Most of us have heard the term
aromatherapy, but what does it mean? Aromatherapy utilizes essential
oils to work in tandem with the body to achieve, increase or
maintain a level of wellness. This is done aromatically, topically,
or internally. There are different grades of essential oils on the
market and wise consumers will educate themselves before purchasing
an oil for therapeutic use. When you use the correct type of
essential oil and the correct amount, you will receive the wellness
benefits expected.
Most essential oils in the world are of the grade used for the
perfume industry. These oils are often made up of synthetics and
while they smell like the real thing, they are not, and should not
be used for therapeutic use. Synthetic oils alter the body, while
pure essential oils work with the body and help to restore body
chemistry. The next highest grade of essential oils is used by the
food industry. Even though these oils have the FDA, GRAS (Generally
Regarded As Safe for internal consumption) designation, they will
often contain synthetics and are, thus, not for therapeutic use.
Finally, there are therapeutic grade oils, which are used for
wellness/medicinal benefits. For an essential oil to be termed
therapeutic grade, it needs to pass a Gas Chromatograph test.
Companies may elect to have this test done in-house using their own
laboratory or they can use an independent lab. The test will reveal
if all of the chemical constituents of the essential oil are present
for therapeutic or medicinal purposes.
Sounds good, doesn’t it? However, it’s what the Gas Chromatograph
doesn’t show that’s bothersome. For example, one of the things not
revealed with this test is the presence of adulterants which can
adversely affect the safety and effectiveness of an essential oil.
To insure a higher level of quality, a Mass Spectrometry test should
be employed. The importance of using a Mass Spectrometry test is in
the verification that the proper chemical constituents are present
and in the correct amounts for therapeutic use, as well as the
presence (or, of course preferably, non-presence) of adulterants.
(Oils marketed as organic can have the problem of not having the
correct amounts of chemical constituents for therapeutic strength).
When purchasing essential oils for therapeutic usage, it’s best to
look for a company that performs both tests by independent labs.
Look for “Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade” essential oils, for they
are verified to be therapeutic grade through Gas Chromatography and
Mass Spectrometry testing done by independent labs. This ensures
safe, consistent results with every bottle and every therapeutic
application.
According to health statistics, up to 80% of our health is
determined by our lifestyle. This includes eating right, exercise,
reducing stress and lowering toxic load. By taking a self-care
proactive approach to wellness through the use of essential oils,
you may find you can reduce stress, lower your toxic load, and boost
immunity.
It is important to note that essential oils are highly concentrated.
Because of this, it is better to use small frequent doses rather
than large infrequent doses.
The following three methods illustrate the variety of application
you may use with aromatherapy:
Diffusion
Diffusion is a means of dispersing the aromatic molecules from
essential oils into the air. It is important for most essential oils
that a cold dispersion method is used when seeking a therapeutic
effect. This is because high heat can destroy the medicinal benefits
of many essential oils. Did you know that diffusing can eradicate
unwanted microbes in the air you breathe? Studies have shown that
diffusing ¼ drop essential oil in a full liter of air is powerful
enough to stop germ growth! Diffusing for just 30 minutes in the
morning and again in the evening with an antimicrobial essential oil
will help keep your home healthy. Also, diffusing oils in your home
while a family member is sick will help reduce the chance of
spreading illness to other family members. For example, lavender is
particularly good for helping combat a respiratory infection when
diffused. Diffusion is a safe and effective way to introduce the
wellness and healing benefits of aromatherapy into your home.
Topical
Topical application is applying essential oils to the skin.
Essential oils used through topical application can be the first
line of defense in helping your body fight off unwanted pathogens
and boosting overall immunity, as well as for basic first aid. Some
essential oils require dilution with carrier oil, while others do
not. It is always a good idea to check for skin sensitivity when
applying essential oils topically. Simply place a drop on the inside
of the forearm and see if there is a sensitivity. If irritation
occurs, put a carrier oil (such as olive oil) and dilute the dose.
As the saying goes, “when in doubt, dilute it out.” Applying
immune-boosting essential oils to the bottom of the feet in the
morning and in the evening is a great line of defense during the
cold and flu season. In truth, most health complaints that you go
running to your medicine cabinet for can be addressed safely,
effectively and without harmful side effects through topical
application of essential oils.
Internal
In order to use essential oils internally they must be of the
highest quality and pure. You can cause your body harm if you put an
essential oil into your body that has not been tested as discussed
and verified to be a pure essential oil. You will also need to do
your homework to make sure that the essential oil you choose is safe
for your particular physiology and to follow all guidelines for safe
usage. It is important to educate yourself or consult with a
qualified health professional before application of essential oils
internally. That said, there are many beneficial reasons for the
internal use of essential oils. Depending on the oil, essential oils
can be 50 to 70 times more powerful than herbs! The following are
just a few examples of why someone would take essential oils
internally: raising antioxidant levels in the body/overall wellness;
killing bacterial/viral infections; killing Candida overgrowth;
removing toxic build up; aiding indigestion/nausea; or as simple as
a gargle for a sore throat. Internal applications of aromatherapy
can be powerful and life changing if done in a safe, responsible
manner.
Ready to get started? A good reference book for beginners and
experienced users alike is “Essentials of the Earth” by R. L. James
(which can be found at
www.aromatools.com). For more information about purchasing
certified pure therapeutic grade essential oils and aromatherapy
products, see:
www.your-essential-wellness.com.
Cassandra Renz is a LMT
and Nationally Certified Aromatherapist. For aromatherapy
consultations or questions, contact her at 907-830-0523 or visit
sharingwellness@alaskan.com
