ESSENTIAL OILS

Extracting essential oils from plants comes from a tradition over four thousand years old. It is recorded as being used by ancient Vedic and Chinese cultures, as well as by Hippocrates, the father of medicine, and most famously of all by the ancient Egyptians.

Not to be confused with fragrance oils, which have no physiological benefits, essential oils have a wide range of curative applications, and can enter the body either through inhalation or can be absorbed through pores in the skin. Self treatment can be used for a wide range of minor ailments or short term conditions, such as cuts and bruises, headaches, colds and flu or short term anxiety or depression. For any long term or serious complaint, however, it is always best to seek medical advice.

Aromatherapy and essential oils can take between 30 minutes and three hours to enter the body, on average the time is about 90 minutes. Oils act in several different ways once in the body. They are carried in the bloodstream, which transports them around the system. Some oils can have an affinity with certain organs, and can have balancing, sedating or invigorating effect. Oils are also sent to the brain where they act upon the limbic system, and have a direct effect on the mind and emotions.

Each essential oil has it’s own application and usage, and can be used to treat different complaints. For home therapy, it is best to use no more than two or three oils in your blend, and also to pick oils with complementary properties. Some essential oils, such as lavender, are adaptogen, meaning that it can restore balance and begin the healing process in any body system which is out of balance.

The methods used to get essential oils into the body are through massage, steam inhalation, vaporizers, in baths, with compresses, by adding them to creams, shampoos, etc., with gargles or mouthwashes (although not swallowing) or they can, in certain cases, be applied neat. Professional aromatherapists prefer massage for applying essential oils as they are most effectively absorbed this way, and additional benefits can be gained for the muscles through the massage itself.

Ways of using essential oils:

Massage

Considered to be the most effective way of getting essential oils into the body, massage is the most relaxing, luxurious and therapeutic of all the aromatherapy treatments. To prepare a massage oil, add between 3-5 drops of your selected oils to each teaspoon of carrier oil (half that strength for children under seven, and a quarter strength for those under three, do not use on babies.)  Rub the massage oil onto dry skin applying gentle pressure and using a firm rubbing or kneading technique.

Steam Inhalation

Add 3-4 drops of oil to a bowl of boiling water, cover with a towel and place your head under the towel, breathing deeply for several minutes. The heat increases the antiseptic and anti-infective properties, and steam inhalation is particularly good for congestion, catarrh and headaches.

Vaporizers

Vaporizers can be electric or ceramic rings which fit over the top of a light bulb, but usually are small ceramic burners which are lit from beneath with a tea light candle. Using a vaporizer leaves the room smelling great and is good for emotional and breathing problems, but is one of the least effective ways of getting essential oils into the body.

Bathing with oils

One of the most calming and soothing ways of using essential oils, simply adding 5-10 drops (less for children) to running water, results in a fragrant and soothing bath. The best oils to use in a bath are ones which have relaxing properties and are complementary.  For footbaths use only 2-3 drops.

Creams, Lotions and Shampoo

Add 1-2 drops of essential oils to creams and shampoos and apply as normal, choose good quality, unscented and natural ingredients. This is one of the easiest ways to apply essential oils, however using them in shampoos etc may cause irritation to sensitive skin.

Compresses

Compresses can be used hot or cold. Add 4-5 drops of essential oils to a bowl of hot or cold water. Take a clean folded cotton towel or flannel, and soak it in the water. When using a hot compress, wrap it in a second towel. Apply the compress to the affected area. A hot compress can be used to help relieve muscle pain, arthritis, rheumatism, toothache, earache, boils and abscesses, while cold compresses are good for headaches, sprains and swellings.

Mouthwashes

Mouthwashes are good for treating throat infections and ulcers, to create a mouthwash add 3-4 drops of oil and a dash of brandy to a glass of warm water, stirring well. Rinse the mouth with the wash use to gargle. It is important not to swallow the mouthwash, which is unpleasant tasting, and unsuitable for children.

Neat

A few oils can be used neat on the skin, examples include lavender, sandalwood and tea tree oil. However most essential oils are not suitable for use neat, and can cause irritation.

A guide to home use

Essential oils can easily be used to help treat a variety of common ailments or small accidents. They are no replacement however, for medical attention where it is required, and should not be used as a replacement when you would normally seek medical help.

A basic home use aromatherapy kit should contain the following:

Tea tree, Lavender, Patchouli, Lemon, Eucalyptus, Geranium and Rosemary essential oils 

Vegetable or carrier oil for blending

Cotton wool/ tissues

Mixing bottle

Cotton for compresses

Bandages/ Plasters

Vaporizers