Essential Oil Series
A Brief History
|
What Are Essential Oils? How they are extracted and how to store them.
|
Why Use Essential Oils?
|
How to Use Essential Oils
|
Safety Guidelines
|
What is an Essential Oil?
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant material that has been extracted from the plant using steam distillation. The citrus oils are referred to as essential oils but are actually cold pressed from the peel, not steam distilled. Depending on the plant it can take several hundred to several thousand pounds of plant material to extract just one pound of essential oil. Each drop is equal to about an ounce or so of the plant. All essential oils are antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic. They are aromatic, meaning that their molecules are so small they can be diffused into the air and absorbed into our bodies right through the nostrils, they also remove toxins from the air and destroy noxious odors. Because of their molecular structure they can act on internal organs when applied externally. They can penetrate cell walls, taking oxygen to each cell and stimulating the generation of new cell growth. They are expectorant, antioxidant, cleansing, balancing, and activate circulation in the body. Some essential oils contain sesquiterpenes, which can cross the blood-brain barrier making them useful for neurological diseases. Essential oils affect not only the physical part of your body but also the mental, spiritual and emotional.
What is the Difference Between a Single Essential Oil and a Blend?
Each essential oil has its own healing attributes and properties and is referred to as a single. A blended essential oil combines two or more essential oils in such a manner that the blend becomes more effective and less likely to cause a reaction than if those oils were use separately. Blended oils are also able to reach the various layers of that physical, mental, and emotional healing we discussed above. You can purchase essential oil blends that are professionally blended or you can give it a go on your own.
What is the Shelf Life of Essential Oils and How Do I Care for Them?
- Make it a habit to put the screw top lids back on each time you use an essential oil, you don’t want your oil exposed to air too long or you will lose the potency of the oil.
- If you add essential oils to a carrier for storage or a product, that essential oil will start to break down and is not as potent as using an essential oil fresh from the bottle.
- Essential oils can be exposed to high temperatures just make sure to let the essential oil cool down to room temperature before removing the lid. *Citrus oils can be damaged in temperatures in excess of 100 degrees, so keep those out of hot places.
- Store in a dark location, away from electrical appliances.
- If you follow these guidelines you need not worry about a shelf life.
What Brand of Essential Oils Should I Use?
I have tried many different oil brands throughout the years and I continue to use a variety of sources for my essential oils so it is okay to branch out and use more than one brand. I will tell you that I have come across some I know were "tainted" with synthetic fragrance so here are some tips to try and avoid a bad oil. The first thing you want to look at when deciding on a company is that the oils are genuine essential oil. Because there are no set "rules" and regulations on essential oils this can be a bit tricky, there are many out there trying to make a buck off the alternative healthcare industry and are in it only for profit. Some will "water" them down with carrier oil and some will even stoop so low as to lace them with synthetics, turning something whole and healing into something toxic. I like to look at the company as a whole and decide if they are honest. Do they run their business with integrity? Do they care about the environment and the practices of sustainable living and organic growing? Do they have an understanding of herbs, essential oils, and natural healing? Is their bottom line profit or people? Don't be afraid to ask questions and do a bit of research, it's okay to get an oil here and there and then experiment with them. Above all be prayerful about your decision.
Methods for Applying Essential Oils
The ways to use essential oils are endless and very fun to experiment with, keeping the safety guidelines below in mind. Here is a small list of what you can do with your essential oils. Because the body absorbs oils the fastest through inhalation I like to take a deep breath of the oil before applying topically or using any of the methods listed below.
Direct Application:
Baths and Foot Soaks:
These are the best! Water magnifies the properties of the oils and allows them to penetrate every part of your body. You can also place a few drops on the bottom of the shower, absorbing into the pores of the feet and diffusing the air. 2-5 drops is enough for both and be mindful of what oils you are placing in your bath water, oils containing menthol may not feel too great on those "sensitive" areas.
Aromatherapy/Diffusing:
This can be accomplished by an actual diffuser you purchase, placing distilled water in a spray bottle and spritzing the air or simply flicking the oil onto surfaces such as floors, beds, clothing, etc. (oils containing colored oils may stain so patch test first). Heat will destroy the oil molecules pretty quickly so I always use an electric diffuser as opposed to a heated one. You can also place essential oils in humidifiers, fountains, toilet paper rolls, and even the vacuum bag, you can get as creative as you want here. Diffusing is a great way to get the oils into your system but they also work to kill bacteria, viruses and germs in the air, they also destroy odors and will linger for several hours. Diffusing essential oils is one of the best methods of prevention during cold and flu season.
Inhalation:
Simply open the bottle and take a deep breath. I have also placed the essential oil directly on my shirt, below my nose, behind my ears or on the pillow case at night. On the go you could place a cotton ball with a few drops of essential oil in a bag, then open and inhale when needed. Again get creative.
Internal:
Unless you are very certain you have a 100% genuine therapeutic oil, I would not even consider using this method. The FDA has approved some essential oils as generally regarded as safe for human consumption (GRAS), food additive (FA) or flavoring agent (FL), this should be specified as you research each oil before using. Essential oils are highly concentrated making them very powerful so great care should be used when taking internally, always follow the recommended dosage on your bottle. Many oils are great to use for flavoring food, beverages and smoothies, just use a drop or two when using in your kitchen. Please be mindful and prayerful about using essential oils internally, personally I only use my oils for flavoring food and then use herbs for internal medicinal use.
Direct Application:
- Applying essential oils to the wrist, behind the ears and the feet are the quickest ways for the oils to absorb in to the body and blood stream, it is also useful to apply directly to area of concern if dealing with a physical problem. Use 1-3 drops of essential oil, less is best when using essential oils. Too much and your body can trigger a detox which could result in a headache, nausea, rash, etc.
- Applying neat: This means you apply the oil directly to the skin with no carrier. The benefit to applying this way is deeper penetration, which equals more accurate results. Just make sure the essential oil single or blend you are using is safe to be applied neat, don't use any of the "hot" oils without a carrier, these would include; oregano, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg to name a few. If you experience skin irritation after applying an oil neat, apply a carrier oil over the top to dilute the essential oil.
- Applying with a carrier: This method includes squirting an oil such as coconut, almond or grapeseed into the palm of the hand and then mixing 1-3 drops of essential oil into it before applying. The benefits of using a carrier is your essential oil will go further, spreading over a larger area and more even absorption. You are also less likely to have skin irritation and risk of body "detox". Other carriers could include salves, lotions, and distilled water.
- When applying to infants or younger children always use a carrier oil and start with just 1 drop of essential oil, using more if needed up to 3 drops.
- Layering: You can use more than one blend or single if you have multiple concerns by layering them. This means you apply one essential oil and rub into the skin, then apply another one on top of that. You can layer several oils in this manner.
Baths and Foot Soaks:
These are the best! Water magnifies the properties of the oils and allows them to penetrate every part of your body. You can also place a few drops on the bottom of the shower, absorbing into the pores of the feet and diffusing the air. 2-5 drops is enough for both and be mindful of what oils you are placing in your bath water, oils containing menthol may not feel too great on those "sensitive" areas.
Aromatherapy/Diffusing:
This can be accomplished by an actual diffuser you purchase, placing distilled water in a spray bottle and spritzing the air or simply flicking the oil onto surfaces such as floors, beds, clothing, etc. (oils containing colored oils may stain so patch test first). Heat will destroy the oil molecules pretty quickly so I always use an electric diffuser as opposed to a heated one. You can also place essential oils in humidifiers, fountains, toilet paper rolls, and even the vacuum bag, you can get as creative as you want here. Diffusing is a great way to get the oils into your system but they also work to kill bacteria, viruses and germs in the air, they also destroy odors and will linger for several hours. Diffusing essential oils is one of the best methods of prevention during cold and flu season.
Inhalation:
Simply open the bottle and take a deep breath. I have also placed the essential oil directly on my shirt, below my nose, behind my ears or on the pillow case at night. On the go you could place a cotton ball with a few drops of essential oil in a bag, then open and inhale when needed. Again get creative.
Internal:
Unless you are very certain you have a 100% genuine therapeutic oil, I would not even consider using this method. The FDA has approved some essential oils as generally regarded as safe for human consumption (GRAS), food additive (FA) or flavoring agent (FL), this should be specified as you research each oil before using. Essential oils are highly concentrated making them very powerful so great care should be used when taking internally, always follow the recommended dosage on your bottle. Many oils are great to use for flavoring food, beverages and smoothies, just use a drop or two when using in your kitchen. Please be mindful and prayerful about using essential oils internally, personally I only use my oils for flavoring food and then use herbs for internal medicinal use.
