Aromatherapy for Health and Well Being

The benefits of botanical substances have been known throughout time; ancient Egyptians used aromatic oils for religious and medicinal purposes. However, the term, "aromatherapy" was not coined until the 1920's. This marked the beginning of modern therapeutic use of oils. But it has only been in the last decade that American society has begun to seriously investigate and utilize this knowledge from our ancestors. Today, ongoing research provides a scientific basis for the uses of these oils.


Essential oils are complex, very fragrant and volatile substances. They are the most potent and concentrated extracts of various parts of flowers, fruits, leaves, spices, roots and woods. The plant's essence molecule is approximately 75 to 100 times more concentrated as an essential oil than it would be dried! The essence molecule is believed to give the plant its "life force" protecting it from parasites and diseases. It plays an important role in fertilization and assists in the plant's adaptation to its environment.

The chemical families of essential oil constituents are terpenes, esters, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, phenols and oxides. Terpenes are anti-viral, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and bactericidal. Examples include lemon and pine. Esters are fungicidal, sedating and aromatic. A few examples include bergamot, clary sage and lavender. Aldehydes are sedating and antiseptic, and include melissa, lemongrass and citronella. Ketones help ease congestion and aid mucous flow, and can be toxic. Examples include fennel, hyssop and sage. Alcohols are antiseptic and anti-viral and have emotionally uplifting qualities. Rosewood, geranium and rose are in this category. Phenols are bactericidal and can be strongly stimulating and irritating to the skin. Such oils include clove, thyme and oregano. Oxides have expectorant and bactericidal properties and include eucalyptus, rosemary and tea tree.

In aromatherapy, the essential oils have four modes of action. The first is pharmacological, reflected in the effects of the chemical changes that take place when an essential oil enters the bloodstream and reacts with enzymes and hormones. The second mode of action is physiological, which refers to the effects the oil has on the body systems, such as whether it is sedating or stimulating, and so on. The third mode of action is psychological. Once the oil is inhaled, what is the individual's emotional response to that scent? Finally, the fourth mode is holistic, the total response of all four modes of action combined, including the subtle or "vibrational" effects on the person.

It is important to know that essential oils are soluble in fatty/vegetable oils. Because of this, these fatty/vegetable oils are called "carrier oils". Since essential oils are usually too concentrated to be used directly on the skin full strength, diluting an essential oil in a carrier oil is an excellent way to safely use these oils. Preferred carrier oils include sweet almond, vitamin E, and peanut oils, used either singly or as a combination. The combined oils are well absorbed through the skin and absorption rates will range from 20 minutes to two hours. Absorption will penetrate the body tissues, interstitial fluid and bloodstream.

In skin care, essential oils regulate the activity of capillaries and restore vitality to tissues. They facilitate the elimination of waste matter and dead cells and promote regeneration of new, healthy cells. When applied in a body massage, the oils are carried by the bloodstream to specific organs and systems of the body where they enhance functioning. Simply through inhalation, the oil elicits an immediate olfactory response and is readily absorbed into the bloodstream.

If cared for properly, essential oils can have a shelf life of up to seven years. Keep them in a cool dry place and avoid direct sunlight and exposure to air, which can be very damaging. You don't need to wait until illness or imbalance sets in, use your essential oils as part of your personal care routine. Following are some great ways to incorporate essential oils into your life.

In the bath

Add 10 to 15 drops of essential oil to your bath water, and immerse yourself in an exquisite experience!

Scent

Wear your favorite oil blend (sparingly!) on pulse points. You can create your own personal perfume this way!

Soap

Add 20 drops of oil to 4 ounces of unscented liquid soap. Shake well before you lather up.

Massage oil

Add about 15 drops of essential oil to one ounce of carrier oil or to a lotion. Use before or after your shower or bath.

Loofah

Add three drops to your loofah in the shower to strengthen and revive your circulation.

Shampoo and conditioner

To stimulate your scalp and strengthen your hair, add 12 drops of essential oil to one ounce of shampoo or conditioner.

Body mist

Add 10 drops of essential oil to 2 to 4 ounces of spring or distilled water, shake well and use as a body spray after bathing or showering.

Compress

Add 5 drops of oil to a bowl of cool or warm water. Soak a washcloth, wring out and apply. For your safety, remember these rules:

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