Introduction
Essential oils are highly aromatic, concentrated liquids taken from plant flowers, stems, leaves, woods and resins. Aromatherapy is the gentle practice of using pure essential oils to promote the body's natural healing process. Essential oils also have subtle effects on the mind and emotions, providing feelings of relaxation, balance, and harmony.
Aromatherapy is not merely a fancy word that marks fragrant products. The word "aromatherapy" is derived from two words: aroma, meaning fragrance or smell and therapy, meaning treatment.
A History
The use of aromatic oils stretches back to ancient civilizations. The earliest known records are Euphrates River clay tablets dating from approximately 5,000 BCE onward where Babylonian doctors recorded their formulae and prescriptions. India also has a history of use documented in the Vedic scriptures from approximately 2,000 BCE. The scriptures record approximately 700 substances such as cinnamon, ginger, myrrh, coriander and sandalwood and their uses -- not just for perfume, but for their therapeutic properties as well. Modern day Ayurvedic medicine developed from these scriptures. Also during 2,000 BCE, the Chinese Emperor Huang Ti recorded hundreds of remedies of aromatic herbs known for their therapeutic and religious use in his classic "Yellow Emperor's Book of Internal Medicine".
In 1817, the 110 page "Ebers Papyrus" was discovered. This scroll is now referred to as a medicinal scroll and dates back to 1,500 BCE. It mentions over 800 different formulations of herbal prescriptions and remedies with many mixtures containing myrrh and honey. Myrrh is known for its ability to help with infections of the skin and throat and to regenerate skin tissue. Myrrh was also used for embalming due to its effectiveness in preventing bacterial growth.
Ancient Egyptian Pharoahs exchanged highly revered Blue Lotus Oil with the kings of India for slaves, gold and other precious goods. At one time, essential oils were considered by many to be more valuable than gold.
It is from Egypt, however, that we have the best records on the use of oils. When King Tutankhamun's tomb was opened in 1922, 350 litres of oil were discovered in alabaster jars, still identifiable. Egyptian papyrus manuscripts dating from 2,800 BCE describe their extensive knowledge and use of many different aromatics plants, resins and oils. Of note was a mixture of sixteen different ingredients known as "kyphi". This balsamic blend had antiseptic properties and acted as an antidote to poison. In addition, kyphi could be used as incense, perfume, or taken internally.
Ancient Egyptians used plant essences to embalm their deceased kings. And scientists have been able to identify the intestines of an embalmed body because they were so well preserved. When the tomb of king Tutenkhamen was discovered in the early 1900's, traces of essential oils were found in a clay jar.
The Book of Exodus also records a formula for a special anointing oil which contained myrrh, cinnamon, and olive oil. This oil was given to Moses for use by the Jews on their journey from Israel to Egypt. The Greeks, too, have a rich history of knowledge and use learned from the Egyptians. Records show that Hippocrates, the father of medicine, used perfumed fumigations and unguents. Hippocrates himself said that a scented bath and massage each day was the key to a healthy lifestyle. One famous Greek preparation called "megaleion", made from myrrh, cinnamon and cassia, was used as a remedy for skin inflammations and battle wounds.
There are many references to aromatic oils (or the plants they are derived from) in the Bible. Some precious oils, such as frankincense, myrrh, galbanum, rosemary, hyssop, cassia, cinnamon and spikenard, were used for massage and healing the sick. There were three wise men (magi) who brought gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Christ child. Modern clinical research now shows that frankincense and myrrh are two of the most powerful immune-stimulating substances available. Perhaps the three wise men possessed knowledge we are only now beginning to understand.
Use of essential oils continued and they were first introduced to European society by the crusading knights around the 11th century. They also brought details of the methods of distillation still in use today. In the Middle Ages, floors were strewn with aromatic plants and little bouquets of lavender and other herbs were carried as protection against the plague. Essential oils are still referred to when discussing thieves who robbed the bodies of the dead and were not infected with this deadly disease. The robbers would anoint themselves with essential oils as protection from the terrible plague.
The Roman doctor Dioscorides wrote a book called "De Materia Medica" which described the use of many herbs and plant extracts. This book would be used by doctors around the world for 1,500 years to come.
Natural aromatics were also widely used as trade goods and gifts. The distillation and use of essential oils gradually developed in the Western world and became increasingly analyzed and recorded by alchemists and pharmacists. Chemistry developed from alchemy and during the early nineteenth century, chemists began to uncover and name the various individual chemical components found in essential oils. The development of synthetic substitutes evolved from this research, along with contributions from the modern drug industry. Once this direction was taken, essential oils and herbal remedies began to be "forgotten".
