“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
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.
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
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.