Aromatherapy

Archive for July, 2008

As the interest in aromatherapy grows for those interested in alternative health, wellness, and fitness, many folks ask “what are essential oils” and “how do they differ from other oils like olive oil, coconut and the like”? This brief primer should help clarify the matter, and get you started in the wonderful world of aromatherapy. Essential oils are concentrated volatile aromatic compounds produced by plants – these are the easily evaporated essences that give plants their wonderful scents, more akin to an alcohol than what we commonly think of as an oil . Each of these complex precious liquids is extracted from a particular plant species. 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.

Pure essential oils are distilled from oil sacs found in most structures of plants – the leaves, roots, flowers and more. Almost all essential oils are made up of several, sometimes hundreds of various molecular compounds. The combination and ratios of these compounds give each oil it’s particular aromatic and medicinal properties. Essential oils are not just a by-product of plant growth; plants use these oils in a manner similar to those prescribed in medical aromatherapy: to fight infections from microbes, fungi and viruses; to protect themselves from animal invaders; and some suspect they may be used for chemical communication between plants of the same species. While essential oils come from the plant world, they are particularly suited to use in natural health, wellness and fitness programs as their chemistry is remarkably compatible with our own; they are easily absorbed into our bodies, even at the cellular level.

Distilling pure essential oils of therapeutic grade is a delicate process. Steam distillation is the most common method, where steam is passed through a vessel containing fresh plant materials. The steam is captured and cooled, the resultant oil and water separated. To make an oil of the highest quality begins with the finest plant materials, followed with a close attention to the time, temperature and pressure of the distillation process. To much or too little of any factor can produce an oil of inferior quality and aroma, and one with lesser therapeutic properties. To chose an essential oil supplier, sample products from several companies – you can usually tell right away which oil will have the most profound uses for natural health and wellness simply by the beauty of the aroma.

The use of essential oils by man dates back many thousands of years. Their earliest use is thought around 4500 BC, though it was the ancient Egyptian civilization that developed essential oil production on a grand scale. Roughly 350 liters of oil were found in King Tut’s tomb, and essential oils played a significant roll in the embalming process. The Christian Bible contains hundreds of references aromatic oils and incense – perhaps the most well-known being the anointing of the feet of Jesus with Spikenard by Mary Magdalene before his crucifixion. Anointing for spiritual and purification purposes is often mentioned. Other references make note of these oils being used to heal the sick – a testament to the knowledge of the natural healing powers of essential oils.

Modern use of essential oils in natural health, wellness and fitness programs began with the discovery of Lavender’s healing properties by a French scientist in the middle of the last century. Lavender was found to have effective healing properties for skin wounds, strong anti-inflammatory properties, and wonderful calming effects when inhaled. Further research has confirmed superior efficacy of essential oils for a broad range of physiological conditions.

The most promising use of essential oils is in the treatment of infectious illness. Most essential oils display antibacterial effects, some also with strong antiviral properties as well. They can be used to fight infectious illness, or support the immune system to prevent the onset of illness in the first place. It does take a qualified practitioner, or a significantly strong knowledge to choose the right oil for each condition, however. Some oils are particularly effective in treating certain illnesses and not others; these ‘other’ illnesses will have their own best essential oil (or combination of) for treatment. Beyond infectious illness, certain essential oils have strong anti-inflammatory properties, other oils can stimulate the regeneration of tissues, others can help cleanse and purify the body, and still others can reduce muscular and joint pain while increasing circulation. As you can see, essential oils can play a significant role an any natural health, wellness and/or fitness program – the important part is proper education of the user.

Using essential oils is very easy, fun, and can be extremely rewarding. Employing oils is most commonly done using one of these methods: inhalation, topical application, and in certain instances ingestion. Diffusing essential oils with a cold-air nebulizer is best for inhalation, as these units make a fine mist of the oils which are easily absorbed in significant quantities. This method is effective both for psychological effects and support for the respiratory system. Topical application usually involved the dilution of essential oils in a carrier oil to a 5% or less concentration to be used with certain massage techniques. Massage is often used for relief of muscle and joint pain, and also with calming and uplifting psychological results. Topical application will frequently take the form of blends for healing various skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and even revitalizing aging skin. Finally, ingestion – which should only be done with very detailed knowledge from a qualified professional – is often used in the form of oil placed in gel capsules. Peppermint oil is frequently used this way for digestive complaints. There is such a wonderful variety of uses for essential oils; to get the most from them, educate yourself further through courses, texts and knowledgeable practitioners. Most of all, be safe, have fun, and welcome this new edition to your alternative natural health regimen.

