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Living Essential Oils
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Aromatherapy: The Fragrances of Life. Health Products Business; 3/1/2000 GOOD SCENTS MAKE GOOD SENSE The marriage of therapeutic oils and man go way back -- thousands of years, in fact. Ancient Egyptians who used cedar oil for embalming, medicine and religious ceremonies knew the healing properties of scented woods, flowers and plants. Essential oils were first used by Arab cultures and were central to Babylonian, Chinese and Indian cultures, too. The Greeks believed that perfumes were intended for the gods. And Romans -- lovers of the bath -- used oils for massage. The word "parfume" originates from the Latin phrase "par fumare," meaning, "through smoke." For thousands of years, Asian and Indian cultures have burned herbs in the form of incense for religious and spiritual purposes. In 16th-century Germany, Jerome of Brunswick documented 25 oils that are still in use today. In the late 17th century, Nicholas Culpeper used peppermint oil in medicines, while orange and clove oils were worn in pomanders and rubbed on the skin to mask unsavory odors and fight off infection. During World War II, essential oils were administered by a French medical doctor for internal treatments. Aromatherapy, as it is currently practiced, came into being in 1937, when the word was coined by the French chemist Renee Gattefosse, in his classic book, Aromatherapie. AROMATHERAPY 101 Aromatherapy harnesses the concentrated energies present in essential herbal oils extracted from plants and trees. It combines them and their essences with baths, inhalation, friction, massage and compresses to create enjoyable and therapeutic mind-body experiences. Aromatherapy employs these potent volatile essences of aromatic botanicals to bring about gentle, soothing, positive changes. ESSENTIAL OILS -- WHAT THEY ARE Essential oils, or essences, are the most potent forms of a plant's tiny aromatic molecules, released when steam distillation over boiling water draws them out and subsequent cooling separates them. Essential oils can also be rubbed out of a plant, volatilized by the high temperature of a hot climate, or pressed from a plant. These essences may be distilled from flowers, stems, leaves, bark and wood. Lemon oil, for instance, stems from the zest of a rind, while chamomile oil is derived from the plant's flowers. HOW ESSENTIAL OILS WORK Essential oils use the mind-body connection to stimulate an emotional response to external stimuli. Aromacology, the science of medicinal aromas, discovered that exposure to certain aromas alters brain waves. Olfactory sensors detect aroma information transmitted to areas of the brain that affect learning, emotions, and hormonal balance and survival mechanisms. The biochemical and sensory effects of essential oils: * detoxify the body; * are natural antiseptics and antibacterials; * are natural analgesics that soothe sore muscles and relieve pain; * lubricate the skin; and * trigger aroma centers of the brain to positively affect personality, behavior, sleep patterns, increase attentiveness, awareness and mental capacity. Through the use of oils, lotions and creams in baths, massages, saunas, inhalation Steaming, room fragrances and compresses, essential oils make the body and mind happy, happy, happy. ENJOYING AROMATHERAPY Aromatherapy's benefits have been lauded for millennia. Some of the most enjoyed benefits include: * relief from physical, muscular, circulatory, digestive, skin, respiratory and emotional problems; * feelings of peace, harmony, well-being and health; * relaxing of body and mind; * reduction of physical and emotional stress; * a positive mood; * an overall sensation of pleasure; and * enhanced physical beauty. 18 OILS FOR THE BODY AND MIND 1. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) -- This popular native African culinary herb produces a sweet, light green oil. It is a superb nerve tonic that lifts fatigue, and erases anxiety and depression. 2. Bay (Pimenta racemosa) -- Roman emperors used the leaves of this world-class culinary spice to ward off evil spirits. The leaves produce a spicy, yellow-brown oil that is a pulmonary antiseptic, and a potent reliever of bronchitis, colds and flu. 3. Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) -- This Moroccan tree in the citrus family yields rich green oil that is uplifting, refreshing and effective against mouth and skin infections. 4. Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) -- Used by Egyptians for embalming, this cedar tree -- native to the United States and North Africa -- renders a clear oil that is an excellent aphrodisiac. It is also an excellent air freshener and bug repellent in closed areas, such as closets and drawers. 5. Chamomile (Anthemis noibilis) -- Found in Europe and North Africa, this pale blue oil from the plant's flowers possesses anti-inflammatory and sedative properties. 6. Clove (Eugenia carophyllata) -- The dried buds of the clove tree -- an ancient world-renowned spice -- contain eugenol, a natural topical painkiller used for toothaches and a powerful antiparasitic for eliminating intestinal worms. 7. Comfrey (Symphytum officionale) -- Traditionally used by Culpeper to treat internal problems, the plant's large, hairy leaves contain allantoin, a powerful cell regenerator that heals skin disorders, wounds, eczema and psoriasis, and eases menstrual discomforts. 8. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globus) -- One of the world's tallest trees, originally found in Australia - it has silvery blue leaves that produce a highly-potent, pale yellow oil. The plant contains eucalyptol, an excellent anti-inflammatory for respiratory ailments, asthma, flu, and bronchitis, which clears nasal passages. A very effective detoxifier. 9. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) -- Used by ancient Greeks and Romans, this age-old culinary seasoning gives off a sweet, licorice-smelling oil. Fennel is effective for constipation, digestive problems and nausea. 