Love the aroma of essential oils but not sure how to use them or where to buy them? Aromatherapist, Jo Sollinger, helps solve the mystery and guides you on the what, where and how.
Essential oils are showing some great effects for supporting health and wellness including a reduction in stress and they might be one of the better solutions to keep us on top of drug resistance.
As a naturopath and aromatherapist, I like to make sure I buy pure essential oils, and not synthetic copies of the real thing, as these are often diluted.
Essential Oil Through the Ages
Records indicate that ancient Egyptians were the first to use essential oils for healing, as well as for ceremonial practices and embalming procedures.
In the late 19th century, French chemist and perfumer, Rene Maurice Gattefosse, revived the tradition of using essential oils. After burning his hand he treated his wound with the first compound he could find – undiluted lavender oil.
The lavender provided immediate relief from the pain and also helped minimise the infection and scarring.
Essential oils are naturally:
- Anti-fungal
- Antiviral
- Anti-microbial
- Anti-parasitic
- Antiseptic
How to Buy
Look for essential oils that are stored and sold in amber-coloured bottles. The colour of the bottle helps protect the oil and helps retain its integrity.
Whatever you do, steer clear of oils sold in clear or plastic bottles.
Also worth avoiding are oils labelled “fragrance oil” or “perfume oil”. The synthetic aroma will smell more pungently of the raw material than the real thing.
Look for pure essential oils in shops that are concerned with nature and health, such as health food shops, rather than those concerned with the body and perfume.
No reputable essential oil supplier sells essential oils at the same price, every different type of oil will vary in price.
Do not be influenced by strength of the smell, but rather by price and supplier reputation.
To receive the most potent healing benefits they provide, try to source the highest, purest-quality plant oils you can find (see links below).
Using Essential Oils to Cure What Ails You
One of the most effective means of topical application is through the foot. The oil permeates the skin and enters the bloodstream and the effects of the oil can be seen within twenty minutes.
It is important to dilute most oils before using them, especially topically, and never use on broken skin. Simply place roughly 1-2 drops of the essential oil into 1 teaspoon of carrier oil.
Carrier oil could include:
- Olive Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Almond Oil
- Rosehip Seed Oil
- Jojoba Oil
Another way to use oils is with a diffuser. These involve the use of heat to help the oil molecules ‘diffuse’ into the air.
This is one of the best ways to use oils as it works so well for sensitive populations including the sick, elderly, and children.
Essential Oils: An answer for Antibiotic Resistance
Many countries in Europe have adopted the regular use of essential oils in their patient rooms and hallways.
Why? Because these amazing herbal oils have been shown to be effective against MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and resistant candida species.
This is good news. Since these oils are great at helping fight these resistant strains, and by using them regularly in diffusers in hospitals, this helps reduce the growth and transmission of strong microbial species.
This could mean less reliance on antibiotics as the only form of treatment. You can minimise the risk of catching viruses by making up a simple spray which consists of lavender, sprayed into a room to kill airborne germs. Just add 50 drops of lavender essential oil to 500ml of water in a spray bottle.
(NB: if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your physician before using any essential oil.)
Steam Inhalation
Ideal for treating coughs and colds and for treating your skin to a steam facial.
- Place 1 litre of steaming hot water in a bowl.
- Add 5 drops of essential oil to the water.
- Bend forward over the bowl and drape a large towel over your head to trap the vapours.
- Inhale.
- Add some more boiling water to evaporate off any remaining essential oils.
Suggested oils for steam inhalation:
Eucalyptus, peppermint, thyme and tea tree for chest, nasal and sinus problems.
Lavender for headaches.
Sandalwood, frankincense and geranium for facial steams (use only 2 drops pure essential oil).
WHere To Buy Good Reputable Essential Oils
I have used the following suppliers many times.
www.baldwins.co.uk
www.nealsyardremedies.com
www.nhrorganicoils.com
So hopefully you've learned a little more about how to use essential oils correctly and how and where to buy them. Please feel free to comment below on your experiences with essential oils, and in the meantime, enjoy their power!
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