by Jody Boda~Newell
What Is Aromatherapy?
Most of us have the
misconception that aromatherapy is all about something that smells good and you
can buy it at the local store as a scented candle or similar product. You can
walk into any department store or grocers and be guaranteed to find some
product that says 'aromatherapy'' on it's label. Not to dissappoint the
American public , but this is NOT what aromatherapy is. Aromatherapy IS - the
therapeutic use of aromatic plant essences known as essential oils, which are
used to gain and maintain health. In use since ancient times, this was one of
the first types of medicine used by humans. The term 'aromatherapy' was coined
in the early 1900's by a French man named Gattefosse who has been referred to
at times as the 'Father of Aromatherapy''. It is my hope that people might know
what aromatherapy really is and be able to use it if they so choose.
The history of using plant essential oils starts with ancient cultures, where
healing was in the hands of priests, priestesses, shamans, and the like. It was
Hippocrates who first departed from the religious/ mystical mode of healing by
using methods of clinical observation which became the foundation for the
scientific approach that scientists use today in conventional medicinal
practice.There is now a great trend towards what is called the 'Holistic'
approach. In holistic health care, emphasis is placed on acheiving and
maintaining health through balancing and meeting the physical, emotional and
spiritual needs of a person by use of natural organic substances and healthy
living practices.
No matter what the human race has conceived healing to be throughout history,
there has always been forms of aromatherapy used to acheive health, and it is
no different today. Science can verify the effectiveness of the essential oils
used in aromatherapy and how they stimulate naturally occurring chemical
processes in our bodies, processes that effect us physically and emotionally
and make a profound difference on our state of health.
Americans have easier access to using aromatherapy succesfully than ever before
and it has become a fast growing market in this country. There are none of the
side effects that go along with over the counter conventional medicines. In
many cases, aromatherapy has proven to be more effective for an actual cure,
whereas most conventional medicines treat the symptoms but not the actual
cause. This is why the ailments keep reoccurring. There also cannot be enough
emphasis placed on the impact that proper eating and excercise has on our
health and these should be considered when trying to heal the body.
Essential
Oils and Their Benefits
Essential oils are the precious
volatile liquids which are the oxygenating, regenerating and immune defense
properties of plants that are obtained through distillation.They are the very
life essence of the plant. They are not like the viscous, slippery vegetable
and petroleum oils that we are used to thinking of when someone says 'oil'.
Because they are volatile liquids, they evaporate rapidly.
Purity of essential oils is determined by it's chemical constituents which can
vary according to factors such as the climate or altitude the plant was grown,
the season of it's harvest and the temperatures reached during the distillation
process of the plant material. Essential oils used for aromatherapy purposes
must be unadulterated pure GradeA oils in order to acheive the desired results.
They are not to be taken orally but applied to the body in proper dilutions.
Essential oils vary greatly in their wonderful healing properties, depending on
the plant they were distilled from. All essential oils have several properties,
not just one or two.
Essential Oils :
- are lipid soluble as well as having a very small molecular size. This enables
them to
penetrate the skin layers and cell membranes and can affect every cell of the
body within 20 minutes. They are then metabolized by the body like other
nutrients.
- contain oxygen molecules. Cells need oxygen to properly assimilate nutrients
which keep the cell alive. Essential oils provide needed oxygen which also
stimulates our body's immune mechanisms.
- are powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants protect our body from free radicals,
fungal growths, and oxidation of cells. When a cell oxidizes, it dies.
- have a wide range of properties including antibacterial, anti-cancerous,
anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antiseptic and
antiviral, just to name a few.
- have the ability to pass the blood-brain barrier which could make them
effective in treating such diseases as Lou Gehrig's, Alzheimer's, Multiple
Sclerosis, and Parkinson's Disease. Certain essential oils increase oxygen in
the limbic system of the brain which leads to increased secretions of
antibodies, endorphins and nuerotansmitters.
- when diffused into the air help to purify it. They remove toxins and metallic
particles from the air, increase atmospheric oxygen, and increase ozone &
negative ions in the immediate area which in turn inhibits bacterial growth.
They also rid an area of unpleasant odors while imparting their own fresh
aromatic scent.
Methods of Using Aromatherapy
There are many ways to
use aromatherapy in your home, work place and daily life. I have compiled the
following list to familiarize you with just a few methods of use that you can
easily do yourself.