10. Jasmine (Jasminum oficionale) -- A favorite of Arab, Indian and Chinese cultures for perfuming the body and scenting rooms, this flower from Egypt and the East Indies yields an intense, deep red oil. A mood enhancer that relieves anxiety and depression, it is also prized as an aphrodisiac. 11. Lavender (Lavendula officionalis) -- A favorite of the Romans for their baths, lavender means lavare (to wash). This strong, clear to pale yellow oil skillfully balances nervous and emotional systems, and is a sedative tonic. 12. Lemon oil (Citrus limonum) -- This old standard purified ships' water on long journeys. Lemon rind yields an antiseptic, pale yellow oil with a mood-uplifting fragrance. It is widely used for perfumes, and is good for skin complaints. This pleasant oil also enhances the flavors and fragrances of foods. 13. Melissa (Melissa officionalis) -- 16th-century physician Paracelus called it "the elixir of life." The aromatic oil -- with a lemon-like fragrance (lemon balm) -- is an old calming cure for melan-cholia, hypertension, menstrual problems and migraines. 14. Patchouli (Pogostemon patchouli) - A traditional Indian perfume oil, which is sweet and spicy, patchouli is an excellent astringent for skin and scalp conditions, and a stimulating aphrodisiac. 15. Peppermint (Mentha piperata) - Favored by the Egyptians, the easily cultivated green leaves express a colorless aromatic oil that is excellent for digestion, headaches and toothaches. It is also a popular flavoring and fragrance for food. 16. Rose (Rosa centifolia) - An all-time favorite since Roman times for perfumes, scented baths and garlands, this wonderfully fragrant oil is a mood enhancer, aphrodisiac, tonic and fortifier. 17. Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) - Originally used by Australian aborigines, the twigs and leaves produce a pale green, strongly aromatic oil rich in powerful antiseptic and disinfectant terpenes - which effective treat burns, cold sores, sunburn, bacterial/fungus infections, stings and minor cuts. 18. Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata) - The yellow flowers of this tropical tree - native to Indonesia and the Phillipines - renders an oil with a sweet, jasmine-like fragrance. A great relaxer, it eases insomnia and has effective aphrodisiac powers. GETTING YOUR "FEEL GOOD" FIX Therapeutic massages are a classic aromatherapy treatment, primary therapy and essence delivery method. Infinitesimal quantities of oils enter the bloodstream to heal muscles and organs, while providing the relaxing, healing effects of the physical massage. Scents of the oils also make their way to the nose and create a pleasant response. There are several ways to get the "essence:" * Steam inhalation - Several drops of essential oils can be put into a bowl of steaming water. The oils volatilize and the vapors are inhaled. * Ring Burners - A small clay or metal ring that sits directly on a light bulb gets a few drops of oil, and heat from the bulb vaporizes the oils into the air. * Candle Fragrancers/Diffusers - A small, shallow bowl filled with water and a few drips of oil sits above a tea light candle to warm, volatilize and diffuse the oil. * Electric diffuser - This mixes essential oils with air and diffuses the vapor intermittently into the room. * Baths - Several drops of essential oils in hot bath water can be very relaxing. * Saunas - A few drops of pine or eucalyptus over the coals can invigorate and clear the sinuses. * Pomanders - Porous clay bottles with cork tops through which oils evaporate, they can be carried with you, anywhere. * Potpourri Pot - Simmering water releases the essences of fragrant herbs. WHAT TO CHOOSE * 100% pure essential oils are the undiluted oils, since they are distilled from the plants. * Carrier oils are neutral oils mixed with the pure oils to dilute the extreme concentration of essential oil. They are typically cold-pressed vegetable oils that contain vitamins and fatty acids, and do not have an aroma of their own. Sweet almond is the best all-purpose carrier, because it is neutral and non-allergenic. Walnut, apricot kernel and hazelnut oils are also commonly used. * Ready-mixed oils for massage and bath are a combination of essential oils and carrier oils, diluted in a ratio appropriate for the intended use. Always store all oils in dark glass containers. CAUTIONS The old adage "too much of a good thing" is true. Overexposure to essential oils and their vapors can irritate the skin, nose and sensitive mucous membranes, and cause headaches. Some essential oils are photosensitizing and can cause uneven pigmentation of the skin. A few are potentially toxic: Basil, bay, clary sage, comfrey, fennel, hyssop, juniper, marjoram, melissa, mugwort, myrhh, oregano, pennyroyal, rosemary, sage, sassafras, savory, thyme and thuja are not intended for use by pregnant women or children. CONCLUSION Not considered on the cutting edge, the slow, gentle action of aromatherapy is often overlooked in the search for an effective treatment option. Healing takes many forms, and easy to use, essential oils can be at the center of a natural, "feel good" therapy. Gary Bushkin, MS, CNC and Estitta Bushkin, MS, CNC, each received their degrees from the Clayton College of Natural Health. They have co-authored FAQs - All About Green Foods (Avery, Spring 1999) and FAQs - All About Folic Acid (Avery, Fall 1999). They are consultants to the natural products industry. COPYRIGHT 2000 Cygnus Business Media ** This information is provided for educational use only. It is not provided in order to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, illness, or injured condition of the body. Responsibility nor liability will be incurred to any person or entity with respect to any loss, damage, or injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the information contained above. Consult your health care professional if necessary. |
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Last modified: 03/24/08 |