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Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is one of the fastest
growing areas of interest within the field of holistic health.
Aromatherapy refers specifically to the practice of using essential
oils (volatile liquid plant materials) and other aromatic extracts
from plants to influence one's health or mood. Proponents of
aromatherapy believe that that aromatic compounds extracted from plants
have great potential for affecting
 positively
a wide range of physical and psychological health factors. Over the
years, the essential oils identified as part of an aromatherapy approach,
have been used to kill bacteria, promote relationships, relieve pain, and
reduce inflammation.
Aromatherapy may be used at home or in a
clinical setting. Depending on the needs of the individual, selected
essential oils may be diffused throughout a room, inhaled directly by the
person, applied to certain sites on the skin, or added to a bath.
Some of the more important essential oils used in aromatherapy are
discussed in the article below.
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The Aromatherapy Home Medicine Chest: Part I
Author: Misty Rae Cech |
Essential oils provide a wonderful natural-medicine alternative to
common ailments we see at home. Their actions are broad and diverse,
ranging from topical antiseptics and anti-inflammatories to
analgesics, digestive system tonics, and anti-depressants. While
essential oils should not be a substitute for professional medical
care, they can be successfully employed for many minor complaints,
and as adjuncts to other therapies.
Here we will have a brief look at ten essential oils considered
by some to comprise the ‘basic home care kit’. While by no means
exhaustive, this list will go a long way to providing effective (and
often pleasant!) treatments for you and your family for things like
cuts and scrapes, sunburn, digestive troubles, stress related
conditions and more. In the second article, we will cover specific
applications and uses of each oil.
Oil #1: Lavender
Lavender has often been called the ‘medicine chest in a bottle’ for
its broad range of applications. Every home should keep Lavender on
hand, even if no other oil is used, as it is so very effective on
burns. It’s anti-inflammatory action is responsible for the
beginnings of modern aromatherapy, as Dr. Jean Valnet discovered
Lavender’s healing properties after being burned in a laboratory
accident. Lavender is considered to speed wound healing and reduce
scarring. The oil is also pleasantly calming, and can be used to
reduce stress in a variety of situations – a commonly used technique
is to apply Lavender oil ‘neat’ (undiluted) to the soles of the feet
of patients recovering from almost any ailment.
Oil #2: Tea Tree
When first examined for it’s antiseptic properties, Tea Tree
essential oil was found to be 100 times more powerful than carbolic
acid – the medical standard at the time. Tea tree has an extremely
broad range of antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal properties that
have been confirmed by modern scientific research. Often used
topically on small wounds, Tea Tree is also commonly found in oral
hygiene preparations, and can also be effectively employed for
Candida, athlete’s foot and acne, among other things.
Oil #3: Peppermint
An excellent digestive tonic, Peppermint essential oil can sooth
many stomach complaints. For the traveler, it’s effectiveness on
calming motion sickness can be of great help. Further, at least
eight controlled studies have shown Peppermint oil to be effective
in reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, a painful
condition of the intestines. Beyond it’s support of the digestive
system, Peppermint is delightfully stimulating to the mind,
brightening and sharpening mental focus. Finally, Peppermint is
considered by some to be a more effective insect repellent than
citronella when used on the body (rather than in the surrounding
air).
Oil #4: Chamomile
Ah, the great tension reliever, Chamomile oil. This extremely gentle
essential oil is useful for a wide variety of nervous conditions,
and is often indicated for cases of stress in children (including
teething and general ‘crankiness’). Rubbing into the solar plexus is
a commonly used application if that is where one tends to ‘hold
tension’. Chamomile essential oil is available in to varieties,
German or Blue Chamomile and Roman Chamomile. The Roman variety is
most often used for stress relief, whereas the German variety has
the added bonus of being an extremely effective anti-inflammatory.
Oil #5: Eucalyptus
Another essential oil with a broad range of properties, Eucalyptus
is most often used for respiratory conditions, being useful in
clearing congestion with coughs and colds. However, it’s effects are
certainly not limited to the airways – because of it’s broad range
of effects, it has been called the aromatherapists ‘designer oil’.
Eucalyptus oil can cool the body in Summer (or due to fever – use in
a compress), and support the immune system in Winter. Diffusing
Eucalyptus oil can kill most staphylococcus bacteria, again being
supportive of bronchial infections. It is considered equally
effective in cases of cystitis, candida, and sunburn, to name a few,
as well as being an insect repellent.
