Sunday, January 18, 2009

Essential Oils and Aromatherapy Benefits

Aromatherapy, or the use of herbal oils as medicines, has been practiced for thousands of years. Essential oils, or concentrated liquids extracted from various parts of plants, are believed to help protect plants from certain diseases and pests, and are thought to have effects on the human mind and body as well. They can either be inhaled (by putting a drop or two in a bowl of steaming water), absorbed through the skin (by using three or four drops as a massage oil, or a l-to-10 ratio of essential oil to a carrier oil such as sweet almond, olive, or sesame seed oil), or both (by putting 5 or 6 drops in warm bath water). Some shops or catalogs sell dispensers, lamps, vaporizers, or diffusers that provide a longer-lasting effect.

Smells can have a direct influence on the brain, affecting emotion and memory by stimulating the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala. Studies have shown that pleasant aromas increase productivity in the workplace by as much as 25 percent, and learning by as much as 17 percent. Many oils work synergistically with each other.

Pure, undiluted oils are extremely concentrated and should never be inhaled directly from the bottle or applied to the skin, and they should not be taken internally (as little as a half teaspoon of pure oil can be fatal). Also, avoid getting essential oils in the eye, as they can be irritating (a cotton swab soaked in vegetable oil and applied to the eye should relieve discomfort). They can last a year or more if stored properly in a cool, dry, and dark place, and the bottle is opened only when dispensing oil (they can evaporate or oxidize quite readily in the open air); a small amount of vitamin E can help preserve the freshness. As for their benefits, little is known about the specifics with which they work: only a handful of studies have been done on aromas and aromatherapy, and most of the purported effects are based on anecdotal evidence or folklore. Even among practitioners, there may be some discrepancy about specific effects, so caution is advised.

They should not be used by those suffering from epilepsy or other seizure disorders, those whose blood pressure is abnormally high or abnormally low, those with asthma, or those being treated for cancer. Allergic reactions or photosensitivity are possible, especially with spice oils such as thyme, sage, and oregano, which can be irritating (patchtest an oil by dabbing a drop of it on the skin with a cotton swab, placing a bandage over it, and checking it 24 hours later for any adverse reactions). Many essential oils can cause such side effects as headaches, dizziness, and nausea, while some may contain compounds which could be carcinogenic if used regularly for an extended period of time. Oils should generally be reserved for treating specific conditions, and not be used on a daily basis, especially for more than two or three weeks at a time, as they can produce effects that are the opposite of what they normally provide.

Prices can vary depending on such factors as the origin of the plant, the method of extraction, and whether it was grown organically or not. Absolutes — which are essential oils that are viscous or semi-solid — are cheaper, but may contain trace amounts of toxic solvents used in the extraction process, and are not recommended for therapeutic use. Perfumes and fragrance oils sold by cosmetics companies are synthetic (the term "nature identical" is a tipoff), and are of little benefit in aromatherapy. Essential oils themselves can be rather expensive, as it may take a hundred pounds of plants or more to produce one ounce of oil.

The following is a description of essential oils and their benefits and effects on the body and the mind.


ANGELICA
AKA: Angelica archangelica.

Effects: Said to relieve stress and anxiety, as well as reduce nausea and weakness during recovery from illness, break up congestion in the lungs, and relieve stomach cramps, arthritis pain, PMS, and menstrual pain.

Precautions: Avoid sunlight if applying directly to the skin, as it may cause dermatitis. The fresh oil is colorless, and turns yellow, then dark brown, with age; the dark brown oil should not be used.

BASIL
AKA: Ocimum basilicum. There are over a hundred different varieties of basil.

Effects: Contains high amounts of cineole, a compound which increases blood flow to parts of the brain. Said to increase concentration, mental functioning, and memory, relieve nervousness and fatigue, and promote feelings of contentment, happiness, and sexuality. It has been used to treat various respiratory infections, including bronchitis and whooping cough.

Precautions: Contains estragol, which may cause adverse reactions in some people and — possibly — cancer in large doses (varieties low in estragol include Ocimum Americanum, Ocimum canum, and Ocimum gratissimum). Constant use of basil may dull the mind, rather than stimulate it.

BAY
AKA: Bay leaf, Pimenta acris. Effects: Said to promote psychic awareness. It can also relieve arthritis pain and the symptoms of respiratory ailments.

Precautions: It may be irritating if applied directly to the skin, especially in its pure state.

BENZOIN
AKA: Styrax benzoin. It is more of a resin than an oil, and has to be melted by heat before being used.

