Essential Oils for the Home :
Essential oils provide a fantastic natural alternative to common ailments we see at home. The actions of essential oils are broad, ranging from topical antiseptics and anti-inflammatories to analgesics, digestive system tonics, and anti-depressants.
While essential oils should not be a substitute for professional medical care, they can be successfully employed for many minor complaints, and as adjuncts to other therapies.
Here we will have a brief look at ten essential oils which may comprise the ‘basic home care kit’. While by no means exhaustive, this list will go a long way to providing effective (and often pleasant!) treatments for you and your family for things like cuts and scrapes, sunburn, digestive troubles, stress related conditions and more. In the second article, we will cover specific applications and uses of each oil.
Oil #1: Tea Tree Essential Oil
When first examined for it’s antiseptic properties, Tea Tree essential oil was found to be 100 times more powerful than carbolic acid – the medical standard at the time. Tea tree has an extremely broad range of antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal properties that have been confirmed by modern scientific research. Often used topically on small wounds, Tea Tree is also commonly found in oral hygiene preparations, and can also be effectively employed for Candida, athlete’s foot and acne, among other things.
Oil #2: Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender has often been called the ‘medicine chest in a bottle’ for its broad range of applications. Every home should keep Lavender on hand, even if no other oil is used, as it is so very effective on burns. It’s anti-inflammatory action is responsible for the beginnings of modern aromatherapy, as Dr. Jean Valnet discovered Lavender’s healing properties after being burned in a laboratory accident. Lavender is considered to speed wound healing and reduce scarring. The oil is also pleasantly calming, and can be used to reduce stress in a variety of situations – a commonly used technique is to apply Lavender oil ‘neat’ (undiluted) to the soles of the feet of patients recovering from almost any ailment.
Oil #3: Chamomile Essential Oil
Ah, the great tension reliever, Chamomile oil. This extremely gentle essential oil is useful for a wide variety of nervous conditions, and is often indicated for cases of stress in children (including teething and general ‘crankiness’). Rubbing into the solar plexus is a commonly used application if that is where one tends to ‘hold tension’. Chamomile essential oil is available in to varieties, German or Blue Chamomile and Roman Chamomile. The Roman variety is most often used for stress relief, whereas the German variety has the added bonus of being an extremely effective anti-inflammatory.
Oil #4: Peppermint Essential Oil
An excellent digestive tonic, Peppermint essential oil can sooth many stomach complaints. For the traveler, it’s effectiveness on calming motion sickness can be of great help. Further, at least eight controlled studies have shown Peppermint oil to be effective in reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, a painful condition of the intestines. Beyond it’s support of the digestive system, Peppermint is delightfully stimulating to the mind, brightening and sharpening mental focus. Finally, Peppermint is considered by some to be a more effective insect repellent than citronella when used on the body (rather than in the surrounding air).
Oil #5: Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Another essential oil with a broad range of properties, Eucalyptus is most often used for respiratory conditions, being useful in clearing congestion with coughs and colds. However, it’s effects are certainly not limited to the airways – because of it’s broad range of effects, it has been called the aromatherapists ‘designer oil’. Eucalyptus oil can cool the body in Summer (or due to fever – use in a compress), and support the immune system in Winter. Diffusing Eucalyptus oil can kill most staphylococcus bacteria, again being supportive of bronchial infections. It is considered equally effective in cases of cystitis, candida, and sunburn, to name a few, as well as being an insect repellent.
Oil #6: Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium (sometimes known as ‘Geranium Rose’) works wonderfully on both physiological and psychological levels. It’s floral aroma is brightening and uplifting, while also working as a sedative. Malte Hozzel has made this statement regarding this oil : "Geranium’s vital, sensual presence is not subtle, but direct & unavoidable, making it one of the oils of choice for aphrodisiac qualities. (Geranium Essential Oil) inspires natural beauty & enjoyment, uplifts instantly & "tonifies" the mind & intellect in a powerful, nearly demanding attitude. Mobilizing hidden creative & emotional reserves, helping us to rise to our own earthly & spiritual identify. A fiery beauty for the spells of all worlds." Particularly noted for it’s effect on female physiologic conditions, Geranium oil can be effective for menopausal problems, uterine and breast complaints.
Oil #7: Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary essential oil is an effective physical and mental stimulant, whether used in a diffuser or in a morning bath. It’s slightly spicy, rather than floral aroma, has a warming effect particularly useful for arthritic joints and other muscular complaints. It also has a long history of treatment for colds and flu – Rosemary was a component of ‘Four Thieves Vinegar’, which robbers rubbed upon their bodies to prevent infection when up to no good during the plague years of the middle ages. Also, Rosemary is the essential oil most often associated with improving hair growth in cases of Alopecia.
