Discover the very best methods for Healing with Essential Oils and the 16 Aromatherapy Oils, and blends, that are “must haves” and should be included in your aromatherapy kit.
Understand the theory of aromatherapy, how the essentials work and the properties contained within each of the 16 oils that make them beneficial for healing.
This post provides the information you need to use Aromatherapy as a treatment for easing discomfort and pain and to bring about wellness.
Healing With Essential Oils – An Overview
When we inhale any form of scent, we are actually breathing in molecules suspended in the air. The air flow associated with our breath causes them to travel to the back of our nasal passage.
These suspended scent molecules then come into contact with specialized nerve cells. They are known as olfactory cells and are found in huge numbers covering what is known as the Olfactory Receptors. 1The sense of smell, or olfaction, is the special sense through which smells (or odors) are perceived. The sense of smell has many functions, including detecting desirable foods, hazards, and pheromones, and plays a role in taste. In humans, it occurs when an odor binds to a receptor within the nasal cavity, transmitting a signal through the olfactory system. Glomeruli aggregate signals from these receptors and transmit them to the olfactory bulb, where the sensory input will start to interact with parts of the brain responsible for smell identification, memory, and emotion. Wikipedia.
The olfactory receptors also consist of millions of tiny hairs, or cilia, covered in mucus. This combination enables our olfactory receptors to identify and recognise specific aromas.
This system allows us to recognise specific aromas from the tiniest amounts of scent molecules. In fact so powerful is this perception we can identify each individual aroma even when they are combined with hundreds of others.
The process also signals the production of specific nerve impulses that travel to our limbic system. This limbic system is the part of our brain which is most concerned with our instincts and emotions.
It is thought that the activity produced within the limbic, when the nerve impulse signal passes through, causes a change in our body chemistry and this triggers the change in our moods and emotion.
This process is called neuro-associative conditioning. It is this link between aromas and the limbic that triggers our response to certain scents and, more importantly, the bodies healing response to particular aromas.
This process also explains why specific aromas can trigger extremely detailed memories or extremes in emotion.
Specific Properties When Healing With Essential Oils.
When we use aromatherapy as a treatment, we are using the process of neuro-associative conditioning. The properties that give each essential oil its characteristic aroma, associates with emotion, memory and is what triggers healing.
In each drop of essential oil there are hundreds of phytochemicals (plant based chemicals).
These phytochemicals cause different reactions and responses within our body.
Ketones are said to stimulate regeneration of cells, break down mucous, and have calming properties. Ketones are found in Lavender, Patchouli, and Hyssop essential oils.
Aldehydes are phytochemicals that have high anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. Aldehyde essential oils are found in medicinal herbs such as Lemongrass, Melissa, and Citronella.
Sesquiterpenes are phytochemicals known for helping reduce inflammation. They are also one of the few substances that are able to cross the blood brain barrier and increase brain oxygen levels.
They are said to also be able to reverse DNA damage and erase it from cellular memory. They are found in Cedarwood, Sandalwood, and Chamomile, to name just a few.
Healing With Essential Oils – The 8 Healing Types Of Aromatherapy Oils
Healing with Aromatherapy Oils is effective due to their multitude of uses. Our Essential oils can be categorized into 8 groups, each of which hold specific healing properties.
- Antiseptic;
- Anaesthetic;
- Antibiotic;
- Anti-Bacterial;
- Antiviral;
- Anti-Inflammatory;
- Anti-Fungal;
- Anti-Depressant.
Healing With Essential Oils – A Scientific Overview!
We know many essential oils have been used for centuries by many cultures and civilizations.
The use of these same Aromatherapy oils remain as popular in modern society as they were in our ancestors day . Aromatherapy as a treatment is one of the few complementary medicines that has remained as consistent a practice as the use of allopathic medicine. You can even make essentials oils at home.
In fact the practice of healing with essential oils has been accepted into mainstream medicinal and therapeutic provision as well as a continued growth of clinical research testifying to their effectiveness.
Debra Fulghum Bruce PhD explains the scientific principles of healing with essential oils:
Essential oils are highly concentrated substances extracted from a variety of different parts of a plant, including the flower, bark, roots, leaves, wood, resin, seeds, or the rind (in the case of citrus fruits). The oils contain healing vitamins, antibiotics, and antiseptics and represent the “life force” of the plant.