Aromatherapy has become more popular today as people look for more natural ways to cope with the demands of modern life. This renewed Western interest in more natural treatments began early in the 20th century, with research conducted by France and Italy, among others. The term "Aromatherapy" was first coined in 1928 by the French chemist Renee Maurice Grattefosse who was burned badly during a laboratory explosion. Grattefosse plunged his hand into the nearest liquid which, as luck would have it, happened to be pure essential oil of lavender. His pain went away in a matter of minutes. After observing his relatively quick healing, without scarring, Grattefosse decided to research the therapeutic value of essential oils.
Grattefosse shared his research with his colleague, Dr. Jean Valnet, who went on to use essential oils in place of the scarce supplies of antibiotics in World War II. Dr. Valnet then shared his work with a few of his colleagues and the research of essential oils continued to develop.
The research and study of essential oils continues today. There are well-known experiments and research involving essential oils. They are used today in cancer treatment, auto-immune problems, and many other health conditions.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are concentrated liquids that are extracted from plants. It appears plants produce essential oils for several reasons:
- The attraction of insects, which help them to pollinate and reproduce
- To act as an antiseptic, killing mold and bacteria that grow on them
- To deter certain predators and insects which may be react negatively to the essential oils
- To communicate with other plants
- To protect the plant from rain (most essential oils do not mix with water)
Essential oils may be extracted from the roots, stems, rhizomes, leaves, fruit or, in some cases, the peels of plants. These oils are so concentrated that it may take anywhere from a few ounces to a couple hundred pounds of raw plant material to produce one ounce of essential oil. Bear in mind that, while using essential oils, they may be anywhere from 75 to 100% stronger than the plants they came from. It is important to use them with care.
Essential oils are composed of hundreds of natural compounds that have a medicinal or psychological effect. A number of popular drugs are derived from plants, including aspirin, morphine, the contraceptive pill, and many more.
Despite their name, essential oils are actually liquids that evaporate quickly. This is quite different from fatty oils, which tend not to possess this property. A bottle of exposed, high quality, essential oil would completely evaporate within a few hours.
Essential oils contain the true essence of the plant it was derived from. They are not the same as perfume or fragrance oils. Where essential oils are naturally sourced from the actual plants, perfume oils are artificially created or contain artificial substances. They do not offer the therapeutic benefits of essential oils.
Essential oils are very expensive to produce due to the labour intensive process and the quantity of plant required to produce the oil. Approximately 400kg of thyme would produce 1kg of essential oil, 30 bulgarian roses makes one drop of oil, 6 tonnes of orange blossom produces 1kg of neroli, and 4 million jasmine flowers produces 1kg of jasmine absolute.
The benefits of using essential oils go beyond their pleasant aromas. Many of them have distinct effects and serve some functional purpose. Many oils have antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties, behave as a sedative, or emerge as a stimulant.
Aromatherapy is not the only practice that makes use of essential oils. The food industry uses them for flavour, the perfume industry for fragrance and cosmetics, and the pharmaceutical industry for drugs and antibacterial agents. Since the natural chemicals found in plants change from day to day due to weather, soil, pollution, and precipitation, industries must chemically alter the essential oils so these chemicals remain intact, prolonging shelf-life. This is not the best way to benefit from essential oils as the long-term use of synthetic chemicals is not known.
Essential Oils, Your Olfactory System, and Your Emotions
"The sense of smell, has, by reflex action, an enormous influence on the function of the central nervous system"
-- Italian Doctors, Gatti and Cajola.
Research has shown that certain essential oils, when inhaled, have the power to alter your moods and emotions. Each time you inhale an odouriferous substance, molecules are absorbed by your smell receptors located in your nasal cavity. When these receptors are activated by smell molecules, they send messages through attached nerve fibres to the olfactory bulb. This section of the brain stimulates the body in many ways.
Different chemicals in odour molecules cause different nerve impulses to be sent. Depending on the type and amount of essential oils used, different body reactions can occur. Certain essential oils trigger the brain to release specific neurochemicals such as endorphins, serotonin, and enkephalin. These substances reduce pain and inflammation, calm and relax the body, and create a feeling of well-being.
Some essential oils that are known to be stimulating include: Peppermint, Rosemary, Juniper, Pine, Grapefruit, and Geranium.