Oil #8: Thyme Essential Oil
Thyme oil is a powerful antiviral, antibiotic, antiseptic and diuretic, though it should be employed with great care. There are many types of Thyme oil available, but only the ‘linalol’ chemotype is appropriate for use with children; all varieties should be diluted prior to topical application. Given the precautions, Thyme can be a first line of defense in cases of flu, being used in a room diffuser. It also supports elimination of toxic wastes from the body (particularly noted for excessive uric acid), and it’s warming quality can eliminate mucous and phlegm. It’s application for the digestive system is that of a powerful anti-parasitic, and for the muscular system, it can be helpful for rheumatic aches and pains. Thyme oil may also be supportive in cases of hair loss.
Oil #9: Lemon Essential Oil
A recent study on test-taking college students showed the diffusion of Lemon oil into a room improved test scores more than any other oil. In addition to it’s mind-brightening qualities, it can also disinfect room air and act as a natural deodorant. Lemon has been noted to support liver function, and is also commonly used to assist in weight loss and cellulite reduction. In blends, lemon adds a pleasant top note, and can create a synergistic effect with other oils. Finally, Lemon oil is commonly used as both a fragrance and flavoring agent.
Oil #10: Clove Essential Oil
The power of Clove essential oil is noted upon the first sensing of the aroma – it is quite strong, sharp and earthy. Clove oil has been found to be the strongest anti-oxidant of any essential oil, and is a component of ‘longevity’ formulas. It is also an extremely potent antibacterial, effective against a broader range of microbes than any other oil except perhaps Oregano – Clove oil has even been employed to sterilize surgical instruments. Clove also has analgesic properties, and can be used to temporarily reduce the pain of toothache. Clove oil (or ground cloves) is also a component of Dr. Huda Clark’s anti-parasite protocol, helping eliminate parasites from one’s digestive system. This is a very powerful oil which should be diluted to 1% or less for topical application.
So, there we have a possible ‘top ten’ essential oils for the home medicine chest, a selection with an extremely broad range of uses for common ailments seen in a family setting. It is important to note that all essential oils are powerful, and they should be treated with caution and respect. Always refer to a trusted source before making specific applications of any oil, as many can be irritating or possibly toxic if used incorrectly.
To assist you in using these oils in your home, we will examine more specific uses of each essential oil in part II of this article (coming soon). This will assist you in using these wonderful medicines of nature for you and your family.
Yet if you're interested at all in the therapeutic use of essential oils, a little primer on their chemistry can be very useful.
Not only will you better understand how and why essential oils work, but the great importance of using natural, high-quality oils - oils that are pure, properly distilled, AND smell nice - will be made clear.
It's not just an aromatherapy sales pitch; essential oils with exceptional bouquets have different chemical make-ups than flat or otherwise uninteresting oils.
The differences can significantly affect the healing potency of therapeutic applications for you, your family and/or your clients.
Much of the time, you can discern the difference of therapeutic value between two oils just by their aroma - one needn't always have the proof of fancy, expensive machines to make an educated choice.
Essential Oils Defined
So, why are essential oils called 'oils' anyway? They don't feel greasy, and they tend to evaporate completely, unlike common 'fixed' oils (such as olive, grapeseed, hazelnut and the like).
Essential oils and fixed oils share a similar chemical foundation: their structures are based on the linking of carbon and hydrogen atoms in various configurations. But this is really where the similarity ends.
Fixed oils are made up of molecules comprised of three long chains of carbon atoms bound together at one end, called a triglyceride.
Every fixed oil is made up of just a few different triglyceride arrangements - olive oil, for example, is primarily made up of oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids (the names of particular carbon-hydrogen chains forming the triglycerides). Their long-chain shape holds them in a liquid state which does not easily evaporate.
Essential oils are 'volatile' oils - oils that DO easily evaporate. Their chains of carbon atoms to which the hydrogens attach are not as long or heavy, and are much more complex. Many essential oil structures are not really chains, but ring, or multi-ringed shapes with diverse sub-units - called 'functional groups' - sticking out in various directions.
Like their fixed oil counterparts, essential oils are lipophillic - meaning 'fat liking'. The fat-liking nature of both fixed and essential oils makes them easily absorbed by our bodies. Because of their typically smaller structures however, essential oils are absorbed more rapidly than fixed oils, and can easily penetrate deep into the body.
Despite their plant origins, this lipophillic nature of essential oils makes their profound healing action on the human body possible.
The Importance of Functional Groups
Most of the therapeutic activity of an essential oil can be attributed to the functional groups of the individual chemicals that make up the oil. There can be over a hundred identifiable molecules in one essential oil.
Each of these molecules, as mentioned earlier, is a chain or ring (or multiple-ring) structure of carbon atoms linked together with hydrogen atoms bonded to them in various configurations.
Every chain or ring has a functional group attached - a functional group is defined by Salvatore Battaglia in 'The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy' as: "a single atom or group of atoms that...has a profound influence upon the properties of the molecule as a whole. It is often referred to as the chemically active center of the molecule".
