Healing With Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is that branch of herbal
medicine that uses the medicinal
properties of plant essential oils.
Essential oils are the subtle volatile
liquids of plants extracted by steam
distillation or cold pressing (the
essence of the plant).
Essential oils have been used for
healing since the time of ancient
Egypt. The oils are inhaled, applied
through the skin or taken internally.
How Essential Oils Work
- They regenerate, oxygenate and protect
the plant.
- They have a unique fat soluble
structure, enabling them to pass
through cell membranes of the skin and
diffuse into the bloodstream.
- Through the sense of smell, they act on
the limbic system in the brain.
- The limbic system controls heart rate,
blood pressure, breathing, memory,
stress levels, and hormone balance.
Chemical Properties
- 200 types of oils with several thousand
chemical constituents have been
identified.
- Eugenol found in cinnamon, clove, and
basil is antiseptic, stimulating and
acts as a local anesthetic.
- Esters found in lavender, rose, and
geranium are calming and sedating.
- Phenols found in oregano and thyme are
anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and
antiseptic.
- Sesquiterpenes found in sandalwood and
frankincense are soothing to inflamed
tissue, immune stimulating, and cross
the blood brain barrier to improve
brain function.
Other Actions
- Improve adrenal function.
- Balance thyroid function.
- Aid digestive problems.
- Clear sinus and chest congestion.
Clinical Studies
- Lavender oil effective for burns, also
calming effect.
- Diluted tea tree oil effective for
trichomonas vaginal infections.
- Study showed that oil blend (clove,
cinnamon, melissa and lavender) as
effective in treating bronchitis as
antibiotics.
- Russian study showed eucalyptus oil
effective against influenza.
- German studies found clove, cinnamon
and thyme had anti-inflammatory effects
useful in treating arthritis.
Cautions
- Buy oils of highest quality.
- Otherwise oils may be diluted with
harmful contaminants.
- Do not ingest oils without supervision.
- Conifers, citrus, spice oils must be
diluted in a neutral oil before
applying to skin.
References
- Aromatherapy, The Essential Beginning,
by Gary Young.
- The Practice Of Aromatherapy, by Jean Valnet
.
- People's Desk Reference for Essential Oils
by Gary Young.
- Natural Home Health Care Using Essential Oils
by Daniel and Rosemare Penoel
.
- Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy
by Kurt Schnaubelt
.