Some essential oils that are known to be relaxing include Lavender, Frankincense, Myrrh, Ylang Ylang, and Cedarwood.
Essential Oils & Your Immune System
Your lymphatic system is part of your body's "drainage system". It is comprised of a web of vessels that carry lymph, a yellowish liquid, throughout the body. Lymph carries fluids, waste products, and toxins from all cells in your body and brings them to specialized lymph nodes, or glands, that work to filter these substances. Your lymphatic system also contains white blood cells that kill and digest harmful bacteria, fungi, viruses and cancerous cells that are dangerous to your body.
Once the lymph nodes filter these substances, they are eliminated through perspiration, urine, feces and breath. Lymph glands are important for removing all toxins from your body and if toxins are not removed quickly, your body may be hindered as a result.
Anything that constricts the flow of lymph, such as a tight bra, underwear, or other constricting clothing, can cause a buildup of toxins in that area. This is a popular theory as to one possible cause of cancer.
Aluminum-containing antiperspirants (check the label) prevent your body from naturally sweating. This may cause waste material to remain in the lymphatic system, causing a back-log effect. It is best to use an all natural, aluminum free deodorant.
How Are Essential Oils Extracted?
There are many ways of extracting essential oils from plants. Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts and should not be confused with infused oils, tinctures and infusions that draw only some of the components from the plant.
Essential oils can be produced by: steam distillation, cold pressing, solvent extraction or hyperbaric extraction. Each extraction method has its strengths and weaknesses. Characteristics and quality of the oil varies depending on the method used.
Steam Distillation
The most common form of extraction is steam distillation as it yields the most pure form of the oil. The plant material is placed on screens and steam is allowed to pass through, drawing out the main components of the plant. The essential oil laced steam is condensed, leaving only distilled water and essential oil. This mixture of water and oil is collected and stored in a large vat. The heavier distilled water sinks to the bottom of the vat, leaving the essential oils to rise to the surface. The oils are then drawn off and carefully bottled.
Cold Pressing
This method is commonly used in the production of oils taken from citrus rinds, including the rinds of: lemons, oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, bergamots and mandarins. The rinds are chopped up, ground and then pressed. Pressing forces the essential oil components in the citrus rind together and this process produces a mixture of water and essential oils. The mixture is then left to settle so that the essential oils can be separated for bottling. This method gives the essential oils a more fragile property than from any other method and prevents them from lasting much more than one year.
Hyperbaric Production
This method uses a combination of extremely high pressure and carbon dioxide gas to extract the essential oils from the plant. The high pressure causes the carbon dioxide to liquefy and mix with the essential oils from the plant material. The gas is then separated from the essential oil. This is an expensive method to use but is ideal for extracting lighter oils such as Jasmine.
Solvent Extraction
This method is not favoured by aromatherapy advocates as it requires the use of harsh solvents. The solvents evaporate once the essential oils become successfully extracted, yet some solvent residue is left in the oil. Essential oils extracted by this method are known as absolutes.
How Essential Oils Work
A natural essential oil contains hundreds of elements and it is the different properties specific to these elements that allow the oils to have an effect on your body. Essential oils can be absorbed through the skin or through the lungs when inhaled. The small molecular structure of essential oils allows them to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream, resulting in effective, therapeutic effects. Each time an oil is inhaled, it triggers nerve impulses in your nasal cavity which, in turn, trigger various reactions from the brain. Essential oils can also trigger hormone production related to appetite, body temperature, metabolism, stress level, and sex drive. Essential oils are also able to stimulate your limbic system, which is responsible for affecting thought, emotion, memory and mood.
Preparing Your Own Infusions
This is something you can do at home. Although it does not produce any essential oils, it will produce an oil you will not have to dilute. It is best to use dried, or partially dried, herbs for this recipe.
Ingredients:
2 to 4 ounces of dried plant material (herb farms should be able to supply you with raw material)
4 to 8 ounces of vegetable oil (although olive oil is recommended)
1. Heat oil in a double boiler.
2. Add plant material and allow it to simmer for thirty minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not allow oil to smoke, overheat or burn.
3. Remove from heat and allow oil to cool.
4. Once cooled, strain through a cheesecloth to remove plant material. You may need to strain it twice.
Alternatively, you can produce an infusion by mixing the plant material with the oil and then storing it in a cool place for two weeks. Strain, and enjoy!
