Essential Oils
Properties of Essential Oils by Andrew Ewan
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Aromatherapy is the cure of diseases and the development of human potential through the use of essential oils, extracted in a way that allows them to preserve their characteristics and properties.
For millennia, essences have been exploited for their antiseptic properties, from the moment they counteract the development of germs and kill them. Its antiseptic power is general even with very different chemical compositions, and manifests itself both in the presence of its vapors, and by direct contact, although in a very dilute manner. The essences that have more bactericidal power in vapor state are in decreasing order: lemon, thyme, orange, bergamot, juniper, clove, citronella, lavender, mint, rosemary, sandalwood and eucalyptus.
By direct contact the order is slightly different: thyme, lemon, juniper, mint, orange, citronella, lavender, rosemary, bergamot, eucalyptus and sandalwood.
From these results it is deduced that the practice of nebulization (aerosol) in the rooms of patients and in public places (residences, hospitals or schools) is very useful as a therapeutic and preventive action. In ancient times, without knowing the experimental data, they used the vapors of the essences to fight the epidemics.
Similarly, in warm countries, where there is a high risk of intestinal infections, typical cuisine includes a variety of spices such as cinnamon, cumin, clove or thyme. The antiseptic power of essences is of great value because it is also associated with a safety with respect to healthy tissues.
In addition, the essences are endowed with anti-toxic capacity, that is, inhibition of products that deteriorate cells: in infected sores they bind to toxins and inhibit them, not to cover the unpleasant smell, but to prevent decomposition processes. It is no accident that essences were used in antiquity for embalming processes of bodies.
It has also been proven that the antiseptic power of spices does not diminish over time. The body does not “get used” to spices, but these are increasingly effective as they strengthen organic defenses. The antiseptic properties of the essences are completed with their healing power since they stimulate cell regeneration.
Aqueous solutions of essential oils, especially from the family of labiates (lavender, sage, rosemary and thyme), facilitate tissue repair processes, also stimulate the healing of skin sores and ulcers, and prevent bacterial infection.
The antiphrastic properties (thyme, geranium and laurel) are manifested in practice in a very useful way: they scare away insects, moths and mosquitoes. They are also evident in the treatment of pediculosis and scabies.
In the essences can be found antitoxic and antivenom properties that contribute to neutralize the venom of bees, wasps and spiders (for example, lavender and geranium). The hunters used to rub the dogs’ muzzle with lavender at the site of the viper’s bite to inhibit the poison.
Many essences have anti-rheumatic and anti-neuralgic abilities (for example, rosemary and chamomile), useful in the treatment of painful joint conditions (osteoarthritis, gout …). These act even if they are applied locally, using poultices or massages, thanks to their great ability to spread the skin to deep tissues.
Most essences (for example, pine, geranium, basil, savory and rosemary) are stimulating and invigorating for the endocrine glands and the adrenal cortex, responsible for the ability to resist stress.
Many of them have stimulating properties of the genital apparatus and sexuality (for example, jasmine, orange blossom and patchouli, Boost oil as a natural lubricant).
Also, many essences (for example, lavender , marjoram , verbena and lemon balm) have an antispasmodic activity, which allows the treatment of visceral spasm disorders such as colic, irritable bowel, hiccups and liver or kidney cramps.
Some essences (such as sage, cypress, verbena or fennel) have hormonal properties and exert a regulatory action on the endocrine glands. The essence of the cypress acts on the ovaries, and the pine and basil in the adrenal cortex.
We will be treating in this blog each of the specific effects of essential oils, since each one has specific applications.
Can essential oils be ingested?
If we answered the question absolutely, we should say yes. Touch of Synergy Essential oils can be ingested. However, you need to know which ones because some of the plants itself are toxic those you can’t never consume only enjoy the fragrant we must clarify the statement, since natural essences are very potent substances that are used following very precise indications. The routes of application are essentially two: the internal route, i.e. oral ingestion, and the external route, through epidermal absorption, inhalation, baths, etc.
In this article we are going to deal with the internal (oral) route and the precautions to be taken whenever it is administered in this way.
The first thing to note is that oral ingestion is not advised without medical control since the contact of the essences with the delicate digestive mucous membranes can be irritating; In addition, doses should be administered carefully to avoid the risk of acute and chronic poisoning. The dose of the essences internally is, on average, 3 drops per dose, with a daily maximum ranging between 5 and 20 drops, depending on the doses used. You have to take them before or during meals.
Ingestion by oral route is an option that should only be taken into account when necessary, that is, if a proper cure of certain diseases is required. On the other hand, energy stimulation and vitalization of the body will be obtained by applying the oils externally, through baths, frictions and massages, with diffusion in the air and with olfactory stimulation, modalities that are also very effective.
Essential oils will be administered orally always taking into account the following rules:
With knowledge of the subject and in a conscious way: it is preferable to trust a complementary healthcare professional or doctor or professional familiar in aromatherapy, because there are some substances that can be toxic if they are administered or ingested incorrectly, in addition there may be contraindications to the use of some essences for some people, etc…
We must flee the topic that states that a natural remedy cannot cause harm. The most potent poisons are vegetable derivatives. We must approach the fascinating world of natural cures with interest, respect and love, but also with the necessary prudence.
Respect the correct doses: the average doses are 1 to 3 drops mixed with a tablespoon of whole virgin honey to slowly dissolve in the mouth. This is the best way to assimilate essential oils. For particularly strong essences, after dissolving them in a teaspoon of honey, dilute them in a finger of warm water.
