Essential Oils
Healing or Hype?
My first encounter with essential oils was about 10 years ago when I
got a professional massage. I remember how relaxed I felt as I inhaled the
soothing aromas while the masseuse worked the tension out of my body. I came
from that experience feeling relaxed but rejuvenated at the same time. I
wondered if what I was feeling was more from the effects of the essential oils
or the combination of both the aromatherapy and the massage. Needless to say, I
was intrigued.
If you’re anything like me, I’m a huge proponent of self-care. As part
of my routine, I loved to burn scented candles or use my favorite oils in an
oil burner. At the time I didn’t get into the many benefits and ways essential
oils could enhance my life.
My quest began with buying diffusers for home and office. I started
researching the benefits these healing oils have in our bodies, minds, and
emotions. I also learned more about the uses of essential oils in natural
cleaning products and air fresheners. As I gathered more information, I started
experimenting with different oils to see if my findings were true. I’m not a
holistic health expert, but from my experiences with applications of these
healing oils, it's encouraging me to work toward becoming a certified essential
oils specialist.
Does this spark your interest? If so, I welcome
you to come along with me as we explore what essential oils are, the uses, history
and the many benefits of essential oils.
Aromatic Oils the Treasure from the Pressure
Essential oils are fat soluble concentrated compounds extracted from plants, roots, seeds, flowers, and bark. In their pre-extraction state, these oils serve to protect the plant from insects as a built-in pesticide and from the ravages of the environment. Documented evidence has shown that from ancient civilizations, essential oils were an integral part of everyday life. They were used in religious ceremonies, embalming, perfumes, medicines, food preparation and for bathing.
Today these oils are used in body oils, soaps, candles and for various health and beauty aids. Holistic health care practitioners also use essential oils in an application called aromatherapy. This is a combination of ancient art and science to benefit the spirit, soul, and body. These extractions can be used both through inhalation and topically to bring harmony and healing.
Essential Oil Benefits and Uses
Inhaling the essence of these natural oils can penetrate the blood brain barrier and enter the limbic system where they can interact with your brain chemicals to balance emotions, memories, and hormones.
Methods of inhalation include: the diffuser method, applying the oils on a
cotton ball and breathing in the vapors, using them in a vaporizer or
humidifier. Although essential oils are not fully accepted in the medical
community, there are some psychotherapists that use these oils as a part of
their relaxation techniques and for its mood boosting properties.
There have been human experiments and studies
that have shown that lavender has been beneficial in increasing relaxation in
patients who have been diagnosed with anxiety disorders.
Fortifies the Immune System
If you are feeling under the weather, try using essential oils as a complement to over the counter or prescription medications. You may also use these oils alone as preventative care to maintain your wellness goals. They have potent anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. These aromatic oils are excellent for boosting your immunity by combatting pathogens and defending against free radical damage.
Essential oils are a good aid if you are having
digestive issues. They relieve stomach upset, indigestion, and in some cases,
IBS. They also stimulate the digestive tract to promote better breakdown of foods
and enhance elimination. Peppermint and Ginger are excellent for this purpose.
If you need more mental clarity, plant-based oils can increase your focus, memory, and learning ability. Studies have shown that in individuals with dementia, essential oils have been used to promote a sedative effect.
Stress and Anxiety
Rubbing It In
Using Essential Oils for Pain Relief
If you are dealing with joint or muscle pain, you will be surprised at the results essential oils will bring. I’ve tried frankincense on my knees and I was shocked at how much better they felt. Ginger essential oil extracted from the spicy ginger root is also excellent in relieving muscle soreness and menstrual cramps.
Rosemary is one of my favorites because it’s an anti-inflammatory and
eases pain.
Eucalyptus is another champ when it comes to pain relief and relieving
muscle spasms
Other oils you may want to try are, Turmeric, Tea Tree and Myrrh. Side
note: If you are going to use these oils as a rub, be sure to use them with a
carrier oil such as olive oil, sweet almond oil, or coconut oil to avoid skin
irritation and burning.
Skin and Hair Benefits
If you have itchy skin or scalp, Tea Tree and Peppermint oils are excellent remedies. Just combine a few drops of this potent oils with a
carrier oil and apply daily. Another suggestion may be to combine tea tree and eucalyptus with coconut oil or vitamin e oil to improve skin conditions, such
as eczema or psoriasis. Because of the anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory
properties these oils possess, they can also aid in wound healing and will
improve the appearance of your skin.