Effects: Said to increases energy, as well as ease the symptoms of common respiratory problems (colds, flu, coughs, sore throat) and skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Precautions: It may cause allergic reactions in some people.

BERGAMOT
AKA: Citrus aurantium bergamia.

Effects: Said to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression, and contribute to a calm sleep. It is used in Europe to treat infections of the skin, respiratory tract, and urinary tract. Works synergistically with angelica, cedar, chamomile, geranium, lavender, lemon, neroli, rose, and ylang-ylang.

Precautions: Avoid sunlight if applying directly to the skin or using in bath water.

CAMPHOR
AKA: Camphora officinarum, Cinnamomum camphora, Laurus camphora.

Effects: Said to increase energy.

Precautions: Should not be used by those with asthma or allergies. It is a very strong oil, and extra caution should be used to prevent using too much.

CARAWAY
AKA: Carum carvi.

Effects: Said to increase energy. It is used to treat various digestive problems, including colic, colitis, dyspepsia, flatulence.

CARDAMOM
AKA: Cardamon, Elettaria cardamomum.

Effects: Said to elevate mood and improve memory and concentration, it is used as a digestive aid, and to treat heartburn, flatulence, and diarrhea.

Precautions: Should always be used with a base oil, as it can cause the skin to become sensitive.

CEDAR
AKA: Cedarwood, Cedrus atlantica, Cedrus deodora, Cedrus libani.

Effects: Said to promote a sense of spirituality, improve the respiratory system, and be an aphrodisiac. Works synergistically with bergamot, jasmine, juniper, neroli, and rose.

Precautions: Some brands may be adulterated with other essential oils, including juniper, which may cause problems arising from the compound thujone. Though several different trees produce essential oils which are marketed as cedarwood, some aromatherapists recommend that only Cedrus atlantica be used, as that has the most reliable therapeutic properties.

CELERY
AKA: Ache, Apium graveolens, smallage.

Effects: Said to relieve fatigue, contribute to a restful sleep, and be an aphrodisiac.

CHAMOMILE
AKA: Anthemis nobilis or Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile), Matricaria chamomila or Matricaria recutita (German chamomile).

Effects: Said to relieve stress and stress-related headaches, anxiety, and depression, and contribute to a restful sleep. Roman chamomile is used to treat stomach aches, indigestion, diarrhea, muscle spasms, and PMS; German chamomile is used to treat skin conditions such as acne and eczema, and cold sores.

CINNAMON
AKA: Cassia, Cinnamomum cassia, Cinnamomum ceylanicum, Cinnamomum zeylanicum.

Effects: Said to increase energy and promote awareness.

Precautions: It should not be used without the guidance of a trained aromatherapist, as it can be quite toxic. It may cause an allergic reaction in some people. It should always be diluted before being applied to the skin, as it can be irritating in its pure state, possibly causing blisters and burns.

CLARY SAGE
AKA: Salvia sclarea.

Effects: Said to relieve depression, stress, and fatigue; improve memory and creativity; induce intense and colorful dreams; produce euphoria (in some people); act as an aphrodisiac; and relieve headaches and the symptoms of PMS. Works synergistically with bergamot, cypress, geranium, jasmine, lavender, and sandalwood. Drinking alcohol is said to intensify its effects.

Precautions: Should not be used by anyone who suffers from epilepsy. Despite the synergistic effect with alcohol, combining the two can lead to a dangerously heightened sense of drunkenness (and accompanying hangover) with extreme nightmares.

CORIANDER
AKA: Coriandrum sativum.

Effects: Said to improve memory. It has been used to aid digestion and reduce flatulence.

Precautions: Do not use the essential oil internally unless under the guidance of an expert aromatherapist, as the wrong dosage could prove fatal. One case on record relates that several workers who tried to clean up fifty quarts of coriander oil spilled from a large container were overcome by the fumes within a half hour, laughing and giggling at first, they became aggressive and belligerent. Before they could be rescued, two suffered from extreme nausea, and all suffered from extreme fatigue for the next few days.

EUCALYPTUS
AKA: Eucalyptus citriodora, Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus radiata.

Effects: Contains cineole and eucalyptol, both of which stimulate the central nervous system. The oil has antiviral and antibiotic properties, and has been used to treat a variety of respiratory problems. It is a common ingredient in cold remedies. Works synergistically with angelica, hyssop, lemon, pine, and thyme.

FENNEL
AKA: Foeniculum vulgare.

Effects: Said to relieve nervous tension and increase life span. It has been used to treat muscular aches and pains, digestive problems, nausea, and hangovers. Works synergistically with detoxifying and cleansing oils such as juniper.