Purchasing Essential Oils
The most important thing to bear in mind when purchasing essential oils and other aromatherapy products is that all oils are not created equal.
For reasons mentioned previously, avoid perfume oils as they are not equivalent to essential oils and do not offer therapeutic benefits. If you plan on using aromatherapy products only for their pleasing scent, you will still be better off purchasing good quality essential oils. By doing this, you prevent yourself from being exposed to unnecessary, potentially harmful, synthetic chemicals.
Be selective of where you purchase essential oils as quality can vary widely. It is difficult to obtain good quality oils in Canada as the absence of labeling laws pertaining to essential oils and other aromatherapy products often results in false claims on a product being "undiluted" and/or "pure". Essential oils can be purchased through mail order or often at local health food stores. It is wise to shop around as some health food stores may sell lower quality oils at premium prices.
Essential oils can vary drastically in both quality and price. Factors that may affect the quality and price of the oil include: the rarity of the plant, the country of origin for the plant, the conditions under which that plant was grown, the quality standards of the distiller, and how much oil is produced by the plant. Essential oils can often be purchased as blends of several essential oils. The advantage of blended, pure essential oils is the savings you receive from not having to buy each oil separately.
Obtaining good quality oils from catalogues, health food stores, and other shops, is very difficult. Natural essential oils have a limited shelf-life as they are made from active plant material. Essential oils tend to lose their therapeutic properties after sitting on a shelf under fluorescent lighting for an extended period of time. Ultraviolet rays from the sun also alter their natural chemical properties. Be sure to purchase your essential oils from a company that carefully monitors the turnover of oils in the store.
Another consideration when purchasing essential oils in Canada should be product labels. As mentioned previously, there are currently no labeling laws directly associated with essential oils. Though a label may claim to be 100% pure and natural, it may also have been diluted or chemically altered. And even if the oil does contain pure, natural essential oil, the method of extraction is not specified. Since essential oils are available for public use, the companies producing them bottle the oils in a very low dilution for safety reasons.
Ideally, those selling essential oils should be knowledgeable in their use or be able to direct you to someone who is. Also, be skeptical of clear, glass bottling that does not provide adequate protection against ultraviolet rays.
Most essential oils are sold in a bottle that contains an orifice reducer. An orifice reducer is a small, usually clear insert inside the bottle opening that acts as a dropper. Simply tip the bottle and you can dispense the oil drop by drop. When using droppers, be sure to store the bottle upright.
Essential oils are highly concentrated and a little goes a long way. It is recommended to purchase smaller quantities of oil as this helps keep your costs down, allows you to experiment with many different oils, and does not limit you to two or three varieties. A 5mL bottle of oil provides approximately 100 drops essential oil. If you use only 2 to 4 drops at a time, the bottle will last quite a while.
Storing Essential Oils
Essential oils will keep longer if they are stored in a cool, dark place. As mentioned previously, avoid ultraviolet rays to prevent deterioration. Store them in dark (preferably brown) glass bottles in a cupboard. It is not necessary to store your essential oils in the refrigerator and is actually best to store them at room temperature. Wherever you store your oils, be sure to keep them well out of reach of children and pets as they can be very harmful or toxic if swallowed. Essential oils should never be stored in plastic as they could potentially cause a chemical reaction.
If stored properly, most essential oils will last up to three years, with the exception of citrus oils, which deteriorate rapidly. Some essential oils improve with age, such as Patchouli.
Using Essential Oils
Essential oils are fairly versatile, simple, and fun to use. There are a number of ways to incorporate essential oils into your life. Once you begin to buy essential oils, you will discover different ways to use them. Some common uses follow and are intended as guidelines only. All essential oils should be used with care.
Around the Home
There are many ways that you can use essential oils around the home. Add a few drops to your vacuum cleaner bag to add a nice zip to the cleaning. Place a few drops in old pot-pourri to revive it temporarily. To freshen a room, add up to 10 drops of oil to a cup of steaming hot water, and let it diffuse into the air.
For general household freshening, you may add a few drops of oil to the trash can, or place a few drops on a tissue to scent your linens.
Massage
Massage is a very relaxing way of releasing toxins from your cells and helps essential oils enter the bloodstream. Grapeseed oil is the most versatile vegetable carrier oil to use for massage.
An aromatherapy massage promotes circulation and can either relax or stimulate, depending on your mood and the oils used. Massage has a very powerful effect on the body and the emotions. When used in conjunction with essential oils, the effect of massages on the body and mind can be enhanced.
