http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2004/03/13/essential-oils.aspxBy Dr. Joseph Mercola with Rachael Droege Essential oils carry the physical properties of flowers and plants in a highly concentrated form. They are, in short, the essence of the plant and can provide therapeutic benefits in very small amounts. The particlesenCommunityServer 2008.5 SP1 (Build: 31106.3070)http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2004/03/13/essential-oils.aspx#48560Mon, 26 May 2008 02:23:04 GMT24451277-a5aa-4add-96dc-64081bfd86fa:48560orsue<p>I second that! &nbsp;Never heat essential oils! &nbsp;Also, really be sure that the brand you purchase is distilled properly and is truly pure without any &quot;fillers&quot; and that it hasn't been adulterated in any way. &nbsp;One way to easily tell: if it says not to ingest it--it's not the highest grade of purity. &nbsp;I prefer Young Living brand oils.</p> <img src="http://articles.mercola.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=48560" width="1" height="1">http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2004/03/13/essential-oils.aspx#48559Sat, 24 May 2008 16:12:49 GMT24451277-a5aa-4add-96dc-64081bfd86fa:48559She Who Must Be Obeyed<p>Hi - Like to call attention to one very important point. Essential oils should never be heat-diffused. It alters the chemistry of the oil's constituents and thereby can lessen its healthy effects. Cold-diffusion only!</p> <img src="http://articles.mercola.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=48559" width="1" height="1">