As you can see, essential oils are really very complex in their chemical nature. There are nearly infinite possibilities of functional group and ring or chain combinations. And ONE essential oil alone can be made up of HUNDREDS of these different molecular arrangements. Don't worry, though!
While it sounds complex, one needn't know all the precise chemical details to use essential oils therapeutically. When selecting between varieties of an essential oil, It IS helpful to know that any particularly oil is often composed of one or more primary molecular forms, with many minor or 'trace' constituents, and that ALL these molecules contribute to the oil's aroma and therapeutic action.
There are eight major classes of aromatic molecules defined by their functional groups. Briefly, along with primary therapeutic actions and a few example oils, these are:
Monoterpene Alcohols - antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, both stimulating and sedative with an often uplifting aroma; found in Lavender, Geranium, Tea Tree, and Peppermint.
Sesquiterpene Alcohols - varying properties including anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anti-carcinogenic; found in Frankincense, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Cedar, Carrot Seed and Spikenard.
Aldehydes - antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, sedative in low doses, known for their bright, fresh aromas; found in Citronella, Lemongrass and Lemon.
Esters - antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, calming and sedative with fruity and floral aromas; found in Roman Chamomile, Lavender and Geranium. Generally very safe, although methyl salicylate, an ester found in Wintergreen, should only be used in very low doses.
Ethers - antispasmodic, analgesic, antimicrobial - to be used in moderation, large doses can be dangerous; found in Clove, Anise, Fennel, and the Methyl Chavicol type Basil.
Ketones - Anticatarrhal, regenerative, analgesic, some are known toxins where others are completely safe. Oils such as wormwood and mugwort should not be used, but Helichrysum is exceptionally healing and safe, and Rosemary Verbenone is used for its regenerative properties.
Oxides - expectorant, stimulant. Includes 1,8-Cineol, found in Eucalyptus and Rosemary.
Phenols - Strongly antimicrobial, stimulants to the immune and nervous system, irritating to mucous membranes; found in Thyme and Oregano. Non-irritating varieties are found in Fennel and Tarragon.
Factors Affecting An Oil's Chemical Makeup
Many factors in an essential oil's production affect the total number and relative amounts of individual chemicals found in the final product. These include where the plant was grown, soil and climate conditions, time of harvest, distillation equipment, plus the time, temperature and pressure of distillation.
This can give you an idea as to why two varieties of the same oil can smell so different: The full, beautiful bouquet of a fine essential oil will contain a myriad of notes, telling you that all natural components are present and in balanced amounts.
Poorly distilled oils may lose some of the secondary constituents during production, and adulterated or synthetic oils may not have some of the trace components at all, detectable by your nose as a flat or uninteresting aroma.
The Chemistry of Lavender as an Example
To best understand this, we'll examine Lavender essential oil; more than fifty individual molecules have been identified in pure lavender essential oil. The aromatherapist must remember that ALL of these chemicals found in pure and natural lavender oil work together to produce a therapeutic effect.
For example, the linalool molecule is antiviral and antibacterial; the linalyl acetate is also emotionally calming; other major components including cineol, limonene, pinene and others are all noted for specific biologic and aromatic activity.
It is the combined, balanced, synergistic action of these chemicals that make pure, high-quality lavender such a great healer. No one chemical can be singled out and used to give the same profound results as the complete pure essential oil.
So how is this synergy reflected in Lavender's aroma? Each of these chemicals has a unique smell; some are sweet, some are camphorous, some citrusy and some herbaceous. It is all these chemicals together, a precise amount of each, that gives each lavender variety its distinct aroma. And your nose knows this! One can tell the difference between a well-made, complex lavender oil with many notes within the aroma, and one that is flat or plain, which may be chemically imbalanced or missing some trace constituents. One can easily tell the difference, for example, between common Lavendula officinalis, and the finer Lavendula angustifolia, which contains a higher proportion of sweet-smelling linalyl acetate and less sharp-smelling camphor.
Further, lower quality lavender plants may occasionally be sprayed with linalool before harvest to enhance the production of linalyl acetate by the flowers. While the end-product may smell sweeter, the process actually creates an imbalance in the overall healing synergy of the primary and trace molecules. All these oils will be labeled 'Lavender' on the store shelf, yet the finer, natural lavender will have a more beautiful, balanced aromatic bouquet, and is considered the most holistically healing variety by the world's leading aromatherapy practitioners.
High-Grade Essential Oils: Your Nose Knows the Differnece
This of course is not true of only lavender essential oil. All essential oils are subject to similar variations in production methods or the manipulation of their molecular make-ups through the addition of synthetic chemicals. For the most therapeutic benefit, it is always best to use true, carefully-made essential oils. To do this, find a source that is dedicated to supplying only the highest grades of oils.
