October 15, 2008
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October 15, 2008
Hello,
This first issue of the revived Just the Right Touch offers you information about essential oils. I also invite you to visit my aromatherapy blog at aromatherapy.bellevuemassagetherapy.com.
Enjoy!
Carol
Some Therapeutic Properties Of Essential Oils
(from Aromatherapy – How Essential Oils Work by Danny Siegenthaler)
1. ANTISEPTIC
All oils are to a greater or lesser extent antiseptic. This is one of their most important and valuable properties. This broad description of antisepsis includes anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and general anti-microbial activity that is found in such oils as Lemon, Thyme, Tea Tree, Garlic, Eucalyptus, Cinnamon, Pine, Lavender, and Sandalwood.
2. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Some oils help to ease inflammation. The symptoms of inflammation are typified by pain, redness, swelling, and partial or total loss of function of the tissue involved. Examples of oils with this property are Chamomile, Rose, Lavender, Sandalwood, Myrrh, and Benzoin.
3. CYTOPHYLACTIC
Restoration of tissue function and regeneration of cells is another outstanding property of essential oils. Oils such as Pine, Basil, and Rosemary are known to restore function to the adrenal glands; Jasmine, Cypress, and Ylang Ylang restore function of reproductive endocrine glands; and lavender and chamomile stimulate cell regeneration in the skin.
4. SEDATIVE
Essential oils may also have a pronounced effect on the nervous system by producing relaxation, pain relief, and relief from muscle spasm. Oils with these properties include Lavender, Neroli, Rose, Geranium, and Ylang Ylang.
However, the most outstanding essential oil property is as an antiseptic/antigenic.
This is well documented in Dr. Jean Valnet's book, The Practice of Aromatherapy, where he discusses at length the effects of specific oils in relation to the control of extremely virulent microbes like Meningitis bacteria, Golden Staphylococcus bacteria, and typhoid bacteria.
It is critical to your full understanding and appreciation of Essential Oil Therapy that you appreciate the ways in which essential oils can have both a healing and preventive role in diseases involving invasion of the body by microbes.
Essential Oil Safety Tips
Essential oils can be powerful, so it's important to follow some essential oil safety guidelines.
Because these oils contain no fatty acids, essential oils are not susceptible to rancidity like vegetable oils. However, protect them from the degenerative effects of heat, light, and air by storing them in tightly sealed, dark glass bottles away from any heat source. Most properly stored oils can maintain their quality for years. Citrus oils are less stable – do not store them longer than six months after opening.
- Always read and follow all label warnings and cautions.
- Keep oils tightly closed and out of the reach of children.
- Generally, don't use undiluted oils on your skin (dilute with carrier oil). However, some oils such as lavender can be use "neat" (directly on the skin) if you are not sensitive to the oil.
- Skin test oils before using. Dilute a small amount and apply to the skin on your inner arm. Do not use the oil if redness or irritation occurs. Remove the oil by rubbing with a carrier oil.
- If redness, burning, itching, or irritation occurs, stop using the essential oil immediately.
- Keep oils away from eyes and mucous membranes. If essential oil gets into eyes, flush with a carrier oil followed by lots of water immediately.
- Consult a professional before using any essential oil while pregnant.
- Angelica and all citrus oils make the skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light. Do not go out into the sun with these oils on your skin.
- If you have a medical condition or are taking presciption drugs, certain oils may be inappropriate. Get professional advice.
- Don't buy perfume oils thinking they are the same thing as essential oils. Perfume oils do not offer the therapeutic benefits of essential oils.
- Be selective of where you purchase your essential oils. The quality of essential oils varies widely from company to company. The source I use for my oils is Young Living Essential Oils.
For more information, see Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals