Aromatherapy 101
What exactly is Aromatherapy? Aromatherapy is the art of healing the Mind, Body and Spirit with essential oils which have been harvested from nature. “Aroma” refers to the scent the essential oil possesses and “therapy” refers to the fact that essential oils have been used to heal for centuries. There are over 3000 essential oils with approximately 300 commonly used. Essential oils are highly potent oils extracted from plants, twigs, roots, bark, fruits, rinds, and petals. It takes at least one pound of any given plant to provide one drop of essential oil. There are many therapeutic uses of essential oils, including infections (viral, bacterial and fungal), wound healing and skin regeneration, immune system support, nervous system imbalance, emotional and psychological issues, hormonal imbalance and auto-immune disorders. In other words, essential oils balance hormones, help regulate blood pressure, sedate, relax and stimulate. They are also great for muscle aches, pains, burns, sinus problems, coughs and colds, migraines, stress, anxiety, depression, symptoms of PMS and Menopause as well as many other ailments. When used properly they can be very effective in the treatment of many conditions.
The most frequent question we are presented with is “How can something heal me by just smelling it?” Well the answer is quite simple. Each essential oil is made up of molecules which are absorbed into the body either through skin absorption or inhalation. These molecules, when inhaled, enter the olfactory area of the brain in the limbic system. This area of the brain is responsible for our memory, emotions, heart rate, sexuality and hormones. Essential oil molecules also enter through the skin. They are then transported through out the body via oxygen molecules in the blood stream. The essential oil molecules attach themselves to harmful toxins, free-radicals, cell debris, fungi, bacteria, and viruses in the body and carry them away. It may take anywhere from twenty minutes to seven hours for the skin to fully absorb the essential oils, and anywhere from three to twenty hours to eliminate them. We eliminate them through our sweat, urine, and saliva.
But do these essential oils really work? Yes, they have been used for centuries to heal. In fact, in Europe they are used quite frequently by the medical profession and are prescribed by some doctors. At this point in time, we as consumers are more conscious of being “Green” and are in search of natural, inexpensive alternatives, which are environmentally friendly. Also, people are becoming more and more fed up with the increasing costs of healthcare and prescription drugs. They are looking to educate themselves for a more holistic way to help heal their body. In addition, there is no prescription drug which will rid the body of a virus; but, there are essential oils that will. Plus, essential oils don’t have the side effects the prescription drugs have and the essential oils smell so wonderful.
The question now is, “Where do I begin?” It can be very intimidating. Have you ever found yourself standing at a health food store in front of a sea of little dark blue bottles wondering which ones to buy, how to mix them, how many drops to use, what carrier oil to blend them into? All to be so confused that you put them all back. Or maybe you’re the adventurous type who brought them all home, only to find them sitting on your shelf. There are so many oils to choose from, how do you decide? Well, to narrow it down, the following are a good start:
• Lavender (Lavndula angustifolia) is a multi-purpose oil. Its properties are antiseptic, wound healing, regenerative, and balances the central nervous system. Medically it’s used for illness, burns, injury, and migraine headaches. It also reduces nervousness, tension and aids with insomnia.
• Tea-tree (Melaleua alternifolia) ~ Its properties are very medicinal. It’s considered an expectorant, antiviral and antibacterial. It’s wonderful for acne, general skin care, colds, flu, inflammation and is great as a decongestant.
• Eucalyptus ~ The two most commonly used are Eucalyptus radiata and Eucalyptus globulus. They both have similar compositions, with slight differences. Eucalyptus radiata originates in Australia, while Eucalyptus globulus originates from Australia, Corsica, Spain, and Portugal. Their properties are medicinal, being an expectorant, antiviral and antibacterial. It’s used as a decongestant for the cold and flu, acne and general skin care.
• Eucalyptus Citriodora (Eucalyptus citriodora) ~ This oil has properties that are antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and relaxing. It’s used to treat muscle pain, joint pain, acne and general skin car. It’s considered to be a sedative.