Examine their product's aromatic quality and business practices and so that you are comfortable with their dedication to your health, not just their bottom line. Listen to your intuition and your own nose; they won't lie to you! With experience, your ability to discern between subtly different grades of oils will become more astute.
With even more education and skill, you'll start to recognize individual chemicals within an oils aroma, and make the best decisions as to which oils will have the most profound therapeutic affects for you, your family, or in your professional practice.
Is one process better than another? Does one produce a nicer smelling oil, or one with greater aromatherapeutic value? It turns out that essential oil production, like wine making, is an art form as well as a science.
The value of the newer processing methods depends greatly on the experience of the distiller, as well as the intended application of the final product. Each method is important, and has it's place in the making of aromatherapy-grade essential oils.
Steam and Hydro Distillation
Steam distillation, the most common method of essential oil production, involves the flow of steam into a chamber holding the raw plant material.
The steam causes small sacs containing essential oil to burst. The oil is then carried by the steam out of the chamber and into a chilled condenser, where the steam once again becomes water. (Hydro-distillation is a similar process where the plant material is boiled, with the resultant steam being captured and condensed).
The oil and water are then separated; the water, referred to as a 'hydrosol', can be retained as it will have some of the plant essence. Rose hydrosol, for example, is commonly used for it's mild antiseptic and soothing properties, as well as it's pleasing floral aroma.
A number of factors determine the final quality of a steam distilled essential oil. Aside from the plant material itself, most important are time, temperature and pressure, and the quality of the distillation equipment.Essential oils are very complex products; each is made up of many, sometimes hundreds, of distinct molecules which come together to form the oil's aroma and therapeutic properties. Some of these molecules are fairly delicate structures which can be altered or destroyed by adverse environmental conditions.
So, much like a fine meal is more flavorful when made with patience, most oils benefit from a long, slow 'cooking' process.
The temperature of the extraction chamber cannot be too high, lest some components of the oil be altered or destroyed.The same is true of the chamber's pressure. Lavender essential oil, for example, should not be processed at over 245 degrees F and three pounds per square inch of pressure (3 psi). Higher temperatures and/or pressures result in a 'harsh' aroma – more chemical than floral – and lessen the oil's therapeutic effects. Also, the extraction period must be allowed to continue for a certain period of time in order to flush ALL the oil's components from the plant, as some are released more quickly than others.
Despite the drawbacks of aggressive processing, high temperatures and pressures are often used to produces large quantities of oil in a short period of time. These oils are usually destined for use in cosmetic and processed food manufacturing, but are sometimes sold to final consumers as essential oils for use in aromatherapy. These oils will be less expensive, but are of limited therapeutic value, and the difference is apparent when the aromas are compared side-by-side.
AbsolutesSome plants, and particularly flowers, do not lend themselves to steam distilling. They are too delicate, or their fragrance and therapeutic essences cannot be completely released by water alone. These oils will be produced as 'absolutes' – and while not technically considered essential oils they can still be of therapeutic value. Jasmine oil and Rose oil in particular are delicate flowers who's oils are often found in 'absolute' form.
The processing of an absolute first involves the hydrocarbon solvent extraction of a 'concrete' from the plant material, a semi-solid mixture of typically 50% wax and 50% volatile oil. The concrete is again processed using ethyl alcohol (the same alcohol found in beer, wine, etc.) in which the wax is only slightly soluble. The volatile plant oil separates into the alcohol and this mixture is removed. The alcohol is then evaporated and the result is an almost pure plant extract – depending on the care taken in the evaporation process, sometimes 2% or less of the ethyl alcohol may remain. The use of solvents in the extraction process notwithstanding, absolutes can have incredibly deep and complex aromas.
CO2 Distillation Explained
Carbon Dioxide and 'Supercritical' Carbon Dioxide extraction are the latest technologies in distilling essential oils at low temperatures. Both methods involve the use of carbon dioxide as the 'solvent' which carries the essential oil away from the raw plant material.
The lower pressure CO2 extraction involves chilling carbon dioxide to between 35 and 55 degrees F, and pumping it through the plant material at 1000 psi. The carbon dioxide in this condition is condensed to a liquid. Supercritical CO2 extraction (SCO2) involves carbon dioxide heated to 87 degrees F and pumped through the plant material at around 8,000 psi – under these conditions, the carbon dioxide is likened to a 'dense fog' or vapor.
With release of the pressure, the carbon dioxide escapes in its natural gaseous form, leaving the pure essential oil behind. Supercritical distillation has become the more common of the CO2 methods, though these oils are stilled labeled CO2-distiled or CO2 extracted.
These carbon dioxide methods have a couple of advantages: Like steam distillation, there are no solvent residues left behind, and the resultant product is perfectly pure. Like cold pressing, there is no heat applied to the plant material or essential oil to alter it in any way.
