The world of Essential Oils has always fascinated me. I knew those drops of oil were relaxing in a massage or a bath, made the air around me smell nice, and generally made me feel better. What I didn’t know was pretty much everything else.
I wanted to know more. I wanted to help my family and friends with their own health journeys. I wanted to live a more natural life myself being able to safely use Essential Oils all the while needing to take medication for my own health conditions. All of this led me toward learning more about Aromatherapy and the safe use of Essential Oils.
Essential Oils are not new, although I do think they seem to be more prevalent now as people desire a more holistic health approach and less dependency on pharmaceuticals and over the counter products.
In ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, Essential Oils of Frankincense, Myrrh, Pine, Juniper Berry, Cinnamon, and other precious oils were used to heal wounds, soothe burns, ease pain, lift depression, and address all manner of health concerns.
Here we are in 2024 and these same Essential Oils of Frankincense, Myrrh, Pine, Juniper Berry, Cinnamon, along with a multitude of even more precious oils are still being used to heal wounds, soothe burns, ease pain, lift depression, and address all manner of health concerns. What worked then, still works and likely even better.
Why Essential Oils? Perhaps this question should be posed as Why NOT Essential Oils?
Earth’s bounty has provided us plant life brimming with opportunities for natural health maintenance or ways to improve our health. Essential Oils, extracted from trees and shrubs, flowers, leaves, roots, grasses, and fruits, can be an important part of your health journey. It may not be the only part of your journey, but I believe it can play an important role.
In ancient times, Essential Oils were used out of necessity to heal their sick, as modern medicine was not yet available. Tinctures, ointments, compresses, perfumes, and aromatic waters were used in place of the pharmaceuticals, medicinal, and fragrance products we use today. Spices and herbs were not only important in economic trading but were used in ceremonial and religious events as well as in culinary preparations. These same spices and herbs are still used today. Nutmeg and Cinnamon, Rosemary and Thyme are tastes and aromas we are familiar with and often use in our own kitchens. Yet, those very same spices and herbs, along with other plant parts, can be distilled into Essential Oils useful for a wide range of situations.
Although original extraction methods were rudimentary, compared to today’s modernized distillation, storage and sterile processes, the healing power within the oils remain the same. In fact, thanks to the research of founding Fathers and Mothers in the field of Aromatherapy and today’s ongoing research and discovery, we continue to uncover new applications for Essential Oils to address physical, emotional, and spiritual concerns.
Experts in the field of Aromatherapy today continue to learn more and share their findings on blending of different oils, the chemical make-up of individual oils often based on where and how they were grown, research trials and results as well as safety concerns or cautions. This continued education and sharing of knowledge, creates an environment where almost everyone can benefit from Essential Oils, providing knowledge and caution are applied.
Most people are aware of, and often even use for their own purpose, the more popular Essential Oils of Lavender, Peppermint, Chamomile and Tea Tree. There are many more oils which are beneficial that allow an Aromatherapist to choose from more than one oil to accomplish the same purpose, helpful if a client consumes conflicting medication or has an aversion to a specific aroma. While there are close to 400 Essential Oil profiles known and listed¹, likely around 100 or so would be in common use.
So, Why Essential Oils? They can:
- Act as a mild sedative, aiding in helping you fall asleep and improving your quality of sleep (Sweet Orange, Patchouli, Lavender)
- Ease acute or chronic pain because they contain analgesic properties (Copaiba, Peppermint, Ginger)
- Tend to prevent the growth or spread of bacteria with their antibacterial properties (German Chamomile, Lemon, Rosemary)
- Uplift your mood by acting as an antidepressant (Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, Grapefruit)
- Provide relief of seasonal colds, flu, sore throats (Cajeput, Eucalyptus, Sweet Marjoram)
- Relieve premenstrual syndrome, menstrual cramps and regulate menstrual cycle (Geranium, Cypress, Ginger)
- Soothe multiple skin issues: dry, cracked skin, eczema, and dermatitis, (Helichrysum, Sandalwood, Frankincense)
Essential Oils aren’t just for dealing with health issues though.
Geranium, Sweet Orange and Cedarwood (Himalayan) are wonderful additives to body butters, and bath salts containing Lavender and Roman Chamomile make for a relaxing bath. There are a multitude of beauty products where the addition of Essential Oils can contribute to your overall pampering experience while doing good for your skin and your psyche.
Beyond our body applications, Rosemary and Lemon are excellent choices for an all-purpose cleaner, Orange and Pine have disinfecting properties to clean most floors, Roses added to a spray mixture can make for sparkling windows, and Lavender can be added to your fabric softener.
But wait, there’s more. Looking for a natural insect repellent while in the woods or sitting on your deck in the evening? Look no further than your Essential Oil supply. Clove Bud, Eucalyptus, Citronella or Juniper Berry can all ward off insects. If you do get bit though, try some Lavender, Myrrh or Tea Tree as they, and others, can offer some relief.
The world of Essential Oils is worth exploring for your own health and the health of those you love. It is an exciting world, part science, part art, and, with safe use, often beneficial as you live your best life.
Join me next time as I share some thoughts on Essential Oils and Safety.
Until then, be well, be beautiful.
Elaine
¹Tisserand & Young, Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition.