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THE POWER OF ESSENTIAL OILS
Mother Nature has many tools to offer when it comes to Natural Remedies. Clearly, Essential Oils are one of such valuable remedies. I truly believe everyone should have Essential Oils in their homes.
History of Essential Oils
Throughout world history, fragrant oils and spices have played a prominent role in everyday life. The Koran mentions sweet-smelling Sandalwood. One of the Dead Sea Scrolls refers to Essential Oils. There are many references to Essential Oils, incense, and ointments throughout the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Aromatics such as Frankincense, Myrrh, Cinnamon, Cassia, Rosemary, Hyssop, and Spikenard were used for anointing and healing the sick through the many centuries. Napoleon is reported to have liked cologne water made of Nerouli so much, that he ordered 162 bottles of it! In the 12th Century, Hildegard of Bingen used herbs and oils extensively for healing.
The reintroduction of Essential Oils into modern time first became evident during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. René-Maurice Gattefossé, PhD., a French cosmetic chemist, is widely reported as the father of Aromatherapy. In his 1937 book, Aromathérapie, Dr. Gattefossé reports his extraordinary personal experience as he was the victim of an explosion in his laboratory that burned him gravely. After following the conventional treatment of his time, he unfortunately developed gas gangrene. As a last recourse, he then decided to apply Lavender Essential Oil directly on his hands and arms which resulted in a spectacular healing of his wounds. Dr. Gattefossé shared his experience with Dr. Jean Valnet a medical doctor practicing in Paris. Exhausting his supply of antibiotics as a physician in Tonkin, China during World War II, Dr. Valnet began using
therapeutic-grade Essential Oils on patients suffering battle injuries. To his surprise they exerted a powerful effect in combating and counteracting infection. He was able to save many soldiers who might otherwise have died. Dr. Valnet published a book, L’Aromatherapie which is still today considered as an important reference source in Aromatherapy. After Dr. Valnet, Dr. Paul Belaiche and Dr. Jean Claude Lapraz expanded Dr. Valnet’s work in the antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties of Essential Oils. I was personally trained by Pierre Franchomme and Daniel Pénoël, MD., who together wrote L’Aromatherapie Exactement, which I personally consider as THE Bible of Aromatherapy.
What Are Essential Oils?
The Science of Essential Oils is called Aromatherapy, which means that it studies the Aromatic part of a plant or the smelling part of the plant. If we take a leaf of Peppermint in our hands and look under it carefully, we can see little bubbles. These bubbles contain Essential Oils, and as we crush the leaf in between our fingers, it then breaks the bubbles from which tiny drops of Essential Oils are freed up. These drops are extremely aromatic but also very therapeutic.
Essential Oils are chemically very complex, consisting of hundreds of different natural compounds. The average Essential Oil may contain anywhere from 80 to 200 natural chemical constituents. Moreover they are very concentrated and far more potent than dried herbs. The best way to extract them from the plant is by distillation, because it keeps all the precious plant constituents intact. Unscrupulous companies choosing other means of extraction such as chemical solvents or high degree temperatures either do not know or do not care about what they are doing. The reason they are using these “short cuts” is because it may take a huge amount of plant to obtain small amount of Essential Oil as well as a huge amount of time if done properly by distillation. For example, it takes one ton of rose petals to extract one liter of Rose Essential Oil, which makes this Oil one of the most
rare and expensive Essential Oil on the market.
Essential Oils are very different and not to be confused with vegetable oils such as corn oil, olive oil, or almond oil. They are not at all greasy and do not clog the pores of the skin. However, they are NOT water soluble, but they ARE fat soluble. This means that they have to be put into a carrier oil such as olive oil or almond oil if you need to dissolve them in a bath otherwise they would just sit on top of your bath water.