The oil produced is very accurate with respect to the original state of the plant. CO2 distillation produces the most therapeutic essential oil for some plants, yet not others. It is highly beneficial for resins such as Frankincense and Myrrh, as more of the larger molecules - considered to have important healing properties - are brought into the essential oil. 'Spice' oils like Ginger, Black Pepper and Clove are more rich, with a bit more 'zing' or 'effervescence' to them.
Many common oils are still best steam distilled; German Chamomile for example, only produces its naturally anti-inflammate component of chamulzine when distilled by steam. We select the best distillation method of each oil to offer you the greatest therapeutic effects.
Cold Pressing
Finally, there is the 'cold pressing' of citrus oils from the peels of fruit, as is done with Bergamot oil, Orange oil , Lemon oil , and the like. This method involves the simple pressing of the rind at about 120 degrees F to extract the oil. Little, if any, alteration from the oil's original state occurs – these citrus oils retain their bright, fresh, uplifting aromas like that of smelling a wonderfully ripe fruit.
So What Makes The Best Essential Oil?
CO2's, with some obvious advantages, are not always the best choice for a particular need. They still are the most expensive, despite their higher yields.
The resultant product differs slightly compared to one produced another way – the oils produced by steam distillation of some plants may sometimes be found to have a more agreeable aroma. Patchouli oil, for example, seems to benefit from the steam distillation process by becoming a little warmer and richer. Many other essential oils are quite effectively produced via steam distillation, with little alteration from the original plant state.
Oils from other plant species do seem more 'complete' with CO2 processing, with Frankincense oil and most of the 'spice' oils being good examples where a little something special is present in the aroma. This likely translates to greater therapeutic properties.
Producing essential oils of aromatherapeutic grade is skill requiring years of experience. It takes the work of a dedicated artesian at every step, from growing and harvesting to fine-tuning the distillation process, to produce a truly fine oil.
The making of a fine essential oil relies far more on knowledge and experience than it does on the particular extraction method. There are, however, legitimate reasons to select one distillation method over another – some plants simply require a particular process to produce a fine oil, and the oil needed for a particular application may only be made by one process.
In the end, as is often the case in aromatherapy, your own sense of smell can tell you which oil will work best for you.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are concentrated volatile aromatic compounds produced by plants - the easily evaporated essences that give plants their wonderful scents.
Each of these complex precious liquids is extracted from a particular species of plant life.
Each plant species originates in certain regions of the world, with particular environmental conditions and neighboring fauna and flora. The result is a very diverse library of aromatic compounds, with some essential oils being made up of more than one hundred distinct organic chemicals.
What do they do for plants?
Essential oils are extracted from oil 'sacs' in flowers, leaves, stems, roots, seeds, wood and bark. They differ significantly from the well-known vegetable, nut and seed oils which are made up of various fatty acids (essential oils are not).
Essential oils are used by the plants in somewhat the same way they are by humans - they fight infection, contain hormone-like compounds, initiate cellular regeneration, and work as chemical defense against fungal, viral, and animal foes.
Despite their foliar origins however, essential oils have a similar structure to some compounds found in blood and tissues, allowing them to be compatible with our own physiology.
How Essential Oils Are Extracted
To produce essential oils of therapeutic quality - those that retain as much of the original plant essence in its original state as possible - the most gentle extraction method that will draw the oil from a particular plant is most desirable. Extraction methods range from Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extraction - being the most gentle (and most expensive), to pressing (as for extracting the oil from citrus rinds) and steam distillation, to solvent extraction.
Steam distillation is most common, and as a result of only requiring heating to just above the boiling point of water, is considered gentle enough for most essential oils. (Note: All of Ananda's essential oils are of Therapeutic Quality, being 100% pure, unadulterated, and properly produced to this standard - Read more about how essential oils are made).
The History of Essential Oils
Humankind has used plants for healing for many thousands of years, and it's from this tradition of that the use of aromatic plant compounds is medicine began. (see About Aromatherapy for a more in depth discussion of the olfactory aspects of essential oil use).
Documented use of aromatic plants dates back to near 4500 B.C., though it was in the hands of the ancient Egyptians that the use of oils and plant aromatics was truly developed. Oils were used in the embalming process, in medicine and in purification rituals.
In 1922, when King Tut's tomb was opened, 50 alabaster jars made to contain nearly 350 liters of oil were discovered. There are also over 200 references to aromatics, incense and ointments in the Old and New Testaments; Frankincense, Myrrh, Galbanun, Cinnamon, Cassia, Rosemary, Hyssop and Spikenard are noted for being used for anointing rituals and healing of the sick.
The Beginnings of Modern Aromatherapy
The first modern-day distillation of essential oil was performed by the Persian philosopher Avicenna (980-1037 A.D.) who extracted the essence of rose petals through the 'enfleurage' process. His discovery and subsequent use of a wonderful perfume substance eventually lead him to write a book on the healing properties of essential oil of Rose.