First Aid:
Essential oils can be your first aid kit if needs be, but I like to add them to my salves, balms and washes. Essential oils make an effective compress. One essential oil that is a must have in a first aid kit is helichrysum, this can be used neat and applied to cuts and wounds. Not only does it disinfect, it also stops bleeding and actually pulls the skin together. Essential oils that I keep in my first aid kit are: Lavender, , Melaleuca (tea tree), Frankincense, and a few blends for pain and infection. For recipes and more information on herbal first aid:
Essential oils can be your first aid kit if needs be, but I like to add them to my salves, balms and washes. Essential oils make an effective compress. One essential oil that is a must have in a first aid kit is helichrysum, this can be used neat and applied to cuts and wounds. Not only does it disinfect, it also stops bleeding and actually pulls the skin together. Essential oils that I keep in my first aid kit are: Lavender, , Melaleuca (tea tree), Frankincense, and a few blends for pain and infection. For recipes and more information on herbal first aid:
|
|
|
Household Cleaners: I use essential oils in all my cleaning recipes. You can even add it to your dish washing liquid, dishwater, in your dishwasher and the laundry. For recipes and what essential oils to use cleaning:
Health and Beauty: Make your own mouthwash and/or gargle, brush your teeth with them, add them to your hand and face creams, shampoo and conditioner. I never make a beauty product without using essential oils in them, check out my personal care page for recipes and which oils to use:
Vita Flex Therapy:
Vita Flex therapy is the act of applying essential oils to contact points on the hands and the feet that correspond with different body parts. This is a superior form of reflexology and is explained in detail in the book Healing for the Age of Enlightenment by Stanley Burroughs. See chart below.
Auricular Therapy:
Auricular therapy is a healthcare modality in which the external surface of the ear, or auricle, is stimulated to alleviate pathological conditions in other parts of the body. Apply the essential oil to the corresponding body part point. See chart below.
Vita Flex therapy is the act of applying essential oils to contact points on the hands and the feet that correspond with different body parts. This is a superior form of reflexology and is explained in detail in the book Healing for the Age of Enlightenment by Stanley Burroughs. See chart below.
Auricular Therapy:
Auricular therapy is a healthcare modality in which the external surface of the ear, or auricle, is stimulated to alleviate pathological conditions in other parts of the body. Apply the essential oil to the corresponding body part point. See chart below.
|
|
|
How to Use Essential Oils Safely
- Study out each oil before using it. Check to see the oil needs to be diluted with a carrier, if it can be taken internally, if it is photosensitive, and if it can be used on a child or pregnant/nursing mother. You can check out my study of each oil on my Essential Oil Singles page, here (still a work in progress though).
- Keep essential oils out of the reach of children. I thought mine were out of reach in the back of my bathroom cupboard until my house suddenly smelled very strongly of essential oil. I found my four year old had emptied an entire bottle of essential oil over his leg to heal his “owie”. That is a lot of undiluted essential oil and it was very strong and started to irritate his skin. I immediately poured carrier oil over his leg and continued to dilute the essential oil with the carrier until it stopped burning, we then had to air out the home by opening all the windows. Lesson learned – essential oils are now on the highest shelf almost out of my reach.
- If too much essential oil is used or it gets into an eye or other sensitive areas, wash with a carrier oil, NEVER WATER, water will only amplify the affect.
- If the oil you are using is phototoxic, meaning it will absorb more UV radiation at a faster rate, make sure to keep that area covered when in the sun. These are mainly the citrus essential oils.
- If you are pregnant or nursing make sure the essential oil you use is safe to use during pregnancy. You are usually okay when using blends but still take precautions.
- If an oil causes "discomfort" which could be nausea, headache, cold or flu like symptoms, rash, etc. This does not mean you are allergic to the oil, it simply means your body is detoxing. Reduce the amount of oil you are using or slow down the frequency of application, apply a carrier if you haven't already. Detoxing is not a bad thing, it means your body is pulling out toxins, chemicals, parasites, and heavy metals and if they are not removed they will go right back into your system, causing all sorts of havoc. Many that use essential oils for the first time may have a mild reaction like cold symptoms - let your body do it's thing.
- Remember that essential oils are medicine and should be treated that way, just because they are plant material does not mean they can be left out in the reach of children and pets or used inappropriately. Use common sense and caution.
- A Guide to Essential Oil Safety from The Herbal Academy
Other Resources and Further Learning
Healing Properties of Each Essential Oil Single - This information is gathered from my studies and is still a work in progress.
|
Disclaimer: The Information contained on this blog is for educational purposes only and as a guideline for your personal use. It is not intended to replace the advice of a licensed healthcare professional. Those who follow these suggestions do so at their own risk.
