| As the interest in aromatherapy grows for those | | | | and in purification rituals. In 1922, when King Tut's |
| interested in alternative health, wellness, and fitness, | | | | tomb was opened, 50 alabaster jars made to contain |
| many folks ask "what are essential oils" and "how do | | | | nearly 350 liters of oil were discovered. There are |
| they differ from other oils like olive oil, coconut and | | | | also over 200 references to aromatics, incense and |
| the like"? This brief primer should help clarify the | | | | ointments in the Old and New Testaments; |
| matter, and get you started in the wonderful world | | | | Frankincense, Myrrh, Galbanun, Cinnamon, Cassia, |
| of aromatherapy. Essential oils are concentrated | | | | Rosemary, Hyssop and Spikenard are noted for being |
| volatile aromatic compounds produced by plants - | | | | used for anointing rituals and healing of the sick. |
| these are the easily evaporated essences that give | | | | Modern use of essential oils in natural health, wellness |
| plants their wonderful scents, more akin to an alcohol | | | | and fitness programs began with the discovery of |
| than what we commonly think of as an oil. | | | | Lavender's healing properties by a French scientist in |
| Each of these complex precious liquids is extracted | | | | the middle of the last century. Lavender was found |
| from a particular plant species. Each plant species | | | | to have effective healing properties for skin wounds, |
| originates in certain regions of the world, with | | | | strong anti-inflammatory properties, and wonderful |
| particular environmental conditions and neighboring | | | | calming effects when inhaled. Further research has |
| fauna and flora. The result is a very diverse library of | | | | confirmed superior efficacy of essential oils for a |
| aromatic compounds, with some essential oils being | | | | broad range of physiological conditions. Research has |
| made up of more than one hundred distinct organic | | | | confirmed centuries of practical use of essential oils, |
| chemicals. Pure essential oils are distilled from oil sacs | | | | and we now know that the 'fragrant pharmacy' |
| found in most structures of plants - the leaves, | | | | contains compounds with an extremely broad range |
| roots, flowers and more. Almost all essential oils are | | | | of biochemical effects. There are about three |
| made up of several, sometimes hundreds of various | | | | hundred essential oils in general use today by |
| molecular compounds. The combination and ratios of | | | | professional practitioners, though the average |
| these compounds give each oil it's particular aromatic | | | | household could fulfill all its likely needs with 10 (for |
| and medicinal properties. | | | | wound healing, cold fighting, insect repelling, calming |
| Essential oils are not just a by-product of plant | | | | children and the like), perhaps 20 if their use were a |
| growth; plants use these oils in a manner similar to | | | | touch more esoteric (for deepening meditation, |
| those prescribed in medical aromatherapy: to fight | | | | enhancing yoga practice, etc). |
| infections from microbes, fungi and viruses; to | | | | Using essential oils is very easy, fun, and can be |
| protect themselves from animal invaders; and some | | | | extremely rewarding. Employing oils is most |
| suspect they may be used for chemical | | | | commonly done using one of these methods: |
| communication between plants of the same species. | | | | inhalation, topical application, and in certain instances |
| While essential oils come from the plant world, they | | | | ingestion. Diffusing essential oils with a cold-air |
| are particularly suited to use in natural health, wellness | | | | nebulizer is best for inhalation, as these units make a |
| and fitness programs as their chemistry is remarkably | | | | fine mist of the oils which are easily absorbed in |
| compatible with our own; they are easily absorbed | | | | significant quantities. This method is effective both |
| into our bodies, even at the cellular level. To produce | | | | for psychological effects and support for the |
| essential oils of therapeutic quality - those that retain | | | | respiratory system. Topical application usually involved |
| as much of the original plant essence in its original | | | | the dilution of essential oils in a carrier oil to a 5% or |
| state as possible - the most gentle extraction | | | | less concentration to be used with certain massage |
| method that will draw the oil from a particular plant is | | | | techniques. Massage is often used for relief of muscle |
| most desirable. | | | | and joint pain, and also with calming and uplifting |
| Extraction methods range from Carbon Dioxide | | | | psychological results. Topical application will frequently |
| (CO2) extraction - being the most gentle (and most | | | | take the form of blends for healing various skin |
| expensive), to pressing (as for extracting the oil from | | | | conditions such as eczema, acne, and even revitalizing |
| citrus rinds) and steam distillation, to solvent | | | | aging skin. Finally, ingestion - which should only be |
| extraction. Steam distillation is most common, and as | | | | done with very detailed knowledge from a qualified |
| a result of only requiring heating to just above the | | | | professional - is often used in the form of oil placed |
| boiling point of water, is considered gentle enough for | | | | in gel capsules. Peppermint oil is frequently used this |
| most essential oils. Humankind has used plants for | | | | way for digestive complaints. |
| healing for many thousands of years, and it's from | | | | There is such a wonderful variety of uses for |
| this tradition of that the use of aromatic plant | | | | essential oils; to get the most from them, educate |
| compounds is medicine began. Documented use of | | | | yourself further through courses, texts and |
| aromatic plants dates back to near 4500 B.C., though | | | | knowledgeable practitioners. Most of all, be safe, |
| it was in the hands of the ancient Egyptians that the | | | | have fun, and welcome this new edition to your |
| use of oils and plant aromatics was truly developed. | | | | alternative natural health, wellness and fitness |
| Oils were used in the embalming process, in medicine | | | | regimen. |