By the mid 1500's, many aromatic botanicals were being distilled in Europe and the Middle East. It was in the middle of the last century that the term 'Aromatherapy' was coined by French cosmetic chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse - Dr. Gattefosse discovered the healing properties of Lavender essential oil when, after burning his hands in a laboratory accident, he submersed them in the flower's essential oil. His amazingly speedy recovery prompted him to write his book 'Aromatherapy' in 1937.
Today's Aromatherapy
Research has confirmed centuries of practical use of essential oils, and we now know that the 'fragrant pharmacy' contains compounds with an extremely broad range of biochemical effects.
There are about three hundred essential oils in general use today by professional practitioners, though the average household could fulfill all its likely needs with 10 (for wound healing, cold fighting, insect repelling, calming children and the like), perhaps 20 if their use were a touch more esoteric (for deepening meditation, enhancing yoga practice, etc).
Using Essential Oils
The most effective way to use most essential oils is by external application or inhalation, though some can be very beneficial when taken internally (note the cautions and applications on each essential oil's page).
The methods used include body oils, compresses, cosmetic lotions, baths (including hand and foot baths), hair rinses, inhalation (by steam, direct from the bottle or from a tissue), perfumes and room sprays. Essential oils are VERY potent - some will cause skin irritation or have other harmful effects if not used properly. Unless specifically noted, it is best to dilute all essential oils in a carrier of base oil like Almond, Jojoba or Apricot Kernel before applying to the skin - appropriate dilution is usually only 1 - 10% essential oil in carrier.
For inhalation, a diffuser or oil lamp is effective for releasing essential oils into your environment - a very pleasant way of creating a particular atmosphere.
What is Aromatherapy?
The term Aromatherapy is a bit misleading, as the aroma of an essential oil is only one facet of the oil's interaction with the human body.
Aromatherapy is really the entire branch of botanical medicine using volatile aromatic plant compounds for treatment of various conditions.
Many actions of essential oils don't even have to do with one's sense of smell. Beyond acting through the limbic system (the brain region immediately affected by the smell sense), many essential oils have proven antibiotic, antiviral, antispasmodic, antifungal or other actions.
But, we'll start with the 'aroma' part - how essential oils interact with the body's olfactory system...
Affecting Your Gray Matter via Aromatherapy
The olfactory system, your 'smell' sense, is the only one of the five senses directly connected to the brain. All other senses are routed first through the thalamus, then directed to the cerebral cortex and other brain regions.
Each 'scent-sensing' cell is a sort of chemical receiver - Each receptor in the nose reacts to some scents and not others. Each of these scent-cells is directly linked to the brain by one nerve fiber. In a way, it is difficult to sense a smell and first think about it before having a response - the signal does not travel first to the thought centers.
Because each sensing cell is in direct contact with the chemical being sensed, and the cell is in direct contact with the brain, the physiological response to smell is quick and powerful.
The Body Response to Aromatherapy
The olfactory region of the brain is closely associated with the limbic region - that being the center of emotions, memory, sex drive and intuition. The limbic system is also connected to parts of the brain that control heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure and stress levels.
Further, the olfactory region connects to the hypothalamus, which controls the entire hormonal system by influencing the pituitary. This gives us a good ideas as to why the aromatic compounds of plants - essential oils - can have an 'aromatherapeutic' effect.
Ways of Using Essential Oils
Aromatherapy practice also very much includes topical (skin) application, and sometimes ingestion, of essential oils. Safe and effective use depends completely on the particular essential oil - some are absolutely not to be taken internally and others are strong skin irritants.
Effects through topical application rely on the small-size of essential oil molecules - smaller oil-like compounds pass through the lipid bi-layers of skin cells and are absorbed into the bloodstream. Being absorbed this way, essential oils can also produce a profound physiological response.
Topical application may be helpful in a variety of skin, joint, and muscle conditions, as well as for more general stress related states.
Other Diverse Applications of Aromatherapy
This brings us to the non-physiological actions in Aromatherapy. The actions of essential oils in Aromatherapy are as diverse as the plant species from which they come.
Besides physiological responses, other 'external' factors are affected. Some essential oils have been show in laboratory experiments to be extremely powerful antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics.
They can provide therapeutic action by fending off invaders of our own system. Tea Tree, for example, is used in many dental formulations for its gentle yet effective antibacterial action.
How to Use Essential Oils Safely :
Essential Oils are very powerful components of plants - they have the capability of being harmful if improperly used. Essential Oils can be very helpful for some cases, supportive in others, and have little to no effect in others.
They are not intended to treat or cure serious medical conditions; there is no substitute for a consultation with a competent physician for any matters regarding your health, or anyone else.
If you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breast feeding, it is critical you consult your physician before using any essential oil.
