Why Essential Oils?

by Rebecca Carina

Human blood and essential oils have much in common - they both fight infection, are oxygenating, carry nutrients, contain hormone-like compounds, and initiate regeneration. Their chemical structures are so similar that essential oils are readily identified and accepted by the body. Essential oils can penetrate human cell membranes and diffuse through blood and tissues. Furthermore, essential oils support the body's natural balance.

Essential oils are the oldest and some of the most powerful therapeutic agents known to mankind. They have enjoyed a long history of use in healing and anointing throughout the ancient world. The Egyptians were the first to discover the potential of fragrance. Some oils, like frankincense, myrrh, cinnamon, spikenard, cassia, rosemary, and hyssop, are cited repeatedly in religious texts and were used to cure many ailments. Myrrh, lotus, and sandalwood were some of the oils widely used by ancient Egyptians for purification and embalming rituals and for treating over 80 diseases. Other oils, like clove and lemon, were highly valued as antiseptics hundred of years before the discovery of chemical germ-killers. With the advent of modern industrial biochemicals, these natural therapeutic agents were largely forgotten.

Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, PhD, a French cosmetic chemist, is widely regarded as the father of aromatherapy. He and a group of doctors and scientists began studying essential oils in 1907. Through their work, the worth of essential oils is again known to the public. For example, they have studied essential oils that are natural chelators, binding with heavy metals and petrochemicals and ferrying them out of the body. Dr. Gattefosse became famous for discovering the success of lavender in healing burns.

European standards (AFNOR, ISO) have been established to distinguish between therapeutic-grade essential oils and lower grade, diluted oils that have similar fragrance but inferior chemistry. Ninety-eight percent of essential oils produced today are used in the perfume and cosmetic industries, while only about 2% are produced for therapeutic use. Most oils sold in this country are not therapeutic-grade.

Only in the last 20 years have essential oils enjoyed a resurgence in popularity as their broad-spectrum antibacterial and therapeutic actions have been rediscovered by many health care professionals. They are some of the most concentrated natural extracts known, exerting significant antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hormonal, and psychological effects. Essential oils have the ability to penetrate cell membranes, travel through the blood and tissues, and enhance electrical frequencies. The powerful life force inherent in many essential oils gives them an unmatched ability to communicate and interact with cells in the human body, including cleaning cell receptor sites that are clogged with petrochemicals. Therapeutic-grade essential oils must be of the purest quality and free of pesticides and herbicides, and the extraction process must preserve the many delicate aromatic compounds. They cost more; yet a single drop is very concentrated in effect.

Though my study and use of essential oils just began two years ago, I have no doubt that essential oils are the "medicine" of our future. Some of the uses of my current favorites include the following:

Lemon in drinking water helps reduce acidity; diffusing it helps purify the air at home or the office; or it can be used as a skin cleanser or for washing dishes or clothes (from Italy)

Frankincense soothes and elevates the mind, sets the atmosphere for meditation, helps to overcome stress and depression, and supports the immune system (from Somalia)

Grapefruit is detoxifying, fat dissolving, and the best uplifting and refreshing boost in morning shower gel (from California)

Lavender is the universal oil with many different uses from soothing sunburns to cleansing cuts, to helping reduce hair loss, and calming nausea and premenstrual tensions (from France)

Birch, similar to salicylic acid used in aspirin, is used for pain of sciatica, tendonitis, cramps. It is also good for bone, muscle and joint discomfort (from Canada)

Helichrysum is an anticoagulant that is being studied for regenerating tissue and nerves and improving circulation and skin conditions. It also helps eczema (from Corsica)

Melaleuca (3 forms), or tea tree oil, is anti-infectious and antibacterial for cleansing cuts, reducing fungal infections and candida, and relieving respiratory mucous (from Australia)

Lemongrass is used for digestion, headaches, purification, and removing mold (from Guatemala)

Peppermint clears the air and wakes one up in mid-afternoon. It is also used for headaches and sore throats, and aids in digestion (from Utah)

Idaho tansy, a wonderful insect repellent, stimulates the immune system and also helps with bruises and liver spots (from Idaho).

I recommend choosing a manufacturer of essential oils that uses organically grown plants and that distills the oils to meet therapeutic-grade standards.

There are different ways to use essential oils, depending on the oil. A drop can be applied directly to the skin and inhaled deeply. A drop or two can be rubbed on your hands and soles of your feet, especially at bedtime. Cold-air diffusing can reduce odors and bacteria as well as improve mental clarity. They can be added to massage oils for a real treat. or to your bath and shower gels. Some can be used in cooking or as dietary supplements. And, of course, you can wear these natural oils like perfume or as deodorants. They are concentrated, so always skin test and keep them out of reach of children.

Each of us deserves to experience the effects of essential oils in strengthening, balancing and protecting our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of being.

Rebecca Carina, an ordained priest of the Order of Melchizedek, student of astrology, metaphysics, and healing, and world traveler, seeks to expand consciousness and practice inner guidance. See her ad under Service Listings.