Essential Oils are volatile and subtle liquids distilled from various parts of plants, shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes and seeds. One of the factors that determine the purity of the oil is its natural chemical constituents which need to be preserved. They can be easily destroyed by high temperature or high pressure as well as contact with chemically reactive metals, such as copper and aluminum. This is why all therapeutic-grade Essential Oils should be distilled in stainless steel cooking chambers at low pressure and low temperature. The plant material should also be free of pesticides, herbicides and other agrichemicals. Inferior quality or adulterated oils most likely will not produce therapeutic results and could possibly be toxic.
Application of Essential Oils
Before you start using Essential Oils, there are a few CAUTIONS of which you should be aware:
1. Essential Oils are highly concentrated, thus only a few drops are necessary.
2. Some Essential Oils are photosensitive, which means that if you apply them on your skin and expose your body to the sun right after their application, it may leave some marks on your body.
3. Some Essential Oils are suitable for internal usage, others are not. Always seek advice from skilled professional before taking any Essential Oils internally.
4. If you inadvertently put Essential Oils into your eyes, do not rinse with water. Rather, take a drop of olive oil and apply it in the corner of your eye. The Essential Oil will be absorbed quickly by the fat content of the olive oil.
Methods of Application:
There are four main ways of applying Essential Oils:
1.
Diffuse them into a room through a diffuser. The diffuser is a small electric device that is plugged into the wall, and vaporizes the very volatile Essential Oils into the air. Other diffusers are simply ceramic cups where you place a few drops of Essential Oils, on top of a heat source such as a candle. Or you can put a few drops of Essential Oils on top of a heater. This method is perfect for cleansing a room, to simply perfume a room, or for therapeutic purposes. When a fragrance is inhaled, the odor molecules travel up the nose into specific cells of the limbic system of the brain. Because the limbic system is directly connected to those parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels, and hormone balance, Essential Oils can have some profound physiological and psychological effects on body and on the mind.
2. Apply Essential Oils onto the skin, either pure or diluted into a “carrier oil” such as olive oil or almond oil.
3. Put Essential Oils into a bath through a “carrier oil” such as olive oil or almond oil.
4. Internally: Take a few drops of Essential Oils into a teaspoon of organic raw honey.
Classical Applications of Essential Oils THAT YOU CAN USE SAFELY:
Sweet Basil (Ocimum Basilicum):
Sweet Basil is grown in many a garden and used extensively in cooking. As an Essential Oil, Sweet Basil is a digestive and tonic as well as antiseptic. For digestive disorder, take 1 or 2 drops of Sweet Basil in olive oil just before eating. For skin care, put directly a few drops on insect bites. Sweet Basil can also be used to relieve headaches by massaging a drop or two on the temples. It helps mental fatigue by applying it onto the head, forehead, heart and navel.
Bergamot (Citrus Aurantium ssp. Bergamia)
Bergamot has been used in the Middle East for hundreds of years for skin conditions associated with an oily complexion. Bergamot is put in Earl Grey Tea which gives it its distinctive flavor. Bergamot Essential Oil is very good for the nervous system as it reduces anxiety, insomnia, and helps handle stress. You can put 5 drops of Bergamot Essential Oil in a relaxing bath, or diffuse in the bedroom just before sleeping. For lack of appetite, put 1 drop of Bergamot in olive oil just before eating.
Safety: Bergamot is very photo sensitive and should not be applied to skin that will be exposed to direct sunlight or ultraviolet light within 72 hours of application.
German Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla)
German Chamomile has been used for thousands of years for many skin conditions and stress related disorders. It can be applied directly to a cut, insect bites, or dry and sensitive skin. It can be massaged onto the temples for migraines, and diffused in a room for relaxation in case of insomnia. It is also an expectorant if used in inhalation: put 4 to 5 drops into a bowl of hot water, and breathe deeply over the bowl for 10 minutes. German Chamomile is suitable for children; it helps dispel anger, stabilizes emotions and clears the mind. It is also useful in stomach upset: 2 drops in olive oil every 2 hours.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum)
Cinnamon is well known for its sweet taste in desserts, but its properties extent to much farther. Cinnamon is a powerful antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal. Researchers found that viruses cannot live in the presence of Cinnamon oil. It is also a general tonic, a sexual stimulant; it increases blood flow, and is a light anticoagulant. You can diffuse it, or apply it topically to the bottom of the feet, ankles, and wrists. It may be added to food or water as a dietary supplement. Cinnamon has recently been recognized to help reduce blood sugar.
