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What Are Rectified Essential Oils?

Oils within a plant are the true essence of the plant it came from, highly concentrated and far more potent than dry herbs. A plant's true essence protects it from insects, environmental conditions and disease. It is this vital element that enables a plant to grow, live, evolve and adapt to its surroundings. Rectified essential oils have many uses, often determined by the quality of the rectification process.

  1. Rectification Process

    • When first distilled, many plant oils contain an unpleasant sulfurous odor with weedy overtones. The oil must be rectified with a specialized vacuum. Rectification improves the aromatic quality of the oil. Distillation occurs in a still. Single rectified essential oils reject the bottom 2 to 4 percent of remaining oil in the still due to residue. Double rectification means rejecting the bottom 5 to 10 percent in the still following the first rectification. Following the second rectification process, 2 to 5 percent of the oil at the bottom of the still is rejected.

    Quality and Price

    • A variety of factors affects the quality and price of rectified essential oils. Quality is determined by where and how the plant was grown and quality standards of the distiller. Essential oils produced under carefully controlled conditions in modern still-rooms result in the best quality oils. Poor quality, impure oils typically come from regions with primitive field conditions. Price is determined by production quality and rarity of the plant.

    Uses

    • Essential oils have many uses, such as freshening air, bathing, compresses, massage, skin and hair care, steam inhalation and vaporization. Carefully inhaled essential oils enter the lungs and blood stream, providing relief from colds, allergies and congestion, according to Aroma Web. Other common uses include candle making, cosmetics, hygiene products, medicinal, perfumes and liqueurs. Herb and spice rectified essential oils are pure and edible, adding flavor to recipes. Just remember that with highly concentrated oils, a little goes a long way.

    Precautions

    • According to Esoteric Oils, if you have cancer, cardiac problems, epilepsy, diabetes, high blood pressure, liver problems, skin conditions, or if you are elderly, pregnant or sensitive to the sun, you should not use rectified essential oils without permission from your physician. Use caution with rectified essential oils around children, as some oils can be harmful if ingested.

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