Diffusers
Diffusers will disperse a fine mist into the air and leave the essential oils suspended
there for an hour or two. The diffuser you choose should not use heat as it can
alter the properties of the essential oils. Another very inexpensive way to
diffuse essential oils into the air is by using a fine mist hand sprayer filled
with a water and essential oils in proper proportion.
Massages
Because essential oils will pass through the skin and and into the bloodstream,
massage is a most efficient way to use essential oils. You can rub the
aromatherapy massage blend around the area that is afflicted with an ailment,
you can do a full body massage or you might want to use some reflexology
techniques. No matter what the technique you choose,you should have your
massage oil mixed in a strength consisting of no more than 10% total essential
oils used to 90 % carrier oil. Carrier oils to use could be any of the
following oils : grapeseed, almond, apricot kernel, olive or any of the nut
oils. Most of these can be purchased in healthfood stores or on line.
Baths
Bath preparations are an enjoyable, healthy and relaxing way to reap the
benefits of essential oil's healing properties. There are many bath products
you can buy or make at home. If you do buy these products, make sure they are
made with aromatherapy grade essential oils. These products include bath oils,
bath salts, bath sachets, liquid and bar soaps, and hair rinses & shampoos.
You can also make a blend of pure essential oils, and add 5 to 8 drops to your
bath after you have turned off the water.
Compresses
Compresses offer releif from arthritc and rhuematic aches and pains as well as
sore muscles, sprains, bruises, inflammation, and pain & congestion of
internal organs. The key here is to know when to apply cold or hot compresses.
COLD - for new or recent injuries, swelling & inflammation, and rashes.
WARM - for old injuries, muscular pain, menstrual
cramps, cystitis, abcesses.To make a compress take a bowl of approximately 1
quart of
water - for warm compresses use water as hot as you can stand - for
cold compresses use ice cold water. To this add 20 - 25 drops of chosen
essential oils. Take a peice of cotton fabric (a cloth diaper or cotton hand
towel will do fine) and place it in the bowl to soak. Remove from the water and
wring it out, open it up, fold it to the appropriate size, and place over the
affected area. Place a large folded dry towel or cling wrap over this. As the
hot or cold compress changes to body temperature, remove the compress and
repeat the process. Do this a few times.
Inhalations - The simplest way to use inhalations is to make or buy a blend of
pure essential oils and place a few drops on a handkerchief, then inhale. This
can also be done with herb sachets. Drops of these pure essential oil blends
can also be placed on your pillow at night; remember that pure essential oils
won't leave a grease mark. If you prefer not to put these blends on your pillow
you can use herb pillows & sachets or just a handkercheif and place them
nearby or tuck them in your pillow case. Another method is steam inhalation.To
do this, place a quart of boiling water in a glass or ceramic bowl. Add a few
drops of your pure essential oil blend and inhale the rising vapors being
careful not to burn yourself with the steam. This method is especially good for
congestion, colds and flu. Please DO NOT use steam inhalations for asthmatic
conditions.
General Rules of Storage & Safety for Home Use
It is important to store and use your essential oils in a proper manner to
ensure theirsafety and potency. First of all you should keep your essential
oils stored in tightly capped colored glass bottles to protect them from
destructive light and air. These essential oils should also be kept from high
temperatures. The refrigerator is a good a place to keep your essential oils.
This could can keep them good for over a year, especially if kept from light.
Also, when you open your bottle to use your essntial oils or aromatherapy
products, be sure to cap them back up immediately to preserve them from
oxidizing and evaporating. Never ever take essential oils orally unless under
supervision of a physician or trained aromatherapist. It is most important to
keep your essentil oils out of the reach of children. Always make sure you are
buying GradeA 100% pure essential oils for aromatherapy use. These essential
oils vary greatly in price depending on what they are. If you find an essential
oil that should be expensive but is being sold for cheap, beware, it is most
likely old or adulterated. If the essential oil looks cloudy, it is
adulterated. Almost All essential oils will totally evaporate and not leave a
grease spot when dropped on paper. If they do, thay are also adulterated.
Good rules of thumb:
- " If in doubt, avoid it ! "
- Do not use essential oils orally - the only time this would be
acceptable is when under
supervision of a qualified proffessional.