Debra Fulghum Bruce, PhD
She offers the following on research done on aromatherapy oils:
Scientists agree that essential oils may perform more than one function in living plants. In some cases they seem to be a part of the plant’s immune system. In other cases they may simply be end products of metabolism.
Essential oils are said to be healing because they contain hundreds of organic constituents, including hormones, vitamins, and other natural elements that work on many levels. For example, oils can be sedative or stimulating. Some are antispasmodic, and most are antibacterial.
Debra Fulghum Bruce, PhD
Aromatherapy Oils For Well Being And Health.
Our sense of smell connects us with many different emotions and memories. As we know, the process of neuro-associative conditioning is a major factor in how aromas bring about and have influence on our emotional state of well-being.
By using aromatherapy in our daily routine we are able to positively influence our emotional health. When our emotional wellbeing is positive and balanced it places us in an optimal state allowing our body to heal.
Aromatherapy Oils can be used in many ways, but the 2 most popular and well known methods are inhalation diffusion or topical application.
Inhalation Diffusion – Healing With Essential Oils.
The Inhalation Diffusion technique incorporates several different methods, but all result in molecules of essential oil being released, or diffused, into the air making inhalation easier. This is an effective method to benefit from each different aroma if using essential oil blends.
This can be achieved through use of oil burner diffusion, an electronic diffuser, a vase diffusion, sprays, mists or hot steam vapors (such as the facial steam baths often used to clear mucus or a blocked nose).
There is of course much more to healing with essential oils than just the associations we have with smell and the emotional response they evoke.
Aromatherapy oils also provide respiratory decongestant, and expectorant benefits. They hold antibiotic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and disinfectant properties. The same properties used in mainstream medical practice.
Topical applications – Healing With Essential Oils.
Topical application is delivered directly, through the use of massage oils or via skin care and bath products. This enables the healing properties of the oils to be absorbed directly via the skin and this contact also results in molecules being released into the air.
Massaging the area of the body before, or during, application of the oil also boosts circulation and increases absorption.
Essential oils, as a rule, should never be applied directly to the skin. This is why most topical application of oils are achieved through dilution within a carrier oil.
This also makes the essential oil last a lot longer. You only need add a few drops of the essential oil to your choice of carrier oil. The most common carrier oils are Ylang Ylang, Sweet Almond or Olive oil.
It is recommended that before using any oils topically you perform an allergy test.
Healing With Essential Oils – The Allergy Test.
- Dilute your essential oil into your carrier oil at twice the concentration of essential oil that you intend to use when applying for healing.
- Massage your mix onto a small area of soft skin. The recommended area is the inside of the forearm. Apply to an area of around 1/2 inch.
- Wait for 12-24 hours. If no reaction occurs, itching, redness, etc you can assume it is safe for you to use in topical application without running the risk of allergic reaction.
Aromatherapy as a complementary medicine can be used for the treatment of various conditions.
Healing with Essential Oils have been shown to reduce:
- Nausea
- Pain
- Body ache
- Anxiety and Stress
- Fatigue and Exhaustion
- Insomnia
- Muscular ache
- Headache and Migraine
- Circulatory problems
- Menstrual problems
- Menopausal problems
- Alopecia or Hair loss
Specific oils can also be used to treat types of psoriasis, however check with a healthcare professional to ensure it will not negatively impact your skins health.
The Top 16 Aromatherapy Oils For Healing With Essential Oils.
#1 – Basil Essential Oil.
Basil Oil is used for sharpening our concentration and is said to be helpful in alleviating the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Basil oil can be used for treating bronchitis, sinusitis, colds and mucus cough. Applied topically it is said to be excellent for gout, insect bites, muscle aches and rheumatism.
It is also used for relieving deep seated headache and migraines.
Note:It should be avoided during pregnancy.
# 2 – Bergamot Essential Oil.
Bergamot Essential Oil is said to be extremely useful for problems associated with the urinary and digestive tracts.
When mixed with Eucalyptus Oil it can help relieve skin problems, including any that are caused by stress or chicken pox.
Other uses for Bergamot include the treatment of acne, abscesses, boils, oily skin, and psoriasis.
Bergamot can help with cystitis, halitosis, itching and a loss of appetite.
#3 – Black Pepper Essential Oil.
Black Pepper Essential Oil is used for stimulating the circulation.
It helps with aching muscles, arthritis, chilblains, muscle cramps, digestion and constipation.
