Aromatherapy is definitely making a comeback from the days of Cleopatra, Tutankhamun and Hypocrites. This not so recent phenomenon has been used for over 6000 years for therapeutic purposes by the Indians, Chinese, Greeks, Romans and Egyptians to treat a variety of health-related conditions. Once more prized than gold, essential oils have over 200 biblical references! – So what’s all the hype and what is aromatherapy?
“Aromatherapy is the art and science of utilising naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonise and promote the health of body, mind and spirit”
In essence (pun intended), essential oils represent natures pharmacy. There are oils that destroy viruses and pathogenic bacteria, are anti-microbial, high in antioxidants, support mood, depression and anxiety, regulate hormones, reduce inflammation and even kill pancreatic cancer cells (check out the peer-reviewed journal article here)
You may be asking yourself why haven’t we been using essential oils in Western Medicine? Well, the short of it is, western medicine is heavily based on pharmacology; and the pharmaceutical industry makes a TON of money from patenting their synthetic manufactured drugs. Since is not possible to patent an unmodified plant (non-GMO), pharmaceutical companies are more inclined to synthetically create drugs in which they can patent in order to maximise profits. Sadly, it’s just economics…
So, if you’re new to essential oils and want to use them after reading this be sure to get your hands on some high-quality oils. Some oils have the name ‘therapeutic grade’ and claim to be safe for ingestion while others are just as pure without the term ‘therapeutic grade’ because of crippling insurance costs. Whichever option you choose, just be sure it is a high-quality pure oil. Do note that most oils sold in retail stores are not 100% pure as per the labelling so research wisely. Personally, I use and love DoTERRA oils and also buy some of my oils from N-essentials and Mountain Rose. Young Living is another essential oil company that has great quality oils.
Why use essential oils?
- Potency – For example: 15ml Lavander = 68kg Lavander flowers
- Fast Absorption – It’s a liquid and will be absorbed into the bloodstream FASTER
- Kills Bacteria – Some essential oils destroy viruses and pathogenic bacteria, are anti-microbial, are high in antioxidants, support mood, anxiety, hormones, reduces inflammation and studies have show that certain oils include pancreatic cancer cell death and a whole lot more! (Some clinics and hospitals around the world are now diffusing oils)
- Natural – Essential Oils come from nature and hence are 100% natural.
- Proven Effective – Essential oils have been effectively used for thousands of years and its comeback is empowering a whole lot of people to take control of their health.
Four ways to use essential oils?
1. Aromatically
Probably the most well know way to use essential oils.
- Cold Steam Diffusers – Using a cold steam diffuser means you get the full benefits of your essential oils as heating alters the structure of the oil, meaning you don’t get the oil’s full benefit. So always opt for a cold steam diffuser over those
- Diffuser Jewellery – There is a tonne of jewellery out there using lava beads. You simply apply your favourite oil onto the bead and wear your jewellery.
2. Topically
Personally, this is my absolute favourite way of using essential oils.
- Reflexology chart – I massaging the oil onto the soles of my feet in accordance with the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) reflexology chart when I feel something is not quite right. This is one of the most effective ways to get the full benefit of your oils.
- Massage – Mix your essential oils with a carrier oil like coconut oil or sweet almond oil for therapeutic massage. Applying your oil directly onto the skin is a highly effective way to get the oil directly into your bloodstream.
- Body Sprays – Mixing a few drops of your favourite oils with distilled water is a super easy way to make a refreshing mist spray or perfume.
- Rollers – Mixing a few drops of your desired oils in a roller bottle with a carrier oil is handy for all kinds of things like headaches, mosquito bites, cramping or simply a natural perfume.
- Cosmetics – If you are a bit like me and transitioning towards using 100% natural toxic-free cosmetics, you can add any combination of essential oils to your homemade body butter, toothpaste, cleansers and a whole lot more.
- Mouth Wash – Instead of using highly toxic mouthwashes, use the Ayurvedic practice of oil pulling – swishing coconut or sesame oil for 10-15 minutes then spit (do NOT swallow, it is highly toxic). To make it more potent add a combination of 4 essential oils (oregano, frankincense, tee tree, lemon)
3. Take Internally
Ingesting essential oils is most definitely a controversial topic so, speak to an expert to find out if it’s appropriate for you. Please remember therapeutic grade essential oils are 100% pure oils that have not been diluted, they are medicinal by nature. Citrus oils are the safest and below are some of the ways to ingest them if that’s what you choose.
- Cooking – Add oils such as lemon to your salad dressings, lemongrass to Thai curries, orange/peppermint to homemade chocolate – OMG!!! (I will post this chocolate recipe soon…promise) and rose to raw cheesecakes (a staple in my household).
- Drinks – Add a drop of your favourite oil to jazz up sparkling water for a refreshing beverage minus the sugar.
- Vege Capsules – The idea being that you fill a capsule with the oils that are most beneficial to you. DoTERRA also sells beadlets (tiny beads filled with oil) for convenience.
4. Household and Cleaning Products
Make your own toxic-free cleaners that smell much nicer than just white -vinegar.
- Multi-Purpose Surface Sprays
- Peppermint and Clove are brilliant for keeping critters at bay.
- Bathroom Sprays
- Lemon, Wild Orange and On-guard are my favs.
- Bug and Insect Sprays
- Peppermint and Eucalyptus come to mind, however, I get eaten alive so this one is in developmental stages and I’m open to suggestions for toxic free solutions, get in touch.
- After Sun Spray
- The best thing to do here is to fillet an aloe vera leaf and rub all over your skin.leave for 5 mins before rinsing off.
- Mixing lavender, peppermint (natural analgesic) and coconut oil together with the aloe vera is a great after sun care – if you try it, weigh in below!
The Modern Hippie’s ESSENTIAL oil medical kit
Frankincense: When in doubt of which oil, use Frank – it was good enough for Jesus! Seriously, this oil is the single must have oil in your collection. Studies have shown that Frankincense from hydrodistillation of Boswellia sacra gum resin induces human pancreatic cell death – pretty powerful stuff.
Lemon: Use for a sore throat, it’s also a natural detoxifier of the liver and gallbladder and promotes weight loss.
Lavander: Calming, relieves anxiety, hormonal support, great for healing cuts and burns.
Tea Tree (Melaleuca): Acne and skin support, effective antimicrobial oil, effective for treating mould and fungus.
Peppermint: Relieves IBS, improves focus and energy, natural breath freshener, relieves allergies and sinus problems
Oregano: Immune support, great for colds (be sure to dilute oregano, it’s seriously potent and it will burn!)
Learn More
WATCH:
READ:
REVIEW: Peer-Reviewed Science
CHECK OUT:
Holistic Living – The beautiful Belinda Rae is doing incredible things to empower and educate the world with essential oils. She has a WEALTH of experience and knowledge on the subject and this Perth based goddess also hosts events regularly so do keep an eye out for the next one.
With Love and Light,
Sharol xx