beta-pinene have been proven to have mood-lifting properties, aiding in feelings of happiness and well-being.
When we practice forest bathing, the terpenes present in essential oils of the forest can have a variety of therapeutic impacts on our body and mind, including relaxation, stress reduction, immune system support, respiratory benefits, and mood enhancement.
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