DE-MIST-IFYING AROMATHERAPY
Pure oils can elevate psychological
and
physical well-being
Written by ANNE MOORE
Ahhh … aromatherapy. What’s it all about?
What aromas?
What therapies? What is aromatherapy?
While this term is applied/bantered about frequently, aromatherapy usually involves using pure natural and highly concentrated oils from plants, herbs, flowers, grasses and trees (including stems and barks) to positively influence/improve psychological and physical well-being.
Essential oils (single essence oils) are very concentrated and are universally considered to be the “essence” of aromatic plants. When used correctly — carefully and safely — they are said to affect one’s mind (mood, emotions) and body (stress, lethargy, energy) — again, in positive ways.
Note: Undiluted essential oils may be absorbed directly into the bloodstream, so they should not be ingested or applied directly to the skin.
Examples of essential oils, their attributes and sample uses:
Allspice berry oil — relieves pain in muscles and joints
Bitter almond oil — combats stress
German chamomile oil — calming
Carrot seed oil — skin balancing/nourishing
Eucalyptus oil — cold care, purifies air, clears negative energy
Frankincense and myrrh oils — incense
Lemon, lemongrass and lime oils — cleansing
Jasmine — sensual
Lavender — calming, relaxing, refreshing, toning and cleansing
Note: Perfume oils, sometimes referred to as fragrances, are NOT the same as essential oils, even though the term aromatherapy may be used. These fragrances are not pure, may contain unnatural chemicals and do NOT provide therapeutic benefits.
Carrier oils
When essential oils are diluted with or combined with a base/vegetable oil — called carrier oil — the mixture is then safe to be applied to the skin. Carrier oils can provide additional therapeutic benefits to the essential oils used. In addition, their aromas are not as strong, and they do not evaporate like the essential oils do. (Unfortunately, this factor means that they might become rancid over time.)
Examples of carrier oils include:
Apricot — properties of “oiliness” and quick absorption make this a good choice for massage oils.
Jojoba — lightweight oil that is also easily absorbed into the skin.
Rose hip — has a light texture, making it good for skin treatments.
Evening primrose — not so oily, making it also good for skin problems.
Shea butter — the heavy, buttery texture makes it great for creams/lotions.
Infused oils are carrier oils that have been infused with herbs for the therapeutic properties the herb offers.
Essential oils, carrier oils or bases and infused oils may be purchased locally. You may also order online directly from the manufacturers and others offering these products. Be sure to ask the source and/or read labels to assure you are getting pure essential oils.
People advertising aromatherapy services may offer only massages using products with fragrances or essential oils, etc. Although these services may be soothing and refreshing, do not mistake them for any type of aromatherapy for medicinal purposes.
Distill my heart! Where did it all begin?
Well, it appears several ancient civilizations used plant oils as incense for their pleasant scent, to hide unpleasant odors, and more. The Chinese valued them for their healing properties and to “create harmony.” The Egyptians craved the perfumery and the cosmetic properties — like those easily recognizable eyes (frankincense = kohl). They also used these oils for medicinal purposes and, yes, for embalming.
The use of aromatic plants swept across Europe through the Greeks, who furthered the medicinal uses to the healing of the skin and wounds, along with more refinement of distillation methods. Of course, the progressive Romans moved the use of oils as they moved their empire. So, over the course of centuries, more uses were found, sometimes by accident. Plants and their properties were further researched, documented and passed along. During this time frame, the methods to distill these plant oils also become more sophisticated. In most instances, the use of steam or water to force out and capture these oils is still utilized.
The remaining water from some plants is also very fragrant and so is used to add fragrance in skin products. Obvious examples would be the distilled waters left from using rose and lavender plants.
Essential
oil blends
Blending essential oils can create a synergistic effect whereby the maximum effect of each oil is reinforced and balanced by the other. (The whole is better than the individual parts.) The Aura Cacia line of essential oils and blends, is, according to their literature, “certified organic” by a third party to be produced without the use of chemicals or pesticides and packaged to avoid nonorganic contaminants. Their blends are sold by the names of the result you are seeking.