Citronella (Cymbopogon Nardus)
The main application of Citronella is as an insect repellent. You can diffuse it in the rooms before bedtime. It also purifies the air as a general cleanser. If applied directly onto the skin, it relieves insect bites. Various cultures have used it to treat intestinal parasites, digestive and menstrual problems as well as a general stimulant.
Clove (Syzygium Aromaticum)
Clove Bud Essential Oil is a very good antimicrobial. It is well known to relieve toothache or gum disease. Dentists have used it for the numbing of gums for centuries before they had chemical analgesics. If you have a toothache, simply put a couple of drops on your finger and rub gently the gum and tooth area. It can also be put into a gargle by adding 2 drops of Clove to a cup of boiled water.
Safety: Clove Essential Oil can cause skin and mucus membrane irritation. Use in moderation and in dilution.
Cypress (Cupressus Sempervirens)
Cypress is excellent to improve circulation but also in cases of muscle aches and heavy legs. Use a compress made of lukewarm water and 3 drops of Cypress that you can apply onto legs, feet and arms. It can help relieve muscle cramps and reduce rheumatism. It is also an antiseptic and can be used for asthma or sore throat. Boil a cup of water, put 2 to 3 drops of Cypress Essential Oil and breathe deeply. When applied topically in massaging oil, it reduces scar tissues.
Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus Globulus)
For Centuries, Australian Aborigines used the leaves as a disinfectant to cover wounds. It is a powerful antimicrobial agent. This oil is excellent for any respiratory disorder. It is an expectorant, helps break down mucus, is antibacterial, (staph., strep. ) antifungal, (candida), and antiviral. It can help in case of bronchitis, sinus congestion, and sinusitis. Diffuse it in the room, or breathe over a bowl of hot water. You can take it internally as 2 to 5 drops into a teaspoon of honey.
Geranium (Pelargonium Roseun)
Geranium is excellent for skin care as it increases suppleness and elasticity of the skin. It can used for cuts, burns, wounds, and to prevent wrinkles. Put 5 to 7 drops of Geranium in almond oil and massage twice a day. You can make a compress with 3 to 5 drops of Geranium in a warm cloth applied on a wound, or put 15 to 20 drops in a teaspoon of Almond oil into a bath.
Grapefruit (Citrus Paradise Rose)
Grapefruit Essential Oil is a good cleanser for the entire body: liver, kidneys, lymph, and blood. Put 1 or 2 drops of Grapefruit Essential Oil into your drinking water bottle to flavor it and to benefit form its cleansing properties. For greasy hair, put 1 drop of Grapefruit Essential Oil into a teaspoon of white vinegar and rinse after shampoo. It will make your hair shinny. This Essential Oil also contributes to calming down the nervous system and reduces stress. It is also a wonderful air purifier diffused for one hour in every room of the house or the office.
Safety: Grapefruit Essential Oil is photosensitive. Do not expose yourself to the sun after utilization.
Lavender (Lavendula Augustifolia) also called True Lavender
This is probably the most popular of all the Essential Oils because of the diversity of its usage. Beside its wonderful smell Lavender is excellent for skin repair as in burns, cuts, and insect bites. It can be applied directly on sunburn, even the lips; it can be added to a shampoo for dandruff and hair loss; it is good for allergies, herpes, or headaches; it helps reduce stretch marks, improves eczema, psoriasis, and rashes. It lowers high blood pressure, taper off nausea, and reduce PMS. The best way to use Lavender Essential Oil is to put 5 to 10 drops for 1 teaspoon of Almond oil and apply it on the skin. It can be put into a compress of warm boiled water (10 drops). It can be diffused onto a room for calming and cleansing effect, or it can be put into a bath. For Headaches, insomnia or nervous tension, put 2 to 5 drops of Lavender Essential Oil in a teaspoon of raw organic honey 2
to 3 times per day.