The miraculous relationship between plants and their environment is continuously unfolding. These organic, colorful entities are ceaselessly participate in a magical process, in a dance with water, earth, air and sunlight. The nearly immeasurable possible combinations of plant genes and environmental conditions have allowed for incredible diversity in floral expression, resulting in a vast array of natural botanical materials. These include gourmet fruits and vegetables, complex spices, medicinal herbs, natural perfumes and therapeutic essential oils. Man continues to explore further into the jungles and rainforests, knowing mother nature is the true master of creation.

The distinction in plants between food and medicine is blurred at best. Researchers regularly report new medicinal properties in plants once considered salad fixings, or even just weeds. Fruits and berries once thought supremely plain nourish us with some of the world’s most potent anti cancer agents. The same goes for common teas and spices; green tea is arguably the most effective anti oxidants known. The Indian spice Turmeric has fantastic anti-inflammatory properties…and this list continues to grow. This lack of distinction also exists between natural fragrances and therapeutic essential oils. The oil of Lavender flowers, rich in ketones, does triple duty as a perfume, an effective anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agent, and calming aromatic that can help ease tension and allow restful sleep.

The use of so-called ‘alternative’ therapies is on the rise; more individuals are turning to the wisdom of nature for assistance for all types of ailments, both physical and psychological. Interestingly, the source of most ills, from a naturopathic point of view, is being out-of-balance with nature. Eating unnatural things, following unnatural cycles, and living in unnatural environments. Lack of balance with the earth, from which we are made and upon which we live, leads to ‘dis-ease’ in our bodies and minds. As plants have created their wondrous botanical materials in a process guided by the rhythms of the heavens and earth, we may look to ‘plant wisdom’ to lead our way back into balance.

A depressed mental state is a common reasons for seeking treatment through alternative therapies. A wide range of psychological and physical issues can result in feelings of depression and an outlook of negativity. Further, once in this state, patterns can persist that make relief much more difficult to come by. Many natural healers believe depression to be a result of, like many other ills, of being out of balance; being unable to ’sync up’ with the natural state of harmony that permeates the universe. Using the concentrated aromatic oils of plants for uplifting one’s mental state is truly mainstream in some parts of the world due to essential oils’ significant positive effects. Aromatherapy itself may or may not directly affect the underlying cause of depression, but it may provide just enough support so that the depressive cycles can be broken.

Our olfactory region is located in each of the two nasal cavities between and below the eye sockets. Containing nearly fifty million primary sensory receptor cells, this part of the nervous system is highly intricate, being ten thousand times more sensitive than the sense of taste. We find that olfaction is more complex than the sense of sight as well – it is able to distinguish a nearly infinite number of aromatic molecules at very low concentrations. Visible light is sensed using only three types of receptors, whereas the sense of smell relies on several hundred distinct classes of sensors.

Essential oils stimulate multiple regions in the human brain, including those controlling our hormonal and emotional reactions. Aromatic oils have direct and profound effects on our innermost control systems which balance our feelings and mental states. When inhaled, aromatherapy oils passing through the outer layers of the sinuses and activate the olfactory nerves. There, the brain is directly stimulated, producing powerful systemic effects, with the most immediate being on the emotions.

In both Naturopathy and Ayurveda, essential oils are considered to enhance the flow of prana – the essential life force, enhance and nourish ojas -the sustaining energy and immunological essence, and brighten tejas – clarity and mental luminosity. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, aromatherapy oils in general are medicines for the Shen, the spiritual essence that resides in the heart, guiding and governing consciousness. As viewed by these natural medicine systems, the concentrated volatile essences of plants have a great capacity to affect positive mental and emotional states.

In addition, essential oils’ healing action on the physical body is likely to effect one’s mental outlook as well. Used as powerful medicines in many countries around the world, essential oils have been utilized to improve a great variety of physical disease states. Bringing the physical body back to balance almost always has a great impact in returning the mind and emotions to a balanced state as well.

Following are some oils that have a reputation for up-lifting Shen, enhancing prana, nourishing ojas, and brightening tejas – combinations that may have marked effects on symptoms of depression. These oils can be used alone or in combination in a nebulizing diffuser (producing a fine mist of oils for inhalation), or in aromatherapy massage, thereby inhaled and absorbed through the skin concurrently.

Bergamot oil, cold pressed from the rinds of bitter oranges, has a great reputation uplifting the mind and spirit, while bringing calm. For this reason, is suitable for many types of depressive states, particularly those with a strong current of negativity.