Another way is to put between 1 and 3 drops in a glass of warm water or infusion (pour the drops immediately before drinking to prevent evaporation), or put 1 to 3 drops on the back of the hand (better if they are placed in the cavity located at the base of the thumb, an area that corresponds in acupuncture to an important energetic point located along a meridian). This modality, that is, the taking of essential oils in their pure state will be used exclusively with less delicate and less potent oils. But when consuming spices on the food like vanilla from touch of synergy you can enjoy much of it, because of the knowledge ask from complementary healthcare professional
The average dosage is 1 to 3 drops for each dose, which will be repeated 2 to 5 times a day. The healing period is around 3 weeks, for the same oil or mixture of oils. Cycles can be renewed, after an interval of 7 to 10 days, by changing oil or mixing.
And finally, only when strictly necessary: as we have already said, only in the proper cure of certain diseases.
Ways to use essential oils by external means
Of the various ways of applying essential oils, those that are externally are preferable due to their greater ease of application and safety. In addition, with local application, the essences immediately penetrate through the skin and act directly on the organs that are under it, without unnecessarily overloading the internal organs, such as the liver and digestive mucous membranes, as happens when Essences are taken orally. However, do not exceed 10 drops daily.
Massage
Pure essential oils are concentrated and powerful substances. For the massage, the essences – one or several – are added, before coming into contact with the skin, to a basic oil that, acting as a vehicle, dilutes the essences to avoid skin reactions and irritating phenomena, and allow the correct sliding to massage.
An important precision that must be taken into account is that they are cold squeezed, since they must not contain solvent residues, derived from the refining and pressure process, which destroy fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin E and F. The oils are not advised. of mineral origin for massages, such as petroleum jelly, which has low affinity with the skin and tends to clog pores. The base oils used must have a high affinity with the skin. Therefore, vegetable oils such as wheat germ, sweet almond, hazelnut, sunflower, sesame, olive, grape seed, corn, soybean or peanut oil are recommended.
Among the oils mentioned above, grape seed and sunflower seeds are particularly light and, therefore, easier to spread through the body. Wheat, olive or sweet almond germ oils are more viscous and therefore more suitable for the treatment of dry skin.
The dissolution percentages are as follows: the essential oil content of a mixture should range between 1 and 3%, depending on the type of problem. Physical problems in general require a greater concentration than states of emotional and nervous nature. This is understandable if one thinks that the material body is made up of a “heavier” substance and therefore requires a type of intervention in the physical-material field, that is, with more essence molecules. When the intervention takes place in the psyche, it is a more subtle energy in which one works not only in the matter but in the information and, therefore, with a very low amount a very strong effect can be obtained.
Let’s see in practice how to proceed with the dissolution. The 1 or 3% translates into these proportions: for a tablespoon of basic oil (equivalent to about 100 drops), we must add 1 to 3 drops of essence. For a global massage of the entire body, the concentration of essence will be as indicated before. For interventions at more precise points, the number of drops per tablespoon may be higher, as indicated in specific cases.
The ambient temperature of the place where the massage will be performed should be pleasant, not less than 25 ° C; The hand of the person who performs the massage should be hot and the oil will be heated with the heat of the hand before applying it to the body. Keep in mind that the higher the heat of the skin, the greater the dilation and, with it, the greater the absorption of the essence. This can be favored with a hot bath before proceeding to the massage.
Bath
For an aromatic bath, the water temperature should be high, but not in excess. The essences will be added immediately before entering the bathtub, in order to take full advantage of the effect produced by the evaporation of volatile components. 4 or 5 drops of the chosen essence are added; If it is a combination, do not exceed 8 drops. The duration of the bath will be about 10 minutes.
Shower
3 to 4 drops of essence are poured into the wet foam glove and the body is rubbed.
Compresses and plasters
In a cup of hot or cold water, depending on the needs, 5 to 8 drops of essence are poured. A gauze is immersed in water, drained gently and applied to the affected area. Hot water will be used for muscle aches, and cold water for sprains, sprains, fever or headaches. The compress will renew when it warms or cools. Essence pads can relieve pain, distortion or swelling.
Evaporation
3 to 4 drops of essence are poured into a diffuser for essences, formed by a heat source (lamp or candle) on which there is a glass container with a little water. With the action of heat, water evaporates and the essence volatilizes. The essence should not be poured directly on the heat source because it is a flammable product. You can also put a few drops of essence in a handkerchief, a pillow, especially balsamic essences, in the heating water container, in a humidifier prepared for the use of essences or even in a nebulizer. This practice of fogging essences in the environment has a high antiseptic power and is very useful for purifying the air in the rooms of the sick.
Inhalations
5 to 8 drops of essence are added in a small bowl with boiling water and the vapors are breathed with a cloth over the head. This method is particularly useful for treating respiratory tract conditions.
Frictions
2 or 3 drops of essence diluted in an alcoholic base will be used to rub in the cutaneous region corresponding to the affected organ (for example, in the chest for cough or bronchitis) until the area is heated.
Pediluviums, maniluviums and semicupios
4 to 5 drops of essence are added in a bowl with hot or cold water, depending on the needs, and the feet are kept submerged for about 10 minutes. The same treatment must be followed in the case of hands or for the bidet.
Internal Irrigation
4 to 5 drops of essence are added in very hot water, allowing it to cool for a few minutes. It will be used for vaginal or lavage washes.
Rinses and gargles
2 to 3 drops of essence are added in a glass of boiled water for rinses or gargles in case of inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.
Source of information:
https://touchofsynergy.com/blogs/essential-oils/ways-to-use-essential-oils-by-external-means
https://touchofsynergy.com/blogs/essential-oils/can-essential-oils-be-ingested