Understanding the Difference between Essential Oils and Extracts
We here at Equine Essential Wellness want to help you, the horse owner, understand natural ways to promote the health and wellness of your horse. Essential oils is an option we like to focus on. These amazing powerhouses are great to utilize for promoting equine wellness! But in an unregulated market, it is important that you the consumer are educated on what to be on the lookout for. The substitution of plant extract in your essential oils is one of the common concerns you need to be aware of.
How does an Extract Compare to Essential Oils?
Although both may be used in aromatherapy, it is the essential oils which carry the therapeutic qualities and are best to be used when a therapeutic result is desired. Extracts are mainly used in perfumes or even in cooking.
The process of obtaining a plant extract varies from cold compressing or being soaked in a liquid such as an alcohol, in order to isolate a certain quality (aroma or flavor) from the plant. For essential oils, steam distillation is the most popular method of extraction. This method, when done properly, will preserve the terpenes, esters, ketones, alcohols, and phenols of the plant itself. This is why many people describe essential oils as the lifeblood of the plant.
So why would companies substitute? One reason it takes a large amount of plant material to make a small amount of essential oil, so it can be a way to cut corners, plump, and fill their essential oil products with extracts and synthetics. That said there are times when cold-pressed or absolute methods of extraction is a necessary process, like with citrus oils and some plants that the material is too delicate to steam distill.
When it comes to equine wellness and trying to promote health we recommend checking your ingredient list and being aware of what your essential oil single or blends contain. Although extracts might not necessarily be unhealthy for your horse, it is a cheap filler and a waste of your money if you are desiring health-promoting benefits.
To be successful in improving your horse’s health it is crucial to have a strong foundation of health established. It’s time revolutionize the way you think about and approach your horse’s care and lifestyle; equipping you with the tools and information you need to optimize your horse’s performance, reinvigorating their zest for life, and accessing the “horseplay” and exuberance they are naturally known for.
Discover the forgotten framework of care that will transform your horse’s health! Grab your copy of my book Healthy as a Horse, Click here to reserve your copy now.
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