\u201cNature is the best medicine\u201d may sound like an old clich\u00e9\nbut in today\u2019s world it\u2019s more relevant than ever. Essential oils are some of\nthe oldest natural healing substances known to mankind. In fact, their use is\nsteeped in rich tradition over millennia and they are credited for treating disease\nand halting the spread of infection, among others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On top of that, they assist in tonifying the skin for anti-aging purposes, and most importantly elevate spirituality via the uplifting properties. A common method to support t<\/ins>he above properties is to use them in natural perfumes and cosmetics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According the Merriam-Webster dictionary essential oils are defined as \u201ca class of volatile oils that give plants their characteristic odors and are used especially in perfumes and flavorings, and for aromatherapy.\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Most essential oils are extracted by low pressure steam or water distillation, although other methods such as solvent, CO2 critical extraction and enfleurage are sometimes used. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The earliest recorded use of essential oils is difficult\nto pinpoint but evidence suggests the ancient Egyptians were using aromatic\nbotanical essences around 4500 B.C. for medicinal purposes, skincare, spiritual\npractices and many other aspects of daily life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Around the same time Ayurvedic medicine was becoming\nwidespread in India. Ayurveda, which stands for ayuh (meaning \u201clongevity\u201d) and\nveda (meaning \u201csacred knowledge\u201d), was centered around using essential oils in\naromatic massage for promoting a longer life span and vitality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Thousands of years later Hippocrates, the father of\nmodern medicine, declared: \u201cthe way to health is to have an aromatic bath and\nscented massage every day.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fast forward a couple thousand years and the contemporary\nuse of the word \u201caromatherapy\u201d find its root with Ren\u00e9-Maurice Gattefoss\u00e9, a\nFrench cosmetic chemist who discovered the healing properties of Lavender after\nsuffering severe burns in a lab accident. He immersed his hands in Lavender essential\noil instead of water and was astounded by how quickly he healed. This personal experience\ncaused him to investigate the medicinal use of essential oil properties by treating\ninjured soldiers during World War I. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Based on his findings he coined the term \u201caromath\u00e9rapie\u201d \u2013 treating\ndisease or injury by using the biochemical properties of aromatic plant\nessences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To understand whether essential oils really work, we must first understand the science behind it. When choosing essentials oils for cough, upset stomach or some other health condition you want to ensure your oils are extracted from certified botanicals, identified by the genus and species. For example, Chamomile would be listed as Matricaria chamomilla<\/em> L.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, the particular parts of the plant from which essences are derived should be indicated (i.e. leaves, branches, flower petals, buds, needles, bark and roots) to better understand their therapeutic effects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Purity is another important factor but can have a different\nmeaning based on the supplier. The best essential oils are\nclassified as 100% pure and 100% natural, ideally grown organically or\nwild-crafted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n [*Tip: Try to avoid essentials oils derived from\nconventional agriculture due to high levels of contaminants and adulteration.]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chemotype<\/strong> is another\nfundamental consideration in scientific aromatherapy. You may be familiar with\nthe term \u201cterroir\u201d used in wine making; it refers to the totality of\nenvironmental factors that influence a crop’s phenotype. These include geography,\nsoil, terrain, micro climate and farming practices. Together, these conditions give\nwine its particular flavour, aroma and characteristics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In essential oil production, this is referred to as the chemotype \u2013 a set of growing conditions that affect the plant\u2019s biochemical properties. In fact, two chemotypes of the same essential oil grown in different locations and conditions can have vastly different therapeutic effects and toxicity levels, due to its principle active component. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Petri dish studies confirm that essential oils have\npowerful anti-microbial properties, specifically in their ability to fight\ncommon bacterial and fungal strains. For example, Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia<\/em>) and Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus<\/em>) are well-accepted\nremedies for treating infections of the skin and lungs (through inhalation),\nand for killing airborne pathogens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Other studies have shown that Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia<\/em>) and Roman (Chamomile Chamaemelum nobile<\/em>) have\nsedative and calming effects on the nervous system. Everlasting (Helichrysum italicum ssp serotinum<\/em>) is another well-researched\nessential oil that has gained mainstream status recently for its skin\nregenerative and pain relief properties. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Essential oils can be administered in 4 ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n All these methods have their own merit and application depends entirely on the nature of the health concern being addressed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re applying essential oils directly on the skin,<\/ins> Some essential oils can be inhaled for the For ambient application,<\/ins> diffusers and room sprays or are an excellent option. To preserve the integrity of aromatic molecules the best type of diffuser is one that doesn\u2019t heat up the oils since the heat can alter or destroy their aromatic molecules (ultrasonic water diffusers are an excellent option). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip: If you\u2019re looking for a cheaper, but effective method you can also try adding essential oils to a spray bottle<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whenever you\u2019re using essential oils, safe handling and storage is very important. Some oils can be extremely toxic when they come into contact with skin undiluted, and other oils are phototoxic, thus potentially causing severe dermatitis or irritation when exposed to UV radiation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Not all but most essential oils are not safe for pregnancy ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/pranarom.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/alchemy-and-aromatherapy-with-rose-flowers-and-P8C9GTG-min-683x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nScience of Essential Oils
<\/del><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/pranarom.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/dry-chamomile-P2PXF67-min-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMedicinal\nUses of Essential Oils<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Use Essential\nOils<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
they first needs to<\/del> they should first be diluted in carrier oil, especially if you have sensitive or irritable skin. Aromatic massage is often the preferred therapeutic application for essential oils, used to relieve muscle soreness and\/or ease anxiety or stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/del>immediate relief of headaches, cough or breathing difficulties (due to chest cold or infection). Place a few drops of your chosen essential oil on a tissue or in a steam inhaler. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/pranarom.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/daiga-ellaby-699140-unsplash-min-683x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWords of Caution<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
a<\/del>or while breast-feeding. Some essential oils can be toxic to cats and dogs<\/a>, thus should be used with caution if you have the furry creatures in your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n