A couple of examples include:
“Euphoria” is a blend of bergamot BF, amyris, ginger and ylang ylang oils. It is said to create a sense of well-being and good cheer. When you diffuse this blend at a gathering, it is said to create a celebratory, uplifting mood.
“Heartsong,” a blend of lavender, rosewood, geranium and rose absolute oils (these are stronger than essential oils and distilled differently as well), is touted to foster feelings of kindness, comfort and affection (love) when it’s diffused.
Diffusing is one of several ways to spread the scent around. A diffuser is any device that imparts a scent into the air by evaporation. It could be via a lighted candle, an electric vaporizer, a small fan that blows air over a wick saturated with essential oil or a nebula, which creates an extremely fast rate of evaporation. This is sometimes recommended for medicinal therapy.
It’s also possible to use a spray-type bottle to mist the air or to spray onto bed linens, laundry and many other places or things. Using a diffuser is a really easy way to get the fragrance into the air so it can do its job. Diffusers are sometimes available where essential oils are sold and are reasonable in price. The essential oils are used very sparingly and last a long time, so a diffuser could be a good way to go.
Recipes — How to “cook” your own cure
If you’re an adventurous type, instead of buying the already blended oils, you can find recipes at stores selling the oils, on the Internet and in books. These recipes cover a wide range of subjects — from lips to linens, sachets to salves.
Some are listed by how you’ll use the oils: for emotional or physical well-being, skin care, beauty and hygiene, household cleaning and freshening and for special “holiday blends” for Christmas or other celebrations.
Others are broken down into which room or area you’ll want to help, such as for romance or breathing easier in the bedroom; for cleaning and deodorizing the kitchen or bathrooms; in soaps or cleansers when washing clothes or in the dishwasher; for freshening the car; to help you focus or for memory at work; for relaxation, re-energizing and overall refreshment while you are traveling; and for bug control outside and for your houseplants inside.
Here’s a sample:
Hair Conditioner Recipe
1 tablespoon jojoba carrier oil
3 drops rosemary oil
Mix the jojoba and rosemary oils in a very small bowl. Use warm water to wet your hair. Apply the conditioner mixture. Let it remain on your hair for approximately 25 minutes. Wash your hair as usual.
Both jojoba and rosemary help dry hair. A bonus is that rosemary is also recommended for dandruff treatment.
By referring to and utilizing the synergistic blend recommendations found where the essential oils are sold, or on their labels, you can maximize your benefits as well.
Costs and labeling
Costs of essential oils, carrier oils and blends can vary widely, starting at $5 or so per fluid ounce. The costs are dependent on many things, such as how rare the plant is, where it’s grown, the quality of the oil and the reputation of the company making and distributing the oils. Essential oils are usually sold in small colored bottles to protect their integrity.
Label information also varies from brand to brand. However, most labels will contain the name of the oil; whether it’s an essential oil, a blend of oils or a carrier oil; its recommended uses and benefits; and safety information for that product.
Safety tips/cautions
Again, essential oils are highly concentrated, so safety precautions must be observed:
• FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Never ingest or use for cooking.
• Do NOT USE undiluted oils DIRECTLY ON YOUR SKIN. Although some oils should never be used on the skin at all, many can be diluted with skin care oils, in a ratio of one to three drops (essential oil) per teaspoon (skin care oil).
• Keep oils away from eyes, ears and mucous membranes.
• Skin-test oils before using — do not use if redness or irritation occurs and discontinue if these symptoms occur even later.
• Keep oils tightly closed and out of reach of children.
• Consult a health care practitioner before using if you are pregnant or epileptic; have cancer or liver damage, high or low blood pressure or asthma; are suffering from any medical condition or taking medication.
• Always read labels and follow all warnings and cautions.
• Essential oils are flammable.
• Not for use on pets.
With essential oils you can go forth and clean, deodorize, freshen, bathe, condition, beautify and rid yourself of pesky bugs, all while using great caution.