ALMOST ALL ESSENTIAL OILS MUST BE DILUTED PRIOR TO TOPICAL APPLICATION to the range of 1% to 5% in your chosen carrier (or 'base') oil - Lavender and Chamomile Oils being notable exceptions.
The Primary Methods of Using Essential Oils, Inhalation:
There are three traditional uses of Essential Oils in Aromatherapy: Inhalation, Topical Application, and Ingestion. Most essential oils can be used undiluted in a diffuser or oil lamp (sometimes called a 'burner') safely.
A diffuser passes a continuous stream of air over your oil source - often simply straight from the bottle - creating a fine evaporated mist without heating.
A candle lamp incorporates a small bowl over a tea candle. The bowl is first filled with a small amount of water, into which a few drops of essential oils are placed. The oils are evaporated through the gentle heating of the water by the candle.
GO SLOW, START WITH A SMALL AMOUNT! You will know when you've had enough - we tend to notice a distaste for the smell or even a mild headache coming on if the concentration of certain oils in the air has gotten too high. Inhalation is often effective for mood-altering effects of essential oils; Rosemary for mental 'stimulation', Lavender for relaxation, etc. This is the direct effect of essential oil components on the lymbic system (see About Aromatherapy).
One may certainly blend essential oils in a diffuser or burner, adding a couple drops of each oil desired. Often a nice result can be had from mixing a brighter or sweeter oil (Rosemary, Basil, Orange) with one more earthy and grounding (Patchouli, Frankincense, Cedar).
The effects are very personal - if you don't like the smell of a particular essential oil or combination of oils, there's probably a reason and they're just not for you! Your intake could be too high or the oil(s) may not be compatible with your body chemistry at that time.
How to Use Essential Oils, Topical Application:
Perhaps even more common than inhalation, topical application is the preferred method of use for many essential oils. However, MOST essential oils require significant dilution as they can cause skin irritation. Lavender Oil and Chamomile Oil are two essential oils that can be applied 'neat' or without dilution; others, such as Cinnamon Oil and Oregano Oil should not be applied topically in most cases - they may be applied once highly diluted to the bottoms of the feet. A VERY small amount should be tested first.
The interesting thing about topical application is that essential oils tend to pass through the skin fairly readily, as they are lipotropic (fat soluble) and their molecular structure is fairly small. Essential oils can pass into the bloodstream and surrounding tissues.
In this manner, their possible effects can be targeted - if one has digestive trouble, rubbing Peppermint Oil diluted in a carrier oil (a pure vegetable or nut oil) into the abdomen may help. In the same way, rubbing Chamomile Oil or Lavender Oil into the solar plexus (bottom tip of the sternum) may help relieve tension.
A common concentration of essential oils in a carrier oil is 5%. This works out to 40 drops total of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil ~ or 1.5 millliters per each ounce (an ounce is 30ml). Essential oils are rarely used in higher concentrations, and lower concentrations are found in both face care blends, and formulas for children.
One of the most effective means of topical application is reflexology, or more generally, foot massage. The feet are particularly suited to using the broad range of effects of essential oils, as they have many accupressure/accupuncture points corrosponding to different parts of the body.
If you are new to such methods, their are many guidebooks available; you may simply start by gently massaging the feet with your blend, and noticing how you or your patient responds to different areas. Go with what feels good!
Using Essential Oils, Ingestion:
Finally, some essential oils are ingested, usually either in water or in capsules. As this technique is rare, and not really considered effective in most cases, we strongly suggest one refrains from trying it unless noted specifically for that oil by a knowledgeable source.
Although there is currently something of a dismissive attitude concerning essential oils in pharmacology, various essential oils retain considerable popular use, partly in fringe medicine and partly in popular remedies.
Unfortunately, this makes it difficult to obtain reliable references concerning their pharmacological merits.
Taken by mouth, many essential oils can be dangerous in high concentrations. Typical effects begin with a burning feeling, followed by salivation.
In the stomach, the effect is carminative, relaxing the gastric sphincter and encouraging eructation. Further down the gut, the effect typically is antispasmodic.
Typical ingredients for such applications include eucalyptus oils, menthol, capsaicin, anise and camphor. Other essential oils work well in these applications, but it is notable that others offer no significant benefit.
This illustrates the fact that different essential oils may have drastically different pharmacology. Those that do work well for upper respiratory tract and bronchial problems act variously as mild expectorants and decongestants. Some act as locally anaesthetic counterirritants, and thereby exert an antitussive effect.
Some essential oils, such as those of juniper and agathosma are valued for their diuretic effects.With relatively recent concerns about the overuse of antibacterial agents, many essential oils have seen a resurgence in off-label use for such properties and are being examined for this use clinically.
Many essential oils affect the skin and mucous membranes in ways that variously are valuable or harmful. They are used in antiseptics and liniments in particular.
Typically, they produce rubefacient irritation at first, and then counterirritant numbness. Turpentine oil and camphor are two typical examples of oils that cause such effects.
