For thousands of years essential oils have been used in the attainment of higher spirituality and emotional and physical well-being.  In biblical times aromatherapy recipes were used not only to cleanse the flesh to fight disease, but also to remove the mind of evil dieties, or what we may refer today as negative emotions. (Exodus 30:22-25 - Take also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrhI 500 shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, 250 shekels, and of cassia 500 shekels, and a hin of olive oil.  And thou shalt make it an oil of holy anointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary; it shall be a holy anointing oil.)

It is said, that prior to going into battle, the Roman soldiers used esssential oils to overcome fear and to build courage and self-esteem.  The profound spiritual and psychological benefits of oils such as frankincense, sandalwood, and myrrh have long been recognized by religious and spiritual traditions the world over.  Many oils are ideal aids to meditation, contemplation and prayer, ceasing mental chatter and stilling the mind.

Whenever we allow ourselves to be controlled by thoughts or emotions, we may experience discomfort, pain, or great suffering.  Even at these times, when everything seems so imperfect and chaotic, when our bodies are breaking down physically, emotionally, and spirtually; there is an oil that can break us free and allow us to experience the peace that we are seeking.

WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY?

Aromatherapy is the use of therapeutic-grade essential oils for physical and emotional well-being.   

Essential oils are classified into three different grades:

Grade A - Therapeutic  quality; made from organically-grown plants; distilled at low temperatures and low pressure to preserve the integrity of the oil constituency.  (Think of what happens when you over-cook your vegetables--you destroy most of the nutrients.  The same is  true of plants that are distilled  improperly...the oil they produce is not only nutrient deficient, but it is also less than therapeutic.)

Grade B - Food Grade Oils; May contain synthetics, pesticides, fertilizers, extenders...

Grade C - Perfume Grade Oils.  May contain the above adulterating chemicals and additives.  May contain synthetic oils.

90% of the essential oils in this country are Grade B and below.  One example is lavender:  Today most of the lavender oil sold in America is a hybrid called lavandin, grown and distilled in China, Russia, and Tasmania.  It is brought into France, cut with synthetic linolyl acetate to improve the fragrance, added to propylene glycol or SD 40, DEP, and DOP (solvents that increase the volume), and then sold in the U.S. as lavender oil.

It is important to know that when you purchase these cheap oils, they may be effective on a short-term basis,  but they also lead to long-term complications.  They compromise your immune system, cause hormonal imbalances, and create many more contradictions in the body.

WHAT IS AN ESSENTIAL OIL?

Essential oils are volatile liquids extracted from plants.  Oftentimes, it takes an entire plant or more to produce one single drop of essential oil.  This is what makes that one drop of oil so potent and at the same time, so expensive to distill.  The oil of the plant is its “life force.”  It is the “blood” of the plant and is called essential because without it, the plant would die.

Essential oils, unlike fatty or vegetable oils, will remain intact for many, many years; they will not turn rancid.  They are very complex and have tiny, oxygenating molecules. Because of their infinitesimal-sized molecules, essential oils are transdermal.  Within minutes of application to the skin, they can reach every part of our body.

Some essential oils, such as frankincense and cedarwood, are high in sesquiterpenes.  Sesquiterpenes are components of the oils that allows them to penetrate the blood brain barrier which may very well be one of their most powerful healing aspects.  As you breathe an essential oil, its tiny molecules go straight to the central part of the brain called the amygdala. 

WHAT IS THE AMYGDALA?

The amygdala learns and stores information about emotional events.  It also assigns different parts of the body to harbor the memory of traumatic events until we are ready to deal with that specific trauma.  But sometimes this mechanism gets stuck and our gallbladder or kidneys  or some other part of our body suffers and we have no idea why.  This part of the brain does not understand the spoken word or the written language and reacts and responds only to smells.  This is why aromatherapy is so crucial when we are trying to address an emotional or psychological concern.

[There are studies indicating that anger stored in the liver, for example, can eventually lead to liver disease.  And that stored unresolved emotions stored in the breast can result in breast cancer, and so on.  Yet even though we may not agree that an emotion can cause a disease, we can at least acknowledge, and there is ample research in that area, that once a disease has set in, your emotional state will greatly determine the path that disease will take.] First, make sure that you are using high quality, therapeutic grade essential oils, especially if you are going to apply or ingest them.  Essential oils which are high in sesquiterpenes, such as Frankincense, are very beneficial when you smell them. 

WHAT ABOUT APPLICATION?

Direct Inhalation:  Place two or more drops into the palm of your left hand, and rub clockwise with the flat palm of your hand.  Cup your hands together over the nose and mouth and inhale deeply.  (Do not touch your eyes!) 

Apply directly on areas of concern.  Essential oils may be applied topically to promote soothing and wellness of body and spirit.  Because they are soluble with the lipid membranes of cells, they have an unmatched ability to penetrate and disperse within minutes throughout the body. Remember, more is not usually better.  One or two drops of a therapeutic oil is sometimes all you need depending on your concern. Most oils can be applied neat (without diluting).  But some oils, such as clove, cinnamon, lemongrass...may need to be diluted first or applied neat on the bottom of the feet.  (Avoid eye area.) 

Many oils can be ingested (read labels). All essential oils that are identified as Safe For Consumption can be taken as a dietary supplement to promote physical and emotional well-being. Some oils (e.g., valerian, lemon, grapefruit, orange, nutmet, tangerine, etc.) are more effective  when taken orally.  Essential oils should be diluted in oil-soluble liquids such as vegetable oil, olive oil, Agave, or goat/reice milk prior to ingestion.  More or less dilution may be required, depending upon how strong the oil is. 

You may also use essential oils in your bath.  Since oils do not mix with water, mix 5-10 drops of essential oil in 1/4 cup of Epsom salts or bath gel and then add this mixture under a running faucet.  This method will help the oils disperse in the bath evenly and prevent stronger oils from stinging sensitive areas.

Diffusion is another essential oil application.  Research has shown that diffusing certain oils may also:

*  Improve concentration, alertness, and mental clarity;

*  Help you relax, relieve tension, and clear the mind;

*  Help with weight management;

*  Reduce airborne bacteria, fungus, mold, and unpleasant odors.

Start by difussing oils for only 15-30 minutes per day.  As you become accustomed to the oils and recognize their effects, you can increase the time diffused up to 2 hours per day.

Ensuring Your Oils Are Therapeutic Grade

Therapeutic-Grade:  Young Living Standards

World Leader of Therapeudertic-Grade Essential Oils

Essential Oil Benefits