What are Essential Oils

     “Through the moon, the vessel of life-giving fluid, I nourish all plants.

-Bhagavad Gita, as translated by Eknath Easwaran

Essential oils are the most concentrated part of the plant. The oils are the aromatic essences, the volatile and fragrant substances produced by plants. This oily substance is synthesized by the plant’s buds, flowers, leaves, stems, twigs, seeds, fruits, roots, wood or bark, and are stored in specialized cells or cavities. This oily substance known as the secondary metabolite are the defense chemicals used to protect the health and well-being of the plant, protecting them against stress, bacteria, fungus, pathogens, as well repellents to insects and herbivores. In essence, the oil is the plant’s vital life force, a protection, an intelligence that heals, renews and prevents harm.

These complex molecules are extracted from the plant through various methods, including water or steam distillation, solvent extraction, expression under pressure, supercritical fluid and subcritical water extractions.

The use of plants, herbs and aromatic extracts are one of our original medicines. Their medical effectiveness has been known since ancient times, valued by all the ancient communities. Working with plant medicine in all forms, growing harvesting, or preparing for human use weather as an herb, tincture, essence, oil or hydrosol is a whole system of knowledge. Ancient in its origin, returning in our time to support our evolution in consciousness for a more sustainable, creative and enjoyable life for all sentient beings who share this earth.

Aromatherapy is not a luxury.

It is an inexpensive way to maintain health

and to treat many diseases naturally.

 -Kurt Schnaubelt, The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils

How Do Essential Oils Affect Us?

Essential oil molecules are small and volatile, meaning they vaporize quickly. This makes them easily absorbed by the skin or respiratory system when inhaled. When applied to the skin, they cross into the capillaries into the circulatory system then carried to every organ system and finally to every cell of the body. When the oil is inhaled it goes directly to the limbic-emotional brain, into nervous system to influence the release of neurotransmitters and hormones that initiate various physiological and psychological changes such as, relief of anxiety, fear, pain, uplifting mood, improving immune function, and promoting sleep.

 The healing action changes the unhealthy patterns held in the energy body. By administering therapeutic doses of frequency-specific subtle energy, of what Oschman calls “energetic pharmacology” rather than the ‘man-made’ chemical pharmacology, the bodymind responds and adopts the healthy patterns. The natural chemical compounds from essential oils:

 1. Promote mental-emotional well-being.

 2. Promote relaxation and reduction of stress for adaptation and resilience.

 3. Alleviate spiritual distress and promote qualities of joy, happiness, peace, forgiveness, gratitude and over all sense of well-being.

The specific use of essential oils may include: relief from stress, anxiety, depression, sadness, grief, anger, insomnia, digestive disorders, cramping, nausea, pain, fatigue, muscular problems, inflammation, infection, mental agitation, premenstrual syndrome, menopausal problems, wound healing, enhance immune system, and for their antioxidant properties.

How To Use Essential Oils

Essential oils can be inhaled or applied topically. It is always best to be clear what effects you are seeking. Is it relief of physical symptoms, uplifting emotions or connecting to your soul and our spiritual source of all life.  Use your oils mindfully. Be present, aware and engaged in receiving the gift they offer.

Inhalation

 Air/room fresheners

 Direct inhalation from the bottle

 Use in a vaporizer

 Add drops of oil to the shower stall

 Use in a pocket inhaler or aromatic jewelry

 Steam inhalations

Application to Skin

 Add to a carrier oil and massage into skin

 Add neat, directly to skin [be sure to perform the skin test]

 Add to lotions, shampoos, cosmetics

 Bathing, add drops of [recommended] essential oils to use in bath with milk as the carrier

 Compresses

 Foot and hand baths [couple of drops]

 Jacuzzis and Saunas

 Sitz bath

Carrier Oils

There are many great carrier oils. Below are a couple of good ones to use. Where possible, buy cold-pressed, organic oils. Many have adulterated with other oils.

Almond Oil  Prunus dulcis   kernals

Excellent for all skin types, reducing itching, inflammation and cracked areas.

Carrot Seed Daucus carota  Queen Anne’s Lace seeds

Absorbed quickly, rich in antioxidants and highly nutritious and rejuvenating to the skin,  improving skin tone and preventing wrinkles. Good for all skin types. particularly helpful for chapped and dry skin.

Coconut Oil  Cocos nucifera    white meat of the coconut

Easily absorbed, moisturizing,  and great for massage.

Jojoba   Simmondsia sinensis   beans

Good for all skin types, moisturize and unclog pores, reduce inflammation, sunburn and diaper rash.

Rosehip Seed  Rosa mosqueta   hips [fruit]

High in Vitamin C, rejuvenating and healing, improves dry and aging skin. Store the oil in the refrigerator.