A Guide To Essential Oils And Their Uses
What Is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the
application of essential oils which are intended to promote the
health and well-being of an individual. Although the essential oils,
which are extracted from plants, have very specific aromas which have
been used since the times of the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and
Romans, they also have numerous other important qualities and various
oils may be antibiotic, antiviral, antiseptic etc.
Essential oils have been
used in perfumery and healing for many thousands of years, even
before the ancient Egyptian times. The art of embalming was very
dependent upon essential oils, and Greek warriors are known to have
anointed themselves with oils before going into battle. Precious
gifts in the Middle East 2000 years ago included myrrh and
frankincense. In Europe in the middle ages, aromatic plants such as
clove, cypress, sage and rosemary were burned in an effort to control
plagues. The use of natural oils for both fragrance and healing
purposes however started to die out in the early nineteenth century
when scientists learned how to synthesize the plant oils for both
perfumes and medicines.
It was thought that the
new synthesized products would take the place of the natural, more
expensive substances, which accordingly fell out of favor. Since then
of course, we have learned that synthesized drugs do not always
provide the best answer and that nature often provides a solution
that is more suited to the task and with fewer side-effects.
In the early 1900's, a
French chemist named Gattefosse was working in his perfumery
laboratory when he suffered a severe burn to his hand. Wanting to
immediately cool his burn, but not having any water within reach, he
plunged his hand into a bowl of lavender essential oil. A few days
later, and to his surprise, he found that his burns were healing very
quickly and with minimal scarring. Gattefosse began to investigate
the properties of the lavender oil, and then other essential oils,
and he eventually became the principal authority on essential oils.
Gattefosse is today credited with rediscovering the art of using
essential oils from plants for 'health' purposes
Essential oils can enter
the body through the air via the nose and bronchial passages.
(Inhalation) or can be absorbed through the skin directly into the
bloodstream using massage. (Absorption).
Aromatherapy makes use of
both inhalation and absorption. The power of smell is a very powerful
trigger to the human nervous system. Some aromas, such as newly cut
grass, the sea breeze, etc. have evocative smells so powerful that
simply reading the word can remind us of the aroma. An aroma usually
has an immediate effect, which is why smelling salts can instantly
revive. The nose contains tiny hair-like extensions of the brain
which detect scent. The brain very rapidly interprets aromas that are
inhaled. It has long been known that certain smells or aromas have a
sedative or soothing effect whilst others have a stimulating effect.
A qualified aromatherapist uses essential oils to treat a surprising
number of ailments.
Although serious
conditions should always be treated by a qualified practitioner or by
a physician, many common ailments can be relieved safely and
effectively at home with aromatherapy. You may in fact, soon come to
regard essential oils as a vital part of your home first aid kit.
For self help, essential
oils are most commonly used to relieve aches and pains, for
relaxation and stress reduction, and for skin and hair care, but they
also have much wider possibilities. Many oils have proven antiseptic
properties and can be used as first aid and as an ongoing treatment
for cuts, burns, insect bites and bruises. Some other oils are
anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antibiotic, etc. Oils with
anti-fungal properties can be used in such conditions as athletes
foot and other fungal infections. Some can be used as an aid in the
overall management of more serious conditions, such as candida,
arthritis and rheumatism. In addition, since the oils work through
the brain to act on the emotions, they are very useful too not only
for stress relief, but in cases of anxiety, overwork, stage fright etc.
CAUTION:
NEVER use an essential oil internally unless
you are instructed to do so by a licensed physician OR a Medical
Aromatherapist. If you are being treated for cancer, consult your
oncologist before using essential oils, as they may interfere with
some treatment procedures. DO NOT use aromatherapy products if you
are receiving homeopathic treatments, as essential oils can change
the effects of homeopathic remedies. Consult your homeopathic practitioner.
The material on these pages is not meant to take
the place of diagnosis and treatment by a qualified medical
practitioner. Since the actual use of essential oils by others is
beyond the author's control, no expressed or implied guarantee as to
the effects of their use can be given, nor liability taken. Essential
oils are to be used at the user's own discretion.
