A Beginner’s Guide to Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
By Lindsey Rodrian
If you had to guess which of our five senses possesses a direct connection to the brain, how would you answer? Many say sight, but it’s in fact our sense of smell. Though often taken for granted, Olfaction (smell) is a true powerhouse! It’s the only regenerative cranial nerve in our body; the strongest memory trigger; and is highly emotive, so much so that scientists believe the concept of kissing developed from sniffing. This primal behavior may have subconsciously helped us in choosing our partner based on their natural odor.
So, what does this mean to us? Essentially, we can ‘smell to feel well’ by utilizing aromatherapy to naturally treat anxiety, sleep disorders, depression, premenstrual disorder and much more. When inhaled, essential oils interact with various receptors in the brain and limbic system. The limbic system is powerful, and considered responsible for a wide range of physiological responses. This includes hormone levels, heart rate, blood pressure and breathing. So, inhaling healing essential oils, and dispersing them throughout the air in your home can help you to reap many physical and mental benefits. All you need is knowledge of proper practice, a diffuser, and some essential oils to begin a blissful, detoxifying, healing relationship with this Ancient Egyptian practice.
I ordered my first aromatherapy diffuser through Amazon, and was instantly hooked. As I researched and tested a variety of essential oils to find my favorite, the depth of this practice became pretty intriguing. First acknowledged by Egyptians and then adapted by Greek and Roman culture, the therapeutic and anti-bacterial power of essential oils reached the modern era, where it was heavily studied. Proven to show positive effects on a variety of health concerns, the U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests aromatherapy for the treatment of nausea, acne, asthma, hypertension, childbirth pain, posttraumatic stress disorder, sore throat, and even the reduction of symptoms stemming from dementia and various cancers.
To avoid information over load, lets work through the basics and create a solid foundation in which you can reap the benefits of essential oils!
What are Essential Oils?
The term ‘essential oils’ comes from the concentrated essences of aromatic compounds, and derives from many different organic sources including herbs, flowers and fruits. Because of this natural source, essential oils contain no harmful or synthetic chemicals. Although they are considered oils, many often have a watery consistency. Steam distillation, one of the most popular methods of obtaining essential oils, is a simple procedure in which freshly harvested plants are hung above a vat of boiling water. The emergent steam extracts the oil from the plant and is captured and pushed through a tube. Once the steam returns to water the essential oil separates.
Which Diffuser is Best?
Diffusers come in many shapes and sizes, with different ways of producing fumes. You can spend around $40 for a nice, ultrasonic, diffuser possessing waves that cause the oils to evaporate as a mist. Ultrasonic options are great for entry-level users, seeking high-quality aromatherapy, as they provide a good source for the oils’ effects. If you’re looking for the crème de la crème of diffusers, look no further than a nebulizer, considered to be the most effective way of practicing aromatherapy. These diffusers create micro droplets of oil in the air without any chemical change. The droplets outlast the ultrasonic’s mist, and deliver oils in their purest, most healing form. Generally, candle-based, reed and heat diffuser methods don’t produce oils in their most beneficial form- use these if you are simply looking for a yummy-smelling space.
Essential Oil Reference List
When used in a diffuser, or applied topically these oils are pretty powerful!
Lavender– Look to lavender for its relaxing, calming, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Possibly the most popular and versatile essential oil, the lavender plant is grown mainly for these very reasons. [/column]
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Eucalyptus– Considered one of the top five essential oils any practice of aromatherapy should keep on hand, eucalyptus can ease asthma, decongestion and exhaustion. [/column]
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Tea Tree– This essential oil is very versatile…. From a stimulant and expectorant when used in a diffuser, to an antiviral and fungicide when applied topically, Tea Tree oil is powerful. Just touching the surface of its healing properties, Tea Tree is the perfect go-to oil for beginners. But beware, never ingest this oil as it is poisonous and should only be used for external treatment! [/column]
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Orange– Inhaling orange is just as fruitful and rewarding as taking a delicious bite out of the juicy fruit. Known in the aromatherapy world for its positive influence on depression, anxiety, decreased libido and unbalanced hormones[/column]
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Peppermint– This essential oil is said to induce a feeling of ‘fullness’ when inhaled via diffuser, thus operating as an all natural diet or weight loss tool. In addition, therapeutic properties of Mentha piperita range from fatigued muscle relief and the clearing of clogged nasal passages to the aid of headache and abdominal pain. [/column]
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Rosemary– Used as an essential oil since aromatherapy’s conception in roman times, Rosemary has long been associated with mental health, said to remedy fatigue, memory loss, and even support a clear complexion. [/column]
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Pick Up a Diffuser and Essential Oils at:
Perfect Balance Day Spa
401 W. Pine St., Lodi
PerfectBalanceDaySpa.com