Combined with Ginger Essential Oil, it is particularly effective to reduce the pain of arthritis and can improve flexibility.
#4 – Chamomile Essential Oil.
Chamomile Essential Oil is used to treat Eczema and prevent infection.
It can also help with abscesses and boils, with colic, cuts, and cystitis.
Chamomile is effective also for treating dermatitis, earache, headache, and inflamed skin(including insect bites).
Used via inhalation Chamomile aids with nausea, insomnia and stress.
#5 – Citronella Essential Oil.
Citronella Essential Oil is produced from a variety of lemongrass plants.
It is well known and commonly used for repelling insects.
For personal health and well being Citronella can be used to inhibit bacterial growth, eliminate infections, inhibits fungal growth, reduces fever and helps to fight depression.
#6 – Clove Essential Oil.
Clove Essential Oil is wonderful for use as a topical analgesic and painkiller.
It is commonly used to treat toothache.
Clove oil is also used as an antispasmodic and anti-emetic, which prevents vomiting and nausea. It also acts as a carminative, which prevents gas building up in the gut.
Clove Essential Oil has antimicrobial, antioxidant and antifungal properties.
#7 – Eucalyptus Essential Oil.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil can help to relieve problems with our airways when we have cold or flu.
It can help to ease cough and can relieve seasonal allergies.
Eucalyptus essential oil helps reduce physical pain and inflammation and is excellent when used to prevent infection.
Many people are allergic to eucalyptus, (best to do allergy test before use).
#8 – Geranium Essential Oil.
Geranium Essential Oil can be used for the treatment of a variety of skin problems, including acne.
It helps reduce symptoms associated with stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia.
Geranium essential oil is effective when used specifically to promote emotional stability and enhance mood.
Geranium Oil can alleviate pain, stimulate healing from burns and wounds and reduce inflammation.
#9 – Jasmine Essential Oil.
Jasmine essential oil is often the oil used for the prevention of infection.
It also helps to reduce cough, treat insomnia, and reduce spasm. Jasmine has a sedative effect and has been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac.
Research has shown that the odor of Jasmine increases beta waves, which are linked to alertness. As a stimulant, Jasmine may increase penile blood flow.
#10 – Lavender Essential Oil.
Lavender essential oil, the oil that started the entire aromatherapy modern movement, is used as an antiseptic for minor cuts and burns.
It also helps enhance relaxation and is said to be the oil most beneficial to aid sleep.
Lavender is said to relieve headache and migraine symptoms.
#11 – Lemon Essential Oil.
Lemon essential oil is said to improve mood and relieve symptoms of stress and depression.
It can be used to treat skin conditions such as acne, athlete’s foot, warts, and varicose veins.
In addition, Lemon essential oil is said to stimulate the immune system, alleviate pain, and promote weight loss.
#12 – Rosemary Essential Oil.
Rosemary essential oil is used to promote hair growth, boost memory, prevent muscle spasms, and support the circulatory and nervous systems.
#13 – Sandalwood Essential Oil.
Sandalwood Essential Oil has Antiseptic, Anti-inflammatory, and Antispasmodic properties. It can also be used to help lower blood pressure and has sedative properties. Sandalwood is also believed to be effective as an aphrodisiac.
#14 – Tea Tree Essential Oil.
Tea Tree essential oil is said to have antimicrobial, antiseptic, and disinfectant qualities. It is used in shampoos and skin care products.
It is effective for treating acne, burns, and bites. It is excellent as a mouth rinse but it should never be swallowed.
#15 – Thyme Essential Oil.
Thyme essential oil is said to help reduce fatigue, nervousness, and stress.
#16 – Yarrow Essential Oil.
Yarrow essential oil is used to treat symptoms of cold and flu. It helps rheumatism and arthritis, reducing inflammation in the joints.
Yarrow helps with inflamed and injured muscles, as well as muscular and menstrual cramping. Yarrow is also useful for preventing scarring, including scarring from acne.
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References
- 1The sense of smell, or olfaction, is the special sense through which smells (or odors) are perceived. The sense of smell has many functions, including detecting desirable foods, hazards, and pheromones, and plays a role in taste. In humans, it occurs when an odor binds to a receptor within the nasal cavity, transmitting a signal through the olfactory system. Glomeruli aggregate signals from these receptors and transmit them to the olfactory bulb, where the sensory input will start to interact with parts of the brain responsible for smell identification, memory, and emotion. Wikipedia.