Neroli (from the flower of bitter oranges), like Bergamot, regulates the Qi – and like Jasmine flower oil, comforts the mind and heart. Neroli is called for at a core level, for the type of depression that comes from nervous and emotional exhaustion. Neroli uplifts the mind and Spirit with its potential to nourish and unify. Neroli assists in retrieving and releasing repressed emotions, with potential to nourish and unify a fragmented psyche. Neroli is specifically indicated for individuals who, in order to escape from emotional pain and suffering, cut themselves off from their feelings and senses.

The Chamomiles (German and Roman) are wonderful oils to use when the depression manifests in a moody, irritable, dissatisfied outward expression associated with stagnant Liver-Qi. These flower oils are earthy, rich, and grounding with subtle uplifting qualities.

When depression is of a Fire (overly aggressive) nature, it often involves an imbalance of joy and love – the root emotions of the heart and mind. Joy is an extension of Shen’s (spiritual essence’s) innate sense of harmony and perfection, an experience of emotional and spiritual well-being. The depression that afflicts the heart and Shen involves a loss of one’s natural sense of joy. There is often an accompanied lack of enthusiasm and interest as well as an inability to become inspired. Rose otto – steam distilled rose essential oil – or Rose Absolute may have a profound effect on this state. Rose is thought the premier heart opening aromatic, bringing joy, uplifting and restoring balance.

What follows are a few recipes for uplifting and releasing depressed emotional states – use your intuition to find the right one. Often, the single essential oil or blend you find most attractive will be the one that serves you best. Experiment, explore, and have fun with these fantastic gifts of nature. These blends may be used in a diffuser or candle lamp, unless where a carrier oil is indicated – blends with carriers are intended specifically for aromatherapy massage (self-massage is very effective, as well as a simple massage from a friend or loved one).

For opening the heart:1 part Rose 3 parts Sandalwood 1 part Sweet Orange or Bergamot3 parts Jasmine 1 part Ylang Ylang 1 part Sandalwood. For brightening, refreshing and uplifting:3 parts Bergamot 1 part Ylang Ylang 1 part Grapefruit2 parts Bergamot 2 parts Clary Sage 1 part Frankincense3 parts Bergamot or Sweet Orange 2 parts Clary Sage2 parts Frankincense 1 part Lemon 1 part either Jasmine or Neroli. For nourishing:1 part (Roman) Chamomile 1 part Vanilla 10 parts carrier oil of choice. If you like floral and earthy (uplifting and softening to Spirit):1 part Neroli 1 part Vanilla 1 part Orange or 1 part Sandalwood1 part Chamomile 1 part Bergamot 1 part Helichrysum.

Single oils can also be used, and should be investigated so one can learn the different energies of each plant. For depression associated with negativity: Bergamot, Chamomile, Helichrysum, Neroli, or Sweet Orange. For a profound lack of joy, try Rose, Jasmine, Patchouli, or Ylang Ylang. For overthinking and worry, try Frankincense, Lemon, Marjoram, Myrrh or Vetiver. For pessimism, regret and remorse, try Clary Sage, Cypress, Hyssop, or Pine needle. For doubt of one’s capacity to cope with overwhelming situations, try Juniper Berry.

For cases of moderate to severe depression, professional help should always be sought. It is important to consider if you one requires professional help if the depression is overwhelming – while aromatherapy can provide support in a significant number of situations, it may not be for everyone. Essential oils can safely be used in conjunction with other treatments – consult your care giver to ensure there are no conflicts if medications have been prescribed.

As anyone would know, to get essential oils it need to be extracted from different parts of certain plants and the method used for this is to use an essential oil distiller. The technique of distilling essential oils also includes a variant known as the steam distillation process. Steam distillation is very popular, even in this age of high-tech processes. This process requires an essential oil distiller that is especially geared for steam distillation and is usually made from grade borosilicate glass that is made for easy steam extraction of the essential oils from the plants, and even a non-chemist can do it at home while also getting only the purest essential oils in the bargain.

Getting Dry Steam Distillation Will Be Ideal

The steam essential oil distiller should be able to get dry steam distillation in the glass system, and when it is coupled with ground glass joints, you get an all glass essential oil distiller that does not have any hoses or rubber stoppers that will touch your product. In addition, such design also allows for avoiding the build-up of steam pressure in the distillation system, thus providing more safety as well as ensures that the distillation process takes place at the proper temperature, which is exactly one hundred degrees Celsius.

If the steam essential oil distiller also incorporates vertical design it will be able to cope with many of the problems associated with distilling since the biomass flask will remain dry and there will not be any condensation of boiling water since there are separate flasks used when boiling and for biomass, which will insure that there is no overheating or burning of the plant.