- More is not better, usually less is better and more efficient
therapeutically.
- Do patch testing. To do a patch test dilute 2 drops of the essential
oil in 1/2 teaspoon
of vegetable oil and rub a dab on the inner part of the elbow. If you do not
get a
reaction within in 30 minutes or so, then you may proceed to use it.
- Usually essential oils are put in a carrier oil or lotion base in
dilutions no greater than
10% total of all essential oils used in that prticular blend to 90% base.
Although some
are still safe in greater amounts there are others that should be used in
lesser amounts
than 10% dilutions. Specific Cautions :
- Camphor should be used with caution, if at all, by the home user, never ever
orally,
and avoided by pregnant or nursing women, children under 10, asthmatics, and
epileptics. Always do a patch test, use white camphor only, and never use more
than a
2% dilution.
- Cinnamon, Clove and Nutmeg should not be taken orally. They are also
notorious
for causing skin reactions so please use in minute dilutions and only after
patch testing.
- Anise, Star Anise, and Sassafrass essential oils should only be used for
fragrance
purposes by the home user. Never ever take them orally or use them on the body
!
- Wintergreen and Birch essential oils should never ever be taken orally and
should be be avoided by young children and pregnant or nursing women, those
with salicylate sensitivities or aspirin allergies, and anyone with blood
clotting problems or on MAO inhibitors. I do not recommend these for home use.
- Pennyroyal essential oil I cannot recommend for home users and never ever
take this orally! It could kill you if you do.
- When using Clary Sage, avoid alcohol and do not drive.
- Citrus Oils (bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime, mandarin, orange and
tangerine) can cause mild to severe photosensitivity to the skin. Avoid staying
in the sun or under UV lamps for at least 12 hours after using these oils in a
dilution stronger than .5 % (1/2 %)
Please be aware that using over the counter and prescription drugs can present
a greater risk than using essential oils. It's just that we aren't usually told
about the risks or possible side effects involved with conventional medicines.
For information on the risks involved in taking conventional medicine, please
consult a Pharmacist. Sometimes these medicines are necessary but for times
when we aren't in need of a Physician's care, aromatherapy presents a useful
and healthy alternative.
Always remember Do Not Take Essential Oils Orally and heed the
precautions given. If pure essential oils are accidentally swallowed, seek
urgent medical attention and DO NOT induce vomiting. Also avoid contact with
the eyes or immediate area around the eyes. If this should occur, rinse eyes
thoroughly with water. If stinging should persist after 10 minutes, you should
seek medical attention.
It is always wise to find out what you can about an essential oil before you
use it. Try to find a practicing Aromatherapist for advice. There are also many
good books on the market as well as some excellent correspondence courses. You
can also find information on line and there are several Associations that one
might join. The Home Use Essential Oils Chart gives a good starting point for
the would be home user. The essential oils on this list are chosen for their
safety and effectiveness when used correctly, and includes any cautions you
should be aware of. If you abide by these precautions, you will find that
essential oils are perfectly safe and beneficial.
A Few Recipes To Try
Relaxing & Romantic
Massage Oil
1/4 c. grapeseed oil
15 drops cypress E.O.
25 drops sandalwood E.O.
5 drops ylang-ylang E.O.
Mix all ingredients in a dark colored glass bottle and
cap tightly. Shake gently to mix. This
is good for whole body mas-
sage or try massaging into
back of neckand upper back
& shoulders.
Herb Sachet Inhalant (use dry herbs)
1/4 oz. peppermint herb
1/4 oz. eucalyptus herb
1/4 oz. lavender bud herb
Place herbs in a large bowl and to
this add 10 drops each of pepper-
mint and eucalyptus and 15 drops
of lavender essential oils.
Recommended Reading and Resources
There are many, many books on the market about aromatherapy. Here are a few
books I highly recommend for the home user.
'The Aromatherapy Book' by Jeanne Rose,
'Aromatherapy, A Holistic Guide - Balancing Body and Soul with Essential Oils'
by Ann Berwick
'Aromatherapy - Massage With Essential Oils' by Christine Wildwood
'The Book of Aromatherapy Blends - How to use essential oils and flower
remedies creatively' by Christine Wildwood
Blessings, Health and Happiness to All, Jody
Comments? You can e-mail Living Earth Herbalist Society at livingearth@bellsouth.net
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