Menthol and some others produce a feeling of cold followed by a sense of burning. This is caused by its effect on heat-sensing nerve endings. Some essential oils, such as clove oil or eugenol, were popular for many years in dentistry as antiseptics and local anaesthetics. Thymol also is well known for its antiseptic effects.
Today, most common essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus, are distilled. Raw plant material, consisting of the flowers, leaves, wood, bark, roots, seeds, or peel, is put into an alembic (distillation apparatus) over water.
As the water is heated, the steam passes through the plant material, vaporizing the volatile compounds. The vapors flow through a coil, where they condense back to liquid, which is then collected in the receiving vessel.
Most oils are distilled in a single process. One exception is ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata), which takes 22 hours to complete through a fractional distillation.
The recondensed water is referred to as a hydrosol, hydrolat, herbal distillate or plant water essence, which may be sold as another fragrant product. Popular hydrosols include rose water, lavender water, lemon balm, clary sage and orange blossom water.
The use of herbal distillates in cosmetics is increasing. Some plant hydrosols have unpleasant smells and are therefore not sold.
Expression
Most citrus peel oils are expressed mechanically, or cold pressed (similar to olive oil extraction). Due to the relatively large quantities of oil in citrus peel and low cost to grow and harvest the raw materials, citrus-fruit oils are cheaper than most other essential oils.
Lemon or sweet orange oils that are obtained as byproducts of the citrus industry are even cheaper.
Prior to the discovery of distillation, all essential oils were extracted by pressing.
Solvent extraction
Most flowers contain too little volatile oil to undergo expression and their chemical components are too delicate and easily denatured by the high heat used in steam distillation.
Instead, a solvent such as hexane or supercritical carbon dioxide is used to extract the oils. Extracts from hexane and other hydrophobic solvent are called concretes, which are a mixture of essential oil, waxes, resins, and other lipophilic (oil soluble) plant material.
Although highly fragrant, concretes contain large quantities of nonfragrant waxes and resins. Often, another solvent, such as ethyl alcohol, which is more polar in nature, is used to extract the fragrant oil from the concrete. The alcohol is removed by evaporation, leaving behind the absolute.
Supercritical carbon dioxide is used as a solvent in supercritical fluid extraction. This method has many benefits including avoiding petrochemical residues in the product and the loss of some "top notes" when steam distillation is used.
It does not yield an absolute directly. The supercritical carbon dioxide will extract both the waxes and the essential oils that make up the concrete. Subsequent processing with liquid carbon dioxide, achieved in the same extractor by merely lowering the extraction temperature, will separate the waxes from the essential oils.
This lower temperature process prevents the decomposition and denaturing of compounds. When the extraction is complete, the pressure is reduced to ambient and the carbon dioxide reverts to a gas, leaving no residue. An animated presentation describing the process is available for viewing.
Supercritical carbon dioxide is also used for making decaffeinated coffee. Although it uses the same basic principles, it is a different process because of the difference in scale.
Florasols extraction
Florasol is a refrigerant and it was developed to replace Freon. Florasol is an ozone friendly product and it cause no danger to the environment. The advantage is that the extraction of essential oils occurs at or below room temperature so any degradation through temperature extremes does not occur.
The only thing that is extracted from the plants are the essential oils. The essential oils are absolutely pure and contain no foreign substances at all
An essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants. Essential oils are also known as volatile oils, ethereal oils or aetherolea, or simply as the "oil of" the plant from which they were extracted, such as oil of clove.
An oil is "essential" in the sense that it carries a distinctive scent, or essence, of the plant. Essential oils do not form a distinctive category for any medical, pharmacological, or culinary purpose.
Essential oils are generally extracted by distillation. Other processes include expression, or solvent extraction.
They are used in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps and other products, for flavoring food and drink, and for adding scents to incense and household cleaning products.
Various essential oils have been used medicinally at different periods in history. Medical applications proposed by those who sell medicinal oils range from skin treatments to remedies for cancer, and often are based solely on historical accounts of use of essential oils for these purposes.
Claims for the efficacy of medical treatments and treatment of cancers in particular, are now subject to regulation in most countries.
As the use of essential oils has declined in evidence-based medicine, one must consult older textbooks for much information on their use.
Modern works are less inclined to generalize; rather than refer to "essential oils" as a class at all, they prefer to discuss specific compounds, such as methyl salicylate, rather than "oil of wintergreen".
Interest in essential oils has revived in recent decades with the popularity of aromatherapy, a branch of alternative medicine that claims that essential oils and other aromatic compounds have curative effects. Oils are volatilized or diluted in a carrier oil and used in massage, diffused in the air by a nebulizer, heated over a candle flame, or burned as incense.
The techniques and methods first used to produce essential oils was first mentioned by Ibn al-Baitar (1188–1248), an Andalusian physician, pharmacist and chemist.
