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Versatile Healers: Pure Essential Oils |
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As interest in all aspects of natural health and wellness grows, the use of essential oils is becoming more widespread. However, many individuals that are just learning about aromatherapy's possibilities sometimes don't know exactly what essential oils are. Well here's a little primer that get you started in using these wonderful gifts of nature in your own life! Pure essential oils are complex mixtures of aromatic compounds produced by plants. These are the essences that give plants their wonderful scents; it is these easily evaporated compounds that you smell when inhaling the aroma from a rose, or a pine tree, or a bunch of fresh basil.
by JaniceReese
As interest in all aspects of natural health and wellness grows, the use of essential oils is becoming more widespread. However, many individuals that are just learning about aromatherapy's possibilities sometimes don't know exactly what essential oils are. Well here's a little primer that get you started in using these wonderful gifts of nature in your own life! Pure essential oils are complex mixtures of aromatic compounds produced by plants. These are the essences that give plants their wonderful scents; it is these easily evaporated compounds that you smell when inhaling the aroma from a rose, or a pine tree, or a bunch of fresh basil.
A pure essential oil differs significantly than other commonly used oils such as Olive or Canola oil; these are actually liquid fats, whereas essential oils are more akin to alcohol or other volatile compounds in their basic structure (but not their aroma or physiological properties). Essential oils are the aromatic compounds that give plants their particular scents - like that of Jasmine flowers or bunch of fresh herbs. The oils easily evaporate - hence the term 'volatile' - and these are the chemicals sensed by your nose. And the oils play an important role in the lives of plants - they offer protection from microbial, viral and animal invaders, and may even act as chemical messengers between plants of the same species.
Producing essential oils of the highest grades is truly an art form. It takes a delicate balance of time, temperature and pressure during the distillation process to ensure the most complete range of molecular components is extracted. The finer oils will have the most wonderful aromatic bouquets for this reason - they contain a breadth of compounds when inhaled together give an oil a brilliant aroma. Relatively few essential oils are produced in this manner - many are destined for large manufacturing processes, and will not have the same aromas and therapeutic effects of the highest grade oils.
Medicinal and spiritual use of essential oils dates back thousands of years. Oils were used by the ancient Egyptians along with many other ancient cultures. Hundreds of references to their healing properties in the Christian Bible, along with anointing for spiritual growth and insight. Frankincense resin continues to be used in the Catholic church today during mass as a purifying and uplifting aromatic incense - a similar application of essential oils can be the anointing of the third eye or temples with Frankincense, Myrrh, Cedarwood, Sandalwood or a combination of these mind-centering aromatics.
The first modern-day distillation of essential oil was performed by the Persian philosopher Avicenna (980-1037 A.D.) who extracted the essence of rose petals through the 'enfleurage' process. His discovery and subsequent use of a wonderful perfume substance eventually lead him to write a book on the healing properties of essential oil of Rose. By the mid 1500's, many aromatic botanicals were being distilled in Europe and the Middle East. It was in the middle of the last century that the term 'Aromatherapy' was coined by French cosmetic chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse - Dr. Gattefosse discovered the healing properties of Lavender essential oil when, after burning his hands in a laboratory accident, he submersed them in the flower's essential oil. His amazingly speedy recovery prompted him to write his book 'Aromatherapy' in 1937.
Combating infectious illnesses like flu, bacterial and viral infections has been noted by medical aromatherapists as the most promising use of essential oils. Other applications include strong anti-inflammatory effects, powerful antioxidant properties, tissue regeneration, and cleansing of various organs and systems. Many psychological effects have also been studied, including sharpening of one's mental faculties and bringing calm in both adults and children. Here, it is important to find a qualified practitioner or trusted source of information to find the right oil and how to best employ it. Using the wrong oil will likely have no effects, and incorrectly using certain oils can be dangerous. There are many quality texts available online or at your library or bookstore.
The three primary modes of using essential oils are the following: Topical application (most often diluted in a carrier oil such as Almond oil, Hazelnut, Olive or other 'fatty acid') most often for muscular aches and pains and support for skin conditions and rejuvenation. Inhalation is commonly used for the psychological effects of oils - the olfactory sense organs being directly tied to the brain's emotional centers. Inhalation is also successfully employed for sinus and bronchial congestion along with other breathing ailments. In certain cases, ingestion is prescribed - capsules of peppermint essential oil have been shown effective in scientific studies on the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, a debilitating condition thought to be the result of rampant bacterial grown in the intestines. The list of the proven efficacy of essential oils continues to grow. There are many good texts available to education yourself, and a growing number of professional practitioners in the field. If you'd like to incorporate essential oils in your own health and wellness program, a little research surrounding your own needs will lead you in the right direction. Essential oils are powerful medicine - be safe, understand what you're doing, and you'll likely find aromatherapy can support your own personal needs in a fun and pleasantly aromatic way.
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