Essential Oils & Aromatherapy

Unless you live under a rock (or maybe a giant crystal), you have already encountered essential oils and aromatherapy somewhere in your life. Essential oils are not just another trendy bit of hype. They have been around and in use for thousands of years. In fact, pharmaceuticals were initially developed as synthetic versions of the powerful and natural oils found in nature. Essential oils were not only high-jacked in medications. Everyday products like soap, perfume, detergent, food items, and insecticides also contain knock-offs of nature’s nectars.

Essential oils originate in aromatic plants and trees. Each oil holds its own therapeutic qualities and fragrance based on its unique chemical composition. An oil is extracted from its source in carefully controlled processes such as distillation, cohobation, maceration, or enfleurage. How an oil is harvested and extracted has an impact on its quality.

Aromatherapy is the art of working with essential oils to support physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Adding aromatherapy into our healing routine is an easy and understandable process. We will cover some basics here to get you started.

There are two main methods of working with essential oils. The first is absorption. We absorb oils in less than 12 seconds when we apply them to our skin. The oils penetrate our skin and enter the blood stream to circulate throughout the body. Common absorption methods involve adding oils to bath water or applying oils directly to the skin. While we are discussing absorption, essential oils generally require dilution in a carrier oil. Diluting an oil reduces the risk of skin irritation, extends its shelf life, and extends its usage.

The second method is inhalation. We inhale oils and they enter our limbic system almost immediately. The limbic system is partly responsible for emotions, behaviors, and memories. It also works with physiological functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. Inhalation methods include diffusers, steam baths, or air sprays.  

In both absorption and inhalation, the oil circulates around the body and interacts with cells and tissues. It is metabolized by the liver for further use and then finally eliminated. Oil residues are eventually removed via our lungs, skin, bladder, and bowels.

Some oils may be ingested but that requires supervision by a trained professional that is experienced in that method of use. Ingestion is not discussed nor recommended here.

So, we have learned essential oils are an ancient, natural and quick-acting option for wellness.  We can see that physical and emotional health may benefit from aromatherapy. Besides being easy and fast to use, naturally derived oils may also be a safer option than synthetic medications. Side effects and reactions tend to be greater in pharmaceuticals as synthetic medications contain additional chemicals and ingredients.

But what about spiritual wellness? Essential oils have some of the highest vibrations out there with rose oil coming in around 320 MHz! When we align ourselves with higher vibrations and frequencies, we elevate our own. This is generally a good thing for spiritual wellness.  Working synergistically with Earth’s resources may also boost our spiritual wellness.

Essential oils are readily available just about anywhere you shop, and those oils are totally suitable for making your home smell pretty. But, if you are serious about your wellness routine you will want to work with therapeutic grade oils. These oils are sourced from their country of origin, restrict the use of pesticides, harvested ethically, distilled optimally, and do not contain preservatives or additives.

While more expensive than non-therapeutic grade, you will use smaller quantities of the more concentrated therapeutic grade oils. No two bottles will smell the same however, nor should they. Each bottle of oil is specific to the plants it was sourced from. Oils that smell consistently identical, tend to be synthetic replications or have additional ingredients. So, spend your money and energy wisely and look for therapeutic grade oils.

Hopefully, this triggered some curiosity about essential oils and aromatherapy. We will dive a little deeper next time and discuss individual oils. Before you rush out to buy some oils though, have a quick read of some usage guidelines.  

Essential oils do not replace medical advice or intervention.

Keep oils out of the reach of children and animals.

Always use essential oils diluted. There are therapeutic grade oils that are safe for undiluted usage but to avoid issues with sensitivities, assume all oils need dilution for direct application.

Store your oils in colored glass bottles in a cool and dry location. Avoid direct sunlight.

Essential oils deteriorate when exposed to excessive amounts of air. Keep the lids on when not in use.

Research precautions on specific oils before usage. Some oils may cause photosensitivity and should not be used when sun exposure is expected.

Consult a medical professional before usage if health conditions are present.

While many oils are safe for pregnant women and children, consult a medical professional before use.