Mandarin (Citrus Reticulata)
Mandarin Essential Oil has calming effect in the nervous system, and helps a person handle stress. It also a natural anti-depressant as it lifts the mood and increase serotonin production. Simply add a few drops in your water bottle and sip along the day, or put a few drops in almond oil and dilute to a bath. You can also take 1 or 2 drops into a teaspoon of raw organic honey. Mandarin Essential Oil is very gentle and safe for children and pregnant women.
Safety: Mandarin Essential Oil is photosensitive. Do not expose yourself to the sun after utilization.
Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
Tea Tree Essential Oil is very popular because of its antifungal properties. It helps to eradicate Athlete’s foot by applying it pure on the infected nail. It is also a potent antimicrobial and antiviral, so it can be very useful in respiratory infections, gum disease, sore throat, tonsillitis and sinusitis. In case of sore throat gargle with 2 to 4 drops of Tea Tree Oil into a cup of boiled water. For Sinus infections, inhale 2 to 4 drops of Tea Tree Oil in a cup of boiled water. For Acne, put 2 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil into lukewarm water and splash the skin. For cold sores, ingrown nails, and warts, apply 1 or 2 drops pure on the skin.
Peppermint (Mentha Piperita)
This is the second most popular Essential Oil after Lavender. Peppermint Essential Oil supports the digestive system, helps to expel worms, act as a decongestant, antibacterial, and antifungal. It is also a stimulant, hypertensive, and cardio-tonic. It stimulates liver and gallbladder function and has anti-inflammatory properties for the intestines and urinary tract. Peppermint Essential Oil rubbed on the temples, ear lobes, and frontal head can stop the onset of a headache. You can put 1 drop of Peppermint Essential Oil on your tongue for halitosis (bad breath). Add a few drops to a water bottle or into a hot tea for digestion. Take 1 or 2 drops into a teaspoon of honey twice a day for improving alertness, memory and concentration. To relieve motion sickness, put 4 to 5 drops on a handkerchief and breathe.
Safety: Do NOT apply near a fresh wound or burn and, avoid contact with the eyes.
CERTIFIED ORGANIC - A MUST FOR ESSENTIAL OILS
As I mentioned earlier in this article, the quality of Essential Oils is extremely important, and for years I have used an American line of Essential Oils that I would classify as “satisfactory”. But I recently found a French company that produces not only Excellent Quality Essential Oils, but also Essential Oils that are CERTIFIED ORGANIC. The ORGANIC CERTIFICATION
is certainly a big plus in my opinion, because it increases the quality of the molecular constituents of the Essential Oils, thus it increases their efficiency. The name of the company is called “La Drôme” which happens to be the department where this company is located in a little village in the South of France. I am very excited about the Purity and Quality of the CERTIFIED ORGANIC Essential Oils produced by “La Drôme” as I have already personally verified their therapeutic effect. Most of them are available to my patients at our office in Monterey and, they will be SOON become available to purchase on our website: YourGoodHealthStore.com. The reasonableness of our pricing will certainly please you.
I hope this short introduction to Essential Oils can be useful for you and your family as another wonderful tool to help you on your path to better health.
Yours in Health,
The entire contents of HEALTH AWARENESS are based upon the opinions of Beatrice Levinson, Naturopath, unless otherwise indicated. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as an offering and sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Beatrice Levinson, Naturopath within the U.S. and Europe. Beatrice Levinson, Naturopath encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.
©Copyright 2007 Beatrice F. Levinson, Naturopath. All Rights Reserved. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Beatrice Levinson is required.
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