For each ounce/30mL of carrier oil used, add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil. For children, or those with very sensitive skin, use only 3 to 4 drops of essential oil for each ounce of carrier oil. As a general rule while massaging, make sure you always massage towards the heart. Use long, firm strokes and be sure to warm the oil before you begin.
Baths
Aromatic bathing has been practiced for centuries, if not more. Cleopatra herself bathed in water scented with herbs. And it was Hippocrates, father of medicine, who once said: "A perfumed bath and a scented massage each day is the way to health."
Essential oils make a lovely addition to the bath and the water's warmth helps open congested pores and ease muscle stiffness and fatigue. You can either mix the essential oils in a carrier oil beforehand or simply add the oils once you enter the bath. It is advised not to use any soap or shampoo in the bath until you have soaked in the oil for ten to twenty minutes. Synthetic detergents will ruin the therapeutic properties of the oils.
Basic Bath Oil: Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil to one ounce/30mL of carrier oil. Use only one teaspoonful (5mL) at a time. Keep in mind that if you are not using a carrier oil, add the essential oil just before you get in the bath. If you add them while the bath is filling, most of the oils will evaporate before you get in. If you have sensitive skin, you should dilute the oils in a carrier oil beforehand.
Inhalations
One of the most immediate ways to benefit from essential oils is through inhalation. The simplest way to breathe in oils is to place a few drops on a tissue and inhale. When you are finished, the tissue may be placed in a drawer to scent your clothing or linens. This is an excellent way to "breathe away" tension after a long day.
To relieve congested sinuses, add 2 to 3 drops essential oil to a bowl of steaming water. Place your head over the bowl and inhale the vapour. Close your eyes to avoid irritation. This method is not recommended if you have asthma or any other serious respiratory conditions.
Diffusion
This is a very popular use for essential oils and allows the natural fragrance of the oil to be released into the surrounding environment. Add 4 to 6 drops of essential oil to a water-filled diffusor bowl.
Keep essential oils away from an open flame as they are flammable. Do not leave a burning diffusor unattended. Also, ensure your diffuser is filled with water at all times so it does not burn dry.
Do not diffuse essential oils of peppermint, eucalyptus or rosemary around infants or pets as they are quite stimulating and potentially toxic to small pets.
Perfume
Create your own personal scent with pure essential oils by diluting a custom blend in pure base oils. Your "personal perfume" will last longest if you blend it in jojoba oil to avoid spoilage. Be as inventive as you like when creating your own fragrance.
If you create a fragrance that is not particularly becoming, add several more drops of your favourite oil to balance the blend. Consult with your aromatherapist or health specialist to create your perfect, personal, perfume. The following "recipe" will help get you started.
Pleasant Perfume Recipe
(Makes 2 ounces)
Ingredients:
1/2 oz. melted Beeswax
1 1/2 oz. Myrrh Infused Oil
1/2 oz. Clary Sage Infused Oil
25 drops Clary Sage Essential Oil
5 drops German Chamomile Essential Oil
10 drops Patchouly Essential Oil
8 drops Rose Absolute
Small Perfume Jar - Melt Beeswax in pan over low heat. In another pan, add water and allow it to simmer.
- Make a double boiler by setting your perfume jar in the water. The water should come up half way on the jar, but not to much to make the jar float. Pour off some water, if required.
- Pour Infused oils into the jar and add 1/2 oz. melted Beeswax. Stir well until all ingredients are mixed.
- Use tongs to remove the jar from the hot water. Add the Essential oils.
- Stir well until thoroughly mixed. Place top on jar and allow to cool. Enjoy!
Facial Steaming
Face steaming is a good way to deep-cleanse the skin as it helps flush out toxins, dirt, and dead skin cells. Steaming also stimulates blood flow to the skin, adds moisture, and leaves your skin subtly scented. If you have asthma or bronchitis, this method is not recommended unless you are under the supervision of your aromatherapist, naturopath, or other health practitioner.
Atomizer/Spritzer
An atomizer, or spritzer is very good for quickly uplifting a room. They subtly scent the air, and even help purify it. Add 6 drops essential oil to every 1 oz./30mL spring water. Shake well before use.
Hair Rinses
Hair rinses are always nice to use after shampooing as they help remove shampoo buildup and leave your hair with a pleasing scent.
For More Information
For more information on specific essential oils, browse the listings in this section!
