Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

 Using essential oils can  have many benefits for humans, including stress reduction, improving mood, cleaning the air, improving sleep, pain management, and reducing congestion.  They are widely available and easy to use.  

Essential oils are taken from different parts of plants, including flowers, bark, roots, leaves, seeds, etc.  Typically steam is used to extract the oil.  For some plants, an enormous amount of material is required to get just a small amount of oil, so it is important to make sure oils you buy are made from sustainably harvested plants.  

Some of the ways essential oils can be used include:

• Steam diffuser.  There are many different types of diffusers that can be purchased. A pot of water on the stove also works.  Just a few drops of essential oil in a diffuser filled with water will do the trick. 

• Inhaling the scent directly from the bottle is an option. 

• You can also put a few drops of oil on the floor of the shower (3-5 drops) while the water is running to relieve congestion. 

• Essential oil room sprays are a good choice for freshening and purifying the air, and a much safer alternative to plug ins and synthetic perfumed room sprays. 

• There are also many bath products including soaps, scrubs, and lotions that can be used.

When using essential oils, it is important that they are used safely.  It is important to use a carrier oil (olive, grape seed, sweet almond, coconut, jojoba, or unscented organic lotion) when essential oils are being used on the skin.  The essential oils are placed in the carrier oil so they are not placed directly on the skin.  When essential oils are placed directly on the skin, they can cause irritation, discoloration, photosensitivity (can cause you to burn much more quickly), and even nausea.  Skin sensitivity is higher in the older adult population.  Essential oils should never be placed in the eyes.  It is also important that essential oils are NEVER ingested, even if diluted in water.  This can cause irritation in the esophagus and stomach, can cause more work for the kidneys and liver and can kill off good gut bacteria.  It is also important to note that children and animals are much more sensitive to essential oils.  Birch, wintergreen, and peppermint oils should not be used with children and any oil should be avoided for children under the age of 6. Oils should always be stored out of reach of children.  Caution should also be taken during pregnancy.  Some oils are risky to use during this time, so out of caution,  essential oils should not be used during pregnancy.

Essential oils should be stored in a cool, dark place, out of sunlight.  They should not be kept on a windowsill or in your car.  Storing oils in dark colored glass can offer some protection from deterioration.

Some of my favorite oils include:  Peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, and lemon.

Peppermint is great for: pain relief (headaches, migraines, muscle aches, sciatica, menstrual cramps, sprains), digestive issues (gas, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis), congestion (sinus), exhaustion (fatigue, apathy, physical and mental symptoms), skin issues (acne)

Eucalyptus is great for: congestion (respiratory infections, bronchitis, colds, flu, sinusitis, excess mucus in the lungs), and pain relief (muscle aches, arthritis, fever, rheumatism). It is antimicrobial and antiseptic, so it helps keep the air clean

Lavender is great for relaxation (insomnia, anxiety, tension, panic, migraines), skin conditions (wounds, cuts, rashes, itch, eczema, psoriasis, sunburn, other burns, acne, insect bites), inflammation (headaches, abdominal cramps), and it also deters insects!

Lemon is great for cleaning, it is anti-infectious, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antiseptic and good for the flu, sore throats, laryngitis, herpes, abscesses, and acne.  It is used to improve appetite, exhaustion and fatigue, and can help improve concentration and focus.

These oils are a great place to start!  They can be used alone or in combination.  Have fun experimenting to find your favorite scents.  Reach out to your local herbalist, aromatherapist or essential oil expert with any questions.