Precautions: It should not be used by those suffering from epilepsy; it should not be used indiscriminately because it is high in phenolic resin; and it should not be used as a diuretic without supervision, as it could cause kidney damage. Some aromatherapists are also concerned about the combination of principal constituents anethol and estragol, which could cause serious side effects, though none have been reported.

FRANKINCENSE
AKA: Boswellia carteri, Boswellia thurifera, olibanum.

Effects: Said to slow down and deepen breathing, and to promote calmness and feelings of spirituality. It has been used to treat sinus congestion, asthma, and even skin cancer. Works synergistically with sandalwood.

Precautions: It should be used with caution by asthmatics, as the hot steam could have an adverse effect.

GERANIUM
AKA: Pelargonium graveolens, Pelargonium odoratissimum.

Effects: Said to reduce stress and depression, induce calmness, and increase energy. It has been used to treat various skin disorders, as well as athlete's foot and hemorrhoids. Works synergistically with benzoin, bergamot, chamomile, clary sage, lemongrass, melissa, patchouli, and vetiver.

Precautions: Since it is quite expensive, cheaper brands may be adulterated with artificial esters, cedarwood, lemongrass, and turpentine.

GINGER
AKA: Zingiber officinalis.

Effects: Said to increase energy. It has been used to treat diarrhea, catarrh, and rheumatism.

Precautions: It could cause a rash or blisters if applied directly to the skin or added to bath water.

GRAPEFRUIT
AKA: Citrus paradissi.

Effects: Said to relieve anxiety, stress, and depression. Works synergistically with lavender.

Precautions: Can increase chances of sunburn when applied to the skin.

JASMINE
AKA: Jasminum grandiflorum (royal jasmine, Spanish jasmine), Jasminum officinale (common jasmine).

Effects: Said to relieve insomnia and depression, and promote feelings of optimism, confidence, sexuality, and euphoria.

Precautions: Since so many flowers are needed to produce an ounce of essential oil, virtually all of the products on the market since the late 1980s are absolutes, which may contain trace amounts of toxic solvents. Jasmine absolute using the process of enfleurage — placing leaves in trays of carrier oil to extract the essential oil — is considered the safest, though some still consider it unsuitable for use.

JUNIPER
AKA: Juniperus communis.

Effects: Said to increase happiness, energy, and strength. It is also used for its detoxifying, diuretic, and antiseptic qualities, as well as maintaining concentration during prayer and meditation.

Precautions: Should not be used for kidney problems. The oil could be adulterated with turpentine.

LAVANDIN
AKA: Lavandula delphinensis, Lavandula fragrans, lavendin. Lavandin is a hybrid of lavender and aspic.

Effects: Said to have a mild calming effect similar to lavender. It is used to treat muscular aches and pains, colds, catarrh, and sinusitis.

Precautions: It is often sold as lavender, even though it has a sweet fragrance and is not as potent.

LAVENDER
AKA: Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula officinalis, Lavandula vera.

Effects: Said to relieve stress and anxiety, and contribute to a deeper, more restful sleep. It is used for a wide variety of disorders and medical problems. Works synergistically with bergamot, chamomile, clary sage, geranium, marjoram, neroli, rose, rosemary, and ylang-ylang.

Precautions: Individuals with other allergies or asthma may suffer an allergic reaction to lavender. Because it is so expensive, it is often adulterated with other oils such as lavandin.

LEMON
AKA: Citrus Hmon.

Effects: Said to increase energy and concentration, elevate mood, and contribute to health and healing. Works synergistically with cedar, eucalyptus, fennel, juniper, lavender, and pine.

Precautions: If applied to the skin in its pure state, it can cause an allergic reaction or irritation, or even a skin rash if exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet light. Never use oil that is cloudy or pale.

LEMONGRASS
AKA: Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon flexuosus, melissa grass.

Effects: Said to relieve fatigue, induce calmness, and increase concentration. Works synergistically with eucalyptus, geranium, juniper, lavender, lime, and pine.

Precautions: It may be irritating when applied to sensitive skin. It is used to adulterate melissa and, along with geranium and citronella, it is often used to imitate rose and verbena.

LIME
AKA: Citrus limetta.

Effects: Said to increase energy, relieve depression, and improve memory and concentration. Works synergistically with bergamot, cedar, clary sage, lemongrass, and pine.

Precautions: If applied to the skin, it can cause a rash when exposed to sunlight.

MARJORAM
AKA: Knotted marjoram, Origanum marjorana, sweet marjoram.