A good essential oil distiller should also be able to trap as much as 20mL of heavier than water oils, or lighter than water oils, and at the same time drain away unwanted condensed water so that the whole distillation is begun and proceeds without outside interference.

You may want to select the proper essential oil distiller according to its size, and there is the two-liter kit available that can make for the perfect system to make your own steam distilled essential oils, or you can use the larger thirty-three liter and eighty-five gallon steam essential oil distiller as per your requirements. There are also the larger Biomass sizes such as the ten liter ones to choose from, which are available for about seven hundred dollars. If you want to spend less, then the five-liter bioflask would cost just eighty-five dollars.

Aromatherapy is a scented form of soothing and relaxation treatments. All different types of essential oils are used to achieve different degrees of aromatherapy. Essential oils are naturally occurring volatile oils that are obtained by cold expression or steam distillation. The oil will have the characteristically familiar aroma from the plant part from which it was derived. These are 100% pure oils that have not been processed in any way. Essential oil diffusers have become very popular lately in dispensing these natural oil fragrances into the air. Aromatherapy uses essential oil diffusers to achieve its goal of gently diffusing essential oils into the air.

Types of Diffusers

There are several different types of diffusers on the market today. One of the popular styles for large public areas is essential oil fan diffusers. These diffusers use a fan to blow the oils into the air. This is done with essential oils being placed onto a disposable absorbent pad or put into a tray and then the pad or tray is placed into the unit and switched on. The fan will then blow air across the tray or pad and send the aroma throughout the room. These are very effective essential oil diffusers. Electric heat essential oil diffusers are another good way to dispense the essential oils into the air. These are very popular in bathrooms and living areas and are more commonly known as plug-ins. These units contain tiny cartons of essential oil and are simply plugged into the wall.

A SpaScenter Essential Oil Diffuser has an oil drawer where you apply 20 drops of an essential oil onto a pad. You then turn on the SpaScenter to activate the air circulation and instantly enjoy the benefits of true aromatherapy. The SpaScenter allows you to adjust the strength of the diffuser with a simple turn of a button and can easily be changed to a different essential oil. The SpaScenter is extremely popular because it allows you to have a continuous subtle aroma climate for a long period of time.

Reed essential oil diffusers have become very popular today because they are more nature oriented and look very nice sitting in a living room or bedroom. There is no electricity or flame needed for a reed essential oil diffuser. The essential oil is placed in the diffuser and a reed is put into the oil. The fragrance basically travels up the reed and is dispersed throughout the room. The fragrance will last for months in one of these reeds.

Most candles are used to light a dark room whenever the power goes out or to set the atmosphere. However, there is another reason why candles are used. Essential oil candles add a new perspective to the use of candles. These candles are used to achieve health, vitality and rejuvenation of the body, mind and spirit.

How Essential Oil Candles Are Made

Essential oil candles are made out of either beeswax, soybean wax or vegetable oil. There are also some pure essential oil candles on the market today. The best thing about these essential oil candles is that they are environmentally friendly since they are derived from natural sources.

The Uses Of Essential Oil Candles

Just like other candles, essential oil candles are used to set the atmosphere and improve the ambiance of a room. They really are a wonderful enhancement to any room of your home. Their scent is derived from essential oils that can be relaxing or rejuvenating for your mind and body.

These candles are available in various styles, sizes and scents, just like any other candle is. This will allow you to choose the appropriate candle for you and your home. Their scent can add warmth to your home. They can also give you a clean and refreshing feeling.

The Types Of Essential Oil Candles Available On The Market Today

There are many different types of essential oil candles available on the market today. For this reason, you will need to learn about what these different scents are and what the benefit of each of them is. For instance, Frankincense is warming while both grapefruit and lavender can lift your spirits. While vanilla will help to relieve tension and irritability, lemon can help dispel fatigue. Peppermint’s strong, minty smell can help with your alertness while jasmine can spark romance. So, as you can see, there really is a candle available for every mood and circumstance.

Where To Find Essential Oil Candles

Thanks to the Internet you can easily purchase any type of essential oil candles you want without ever leaving the comfort of your own home to go shopping. With the click of your mouse you can access an infinite number of shops that are selling these candles. However, you want to make sure that these lenders are actually offering pure candles. You will find these natural candles to be cost effective regardless of where you purchase them from. So, the benefits that you will receive from using these candles will be well worth the price you pay for them. Plus, the soy wax that these candles are made from is natural, nontoxic and biodegradable. Since the materials that are used in order to make them this way burns slower, there will also be less dust and smoke whenever you extinguish them.