• Lemon (Citrus limon) ~ Its properties are considered to be an antiviral, antiseptic, relaxing and stimulating, diuretic and detoxifier. It’s used as a disinfectant, liver detox, and skin purifier. It is also known to aid with cellulite, puffiness and water retention. It’s relaxing and uplifting. Caution should be used as it is a potential skin irritant.
• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) ~ It has very calming and relaxing properties. It is considered an astringent, antiseptic and digestive stimulant. It’s used for digestive cramping, nausea, infection, acne, atopic dermatitis and oily skin. Its very uplifting and is used for anxiety. It’s very photosensitive and exposure to the sun / UV lamps should be avoided after application.
• Geranium ( Pelargonium asperum) ~ This is considered an adaptogenic oil as it has the ability to adjust to the body’s needs. It is an antiseptic and fungicidal. It’s great for viral infections, PMS and systemic balance. It is also used for general skin care.
• Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) ~ It’s properties are antiseptic, a purifier and diuretic. It’s used as an antiviral and disinfectant. It is used for general skin care, cellulite, acne and is considered to be very uplifting.
• Helichrysum -Everlasting, Immortelle ( Helichrysum italicum) ~ Its properties are anti-inflammatory, cell regenerative and are known for hematoma reduction and liver regeneration. It’s used for inflammation, bruises, swelling, wound healing, general skin care, inflamed skin conditions, atopic dermatitis, acne, psoriasis, scar reduction, wrinkle reduction and is a free radical scavenger. It is known to be very relaxing and balancing.
• Peppermint (Menthax peperita) ~ Its properties are considered stimulating, cooling, antispasmodic and digestive balance. It’s used for stomach issues, nausea, liver congestion, fevers, PMS, allergies and bad breath. Peppermint is used to treat acne and is a skin purifier and stimulant. It’s considered very energizing and clearing to stimulate the mind. Caution with small children – not to be used. Caution when used undiluted or in a bath as it will reduce body temperature.
• Rose (Rosa damascene) & (Rosa centfolia) ~ It’s properties are considered a “cure all”. It’s an antiseptic, cell regenerative, balancing, nerve tonic. It is used to regulate the liver and spleen. It’s used for general skin care, mature skin, wrinkles and scars. It’s considered to be an aphrodisiac as well as emotionally balancing. Rose is wonderful for self esteem, depression, nervousness and anxiety.
• Ylang- Ylang (Cananga odorata) ~ It’s properties are antiseptic, antispasmodic, and is a sexual stimulant. It’s used for heart palpitations, cramps, general skin care. Ylang-Ylang is considered euphoric, uplifting and releasing which helps with anxiety and depression. It’s also a known aphrodisiac.
Beware some of these oils are very expensive and may cost up to a hundred dollars and ounce!
Essential oils should also always be purchased from a reputable source, making sure they are therapeutic grade. Not all oils need to be organic (unless you’re a stickler!) As the oils are steam distilled any pesticides that are used are diminished. However, oils that are cold pressed (like citrus oils) should always be organic. The essential oils are extracted from the rind of the fruit. Organic carrier oils should always be used.
Let the journey begin...... wearing protective gloves and eyewear, essential oils should be handled with care as they are extremely concentrated and should never be used “neat” (straight), with the exception of lavender and tea tree oil. Essential oils need to be stored in a dark blue bottle in a cool, dry place to preserve them. First, blend the essential oils together, no more than 2-5% dilution. Then you may add the carrier oil. Organic jojoba or apricot kernel oil are good choices. Roll the bottle gently to blend, never shake. The blend is now ready to be applied to the skin or inhaled from the bottle. Simply put a few drops of the oil in the palms of your hands and inhale deeply. Rub a few drops on the soles of your feet or inside the wrists for quick absorption. Oils like patchouli and sandalwood only get better with age, as citrus oils only have a six month shelf life.
Research should always be conducted before using any essential oils, as some are contraindicative. Carefully follow the instructions given and enjoy the world of aromatherapy! You may also want to meet with a certified aromatherapist to discuss your personal needs.
Sincerely,
Beverly Buccheri Certified Aromatherapist
Christine Lyman Certified Aromatherapist
BC Essentials Aromatherapy for the Mind, Body & Spirit
www.bcessentials.com
1-781-983-0304
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