Effects: Said to relieve stress and insomnia. It has been used to treat such conditions as anorexia, diarrhea, flatulence, high blood pressure, PMS, menopause, migraines, and muscular aches and pains. Works synergistically with bergamot and lavender.

Precautions: It should not be used on young or sensitive people, as it could produce an effect opposite to the one intended. It is often confused with oregano, whose calming properties are not as great.

MELISSA
AKA: Balm, bee balm, lemon balm, Melissa officinalis, sweet balm.

Effects: Said to relieve nervous tension, irritability, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. It has been used to stimulate the appetite and treat cold sores, high blood pressure, shock, migraines, and asthma. Works synergistically with geranium, lavender, myrtle, neroli, and rose.

Precautions: It is a very strong oil and should only be used under the guidance of an expert aromatherapist. It may cause irritation when applied to the skin. Some brands may be adulterated with the much less expensive and less effective citronella, lemon, or lemongrass.

MYRRH
AKA: Commiphora myrrha.

Effects: Used as an aid in meditation. It is also used to treat skin and mouth problems.

MYRTLE
AKA: Myrtus communis.

Effects: Said to cleanse the mind, spirit, and body, and to aid concentration during meditation. Works synergistically with cypress, lavender, lemon, neroli, and pine.

NEROLI
AKA: Citrus aurantium, Citrus aurantium bugardia, Citrus bigaradia.

Effects: Said to relieve stress, anxiety, fatigue, depression, insomnia, and pain, and to increase feelings of love and euphoria. Works synergistically with jasmine and rose.

Precautions: It may increase the chance of a sunburn if applied to the skin. It is often adulterated with petitgrain.

NUTMEG
AKA: Myristica fragrans.

Effects: Said to increase energy. It is sometimes used as a tonic for the heart and digestive system.

Precautions: It can cause narcosis, vomiting, hallucinations, or even death; even the spice can cause severe adverse reactions. If applied to the skin, it can cause rashes and allergies. Its use is not recommended.

ORANGE
AKA: Citrus aurantium, Citrus aurantium sinensis.

Effects: Said to reduce stress and depression, increase energy, and induce feelings of calm and happiness. It has been used to treat such gastrointestinal disorders as gas, indigestion, and constipation. Works synergistically with cinnamon, clove, lavender, and nutmeg.

Precautions: When applied to the skin, it can increase susceptibility to damage by the sun. The oranges used must be natural and organic, as most are sprayed with ethylene to give them more color and coated with wax to seal in the moisture.

PALMAROSA
AKA: Cymbopogon martini.

Effects: Said to elevate mood and refresh the spirits. It has been used to relieve the muscle aches accompanying flus and fevers.

Precautions: It is often adulterated with cedarwood and turpentine.

PEPPER
AKA: Black pepper, Piper nigrum.

Effects: Said to promote alertness. It has been used to treat dermatitis, flu symptoms, rheumatism, catarrh, colds, and hay fever.

Precautions: Undiluted, the oil can be toxic and irritating to the skin. Overuse could damage the kidneys.

PEPPERMINT
AKA: Mentha piperita.

Effects: Contains large amounts of cineole, a compound which increases blood flow to parts of the brain. When rubbed into the forehead, it can relieve tension headaches. It stimulates the nervous system, improves circulation, and increases awareness, alertness, and concentration. It has been used to treat motion sickness, gas, stomach aches, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, migraines, hangovers, shingles (herpes zoster), and congested sinuses.

Precautions: It should not be used in bath water, as it can be irritating to the skin. It should not be used as a massage oil, as at least half of the essential oil is menthol, an alcohol that has a cooling effect on the skin. And it should not be used undiluted, at night (as it will prevent sleep), or in addition to homeopathic remedies.

PETITGRAIN
AKA: Citrus aurantium bigaradia.

Effects: Said to relieve nervous tension, fatigue, insomnia, and sadness. Its effects are very similar to neroli, only milder.

Precautions: When applied to the skin, it can increase susceptibility to sunburn. It may cause insomnia in some people.

ROSE
AKA: Rosa centifolia (cabbage rose, Provence rose), Rosa damascena (damask rose), Rosa gallica.

Effects: Said to relieve stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia, and contribute to feelings of contentment and love. It has been used by herbalists to treat digestive problems. Works synergistically with jasmine, lavender, neroli, and sandalwood.

Precautions: Since it is so expensive, cheaper brands may be adulterated with other oils such as bois de rose, gaiac, geranium, and palmarosa. Its medicinal properties have not withstood scientific scrutiny. It is also sold as an absolute, which may contain trace elements of toxic solvents.