Oil #6: Geranium
Geranium (sometimes known as ‘Geranium Rose’) works wonderfully on
both physiological and psychological levels. It’s floral aroma is
brightening and uplifting, while also working as a sedative. Malte
Hozzel has made this statement regarding this oil: "Geranium’s
vital, sensual presence is not subtle, but direct & unavoidable,
making it one of the oils of choice for aphrodisiac qualities.
(Geranium Essential Oil) inspires natural beauty & enjoyment,
uplifts instantly & "tonifies" the mind & intellect in a powerful,
nearly demanding attitude. Mobilizing hidden creative & emotional
reserves, helping us to rise to our own earthly & spiritual
identify. A fiery beauty for the spells of all worlds." Particularly
noted for it’s effect on female physiologic conditions, Geranium oil
can be effective for menopausal problems, uterine and breast
complaints.
Oil #7: Rosemary
Rosemary essential oil is an effective physical and mental
stimulant, whether used in a diffuser or in a morning bath. It’s
slightly spicy, rather than floral aroma, has a warming effect
particularly useful for arthritic joints and other muscular
complaints. It also has a long history of treatment for colds and
flu – Rosemary was a component of ‘Four Thieves Vinegar’, which
robbers rubbed upon their bodies to prevent infection when up to no
good during the plague years of the middle ages. Also, Rosemary is
the essential oil most often associated with improving hair growth
in cases of Alopecia.
Oil #8: Thyme
Thyme oil is a powerful antiviral, antibiotic, antiseptic and
diuretic, though it should be employed with great care. There are
many types of Thyme oil available, but only the ‘linalol’ chemotype
is appropriate for use with children; all varieties should be
diluted prior to topical application. Given the precautions, Thyme
can be a first line of defense in cases of flu, being used in a room
diffuser. It also supports elimination of toxic wastes from the body
(particularly noted for excessive uric acid), and it’s warming
quality can eliminate mucous and phlegm. It’s application for the
digestive system is that of a powerful anti-parasitic, and for the
muscular system, it can be helpful for rheumatic aches and pains.
Thyme oil may also be supportive in cases of hair loss.
Oil #9: Lemon
A recent study on test-taking college students showed the diffusion
of Lemon oil into a room improved test scores more than any other
oil. In addition to it’s mind-brightening qualities, it can also
disinfect room air and act as a natural deodorant. Lemon has been
noted to support liver function, and is also commonly used to assist
in weight loss and cellulite reduction. In blends, lemon adds a
pleasant top note, and can create a synergistic effect with other
oils. Finally, Lemon oil is commonly used as both a fragrance and
flavoring agent.
Oil #10: Clove
The power of Clove essential oil is noted upon the first sensing of
the aroma – it is quite strong, sharp and earthy. Clove oil has been
found to be the strongest anti-oxidant of any essential oil, and is
a component of ‘longevity’ formulas. It is also an extremely potent
antibacterial, effective against a broader range of microbes than
any other oil except perhaps Oregano – Clove oil has even been
employed to sterilize surgical instruments. Clove also has analgesic
properties, and can be used to temporarily reduce the pain of
toothache. Clove oil (or ground cloves) is also a component of Dr.
Huda Clark’s anti-parasite protocol, helping eliminate parasites
from one’s digestive system. This is a very powerful oil which
should be diluted to 1% or less for topical application.
So, there we have a possible ‘top ten’ essential oils for the home
medicine chest, a selection with an extremely broad range of uses
for common ailments seen in a family setting. It is important to
note that all essential oils are powerful, and they should be
treated with caution and respect. Always refer to a trusted source
before making specific applications of any oil, as many can be
irritating or possibly toxic if used incorrectly.
To help employ these oils in your home, however, we will examine
more specific uses of each essential oil in part II of this article.
This will assist you in using these wonderful medicines of nature in
your daily routine.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Misty Rae Cech is a Naturopath and Yoga teacher in Boulder,
Colorado. She is the owner of
Ananda Apothecary, an online dispensery of pure organic essential
oils and flower essences. Misty employs essential oils and
flower essences in her practice, finding them a wonderful natural
way to support her clients.
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