Spotlight on Essential Oils

Spotlight on Oils Essential What are essential Oils? An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled by steam or water from the leaves, stems, flowers, barks, or roots of a plant. Once extracted, the oils can be used for skin treatmeant, mood enhancement and/or health benefits. HISTORY 3500 BC Egyptians were the first people to extensively make use of aromatherapy and aromatic herbs and included their use in religion, cosmetics as well as medicinal purposes. 3000 BC At the same time the Chinese also made use of herbs and aromatic plants. This was also taken up as an integral part of the Indian Ayurvedic medicinal system. 460-377 BC The medicinal wisdom of the Egyptians were taken over and absorbed by the ancient Greeks. The most well known physician of that time, Hippocrates treated patients using essential oils. 25 BC-450 AD The Romans again took over the medicinal wisdom of the Greeks and were great believ- ers in hygiene to pro- Halso 900-1037 After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Arabian empire continued the Greek, Roman, Chinese, and Indian teachings of oils. During this time the Persian physician Avicenna, perfected the distillation process of essential oils. mote health and a place great stock in aromatherapy and the power of fragrances. The Dark Ages Monks who tend to the sick continue to use herbal medicine but the holistic approach of Hippocrates, by this time, had all but disap- peared. The holistic methods later returned 1910 during the Renaissance period and were used to cure leprosy. French chemist and perfumer Rene Maurice Gattefosse learns that lavender oil can be used as treatment after using it to treat a burn on his hand. He also learns that small amounts of essential oils are absorbed by the body and interact with your body chemistry. 1930s The modern term, "aromatherapy" is coined by Rene Maurice Gattefosse. Dr. Jean Valnet uses oils to treat injured soldiers with great success. 1950 In the 1950's, essential oils began being used 1970 - Today Since the late 1970 and early 80's the use of essential oils and aromatherapy has become a major part of alternative and in massage therapy. Diluted essential oils were were mixed with etable carrier oil and veg- eskin massaged using a nique, which is applied along the nerve end- ings of the spinal into the Tibetan tech- holistic health systems, and has a huge following across the world. column. Chart Of Essential Oils Types Cinnamon Citronella Clove Eucalyptus Hellchrysum Jasmine Lavender Nutmeg Orange Patchouli Peppermint Sandalwood Tea Tree Ylang-Ylang Oils How To Use Essential Inhalations Baths Compresses This is the use of essential oils on hot compress, using diffusers, or onto hot water for inhalation. Standard dose is 10 drops. A generally safe does is 5 - 10 drops of milder oils. Put oil on water immediately before enter- ing bath, disperse. Can be mixed with 1/2 to 1 cup sesame oil or milk then poured into bath. 10 drops oil in 4 oz hot water, soak cloth, wrap. Good for bruises, wounds, muscular aches and pains, dysmenorrhea, skin problems. Facial Steams Massages Diffusers 1-5 drops on hot water in a pot, cover head with a towel, steam face. Excellent for opening sinuses, head- aches, skin treatment. There are various types of diffusers on the market, like candle diffusers, electric heat diffusers, cool air nebulizing diffusers and humidifiers. This is the use of essential oils during a body massage. Pure essential oils are about 70 times more concentrated than the whole plant. For massages, dilutions are typically 2% - 10%. Sources: http://www.essentialoils.co.za/history-essential-oils.htm http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/whatare.asp http://arealfoodlover.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/chart1.jpg http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/700.html http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-helichrysum-essential-oil.html http://www.naha.org/articles/How%20T0%20Use%20Essential%200ils%20Effectively.htm Uses Astringent Antibacterial Antiseptic Aphrodisiac Bacteriostatic Deodorant Disinfectant Healing for Skin Hormone-like Insect Repellent Irritation Relief Rejuvenating Relaxing Stimulating Tanning Toning Wound Healing