Articles

Essential Oils 101

What is Distillation? It is important to know how an Essential Oil is produced in order to appreciate the potency, purity, and efficacy of the product.  The original term “essence” derives from the early practices of separating the bulk “vegetable” from the source of the results of that herb.  This essence is what creates the desired effect of the EO.  Distillation is used to extract the select light aromatic compounds that we want.  The distillation process is finely tuned for each EO.  The process is highly refined and critical to the quality of the resulting product.  This is true for whiskey, perfumes, and other high-value products that reduce large masses ...

Not All Oils Are The Same

In a word no, and for good reason due to the variability of the end product.  Starting with seed stock, process variabilities introduced by climate, harvesting and extraction processes and perhaps most critically, additives to dilute the final products make comparisons an important topic. So, what is the fundamental question – “Why is quality such a big deal?”  In short, essential oils are unique in how they are absorbed into the body reaching into every cell with some therapeutic effect.  EO’s can also carry unintended contaminates with them, so this must be considered.  I will include some independent resources to get you started but do your own research and ask ...

Peppermint Essential Oil

What is Peppermint Oil and How to Use it for Heat Stress on your Alpacas and other ruminants Peppermint Oil ( menta piperita) is processed through steam distillation using the whole peppermint plant. The oil has a high menthol content and is used to cool and refresh as well as have an energizing effect for your animals. Other uses for peppermint oil are to promote a healthy respiratory and digestive system as well as soothe aching joints. EO Peppermint is great to emotionally invigorate your animal's mind and body when they are feeling down or are dealing with painful ailments. It is great for not so friendly animals too and ...

Essential Oil Stress Away

Essential Oil Stress Away:  To Alleviate Stress and Anxiety on Alpacas and other Ruminants Stressful and anxious situations for alpacas and other ruminants can cause several health challenges. It is important to create an environment as stress-free as possible to prevent injuries to yourself and to your animals. Because of the stoic behavior of alpacas and other ruminants, recognizing that they do not show stress can also create anxiety and tension within the body of the animal not noticeable with the naked eye. Using specific essential oils can be a viable application to help calm your animals. I have found that using a blend called “Stress Away” can alleviate ongoing ...