To alleviate pain and inflammation from skin
wounds, try these healing oils:
Lavender – soothes itching from bites and pain
from cuts and scrapes
Rosemary – is also good for skin care. It kills
germs and promotes healthy cells
Enhances Relaxation and Sleep
Unfortunately, in our modern-day grind, sleep
has become less of a priority. Whether we realize it or not, poor quality sleep
and rest will affect our immunity cause brain fog, and declining health.
If you are having issues with good sleep
hygiene, try the sedative effects of lavender, chamomile, or bergamot oils. I
love to combine lavender and eucalyptus in my diffuser at night. They bring a
soothing, relaxing feeling that eases you into a restful sleep.
Aromatherapy: A Journey Through an Oily History
A Biblical Account
During Biblical times, essential oils were a vital part of daily living. In Exodus 30:34-38 Moses was instructed by God to use hyssop, cinnamon, clove, myrrh, cassia, spikenard, frankincense, galbanum, olive oil and other spices for anointing oil and incense in the Tabernacle. These oils were used by the priests and the congregation in their participation of worship and sacrifice. These oils were also used as medicinal purposes, cooking and as a form of currency. And we also know the Biblical account of the Three Wise Men (Magi) that worship the Lord Jesus by bringing him gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh.
From Biblical times and throughout the ages the practice of using essential oils to provide a good quality of life has been proven and documented. Let’s do some more exploring of historical accounts.
Egypt
Known for its art, worship, and proficiency in mathematics and science, the ancient Egyptians used essential oils in religious and war ceremonies. Going back from 2000 BC, they also used the purest oils for bathing, beauty treatments and embalming. Some of the priests during that time were also physicians who used tinctures, balms, and powders as medicinal treatments.
Greece
In historical accounts, the ancient Grecians
were known for studying, extracting, and using plants and their oils for
medicine. The Greek physician, Hippocrates studied and documented the affects of
the essence of plants as promoting healing. He was also known for using
fumigation in the city of Athens to ward off the deadly effects of the plague. Another
known Greek physician is Galen. He was reported for using essential oils to
treat injured soldiers. He has an impeccable record for not losing anyone under
his care.
India
India is known for Ayurvedic Health. This practice entails using natural herbal and oil treatments to promote holistic health. Ancient physicians known as Vedas were some of the first to use aromatherapy. They were known to have prescribed oils such as coriander, cinnamon, sandalwood, spikenard, and myrrh. Massage therapy using essential oils was a common practice to promote healing as well. This method has been used for around 5000 years and is still widely used today.
Rome
The Romans valued Essential Oils for their
healing benefits and enhancing their natural beauty. The ancient Romans used
plant oils in their baths and as therapeutic massage therapy. Dioscorides, a
famous Greek physician for the Roman army, wrote a 5-volume thesis promoting
herbal medicine. They valued natural oils as a part of their daily lifestyle in
worship, food preparation, and medical treatment.
China
The earliest record of China’s use of essential
oils dates back to early 2697 BCE. Holistic medicine from herbs and plants was
and is still a mainstay of Eastern culture. Shennong, the Chinese ruler, also
known as the father of Chinese medicine, used his genius to document the oldest
medical text, called Shennong’s Herbal, which dates around 2200 BC. He took it
upon himself to consume herbs to test the potency and the safety of the
compounds to use as medicine. Another contributor to aromatherapy and herbal
medicine is the Yellow Emperor, Huong Ti. He is recorded to have written a book
on internal medicine that is still used as a reference for Eastern medicine
today.
Europe
During the Middle Ages, the use of aromatic
oils and herbs was considered taboo. The Catholic Church condemned the use of
herbal treatments and oils deeming them as inappropriate. There were some who
were either excommunicated or executed for their aromatherapy practices. Monks
of that era risked their lives in order to continue their study and practice of
herbal medicine.
In 1910, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, known as the
father of aromatherapy and a cosmetic chemist, severely burned his hands and
arms in an accidental explosion. Using quick thinking, he submerged his arms
into a vat of lavender oil which resulted in stopping the progression of
chemical burns on his skin. The oil sped up the healing process with little to
no scarring or infection.
Going through these different accounts of how
essential oils have benefitted our world, it’s amazing how the discoveries and
practices of past ages are still making an impact in holistic medicine and
aromatherapy today. So if you are ready to start your aromatic journey see my next post on the 9 essential oils to start your wellness journey.