ROSEMARY
AKA: Rosmarinus officinalis.

Effects: Has antioxidant properties, and contains high amounts of cineole, a compound which increases blood flow to parts of the brain and stimulates the central nervous system. It can also increase alertness and concentration, improve memory, relieve stress, and promote feelings of happiness and well-being. It is said to increase life span.

Precautions: It may be adulterated with aspic, sage, and turpentine.

SAGE
AKA: Salvia officinalis.

Effects: Said to relieve fatigue and depression, and improve memory.

Precautions: Contains compounds (such as thujone) which could cause severe adverse side effects and be carcinogenic if used for an extended period of time, even in small amounts. It should not be used by young or sensitive individuals, and some aromatherapists advise using clary sage instead.

SANDALWOOD
AKA: Santalum album.

Effects: Said to reduce stress, increase concentration during meditation, and act as an aphrodisiac. It has been used to treat eczema and other skin disorders, sore throats, and urinary tract infections. Works synergistically with benzoin, frankincense, jasmine, lemon, rose, and verbena.

Precautions: The huge demand for this oil has led to the practice of cutting trees before they reach maturity, depleting a once abundant crop. It may be adulterated with castor, linseed, and palm oils.

STAR ANISE
AKA: Badian anise, Chinese anise, Illicium verum.

Effects: Said to promote awareness. It has no medicinal properties.

Precautions: It is not recommended for use as an oil.

TANGERINE
AKA: Citrus reticulata.

Effects: Said to relieve stress, anxiety, tension, depression, and insomnia.

Precautions: If applied to the skin, it could make it more susceptible to damage from the sun.

VANILLA
AKA: Vanilla planifolia.

Effects: Said to reduce stress, irritability, and tension. Works synergistically with bergamot, lime, and rose.

VERBENA
AKA: Aloysia citriodora, lemon verbena, Lippia citriodora, Verbena triphylla. It should not be confused with vervein, or Verbena officinalis.

Effects: Said to relieve depression and fatigue, and increase concentration. It is used as a digestive aid, an antiseptic, and to clear up such skin problems as acne. Works synergistically with cedar, hyssop, jasmine, juniper, myrtle, neroli, and orange.

Precautions: The pure oil may irritate sensitive skin, and more than two or three drops in bathwater may sting or blister the skin. It is quite rare and expensive, so cheaper brands may be adulterated with lemongrass and citronella.

VETIVER
AKA: Andropogon muricatus, khas-khas, khus-khus, Vetiveria zizanoides, vetivert.

Effects: Said to reduce stress and nervous tension. It is used mainly in perfumes and soaps, and as a fixative in aftershaves and colognes. Works synergistically with cardamom, frankincense, jasmine, neroli, orange, rose, sandalwood, verbena, and ylang-ylang.

Precautions: it is quite costly, so less expensive brands may be adulterated with cheaper oils or synthetics.

YARROW
AKA: Achillea millefolium. Effects: Said to increase awareness. It has been used to speed the healing of wounds, and to treat headaches, skin rashes, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, vaginal infections, and acne. Works syngergistically with clary sage, cypress, melissa, and myrtle.

Precautions: Yarrow should only be used in its diluted state, as it is quite powerful. When applied to the skin, it can make it more susceptible to skin rash when exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet light.

YLANG YLANG
AKA: Cananga odorata.

Effects: It can slow down rapid breathing and rapid heartbeat. It is said to relieve stress, anxiety, depression, and the mood swings of PMS, and promote feelings of love and sexuality. Works synergistically with bergamot, clary sage, lavender, lemon, and neroli.

Precautions: Prolonged or excessive use may cause headaches or nausea. Due to the neglect of this plant as a cash crop, this oil is now hard to come by, and most of the oil now sold is either cocoa butter, coconut oil, or the inferior variant Cananga macrophylla, popularly known as cananga.

1 comment:

  1. Cardamom oil is sweet, spicy and almost alsamic in fragrance, is clear to pale yellow in color and slightly watery in viscosity.
    Cardamom was well known in ancient times and the Egyptians used it in perfumes and incense and chewed it to whiten their teeth, while the Romans used it for their stomachs when they over-indulged.

    Cardamom oil is particularly helpful for the digestive system. It works as a laxative and soothes colic, wind. It warms the stomach and helps with heartburn.

    When feeling weak and mentally fatigued, cardamom oil can help with its refreshing and uplifting effect.I found good Cardamon Essential oil form this Blog post...
    Thank'
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    Cardamom Essential Oil

    ReplyDelete