Essential Oils

• Essential oils have been used in the realm of medicine and healing for many years. Ancient Egyptians have used essential oils in the embalming process as well as for healing ailments. These oils are typically a concentrated form of volatile oils found naturally in plants. One defining characteristic of essential oils is that they have to be derived from the naturally occurring source. Since essential oils are more concentrated, they can cause skin reactions and users should be aware of the warnings associated with specific essential oils.
  
  

Flavoring Oils

• Flavoring oils are suitable for consumption in food to enhance a certain flavor. They can be made from essential oils or synthetic analogs. In each case, the oil is usually diluted to about 2 to 5 percent of the original concentration. Using higher concentrations of oils places them into the medicinal category because they are in high enough concentrations to have an effect on the body. These oils produce the flavor needed, but the amount of liquid needs to be kept to a minimum. Candy making is a prime example of this since the amount of water added to the mixture can alter the characteristics of the finished product.
  
  

Essential Oil Uses

• Essential oils are typically used in their concentrated forms for their various chemical properties. Carrier oils are used when an essential oil is to be used for the skin since using the pure essential oil can cause skin irritations for some people. These oils can also be used for lotions, lip balms, cleaning products and massage oils. Dilutions of the oils are also used as fragrances for perfumes.
  
  

Flavoring Oil Uses

• Oils used as flavorings are those that are desirable to eat, most commonly, flavors that mimic those of fruits, coffee or mint. Candy makers and bakers use flavorings to give confections very strong flavors, though sometimes the oils are preferred when using chocolate, because water based extracts can cause the chocolate to seize and change texture.