Essential Oils

Essential Oils are extracted from the aromatic essence of certain plants, trees, fruit, flowers, herbs and spices. They are natural, volatile oils with identifiable chemicals and medicinal properties. 

Over 150 essential oils have been extracted, each one with its own scent and unique healing properties. Oils are sourced from plants as commonplace as parsley and as exquisite as jasmine. For optimum benefits, essential oils must be extracted from natural raw ingredients and remain as pure as possible. 

Essential oils can be used alone or blend together. Oils are blended to create a more sophisticated fragrance or to enhance or change the medical actions of the oils. When blended well, therapist can create a synergistic blend, where the oils work in harmony and to get great effect.

How essential oils works

Essential oils enter the body by inhalation and absorption through the pores of the skin. Once in the body, they work in three ways: pharmacologically, physiologically and psychologically. The chemicals constituents of the oils are carried in the blood stream to all area of the body’s chemistry in a way that is similar to drugs. Certain oils have an affinity with particular areas of the body, and their properties have balancing, sedating or stimulating effects on body systems. Once inhaled, aromatic signals are sent to the limbic system of the brain, where they exert a direct effect on the mind and emotions.

Properties of Oils

The oils and their action are extremely complex. All the oils are antiseptic, but each one also has individual properties: for example they might be analgesic, fungicidal, diuretic or expectorant. The collective components of each oil also work together to give it a dominant characteristic. It can be relaxing, refreshing or stimulating. Essential oils also have notable physiological effects. Certain oils have an affinity with particular areas of the body. For example, rose has an affinity with the female reproductive system, while spice oils tend to benefit the digestive system. The oil may also sedate an overactive system, or stimulate a different part of the body that sluggish. Some oils such lavender are known as adaptogens, meaning they do whatever the body requires of them at that time. The psychological response is triggered by the effect of the aromatic molecules on the brain. 

Treating Yourself

There are many ways to use essential oils at home. Massage and bathing tend to be the most popular, and technique that involve applying oils to the body are usually more effective than inhalation. However there are several other techniques that are particularly beneficial for certain conditions. These include steam inhalations, creams, lotions and shampoos, deodorants, gargles and mouthwash, douches and compresses. Some precaution it is important to be considered and this are some guidelines:

•  Do not: take essential oils internally unless advised by a registered aromatherapist.

•  Do not: apply them undiluted to the skin unless it is stated that is safe to do so.

•  Do not: put essential oils in the eyes.

•  Do not: keep essential oils where children can reach them.

However consult a qualified practitioner for advice and treatment if you:

• Are pregnant

•  Have an allergy

•  Have a chronic condition such as high blood pressure or epilepsy

• Are receiving medical or psychiatric treatment

• Are taking homeopathic remedies

• Are treating and infant and children (children under age of 5 cannot use essential oils, or products containing essential oils.