The Healing Properties of Essential Oils in Aromatherapy

Sing Essential Oils for Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils which have been extracted from various parts of a plant (roots, leaves, stem, bark, flowers) for healing. The psychological and physical well-being derived from the use of aromatherapy dates back nearly 6,000 years ago. The different individual essential oils offer a range of therapeutic properties that are a powerful form of alternative medicine in our modern age. Aromatherapy doesn’t only refer to the inhaling the aroma of the essential oil but also to them being massaged directly into the skin (and in rare cases, they can be ingested).

Essential oils have travelled to the west via the exotic historic journeys of perfumers and embalmers. The Egyptians developed the first distillation machines that would extract oils like Cinnamon and Cedarwood to embalm the dead. The Chinese developed using aromatic oils as a mood enhancer while the Greeks used it for perfume. Hippocrates, “the father of medicine” practiced the art of aromatherapy in his medical practice from 450BCE. In the late 1920’s René-Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist, founded the science of aromatherapy. He had burnt his hand during an explosion in his lab and had used Lavender oil to treat the wound. He investigated the chemical properties of essential oils to analyze their healing nature. During WWII Jean Valnet, a French surgeon used essential oils to heal wounded soldiers.

Aromatherapy stimulates brain function and promotes whole-body well being and healing. There are so many applications including pain relief, boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, relaxing the nervous system, lowering stress, alleviating physical fatigue and promoting circulation, to name a few on a very long list.

Each single oil and oil blend contains its own unique mix of active ingredients that will determine the best healing usage for it. Some essential oils can be used for physical healing like Lemon oil for digestion, Tea Tree to fight infections or Sandalwood for chest pain. Other essential oils can be used for emotional well being - like Rosemary for mental stimulation, Peppermint for an energy boost or Patchouli for depression. Some people might decide to use an essential oil, like Organic Sweet Orange, to make a room smell pleasant and will reap the anti-inflammatory, calming, pain relieving benefits of it at the same time.

Here are a few ways that you can use aromatherapy in your daily life.

• Bath time: Lavender and German Chamomile are the safest essential oils that can be added directly into the bath water as they are non-irritants for one’s skin. Other essential oils can be diluted in a tablespoon of vegetable oil, a half a cup of milk or a teaspoon of honey. Add around 8 drops to your running water and ensure that the door is closed so you can get the full benefit of the aroma.
• Chest Rub: Essential Oils like Rosemary, Balsam Fir and Eucalyptus assist your respiratory system and have a clearing effect on congested lungs. You can place 10-20 drops of your chosen essential oil in 30ml of Carrier Oil and rub it on your chest and upper back for immediate results.
• Diffuser: Aromatherapy diffusers are ideal for dispersing essential oils to clean and purify the air. Theses devices are often used with water and heat. (Note: essential oils must never be directly burned)
• Aromatherapy Massage: This is a powerful form as it utilizes both the therapeutic benefits of touch and the healing effects of essential oils. An aromatherapy massage relaxes the entire body, relives tension and improves circulation. Carrier oils must be used to properly dilute the chosen essential oils -10 -20 drops of essential oil to 30mil of carrier oil. (less for sensitive skin)
• Inhalation: Steam: Boil water, add your essential oil drops, quickly place a towel over your head and the bowl and breathe in deeply. 1-2 drops maximum as inhalation can be overwhelming. Always keep your eyes closed. (Note: not to be used for children under the age of 7.) Direct inhalation: Place a few drops of essential oil on a tissue or handkerchief or cotton ball and inhale as needed. This method is ideal for emotional distress as well as for relief of respiratory ailments. Direct palm inhalation: Essential oil drops placed directly on to the palm of your hands can relax you and uplift your mood. Direct from a bottle: Use a specific blend of essential oils and place then in a small bottle. Inhale through the day as needed. Smelling salts: Add your favorite essential oils blend to a bottle and fill it up with fine or coarse sea salts. Inhale as needed.Dry evaporation: You can place several drops of your favorite TruGardens essential oil on a cotton ball and allow it to evaporate into the air or you can inhale it directly.
• Spray: You can place a few drops of an essential oil blend in a water-based solution in a spray bottle. Shake hard and spray into the air. Pine essential oil is a great aroma to enhance the holiday spirit.
• Direct Application: You can use anti-inflammatory and anti-septic essential oils that can soothe burns, scratches and bits. Tea Tree and Lavender are great essential oils for this application.
• Pampering Foot/Hand Spa: You can stimulate the reflexology points of your feet with an essential oils foot bath. The oils are rapidly absorbed into the skin promoting relaxation. Hand baths are perfect for aching joints. Warm water relaxes and using cold water will revive.
• Mouthwash: Essential oils with antiseptic and antibacterial benefits are perfect as breath fresheners and help to maintain healthy gums. Add a few drops to a cup of water, swill it around in your mouth but don’t ever swallow.
• A Scent on Your Pillow: A few drops on your pillow case or on a tissue placed inside your pillow can promote a good nights sleep. You can get all the benefits of the essential oil as you sleep.

Essential oils are lifestyle products that will enrich and enhance your health, your home, family and environment.

We would like to take you back into the garden to “smell the flowers”. We’ve created a line of essential oil products TruGardens, that are safe and suitable for the whole family.